The Top Five Places To Explore This Summer

May 17th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

Looking forward to getting away for a few times this summer? You are not alone! From beach getaways, to cities, to great spots for camping, I’ve made a list of places I think you will enjoy.

1.)   Martha’s Vineyard, Ma.  This island off the coast of Cape Cod, Ma is one of my favorite places in the world, and a perfect beach getaway. There is a bit of something for everyone here. Fishing, great beaches, bike paths, sailing, fabulous restaurants along the harbor, and an a great nightlife. Pack your swimsuits, and straw hats and book your tickets to experience the vineyard now! Perfect for hen weekends or even as a family get away.

2.)   The Hamptons.  A group of villages and hamlets in the townships of Southamton and East Hampton, which from the South Fork of Long Island, New York. The Hamptons are the place to see and be seen in the summer, they have some of the most expensive residential properties in the U.S, not to mention some of the best parties! You know you’ve made it, when you’re spending your summers lounging in the Hamptons in your wide-brimmed hat on the beach sipping on a gin and tonic. You’ll want to bring your preppiest outfits for this trip.

3.)   Aspen, Colorado. I live here year round, and I can tell you that this isn’t just a ski town. Summer in Aspen is awesome. We have a ton of music festivals that take place on the mountain, Food & Wine magazine hosts food and wine in the month of June, and some of the best chefs in the country are here cooking & giving demonstrations. The river rafting and hiking is phenomenal, and the sun is always shining. If you’re into fly-fishing, we have some of the best rivers to fish on in the country.

4.)   Chicago, Il. The people are friendly, the food is great, and it’s one of the more affordable cities in the United States. I say, go for it. They’ve got the taste of Chicago going on in the summer, which usually takes place in July. There’s great bands playing at the taste, and tons of great food from local restaurants.  If you’ve never had a Chicago style hot dog, this is the event to try one at. What’s not to like about walking from booth to booth eating food in the sunshine listening to good music? While you’re there, check out the Field Museum & the Shed Aquarium.

5.)   Yosemite National Park. This is for all of your outdoorsy types out there.

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My Passion For Going To Hawaii

May 17th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

My Passion For Going To Hawaii Growing up in the West Coast always made me wonder what Hawaii had to offer and I was always curious about what was on those islands. This was certainly a big question mark for me but I was determined to find my way to Hawaii. After months of saving up, I was finally able to achieve my dream of visiting the most beautiful state in the country. There were a few things that stood out in Hawaii but these were some that were worth noting.

The Vintage Hawaiian Souvenirs

There is nothing better than going to Hawaii to check out the vintage Hawaiian shirts. Buying a Hawaiian shirt in the actual state makes the shirt more special and it makes it “official,” and I was so happy that I was able to finally find a nice shirt from Hawaii. I was able to also buy a lot of souvenirs for my friends and they definitely loved what I got them. Since this was my first time traveling, I expected that I would be paying a fortune but this was certainly not the case. I did not spend too much money and most of my costs came from just the plane ticket. This was certainly something that I did not expect and it made me want to come back for more.

The Hawaiian Beaches

When you think of Hawaii, the first thing that would come into your mind would be the beaches and so this is why it was such a pleasure for me to finally see what everyone was talking about. I was not sure about how nice they would be compared to the beaches in San Diego but I must admit that I was shocked. These were among the best beaches that I have ever seen, even better than the ones on TV. The nice thing about these beaches was that they were so quiet and peaceful and I was able to really indulge in the beauty of the state. Most people will admit that Hawaiian beaches are among the best in the world and will continue to a main tourist spot in AMerica.

My passion for traveling simply was sparked when I made my first trip to Hawaii and it is now my biggest hobby. Though my family was not able to come, I still bought them some beautiful Hawaiian T-shirts and a lot of pictures that will last a lifetime. Though this trip may never happen again, I will say that it is by far my favorite trip ever.

This author writes about traveling and also likes to review online backup.

