Yabby Jack’s Travel Blog

Family Ties in Vegas

Have I written yet about my adventures in Las Vegas? I arrived a this most glitzy, superficial city on the Greyhound bus after a long but smooth journey from Los Angeles, and went straight to my youth hostel in a quiet, unfashionable part of the city. Yes, in amongst the huge hotels and expensive areas, there are a few cheaper places to stay and create a base for the partying.

Vegas is a city of cars and taxis, but being on a budget I had to walk to my hostel. Luckily the city is laid out on a grid pattern, and it was easy to follow the map, although I stood out like a sore thumb on the sidewalks (that’s American for pavements). There were hardly any other pedestrians, since everyone else was avoiding the heat by sitting in air-conditioned cars.

At the hostel I met fellow Brit Jenny Green, a nurse from London. We decided to hit the casinos together, and splashed out a fortune on the reds and the blacks. I was convinced we should carry on, despite our initial losses, and then bingo! jackpot! wowsie woo! We won big on the colours game. Well, I say big, but for an impecunious ex-student and former nurse, big money is relative. Suffice it to say that we won enough money to avoid the Greyhound bus back to LA.

So in relaxed mood we went to the car hire place to sort out our ride and the first thing they offered us was the best family car they had in the garage. Hello, I said, looking down at my shorts and sandals and Jenny’s tabard, do we look like a family?

Oh, no! I thought with horror. Perhaps we do!

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Taking historical trips around Africa

No historical tourism trip is complete without a visit to the African continent. There are numerous locations across African countries that explain their history including the events that means so much to them or those that have shaped their lives as a people. For the people who have a deep interest in African history and visiting historical places; a trip to these places is necessary. In Nigeria, a visit to the Badagry slave market will be one to remember in a long time. This particular location attracts a few tourists of all races and colors because of its significance to the people. Badagry is located in Lagos which is a coastal city where slaves were bound in chains and taken on ships to western countries.

Another historical location that attracts several thousands of tourists yearly is the Egyptian pyramids in Egypt. The North African country has been described as the base of early but ancient modernity. The pyramids are a masterpiece and the best way to know what they are all about is to pay a visit. There are many souvenirs that can be picked up from Egypt for shop fitting or any other purpose. Lastly, taking a trip to South Africa to visit Nelson Mandela’s prison will increase knowledge about the apartheid regime. It will also help in seeing the efforts of a single man to liberate his people. These trips are a way of connecting with the history of the African people. Not just that, it improves the knowledge of the tourists. There are many more of such historical tourists attractions spread across the continent that are worth discovering.

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Budget Holiday in France

Given the stressful and busy lives that most people lead these days, we would all be better off with a holiday. But while the entire world seems to be mired in a recession, your spending power may not be what it was a year ago. But just because you are on a limited budget and have to watch what you spend does not mean that you cannot go on a holiday and come back refreshed and relaxed, ready to take on the challenges that face you at home.

France is not a destination that is on the short list of price conscious travelers. In fact, France has an undeserved reputation as an expensive place to visit, perhaps because of the glamorous French Riviera, long the stomping ground of the rich and the beautiful people. But there are many ways in which you can enjoy a low cost holiday in France without missing out on all this country has to offer.

Travel is probably the priciest part of any holiday, after lodging. Fortunately, there are many inexpensive ways of going to France. If you are based out of the UK, for instance, you can take a flight on Ryan Air or the low cost airline of your choice to one of France’s many regional airports, or you can take a cross channel ferry instead of cruise deals, drive across the channel tunnel, or even take a train to Paris from London St. Pancras.

If you are planning to travel to France from any other country, then try and book your seats by coach as soon as possible to get early bird discounts. Alternatively, you could book a flight to London and then go to France via one of the options listed above, thus seeing two countries for the price of one.

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London Holiday Must See’s

Taking vacations together with the household is the greatest sort required while investing in the holiday period. Investing household vacations may entail visiting holiday locations that are attractive in an optimistic way equally to the grownups as well the children.

If you feel like investing some quality time with your household, then why not go to London. There are a few places that you will feel disappointed about if you do not visit with your household before you decide to leave this gorgeous planet. Why don’t we have a peek at a few of the must see places in London:

When you step at the feet at Greater London, you require seeing this intriguing framework which covers over the well-known Thames water. The advanced walkway located in this framework makes the guests have an intriguing glance at the whole Greater London Town. The Tower Bridge is recognized as one of the most well-known bridges not just in the whole of Europe but additionally on the planet.

The Windermere Body of water is considered the largest body of water in the whole of the United Kingdom. The body of water is believed to be two hundred and twenty feet deep and is around two distances long while the thickness comprises of one mile.

