Oct
07

Silvershore Apartments – A Great Place To Stay In Australia’s Gold Coast

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We have recently discovered a great new apartment block at Biggera Waters in south-east Queensland Australia.

Silvershore Apartments at night Silvershore Apartments consists of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom self-contained units.

There is a choice of water view or mountain view units, and we reckon that it’s worth paying the extra for the magnificent view out over the Broadwater.
We would also recommend that you request a room on one of the upper floors, so that you can enjoy the view out over the top of the low island that usually blocks the entrance to the Gold Coast Seaway.

This part of the Gold Coast is well away from the bustle and glitz of Surfers Paradise itself, yet is still only a short drive or bus ride away (or a good walk for those feeling energetic).

The non-smoking block boasts  the following features:

BBQ facilities, direct access to the beach, gym and fitness room, lift/elevator, onsite secure undercover parking, an outdoor heated pool, spa/hot tub/Jacuzzi, individual air conditioning, balcony / courtyard, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, full kitchen, iron & ironing board, opening windows, refrigerator, full size Shower over bath, TV and of course tea and coffee making facilities.

The pricing is currently very reasonable indeed, but be prepared for this to rise once the secret gets out!

We will definitely be returning to Silvershore in the near future.

To find out more, visit the TripAdvisor website:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=silvershore+apartments&sub-search.x=6&sub-search.y=8

As you can see, Silvershore is right on the beachfront:

View of beach from Silvershore Apartments
Categories : Accommodation, Destinations, Vacations
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Jun
23

Skyrope – For Those Wishing To Get Their Feet Off The Ground!

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Bad Harzburg in Germany’s Lower Saxony region has recently become a haven for those intrepid adventurers who enjoy spending time just hanging around!

The Skyrope complex. Try to locate the person indicated by the arrow!The recently completed Skyrope is northern Germany’s largest rope challenge park. It is located on a 10Ha site adjacent to Bad Harzburg.

The rope challenge facility is mounted on 26 poles, each over 12 metres high, with a star-shaped layout.

Ropes courses are engineered structures which are purpose-built for humans to engage their climbing instincts. Programs typically involve small groups of participants over an intense period of hours or days
The value of ropes course use is recognized in a broad range of activities, including education, recreation, therapy, and organizational development. Ropes Challenge Courses are often used in conjunction with other forms of training or education, such as in physical education, in orientation programs, and for staff development.

The Skyrope course offers a challenge to the senses for participants. Within its structure there are simple climbs as well as much more challenging traverses. On your way over wire ropes, swings, rope bridges, and wood bars, you will be challenged to bringing your spirit into alignment with heart, mind and physical movements top an extent that has largely been overlooked in our modern ways of life.

The facility is also used to foster confidence, team interaction and responsibility, courage and initiative. It can be very effectively used as a component of team building exercises for business, sporting teams and educational groups.

Groups of five or more can book a time with Skyrope, who provides trained coaches and guides.

For further information, you should contact:

Hochseilgarten Skyrope
Nordhäuser Straße, im Kalten Tal,
38667 Bad Harzburg, Germany

Tel +49 (5583) 939034
E-Mail info@skyrope.de

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Destinations, Vacations
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Jun
16

The Wellness Industry in Bad Harzburg

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As was briefly mentioned in the previous entry, the discovery of mineral wells in the Harzburg region in the late 19th century resulted in the development of both a new name and a new industry for the city we now know as Bad Harzburg.

A thermal pool in a Bad Harzburg wellness center

For the health-conscious vacationer Bad Harzburg, with many years as a wellness “cure” town, can offer a great solution for those looking for the chance to relax, either by using the medically supervised spa facilities, or  by utilising the hiking and wandering possibilities offered by
the town and the surrounding countryside.

The Harzburger Saline Baths, which include a modern Sauna World, provide the holiday guest with the chance to relax with an underwater massage or a herbal Sauna. The photo on the left shows one of the newly established thermal pools within the Harzburger complex.
Bad Harzburg is not only well known for the quality and cleanliness of it’s air but also for the seven mineral springs which supply naturally mineralised water to the saline baths or provide the beneficial waters drunk by those who visit the 19th. century Pump Room.

In an independent survey carried out by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Commerce in 2003 the Bad Harzburg Saline Baths were judged to be the best and most attractive in the Lower Saxony region of Germany.

