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Dubai’s Most Expensive…

September 23rd, 2011 Tushar Mathur

Dubai is a city seemingly built on accumulated money. In its past there was trade and oil: now, buildings and produce seem to be built exclusively on the emirate’s reputation for expense and ostentatiousness. Dubai is constantly setting records for the tallest, longest, biggest, most expensive, clawing back its prestige from who ever dares to out build them.

It’s true to say that Dubai holidays cater for a vast range of incomes. But when it comes to expense in Dubai, this is what you’ve got to look out for:

Airport – Al Maktoum International Airport

Photo Source: Wikipedia.org

We start our journey of expense in Dubai just as most journeys are started: landing on the tarmac. Of course, within a area of even Dubai’s size, it’s not like there are many airports, so the distinction of being ‘the most expensive’ isn’t especially significant on its own. But Dubai International Airport (and the imminent construction of the Al Maktoum International Airport nearby) simply astounds in terms of scale and expense.

As well as being an obvious draw itself, Dubai handles a significant amount of Middle Eastern traffic, also providing a convenient central point from and two anywhere in Afro-Eurasia. In 2010 it handled 47.2 million people, making it the fourth busiest airport in the world (eight for cargo). The latest terminal cost $4.5 billion, and it even has a $50 million ‘flower center’ handling the import and export of flowers. But this pales in comparison to the Al Maktoum site, which is being built with specialist runways for the biggest super-jumbos, two full-size golf courses, onsite hotels and other trappings. Setting the groundwork for such a project has already cost $33 billion.

Is Dubai International Airport expensive for you? Well, it houses one of the most important of shopping malls in the city. If your tastes run to $13,000 caviar, you may want to pop into the airport’s Caviar House and Prunier, where dishes are often airfreighted from Paris and the rest of Europe at great expense.

Yacht – The Dubai

Photo Source: S_zeimke

Dubai may be famous for its extravagant buildings, but its billionaires often take to the seas to escape the locals. The Dubai, originally called ‘Platinum 525’, was actually originally built by German shipyard, Blohm + Voss, builders of the infamous Bismarck and an important name in German industry. Now, 80% of the company is owned by the Abu Dhabi Mar Group, and the yacht ended up at the neighbouring emirate of Dubai when purchased by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the absolute monarch of Dubai.

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A Hawaiian Delicacy

September 23rd, 2011 Tushar Mathur

You know how you go to the grocery store and see rows and rows of the processed meat marvel known as Spam? If you’re anything like me, then you have no idea who is eating all of this mystery meat product. You would probably be shocked to hear that our Commander-in-Chief, President Barack Obama, is an avid fan of the canned meat. The first President of the United States to come from the archipelago of Hawaii loves to eat spam because it is the most popular food of his home state.

According to a report by The Today Show, Spam gained popularity during World War II when American troops brought it over because of the lack of refrigeration and the rationing taking place on all food products. Throughout the years, Spam became a staple in the islands and has endured ever since.

In Hawaii, there is a strong Japanese influence on the culinary scene. Everything from sushi to traditional Izakaya fare can be found in major cities and resorts to small island villages. A Japanese retort to the influence of Sushi is the popular dish called musubi; which translates into “rice treat.” The dish is simple and consists of sushi rice and a grilled slice of Spam wrapped in nori. The dish is so popular throughout the state that you can find it everywhere from restaurants to convenience stores.

Very recently, during the Hawaiian Rice Festival in Honolulu, the world’s largest musubi was constructed. Droves of Spam fanatics flooded the festival and took snapshots with their prepaid phones to post on their Facebook accounts. The mass of Spam and rice weighed in at over 200 pounds, and was cut up and portions of it were given to the homeless.

Hawaii also offers up Spam in traditional American comfort food dishes amongst its varied islands. The dish of Loco Moco consists of a plate of rice, covered in brown gravy, topped with spam patties, and topped with a fried egg. It is the Hawaiian equivalent of biscuits and gravy, slinger, or garbage plate. Fast food chains like Burger King and McDonald’s offer dishes like Spam and eggs for breakfast instead of Egg McMuffins and Croissanwiches.