Tips for Traveling During Pregnancy

May 10th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

While being pregnant isn’t a reason to put your entire life on hold, it does mean a certain number of changes. Whether you only travel once in a while or you burn up the roads and the sky, you should take the proper precautions to make sure both you and your baby are safe as you move from place to place. Follow these tips while traveling during your pregnancy:

Ask Your Doctor

Always follow your doctor’s advice. While he’ll probably tell you it’s OK to go on that special trip, he may have some reason you should wait until after you deliver. Certain countries should probably be on your personal no-fly list – as in, you shouldn’t fly there. You wouldn’t want to expose your baby to a tropical disease or some other infection that isn’t typically a problem in developed countries.

Don’t Miss Any Testing

When planning a trip, schedule your away-time around your pre-natal testing requirements. For example, a pregnancy in week 28 requires a glucose screening test. This tells you if you’re developing pregnancy-related diabetes, a critical piece of information for the expectant mom.

Create an Emergency Contact List

Just in case something unfortunate does happen, never leave home without an emergency contact list. This should include the names and phone numbers of your emergency contacts in addition to your medical team. The latter could include your regular doctor and your obstetrician. Before you call it a job-well-done, add your vital information including your due date, the date of last menstrual cycle, any medical problems and your prescription medications. If you’re getting pretty far along, include a copy of your medical tests as well.

Pack Your Medications

In addition to your prescription drugs, bring along plenty of pre-natal vitamins and over-the-counter medications. Keep your prescriptions in their regular bottles just in case there are any questions during a bag check.

Check Your Insurance Policy

If you go into labor while you’re out of town or out of the country, will your health insurance provider pay? While most will, some won’t. You may also want to buy travel insurance that includes medical transport back to your hometown just in case something happens. This type of coverage would also reimburse you for your out-of-pocket expenses if you have to cancel your trip at the last minute due to complications with your pregnancy.

Take Precautions if Driving

While long-distance flights have their own hazards, a road-trip isn’t without potential problems. Invest in an auto club policy if you don’t have one just in case you break down or have a flat. Never leave home without a cell phone.

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Hollywood Holidays- Luxury Destinations as Seen in the Movies

May 10th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

Here is my rundown of the most stunning luxury destinations featured on the big screen, and the films that helped to make them famous.

Gone With the Wind

Deep South America is well known for its class, sophistication and style. Atlanta, Georgia was made famous by Gone With the Wind, and the town is still characterised by opulent mansion houses, sugar plantations and gorgeous gardens. A tour of the Deep South takes you back to the gold age of the USA, when it was all about romance, manners and money.

Lord of the Rings

Okay, so Frodo wasn’t exactly on holiday, was he? I’m not suggesting you pack up your Jimmy Choos and head to Mordor, but New Zealand has some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. Luxury rail tours are a great way to experience the wild New Zealand countryside.

Image: Dem Romero

The Beach

Nobody wants to get attacked by a shark or join some suspicious bohemian cult whilst their on holiday (Except, of course, Leonardo di Caprio). But we do want paradise, white sandy beaches, palm trees and crystal clear ocean. The movie was set in Thailand, and the beach itself is Maya Bay on a small island off Thailand’s west coast, called Ko Phi Phi Leh. All of the Thai islands are equally as stunning, and you can visit this particular beach on day trips from larger Ko Phi Phi.

The World is not Enough

The fabulous ski sequences in this epic James Bond film were shot on the slopes of Chamonix. You too can ski like a heart throb sleuth with a visit to this cute French town and its world-class ski resorts. Exclusive villas and concierge services mean that you can live like a movie star while you’re there too.

Pirates of the Caribbean

You probably won’t be terribly surprised if I tell you that this film was shot…wait for it….in the Caribbean! But where, I hear you cry? Most of the scenes are shot on the island of Dominica, but Port Royal, where Elizabeth lives, is at the mouth of Kingston harbour, Jamaica. Lay out your towel on the beach, grab yourself a cocktail and wait for Jack Sparrow’s ship to near. Let’s face it, we wouldn’t mind being kidnapped by a pirate if he looked like Jonny Depp, would we ladies?

A Room With a View

Take yourself off to Florence for a fabulously romantic city break in the cultural capital of Europe. Live like Forster’s Lucy in this city of art and antique architecture.