All the health springs in Bad Harzburg are natural mineral springs and no additional salt or minerals are added. A publication of the Bad Harzburg authorities states that the springs have the following beneficial qualities:

  • Dr. Harras-Schneider spring: water for the saline baths.
  • Johann-Albrecht spring: waters poor in sulphur ideal for inhalation and exercise baths.
  • Krodo Well: for digestion and metabolism.
  • Barbarossa Well: healing water for stomach problems, pancreas, duodenum and the gall-bladder.
  • Sulphur Well: healing water for chronic illness of the blood vessels or joints.

Built towards the end of the 19th century, the Pump Room with it’s striking Tambour-Pendentif dome is one of the town’s landmarks. In this building, three of the seven Bad Harzburg natural healing waters can be drunk. The rest of the building has been restored to it’s original glory and is used for concerts, readings, lectures and other cultural events.

We were in fact intrigued on our last visit to Bad Harzburg to find that, in addition to the range of healing waters available, it was possible to sit in the auditorium whilst being entertained by a highly professional classical string quartet. It was really fantastic to be able to sit back and relax while simultaneously experiencing the ambience of the classical surroundings, the beautiful music of the era and the sense of the curing waters  “doing their thing” to our insides.

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Destinations, Vacations
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Jun
15

More Information About The Harz Mountains Region In Central Germany

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It has been several days since I have managed to provide some further information about this intriguing part of Europe.

I was forced to undergo some oral surgery a while ago, then have been away at a seminar, and simply didn’t get time to write more information for this blog.

I do plan to get back into the swing of things in the next day or two, but in the meantime, am giving a linkage to a very thorough information source about the region.

If you want to find out more information about the region, why not visit the site of der Harz Immer Ganz Oben

I feel sure that this site will offer you a very good understanding of what the Harz Mountain region has to offer the visitor and holidaymaker.

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Destinations, Vacations
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May
02

A Summer Vacation In Greece

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Greece can be an authentic summer paradise, with a large range of marvelous tourist resorts able to provide the summer holidays of your dreams.

Greek Islands - MykonosDuring June, July and August, the brilliant Greek sun combines with magnificent coastal landscapes.
We recommend that you should arrange to spend most of your time on the Greek islands at this time of the year, as Athens can become an uncomfortable place to spend the hot days.

Many visitors come to Greece during the summer period for one reason – island hopping on the Aegean Sea. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to do this is by cruise ship.

A variety of boats depart from the port at  Athens.

Some cruises visit only a few islands in three to four days, whilst others visit more islands over a longer period of time.

Although most vessels only stop at each port for a short time, it’s usually enough to get a feel for each island and decide at which one you’d like to spend more time on your next visit.

Amongst the islands that you will love to visit are:

  • Mykonos, one of the most famous and most visited islands. Mykanos is small enough to walk from one end to the other> Its streets are lined with gorgeous white washed houses. Shutters, window and door frames, along with doors and banisters are painted in bright colors emphasizing the stark white color of the houses.
  • Santorini, one of nature’s most incredible creations, often referred to as Greece’s most beautiful island. It is a caldera – a volcanic depression in the shape of a basin. Santorini is the portion of the submerged caldera that remains above sea level. Relaxing at one of the cliffside restaurants provides you with an unbeatable vista of the island and surrounding water. The blue sea glimmers in the bright sun, and Santorini stretches on and on.
  • Patmos, the northernmost island of the Dodecanese group, is a place of pilgrimage for many Christians due to its religious history, with significant historical interest for visitors.
  • Rhodes is an island with both incredible beauty and interesting history to share with its visitors. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese island group. Rhodes has a number of beaches from which you can enjoy the sea. The island receives over 300 days of sunshine a year, which makes you appreciate the crisp coldness of the Aegean even more.

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Destinations, Sea, Vacations
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Apr
28

Own Your Car In Europe?

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If traveling to Europe for a visit of over about 2 weeks, why not consider a short-term lease instead of a car rental?

The Government of France has developed a novel tax-free scheme which enables manufacturers in that country to offer vehicles to travelers from outside the EU on the basis of a short-term lease. This is designed to encourage tourism.
For the term of your lease, you own the car, and the company offers a buy-back scheme at the end of the lease period at a predetermined price, which includes everything including comprehensive insurance with zero excess.