While Spam might not be a mainstay in mainlanders’ diets, it is a Hawaiian tradition as important as surfing and getting lei’d.

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Easy camping tips

September 19th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

When looking for an affordable holiday there really is no better way to do it than camping and caravanning. Whether you’re holidaying with friends, as a couple or as a family you’ll be amazed at how cheap it can be without needing to compromise on any luxuries. Here are some top tips for making your camping or caravanning experience go smoothly.

Buying your ‘accommodation’ – Buying a tent or caravan can be a little stressful due to the huge number of choices available but don’t worry, just take your time and do a little research once you know what type of thing you’re looking for. If you want to save money when buying a caravan you should look for used caravan sales, there are plenty of companies and websites out there who specialise in this kind of thing and who can take you through the whole process. Check out Park Resorts.com who deal with used caravan sales as well as having many different campsites across the UK. If you’re buying a tent then your budget will obviously be much smaller and you can benefit from an even larger selection. If you’re travelling as a party of four then a budget of around £100 can get you a really nice tent, or if you want a bit more living space then push your budget up a bit to accommodate this.

Choosing where to go – Where you go will depend largely on what kind of activities you wish to enjoy when you’re away. Some sites have swimming pools, bars and even whole water parks for guests to enjoy whilst others are quiet and more understated. Be sure to check exactly what the site is like before you book to ensure you don’t end up booking a busy resort when you wanted a quiet one! The Isle of Wight is a popular destination and is easily reached by ferry from the mainland. The tiny island becomes busier during the summer months, especially during festival season when the Isle of Wight festival is in full flow.

Choosing when to go – As with any type of holiday you can make a compromise on business and weather. If you’re willing to travel out of season, especially if you avoid the school holidays, then the sites will be much quieter and less hectic. However, travelling out of season, especially in the UK, means you can’t guarantee the warmer weather you might expect through July and August, so it’s up to you really.

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The river cruise: a luxury alternative to the backpack?

September 19th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

The river cruise has become an increasingly popular holiday option in recent years, particularly in Europe. Major river cruise operators like avaloncruises.co.uk have reported a steady rise in passenger numbers, and there is every indication that this trend will continue. While some of the world’s most famous waterways, such as the Nile, have been popular river cruise routes for decades, the European river cruise has until fairly recently occupied something of a specialist niche in the travel market. The ocean cruise has been the mainstream option, so what has changed?
Perhaps the answer lies in the changing tastes – and demographics – of the more sophisticated end of the holiday market. Travelling, as opposed to static holiday making, has largely been the preserve of the backpacker since the 60’s. Roughing it a little, travelling on a shoe string and living out of a backpack is a shorthand for youthful adventure, with memories of a lifetime providing the compensation for any discomfort encountered thanks to basic transport and accommodation.

However, backpackers – like everyone else – grow up, and the prospect of shared hostel accommodation and toilet facilities perhaps becomes a little less palatable as the years advance, even if the spirit of adventure is not entirely extinguished. Add to the aging backpacker demographic the growing number of people, of all ages, who simply want to experience more culture than the average package holiday can offer – without sacrificing too much luxury – and the rise of the river cruise makes perfect sense.
A river cruise along one of the major European rivers such as the Danube or Rhine can take in a handful of countries in the space of just a few weeks. Avoiding all the mundane logistics of transport delays, queuing and tedious transfers that are a staple of travel by road, rail and air, river cruise ships can offer one well appointed room for the duration of the trip, and thus the need to unpack just once.

Unlike most ocean cruise ships, river cruise ships tend to sail by day, thus providing mobile sightseeing that requires zero effort from the passenger. Travelling along waterways that have been the lifeblood of civilisations for centuries is a chance to see the real culture of different countries, away from the more obvious tourist traps. In contrast, the ocean going giants require large ports, and given the sheer number of passengers disembarking at each stop, dedicated tourist facilities.