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London 2012 for Animal Lovers

May 10th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

London may be a grey metropolis, but that doesn’t mean that Londoners haven’t found ways to express their love of animals. London’s zoological collections and living zoo’s are amongst the most important and visited the world-over.

CC image from Flickr

1. London Zoo – or the Zoological Society of London

London Zoo is an important player in the global conservation movement. You can see everything on site from giraffes to Komodo Dragons.  There’s even a Friendly Spider Programme where a spider expert and a hypnotherapist will help you overcome your lifelong fear of spiders. The course leaders promise not to scare you – instead you will gain a deeper understanding of your phobias and hopefully by the end of the afternoon you should naturally feel positive feelings towards our six-legged friends. London Zoo also provides a luxury camping experience

2. London Wetlands Centre

This jewel beside the Thames is a 105-acre wildlife park. It’s created from four Victorian-era reservoirs which are dotted with paths, walkways, greenery, and of course, large interconnected pools of water which are home to animals such as kingfishers, sandmartins, sparrowhawks and falcon herons. The centre also offers photography courses and fun pond dipping sessions. It can be reached by Barnes rail station.

3. Kempton Park Race Track

If you love horses, then you can visit the Kempton Park race course, where some of the most historic races of recent times have taken place. The course even has a bar named after one of the biggest equine celebrities of our generation, Kauto Star. On the May the 7th this year there’s even going to be a Mascot Grand National, run by sporting mascots from some of England’s biggest sporting teams. The event is being held to raise money for charity.

4. The Grant Museum of Zoology  

The Grant Museum invite you to visit their collection of 67,000 animal specimens. The collection contains mainly skeletons from rare and extinct animals. Although the museum is smaller than the Natural History Museum, the Grant Museum actually has the most specimens of its kind on show in the whole of London. It’s located in the heart of Bloomsbury, which means that other unmissable museums like the British Museum are a short walk away.

Other ways to see animals whilst in London would be to get involved with a conservation effort, or visit one of London’s many city farms or riding schools. We’ve purposely left the Natural History Museum off of the main list (it’s such a huge and valuable institution and we’re confident that you won’t miss it) and we thought we’d give a bit more kudos to the Grant Museum this time around.

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The Most Talked About Museums and Parks in US

May 10th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

You are a self – confessed information – hungry – buff. You have been reading history books for years now. And you have been reading general information magazines.  But you have to take one notch higher. Books and surfing the internet can be fun. However, it is more fun if you visit museums and other areas that showcase interesting facts about US. Not only that you will learn the past, you can see and you can feel a piece of it. What’s more exciting than that?

If you don’t know where to find the best parks and museums, I’ll give you my personal choices. These galleries keep my interest because of the heritage that they are carrying.

In California.

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park. If you want to know that life of the Pomo, you should try going into the Anderson Marsh Park. They preserve their culture and you can even try their hiking sites. I mean, you should go here for a change. And just so you know, there are sites in the park that are more than 10,000 years old. Can you just imagine how these people take care of their surroundings? I’m sure that you will be inspired by their simple way of living.

California  Museum for History, Women and the Arts. This museum is situated in a 20,000 square feet building in Sacramento. In that vast area, you can do exhibits, lectures, receptions and events. Just by looking at the name of the museum, you’ll know that it is mostly dedicated for great women of yesterday and today. If you are a feminist, there is no way you should miss their great exhibits.

 

In Florida.

American Victory Ship and Museum. Would you like to feel the vibes of being an old school navy? This is the place to be. It is actually 1 of the 4 WWII ships that are still operational. Many believe that it is a true American icon. From here, you will see interesting artifacts such as medals, uniforms and even documents.  

Black Heritage Museum. What I like about the Black Heritage Museum is that it promotes racial harmony. There’s no room for superiority complex. Everyone is treated equal. If you still have that racial thinking, you better go here. That way, your mind will be open that color isn’t the basis of one’s character.

In New York.

African American Museum of Nassau County. If you are an art buff, this might be a great place to relax. I’m sure that the works of African American artists would starve your eyes for more.

