Archive for August, 2009

12 Tacky but Terrific Things to do in London

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

Planning a trip to London? You might think you’re too cool for London’s top tourist attractions but think again, tacky is terrific!!

I could have spent my recent trip to London hanging out with the beautiful people in trendy Shoreditch or Islington but instead I got stuck into some of London’s top tourist hotspots.

“How tacky!” You might say, but I have to tell you, I had a ball!

Check out these 12 tacky but terrific things to do in London, grab your camera and your Union Jack T-shirt and off you go!

1. Buckingham Palace

Palace lake

Beautiful palace gardens

Guard

The Queen’s Guards

If you’re heading to London over the Summer you’re in luck as the magnificent Buckingham Palace state rooms and garden are open to the public during August and September.

For an extra treat, time your visit to coincide with the impressive changing of the guards ceremony – everyday at 11.30am.

2. London Zoo

Giant tortoise

Giant Tortoise – he stole the show

Penguins Zoo

Cute penguins

Travel from the Australian outback to Africa in minutes discovering all kinds of weird and wonderful creatures as you go.

My nephew Noah, who (quite aptly) adores animals, was in his element so a double thumbs up from him!

3. Oxford Street

Me Selfridges

Me, about to part with some cash

Granted the Super-Mall has arrived in London but Oxford Street is not to be missed.

Check out the food court at Selfridges and pick up a $10 dollar outfit from Primark, yes $10!!

4. Cream Tea

Carly Wolsey

My friend Carly, sipping jasmine tea at the Wolseley

Noone but noone should travel to the UK without experiencing the world-famous British Cream Tea.

I sampled afternoon tea at the Wolseley which was simply spiffing!

5. London Eye

London Eye

The London Eye by cesarastudillo

London eye view

Houses of Parliament to the right by C.K.H.

Spectacular birds-eye views of London you won’t want to miss.

Take a ride on the London Eye and, should you have romance on your mind, splash out on a private sunset capsule  – complete with champagne and truffles!!

6. Madame Tussauds

Obama Madame Tussauds

Wax-work Obama by cliff1066

A london staple, you can’t beat this phenomenal wax-work museum.

Obama’s there, along with every other famous figure that springs to mind from the worlds of politics, royalty, sports, film and fashion.

Don’t leave without paying your respects to the King of Pop by visiting the brand new “This is It” Michael Jackson figure.

7. Tower of London

Crown Jewels

Crown Jewels by googlisti

Take a torturous tour of the Tower of London. Learn about the site’s gruesome history and don’t miss the spectacular Crown Jewels.

Biggest diamonds you’ll ever seen in your life – guaranteed!

8. Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum by {eclaire}

Fun, educational and absolutely free! What more could you ask for?!

Gigantic dinosaur skeletons and other natural wonders all housed in a truly amazing building. Top marks!

9. Harrods

Harrods

Harrods at night by raindog

Shop like Princess Di in this wonderfully opulent department store.

Indulge yourself at the Champagne and Oyster bar and if you’re in town over the Christmas period, Harrods’ festive lights will make your year!

10. Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens delight by traceyp3031

Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the city in this stunning botanical garden.

Don’t miss the tree-top walkway, badger tunnels and giant stag beetles!

11. Hamleys

Hamleys

Lego basketball player at Hamleys by Matt From London

Without a doubt, one of the finest toy shops in the world.

Even if you’re traveling without kids you’ll find it easy to while away a few hours in Hamleys.

You don’t even have to buy anything! The life-size lego figures and giant teddies are more than enough to keep you entertained.

12. West End Musical

Les Mis

Les Mis by alicedice

Grab a theater dinner in Covent Garden and sample one of London’s superb West End Musicals.

There are heaps of top class shows to choose from. My favorites are Les Miserables, the Phantom of the Opera and the Lion King – sure to sweep you off your seat!

Got more tacky but terrific things to do in London?? Post up your comments below – we want to hear from you!!

Coming soon… World’s most marvelous city parks. Don’t miss out – sign up for free blog updates via RSS or email below.

Living it up in London

Friday, August 21st, 2009

No post this week as I’m on vacation in Sunny London (and it really is sunny)!