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The Galapagos: A World A Part

September 14th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

When people thing about traveling the world and experiencing the beauty of equatorial life, very few visit the Galapagos Islands. Most people tend to go to the island or beach-front resort towns that sport a wild night-life and interesting array of people. Not everyone wants to party their entire vacation away and for those individuals who want to experience a good mix of culture, history, and relaxation, you can take Galapagos Islands tours and cruises.

There was very little knowledge about the remote island chain far off the coast of South American until Charles Darwin did much of his studies in the Galapagos where he first formed his theory on evolution. His works were inspiring and world changing, but what’s important to note is that his studies inspired another kind of interest in the region. The Galapagos are also known for their pristine habitats and beauty. This is, in fact, the main reason that first attracted Charles Darwin to the islands. It’s here where you can still take a glimpse in to the world as it was millions of years ago, and see creatures that have thrived, relatively unchanged for longer than man has been around.

The region has not been a hot spot for vacationers and artists looking to take in another world and these Metropolitan cruises have long been the best way to view the island. Visitors can partake in all of the surrounding natural wonders of the island chain from the shore side, or they can go inland and walk trails where you can see it’s pristine beauty up close and personal. Either way, a vacation to the Galapagos Islands offers visitors a wide range of options and you can sit back and relax while looking on the untouched habitats or snorkel with a diverse array of sea life.

So if you’re thinking about where to take your next vacation, take a tour of the Galapagos Islands for an experience that is a world a part. The small group sizes and intimate settings make for the perfect mixture for the perfect vacation. It’s not just a vacation when you visit the Islands, it’s an experience that you’ll never forget.

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Art museums in Vienna

August 22nd, 2011 Tushar Mathur

Vienna today still reflects its historical grandeur from when it was part of the Holy Roman Empire. With Romanesque and Baroque styles, the buildings that line the wide boulevards make the city appear majestic. With impressive architecture, over 100 art museums and a coffee & café culture, Vienna is one of the best European cities to visit to find some art and culture.

The Museum Quarter in historical, downtown Vienna is the first place to start. From the Museum of Modern Art to the Kindermuseum (a children’s art museum), this plaza has 12 different venues for art and culture. The plaza itself also hosts video installations and with more than a handful of cafés, you could easily spend several hours watching the often stylish Viennese passing by.
If you’re interested specifically in Viennese art, check out the Leopold Museum which includes masterpieces of the Austrian Expressionism style as well as modern art by Austrian artists. It also houses some significant works by Gustav Klimt, notably “Life and Death.” Klimt, who was a leading proponent of the Vienna Secession movement and famous for his art nouveau style, produced many of his works in or around Vienna. There are lots of tourist sites around the city relating to him or his work.
For a more unusual museum, check out the Museum of Art Fakes. It includes works by Han van Meegeren, famous for forging works by Vermeer and considered one of the most famous art forgers of the 20th century. Another interesting museum is the Sigmund Freud Museum located in Freud’s former clinic & apartment in Vienna. The museum showcases artifacts from his life as well as a history of his controversial psychoanalysis processes.

Vienna also has many tourist sites for music-lovers, as the city is famous for producing many of the world’s most important Classical composers. The Mozarthuas in Vienna’s Old Town was Mozart’s home from 1784-1787. The museum there has historical exhibits about the composer. There is also an event hall which hosts a variety of events.
When the beautifully majestic buildings and old master art styles in Vienna start to become overwhelming, a weekend trip to Berlin is probably in order. Only an overnight bus or train trip away, Berlin’s architecture and art styles is almost an exact opposite of Vienna. Much more grimy, underground and contemporary than the “pretty” styles you’ll find in Vienna. But with hundreds of museums in Vienna, there’s a style for every interest.

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5 Must See’s in Hawai’i

August 18th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

Waikiki HawaiiWhether you’re a seasoned adventure seeking traveler or a first-time relaxation enthusiast, no trip to the beautiful islands of Hawai’i would be complete without a visit to these famed monuments or landmarks. Here’s a list of my absolute favorite places!