Stonehenge: If you wish to grasp yourself together with the abundant social history of London, then you definitely should certainly go towards Wiltshire, in which the prehistoric Stonehenge is situated. Believed to have been there through around 3000 B. C absolutely nobody really can clarify about the primary purpose this Stonehenge offered during the historic period.

Edinburg Fortress: Probably the most intriguing castles in the whole of UK, the fortress of Edinburg is really a spot to visit with your whole household. This really is one of the substantial prehistoric structures that can be found in UK. During your London Holiday, you can bring along games like click to play klonkdike to keep you busy while you are resting in your hotel.

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Stone Mountain – an oustanding natural landmark of the southeastern USA

Stone Mountain, situated in Metro Atlanta, is North America’s biggest exposed granite dome and hosts sculptures of Jefferson Davies, Thomas ’Stonewall'Jackson and Robert E. Lee. The Town of Stone Mountain was incorporated back in 1839 and now has a population of around 7,000 people.

The Stone Mountain Park, which lies about 15 miles east of the city of Atlanta, is a beautiful woodland and the most impressive view in the local region is to be found from the top of the great granite landmark. Stone Mountain rises to 800 feet and provides superb panoramic views of Atlanta and the surrounding Georgian countryside. The summit can also be reached via a steep walk from near the Confederate Hall. However, a much easier and somewhat quicker option is to use the popular Sky Lift.

The park also hosts the impressive Lasershow Spectacular, which is an outstanding exhibition of light and colour and is projected onto the mountain in the night. The show is also free with the entrance to the park, however guests should be sure find good viewing spots on the lawn before it becomes packed out. To spend your travel money, there are plenty of places to eat, including the Bundos Market Restaurant, serving Italian cuisine and Sycamore Grill, which offers Southern cuisine.

Other parks located nearby include the Leila Mason Park, which is situated in the Shermantown neighbourhood and contains a baseball field and various other sports facilities. The McCurdy Park, which houses Stone Mountain’s Youth Athletic Association provides pleasant picnic areas and a popular playground called ’Jim’s Place’.

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Back Packing Through Europe

Once a trip to Europe has been decided upon there is the cost factor that needs to be considered, and it is the most important aspect to make the trip a success. Given the high price that one hears across all of Europe there is the general perception amongst all such visitors that the trip would turn out to be a costly fare. That is however not true and budget can very well be tailor made to ones individual pocket.

Backpacking is one very economical manner in which one can tour Europe. In this case the only expenditure that needs to be catered for would be that of transportation. A standard calculation to work out expenses that a backpacker usually carried out works out to $60 per day, i.e. if you do not plan to do some heavy duty shopping or pick up an impression by artist Caroline Shotton. This is an approximation but generally the standard that can easily be followed. This cost would cover lodging, which usually would be at some hostel, as well as visit to the places of interest.

Hostels in all of Europe are available at quite a range of price and that starts from really low ones such as $10. It is better for a backpacker to stay or select hostels that are away from the major cities which would give them better bargain price hostels. There is however the factor of food that needs to be taken into consideration. One has to pay more for good and exotic food and a backpacker would not ever prefer to do so. So it is best to work out a mix of both the normal affordable food at times with the exotic and tasty dishes at infrequent intervals.

Backpacking through Europe gives one the opportunity of visiting a lot of places of interest as well as having a good and enjoyable stay taking to the lavishness that Europe has to offer. A mix of both that a backpacker can enjoy makes the trip a memorable one.

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Beach Food

I am in the most fabulous cafe in Chicago. Its called Kopi and it is the ideal of the type of thing that I would like to do when I am finished with this jaunt around the world. The owners met while in Indonesia, Kopi is coffee in Indonesian. They had spent years travelling, but wanted to ’do something with their lives’, so returned to their native Chicago and opened up a ’travellers cafe’.

The cafe hosts a big filing cabinet where people write their individual travelling stories and includes the best and most up to date tips from people who have just returned from all over the world. There is an expensive collective of travellers chic clothing, books, and jewellery. This mostly serves as a place where unknowing friends and relatives try to buy sensitive birthday gifts for the way ward.

The menu and atmosphere is great. There are enough people using online recruitment software in the corner on their lap tops, but it is genuinely filled with visitors on a round the world jaunt, and those stuck back in their home town after one.

They include some of those great displaced travellers favourites on the menu. Things you would have eaten on Kuta beach like banana pancakes and Swiss Rosti, done in a sort of tongue in cheek fashion. They have great coffee brewed in the different ways that they do it around the world, and some fine example of Indonesia food. There is a tasty and authentic nasi goreng, along with a some what adventurous interpretation of the national dish gado gado. This is generally a cold salad covered with a spicy peanut sauce. It is a good rendition, but it is missing the krupuk, the brilliant fried prawn cracker. Inspiration for me and my stomach.