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Pubs to Visit When Touring London

May 10th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

When you visit England, there’s more to see than the royal palaces and London Bridge. Some of the most entertaining stops are the local pubs of the region. From pre-Victorian pubs with their colorful history to modern pubs that have all the amenities you crave, London has an incredible range of great places where you can stop for a drink and enjoy the culture.

Ten Bells

History buffs with an interest in the famed Jack the Ripper should add Ten Bells to their list of pubs to visit. The prized territory of Jack’s famous victim, Mary Kelly, this pub is found on the corner of Commercial Street in Spitalfields.

Apotheca

Located in the northern quarter of Manchester, the décor includes beautiful antique pharmacy cabinets. The atmosphere borders on gothic, and the downstairs bar is attached to the wonderful Dough Pizza Kitchen. The tunnel you travel through for your slice of heavenly pizza makes this pub an even more attractive choice.

The Liar’s Club

Pirates aren’t the only ones who love rum. In Manchester, bartenders from all over town visit this Tiki bar and Caribbean rum shop to try the latest flavors and see what’s hot. Located right off Bridge Street, it’s packed every night, but it’s the best place to visit if you are a fan of wonderful rum.

The Alchemist

The finest cocktails in Manchester can be found in Spinningfields behind the Opera House. Enjoy cocktails that are crafted by artisans in the field for an experience that is sure to impress. Modern and bright, this pub is an interesting change of pace from the historic pubs with their dim lighting.

St. Stephen’s Tavern

After a day of touring the Palace and admiring Big Ben, stop in at St. Stephen’s Tavern for a beer with traditional atmosphere. Enjoy a bit to eat with delicious pub food and try out a few of their wonderful ales. Refurbished in 2003, it now features interior design and carpets that are reminiscent of the sophisticated parliament.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

An institution on Fleet Street, this pub dates back to 1666. Mentioned by Dickens in his classic “A Tale of Two Cities,” this pub is now a top stop for tourists. Featuring multiple levels, charming fireplaces and historic flagstone floors, visiting this pub feels like stepping back in time. Enjoy a mug of ale or get a meal when you make the time to stop in at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese.

The Spaniards Inn

Located in historical Hampstead, this inn has been immortalized in “The Pickwick Papers” by Dickens and “Ode to a Nightingale” by Keats.

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Tips for Traveling with Kids in Car

May 10th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

Traveling with kids can be tiresome, irritating and overwhelming all at the same time. Though road trips should be exciting, most young children don’t see it that way, and it only takes 200 “Are we there yet”‘s before parents start pulling their hair out.

If you’re not prepared for the road trip, it could be even more stressful. The best way to ensure that you remain sane during the trip is to prepare yourself for the trip before you leave. The following tips will help.

 

Before You Leave

Have a conversation with your kids about the road trip. Show them on a map where you will be going, what route you’re going to take and what states or cities you’re going to drive through to get there. It’s also important to let them know how long the trip is going to take.

Have your kids pack a bag of activities that will keep them busy. Coloring books, stickers, iPods, computers, Nintendo DS—all of these things can keep your child busy while in the car. Make sure they have their favorite stuffed animals too.

You also need to make sure that you pack plenty of snacks. Try to get them ahead of time so that you’re not making an extra stop along the way. Try to stick to non messy items, such as dry cereal, pretzels and chips. You can also pack peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. These will keep your children full until you stop for real meals. Make sure you pack plenty of drinks too, and try to use sippy cups or water bottles to reduce spilling. You also need to pack a garbage bag for wrappers and every other piece of trash, and having wipes and paper towels on hand is also a good idea.

On the Road

Make sure your child’s toys are easily accessible. It’s also a good idea to make sure that snacks and drinks are easily accessible too. This alleviates the whining and the frequent stopping.

Make sure you also have a portable DVD player so that your child can watch movies or listen to music. This can keep their attention for a longer period of time. Just make sure to bring the headphones.

It’s also a good idea to bring pillows and blankets. This will help make your child more comfortable, and may even help them fall asleep. Make sure that your child wears comfortable clothes in the car too, and make sure that a change of clothes is easily accessible in case of accidents or changes in weather.