  1. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – Home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, seeing the flow of the deep crimson red lava is awe-inspiring. The activity of these volcanos makes Hawai’i an ever growing island, so witness the expansion of Big Island as it happens.
  2. Haleakala Crater – This crater is part of the larger Haleakala National Park. Famous for the absolutely unrivaled and spectacular sunrise and sunset at the summit of the volcano, Haleakala attracts over one million visitors a year.
  3. Hana Highway – A 68-mile scenic drive that should be taken at an enjoyable pace. Don’t rush this sight because the Oceanside views and waterfalls on this windy road are remarkable. Experience the smell of a fresh ocean breeze as you revel in the natural beauty that is Maui.
  4. Hanauma Bay – Named for the curved bay, Hanauma Bay is home to an abundance of green sea turtles, since it is a nursery ground for immature turtles. Many consider it one of the best protected coves, which is especially great for beginner scuba divers or snorkelers. It also boasts one of the most diverse populations of marine life and rich coral reef.
  5. Diamond Head – The punchbowl crater of Diamond Head is almost as famous as the island on which it calls home! Considered to be a symbol of the Hawaiian Islands, it goes down on this list as a definite must-see. Although, for those adventure seeking enthusiasts, perhaps I can entice you to hike up to see the crater!

Regardless of whether you’re looking for an adventure in the hustle and bustle of Waikiki or in the quiet serenity of Maui, Aqua Resorts and Hotels have a number of boutique hotel properties to suit your needs!

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The Best Smart Phone Travel Apps You Must Have

August 17th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

The Philippines are a wonderful and often underestimated country to visit. Full of beautiful beaches and great food, the Philippines can be a excellent and rather inexpensive destination for any indulgent traveler. If you choose to travel to the Philippines, make sure you take your smart phone with you as it can be a perfect travel companion. Don’t be a clueless traveler. Travel with confidence and better immerse yourself in the local culture with the following travel apps:

WorldMate

WorldMate is undoubtedly the ultimate travel app, and is practically like having a personal travel assistant by your side. In addition to offering hotel and flight searches on a whim, the app combines the features of multiple other travel apps including:

  • Itinerary Manager
  • Flight Alerts and Reminders
  • Weather Forecasts
  • Currency Convertor

However, if you don’t feel like paying $14.99 for the HTC 4G Android Phone or iPhone WorldMate app, there are several other options including:

Urbanspoon

Finding great places to eat is a favorite vacation past time, however, finding one in a country you don’t know is often difficult. With the free application Urbanspoon, travelers can find restaurants that will suite both their palates and their budgets in a few quick seconds.

CurCon Currency Convertor

For only $0.99, travelers can fully utilize CurCon Currency Convertor to quickly convert their currency into that of whichever country they are visiting. No longer will they have to stand around counting fingers or trying to perform math equations, with a few quick clicks travelers can dish over the cash for a bus fare or souvenir without having to worry about overpaying.

Flight Track

Flight Track is priced at $10, and allows users to keep track of flight schedules around the world. It will also alert users to any delays or cancellations that may occur.

Travel Interpreter

Travel Interpreter might be more expensive than other language apps, but for $10, you get one of the most comprehensive language apps available. Interpreter has over 2,100 words and phrases in a total of 24 languages, and even has audio versions of common phrases as they would be pronounced by native speakers.

When you decide to travel to the Philippines don’t leave home without your smart phone. Better yet, don’t leave your home without downloading the some of the above travel apps to make your vacation more enjoyable. Not only will you be able to find more local restaurants and areas of interest, but you won’t have to worry about travel basics such as fumbling with currency or finding the right words.

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5 Of The Best Restaurants in Florida

August 11th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

If you’re visiting Florida, you’ll find that the Sunshine State has a range of top-quality restaurants offering award-winning cuisine.