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Budget Traveling to Spain and Portugal

Budget traveling to Europe can even be inexpensive, if you choose your destination and other options with a bit of earlier planning. European cities like Spain and Portugal are no different. Both these destinations offer expensive and inexpensive way to help you have a great touring experience. If you’re a budget traveler, you don’t have to skip these countries; instead you can always look for affordable options which will assist you to stretch your money further.

Transportation

The most economical ways to travel between Spain and Portugal will be to travel by air or bus. The Eurolines and Eurohop run the regular routes. When you are traveling between Portugal and Spain, the cheapest option is to travel on budget airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet. Always buy your tickets well in advance, if possible, to get the best price.

Accommodation

When budget traveling to Spain or Portugal, you can stay at the hostels to minimize the costs, instead of booking villas in Spain or Portugal. Select a dorm bed in shared room for lowest price.

Attractions

The entrance fees to the attractions may add up quickly in Europe. Therefore, prioritize the pricey options and make most out of the free sights. In Portugal, you can head out for some scenic walks and the feel of the enjoyment. Enjoy the side scenes in Porto or Lisbon. While in Spain, you can watch the Prado galleries located in Madrid for free.

Food

Eating out at restaurants can prove to be another expense when traveling in countries like Portugal and Spain. If you’re eating out, then it will be best not to choose cafes or restaurants close to major tourist attractions. The prices are often on the higher side. If you’re staying at a hostel, then shop at the local supermarkets and prepare your food in the kitchen.

Time

When you are budget traveling to European cities like Spain and Portugal, then the best time will be the off season, when the prices are lower and there are few tourists around. Avoid the summer months, when the hostels often raise the rates. Visit during late fall or even in winter.

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How to Make Your Amsterdam Tour Affordable

Amsterdam is a true vacationer’s paradise. Whether it’s for a family vacation or a romantic getaway, the city stands unique all the way. Like most tourist destinations, Amsterdam provides plenty of ways to pay out top dollars for things which won’t really enhance your vacationing experience as far as your budget is concerned. Here’s an attempt to get you across this famous city without even destroying your own budget.

Strategize your tour in advance. Plan months well in advance where you’ll stay. Get online and do your research in advance. You can see the ideal time to get discount lodgings and deals. Those Amsterdam hotels situated in the center of the city are usually expensive. Look for accommodations which are on the quiet streets away from the major tourist areas. You can still remain close to the beautiful sights, if not the top one’s.

Romantic couples would like the spring time to visit Amsterdam and most others will pick the summer time. The city has number of museums, canals that allows cruising and many more attractions. For your money, the best time will be the off season between April and November. These so called off season help you to get shorter lines, and easier to find budget accommodations. Nevertheless, the airfares are also apt and also available at discounted rates.

Avoid eateries close to any major tourist attraction. For instance, restaurants close to the Tulip garden or Royal Palace will be costly. Opt for eateries located on the calm, out of the way streets. Off the main streets, you can find café wherein you can enjoy a great lunch.

Always plan your journey and the route ahead of time. This is the right way you can find out effective ways of going from one place to the other. Instead of doing a lot of back tracking, you may hit those sites which are situated close together. You can prefer to walk from one to another if they are close. Hope this budget traveling in Amsterdam, Europe offers you a great vacationing experience. So, this year you don’t have to plan a vacation in your own country and stay in some hotels in Looe just because it is affordable, instead pack your bag and explore Amsterdam.

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An authentic Scottish Burns Night

I was lucky enough to be in Edinburgh for Burns Night a couple of days. Actually, I say lucky when what I mean is that I spent days shifting all my plans around and making last minute arrangements with friends to make sure I was north of the border for this cultural and gastronomical celebration!

I decided to Couchsurf in Edinburgh, as my only Scottish friends live much, much further north; the Shetland Isles to be exact. Couchsurfing is a great way to travel on a budget, because you stay with people who live in the cities, sleeping on their couch (as the name suggests). It doesn’t cost you anything, though I usually offer to cook or take them out for a cheap dinner to try and pay my way.

The girl I stayed with in Edinburgh wasn’t actually Scottish, she was an Italian who sold contemporary designer jewellery, but she and all her European friends in the city had organised their own Burns Night celebration, complete with whisky, haggis and crazy poetry. Whisky I’ve tried far too many times to recall and I’ve even eaten haggis once before in Australia, believe it or not. But this was the first time I’d heard any of Robert Burns'poetry, and I’m not sure I really understood a word!

It seemed like all the Italians and Spanish at the party had been practising, and part of the celebration is an address to the haggis, where you quote poetry at this meat dish as it sits waiting to be served. Curious. It did strike me the next day that maybe I hadn’t understood the poems right because it was old Scottish being spoken by new Europeans. Maybe if it had been my Shetlander friends, it would have made a bit more of an impact…

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