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Five Things To See In Mumbai

May 10th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

Your India itinerary might as well start with a flight to Mumbai, followed by a train trip with the locals to fly out from, say, Delhi or Kathmandu, depending how much time you have to spend in this amazing and inspiring country.

Bollywood

Mumbai, previously known as Bombay (mainly due to the British colonials’ lack of pronunciation skills) is the most densely populated city in India, and the country’s commercial and entertainment hub. Yes, this is where you go on pilgrimage to Bollywood cinema, the largest and most prolific film industry in the world, churning out around 200 epic (in many senses of the word) movies per year! If you have enough stamina and a strong bladder, go see one of the current blockbusters at the lush art deco Eros Theatre. True genre devotees will want to go on a special tour of Film City in Goregaon, out in the city’s western suburbs.

Truly a city of contrasts, where the richest mingle with the poorest on streets overcome with traffic which would have Westerners break into road rage in droves, Mumbai is colourful chaos embodied. It has to be experienced to be believed, much like an intense joyride with its ups and downs – in close sequence.

Architecture

For British Raj aficionados, this sprawling metropolis features splatterings of colonial architecture all over the place, including the iconic Gateway of India, the CST Railway Station building, and Elphinstone College, to name a few. To see the real India however, head to Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, a massive open air laundry, where the city’s washing is done the old-fashioned way – by hand.  A confronting and humbling experience for sure, but then again there is plenty of those to be had in India.

Temples and Mosques

There a number of interesting temples and mosques to visit in Mumbai as well. One of them, the 15th century Haji Ali tomb, is exotically located in the coastal waters and accessible only during low tide via a longish narrow walkway, frequented by many pilgrims looking for a blessing.

Street Bazaars

No visit to Mumbai will be complete without diving into the full-on whirlwind of street bazaars, where you can get, well, anything really. Try the touristy Colaba Causeway for bargains, Chor Bazaar in the Muslim section of the city, or a traditional indoor fruit and veg Crawford Market to shop with the locals.

National Parks and Scenery

If you need a rest from the never ending hustle and bustle of Mumbai streets, head to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, where you can quite literally hide in a cave. Well, you might have to shove some yogis aside (just kidding)!

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The Top 5 European City Break Destinations

May 8th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

So you have decided to take a short break and you’re looking for some suggestions on where the best place is to take a City break in Europe. The good news is there’s many more than one; in fact Europe is littered with fantastic Cities in which to while away your time. As a seasoned traveller, it is my pleasure to introduce you to my top five short break Cities in Europe, all of which I have visited myself on a number of occasions. If you haven’t been to Europe before then you are in for a real treat!

1.  Barcelona:
Oh how I love this place. It’s easy to get to from all international and small airports and can be done on a shoestring or extravagantly. The City is a shrine to architecture and I spent most of my first visit here walking around looking up. Every building has a uniqueness that is rarely seen in any other metropolitan City. Barcelona is most proud of its son Gaudi, who has left a lasting impression in this wonderful part of Catalunya, and his Sagrada Familia is a must see. For foodies, you can book a bed & breakfast via Wimdu and have a real treat.

2.  Koln (Cologne):
A feast for the eyes in the wintertime or the summer, Koln has so much to offer lovers of history, shopping and sport. (Now that’s some combination). My favourite time to visit is in December, when the Christmas atmosphere is at full swing and the world renowned Christmas markets will enchant you.

3.  Budapest:
An age old City that has been given a new lease of life since its entrance into the EU. The city is split in two by the Danube River, Buda on one side and Pest on the other. The last time I visited was in January, where the river was almost totally frozen, a sight to behold and still makes me gasp when I think of it. Fishermen stood on floating rafts of ice in the freezing cold while they caught what could only have been the freshest fish in the world!

4.  London:
My home (so I am slightly biased). There’s not enough words here to describe how many things there are to see and do in this amazing City. The bustling streets host a fantastic cultural mix, restaurants of every cuisine and markets that will have you smiling for the day. You can’t leave without catching a show in the Westend and doing a night tour on one of the big red open-topped buses.

5.

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