This is certainly the case if you visit the Paradiso Ristorante in Lake Worth, an Italian eatery accredited by the Distinguished Restaurants of North America, which has also won a 2009 Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

Among the dishes created by master chef and owner Angelo Romano, who honed his skills while working in several luxury restaurants back in his native Italy, are prosciutto-wrapped veal tenderloin and linguine served with littleneck clams, garlic and virgin olive oil. So by coming here you’ll be able to get a real taste of authentic European cuisine.

You’ll also find a wide range of wines to try, as Paradiso Ristorante’s cellar holds over 600 different vintages, including Australian, Chilean and French varieties. However, if you want a closer insight into the extensive wine list, visit the weekly tasting session held each Wednesday by Romano and the restaurant’s sommelier.

The Sette Bello Ristorante in Fort Lauderdale also gives you the opportunity to sample award-winning Italian cuisine. Milanese veal chop and chicken scarpariello roasted with sausages, olives and mushrooms are just two of the specialities on the menu.

Starters cost around $8 (about £5) upwards, while most main courses are priced between $18 and $27.

Over the years, the restaurant has won a string of coveted prizes, including an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine, so it is perhaps of little surprise that diners are encouraged to make a reservation in advance.

Alternatively, why not visit Brooks? This eatery, located in Deerfield Beach, south-east Florida, serves cuisine that is grounded in French cooking principles but has an American twist to it.

As such, you’ll be able to sample unique dishes such as root beer-glazed pork rib chops with bourbon-infused mashed sweet potatoes ($22), Chilean sea bass ($31) and sauteed yellowtail snapper ($28). Creme brulee and chocolate peanut butter pie are among the dessert options available and both cost $8.

The family-run restaurant regularly hosts opera evenings and other special events for diners, so you can be sure of being entertained as you eat.

Visit the Beach Bistro at Holmes Beach in central Florida and you’ll certainly be able to sample some high-end cuisine. Among the specialties are the rack of lamb sourced from Colorado and prime American beef served with a merlot pepper demi-glace.

Most starters cost $10 upwards, while you’ll find a selection of main courses priced between $25 and $45.

However, if you really want to push the boat out go for the ‘food heaven’.

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Traveling To Europe While Staying In Budget

July 14th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

It seems that gone are the days of backpacking through Europe. With a weakening dollar and rising flight costs, many young professionals have found it far more cost-effective to travel to South America and other Caribbean locations. This has been a much more cost-effective approach to vacationing but many people still want to experience the old country but it’s hard to do it without spending a veritable fortune. It’s important, though, for potential travelers to realize that you can go to Europe and stay within your budget. The Internet has made researching this all the more possible and whether you’re planning your Opio vacation in France or beer tasting in Germany, all you have to do is plan accordingly and you won’t go broke in the process.

Consider Local Cost of Living:

In Europe, not every country has the same cost of living. If you want to see parts of Europe, consider planning to visit some of the cheaper countries while over there. This doesn’t mean that you have to stay in former soviet-block countries. In Western Europe, some of the cheapest countries are Portugal and Greece. Even though the one of the main goals of the Euro is to equalize prices across the board, you can still get by on a whole lot less in some of these countries while still getting all of the culture and activities during your vacation.

Cheap Transportation:

One of the biggest costs when traveling is transportation. It may not be the biggest one but it’s defiantly one of the highest expenses. The best thing about Europe is that it has an amazing public transportation network and everything is so close together. You can take the train almost anywhere and at a relatively low cost. This is especially helpful given the fact that gasoline prices in Europe are staggeringly high. If you’re traveling to Europe you want to keep any driving to an absolute minimum so look at European train schedules and options to cut this cost out of the equation.

Lodgings, Accommodations, and Amenities:

Most Americans have a very high standard when it comes to where they’re sleeping. Though this isn’t the same across the board, often if you’re a little flexible on the amenities you need, you can get great deals at a big discount. Obviously, staying in a hostel will save you money but this is not for everyone. People have horror stories of shared rooms that frighten many people away from this as a viable option. You might want to, instead, consider mid-range hotels that are far more affordable.

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