Coming soon…. top London day trips and some nice pics from my vacation.

Including…. a giant tortoise and tea with the Queen!

Don’t miss it!

Katie.

Bus small

Paleontour

10 Ways to Avoid Vacation Stress

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

Sure vacations are meant to be relaxing but they can end up being more stressful than your day job! Check out these top tips for avoiding traveling stress and relaaaaaaaax.

Yoga 1 Small

Pinkabilly

I’ve worked myself up into some fits of traveling stress on several occasions that’s for sure. But what a shame, this is our time out!

Check out the 10 tips below on beating vacation stress, I hope they help you chill!!

1. Learn Some Words

Language misunderstandings and misapprehensions can be incredibly frustrating. Take the time to learn some key words and phrases before you go that should help you to get your point across.

2. Prepare for all Scenarios

Don’t get caught out without that medication you can only get at home or the only shoes that you can hike in. Think through all the eventualities you might encounter and come prepared for each one. And don’t scrimp on travel insurance, it’s just not worth it.

3. Be Airport Smart

Airports can induce high stress levels so be airport smart: book your seats online and leave plenty of time for check-in so you can sail through onto your flight without a care in the world.

4. Take Two Clear Days

It takes two days to unwind from work and settle into your vacation. Fact. So don’t make any plans and take these days to ease yourself into your new surroundings and get used to doing nothing.

5. Get into the Zone

So you’re an incredibly efficient, organized, high-achieving individual. Not anymore – you’re on vacation! Relieve yourself from the pressure of trying to create the perfect trip – be flexible, go with the flow and everything will just slot into place.

6. Ditch the Kids

Not in a nasty way of course, but if there are facilities to leave the kids for a day or an evening – go for it. Take some quiet kids-free time and don’t feel guilty, you deserve it!

7. Don’t Over-Plan

Remember the goal of the trip is to relax. So as much as you’d love to go on every tour on offer and see everything in the guidebook, be realistic. Leave yourself some free-time each day, otherwise it’s just not fun.

8. Take the Easy Option

So the taxi’s more expensive and you could do the tour yourself but if it’s going to save you time and effort in the long-run, take the easy option – you’re on vacation!

9. Cut Yourself Off

This is an obvious one. You don’t need me to tell you that checking your Blackberry, or even facebook, every two seconds isn’t conducive to a relaxing vacation. Don’t do it!

10. Invest in Relaxation

For some people just being in the sun with nothing to do isn’t enough to help them relax. Book a massage, take a yoga class or practice meditation. Whatever you think will help you relax and unwind.

Got vacation stress stories?? Post up your comments below, we want to hear from you!

Coming soon… How to Beat the Post-Vacation Blues. Don’t miss out, sign up to free blog updates below.

Top 10 Incredible Underground Caves

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

A lot of cool stuff goes on under the ground. Check out these 10 amazing underground caves that will makes you think twice about what’s beneath your feet!

I remember learning about stalagmites and stalactites in school. Stalactites on top – tights go up, remember??

Anyway, the lessons weren’t a patch on the real thing. Check out these 10 incredible underground caves, Physics at it’s finest!

1. Reed Flute Cave, Guilin, China

China

Ian Sewell

2. Cheddar Caves, Somerset, UK

Cheddar
Andrew Stawarz

3. Lechuguilla Cave, Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, US

Carlsbad

Dave Bunnell

4. Waikato, New Zealand

Waikato

Antoine Hubert

5. Grotte de l’Aven d’Armand, France

Grotte Silver

Coline Boitel

6. Lake of Dreams, Luray caves, Virginia, US

Luray

Idol

7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kualar Lumpur

soham_pablo

8. Fantasy Cave, Bermuda

Bermuda

walknboston

9. Ice Cave, Nynäshamn, Sweden

Ice Cave

visulogik

10. Grotte de Dargilan, France

Grotte

Philip Larson


Been to any of these places?? Have we left some truly amazing caves off of our list? Post up your comments below and let us know!

Coming soon… the world’s best nature destinations. Don’t miss out – sign up for free blog updates below!


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