Whilst it is most cost effective to pick up and return the vehicle in France, arrangements can be made to do this in other countries (at a set price). This enables low cost one-way travel (much cheaper than with rental companies).
You can have the exact brand-new vehicle that you reserve, with 24/7 breakdown cover and can take it to some 30 countries.

The pricing is all inclusive and paid up-front, offering you one less thing to worry about when you are overseas.

No taxes will apply – compared to value added taxes of up to 20% that are always added to your car rental bill. There are also no additional driver surcharges.

In Europe, high fuel economy diesel vehicles have become the norm, and it is possible to guarantee that you can get one of these cars. This will result in a 30% to 40% reduction in fuel costs during your vacation.

The vehicles makes available under this scheme are Peugeot, Citroen and Renault.

If you would like to find out more about car leasing in Europe, contact one of the companies specializing in this aspect of travel. These include:

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Destinations, Road, Vacations
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Apr
11

How To Cut The Cost Of Your Trip To Europe

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We are currently planning and booking a trip over to Europe, and have become very aware of the cost impact of booking during the summer “High” season.

As an example, the following costs refer to weekly rates for a 2-bedroom apartment in the St Tropez area of France. The rental ranges from $769 from November to March, to $3,330 in July and August. However, costs during June and September are $1,951.

From this example, you can see how the choice of travel dates can have very significant impacts on the travel budget.

Where possible, you should also plan your travels in advance, thus taking advantage of advance purchase discounts and special deals on airfares.

Don’t forget to arrange seat allocation at the time of booking, if it is available from your chosen carrier.

Submitted by Barbara Walsh-Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Accommodation, Air, Destinations, Vacations
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Apr
08

Great deals for European ferry trips

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The lucky traveler is still able to take advantage of some surprisingly good deals with a number of well respected ferry operators within many Mediterranean ports.

As a current example, operators such as Corsica-Sardinia Ferries (www.corsicaferries.com) are offering reduced fares on all crossings from Nice and Toulon and 1 Euro cent vehicle fares for some routes if booked from 19 June to 30 June, and for some departures in July and August 2007.

Why not look at a ferry trip as a part of your next European vacation.

We recommend that you visit the websites of the ferry operators in order to find the best deals.  Use Google or a similar search engine to find groups operating ferries on your desired route.

A simple comparison showed a variation in quoted fares for the same trip ranging from 76 Euros through the ferry operator to 156 Euros through a third party website.
Submitted by Barbara Walsh-Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Destinations, Sea, Vacations
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Apr
07

The trend today is towards cruising!

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Many holidaymakers are now choosing to join up with a cruise vacation as a new travel experience.

A tremendous number of options are available, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltic, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Alaska, and of course many others.

Most of us probably haven’t yet considered to option of river and barge cruising before. Options is this category include the Yangtze, the Nile, the Danube, Rhine and Rhone rivers, and Australia’s Murray River.
Cruising offers many advantages which include, unpacking once, traveling by night and sightseeing by day, all inclusive packages including meals, entertainment, and other facilities. Many cruise packages include air travel to and from your home country – check with local or online travel agencies.

I would like to invite readers who have traveled on cruises to participate and pass on their experiences.

Submitted by Barbara Walsh-Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Destinations, Sea, Vacations
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Aug
31

New linkage between Google and British Airways

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British Airways and Google have recently announced a novel collaboration designed to make holiday preparation even easier by launching a new interactive service through the ba.com website.

To celebrate its ‘World Offers’ fare sale,  which launched on August 31, the airline will feature Google Earth satellite technology on ba.com, allowing travelers to zoom in on their destination of choice when evaluating excellent discounts available on flights and hotels.

British Airways has created special ‘layers’ of information for Google Earth to enable ba.com visitors to see popular tourist hot-spots and their proximity to their chosen hotel – the ultimate planning tool for holidaymakers, so they can organize their itinerary before they arrive.

Jayne O’Brien, head of brands and marketing communications at British Airways, said: ” …this has the added customer benefit of allowing them to familiarise themselves with the local area, hotels and amenities through Google Earth. ….”

Obi Felton, Head of Consumer Marketing at Google, said: “We hope holiday-makers have fun with this specially created tool.  ….”

I believe that this announcement represents a novel combination of two different technologies which can combine to enhance the advantages of online services available for travelers wishing to plan itineraries and trips themselves. I’m sure that we will hear a lot more of this form of technology in the months to come.

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Air, Destinations, Technology, Vacations
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