London's Hidden Gems

London might be one of the most famous cities in all the world, but that doesn’t mean you know every single one of its top spots.

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While there are some tourist attractions that even those who haven’t ever visited London will know of (think the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace etc), there are a number of highly interesting places that most tourists won’t ever think about visiting.

Assuming that you’re thinking of visiting London in the near future and want to think outside the box a little, let’s have a look at some lesser known attractions that might float your boat.

First off, how about the Horniman Museum and Gardens? Situated in South London’s Forest Hill, this fantastic attraction is full of exhibits that are sure to prove a hit with all members of the family. It’s got everything from an aquarium and a stuffed walrus to instruments dating back several hundred years, and best of all it’s free! You can’t ask for much more than that for an educational day out.

If you’re looking for somewhere you can just switch off and enjoy your surroundings however, then head to Primrose Hill, on the north side of Regent’s Park. Offering perhaps the best view of central London you can get in a relatively quiet environment, it’s one of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle of London and enjoy some relaxation time!

Temple Church is one of London’s most famous sights, yet it doesn’t receive nearly as many visitors as it really should. Built by the Knights Templar in the 12^th Century, and featured in Dan Brown’s novel the Da Vinci Code and its big screen adaptation, it was built to resemble Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and as such is truly a sight to take in.

Another reminder of London’s past is the Brixton Windmill. Looking rather out of place in such a modern city, the Windmill stands as a reminder of London’s pastoral heritage, and is a great attraction to visit. It’s only open at weekends between April and October though, so depending on when you’re visiting you might not be able to take it in.

Finally, anyone with an interest in the arts should take in the Dulwich Picture Gallery. When it was designed by Sir John Soane in 1817 it was England’s first purpose-built public art gallery, however nowadays it’s often sadly overlooked in favour of attractions like the National Gallery and Tate Modern. Quite why more people don’t visit it is a mystery though – it features paintings by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck as well as several differing exhibitions throughout the year, and there are plenty of cheap hotels in the area.

There’s no denying that London is one of the world’s greatest cities, and any visit there is sure to delight. If you really want to have one up on the millions of visitors to the city every year, take in one of the above as well as the usual tourist fare. You’ll be glad you did!

Money Saving Tips for Holiday Travel

Holiday Travel

Holiday means clogged streets, overcrowded ports, and of course, spending a lot of money. Thanksgiving is the best time for families to get together. Celebrating this season with your family would make you spend money for your trip towards home and of course, food.

First and foremost, you could save a lot on your trip if you book your tickets early. Aside from getting discounts, you’re sure that you can get home on time. You know how tickets get to be sold out during holidays, right?

If you are planning to have a vacation trip on thanksgiving, travel agencies are always open for your desired trip. Travelling on your own could mean spending more money while agencies could give you discounts plus, you will have your itinerary so you won’t have to worry. And here’s the catch, if you get to book your most awaited vacation early, you might get a big discount, up to 50%. So, if you’re given such discount, why not bring the entire family? You’ll enjoy so much for sure.

Holiday Travel Savings

Holiday seasons are also the season of discounts. Resorts, spa, department stores, etc., they offer big discounts that limited for the season. Some resorts, camping sites, and parks would even offer free entrance fee for kids. Grab the opportunity of the holiday discounts; it will surely save you some cash for the snacks with your kids.

The price of car rentals during holidays increases. Have a reservation before the holidays, otherwise, you’ll have to choose between travelling before or after the holidays or spend a little higher than what is supposed to be spent. You don’t want to disappoint your friends or family just because of the car rental price, right?

Off Peak Travel

Off-peak season vacations will actually give you a huge discount. Knowing that the holiday is over or has yet to come, the cost of travelling is still at its lowest. Early booking would still give you discounts even if the price is already at its lowest. So plan early to get discounts.

Have you been to Malpais and Santa Teresa Beaches ?

Holiday with Kids in Austin Texas

Things to Do With Kids in Austin

Austin, Texas has many things to offer to its visitors as well as for its citizens. Being the center of Texas, attractions are to be expected to be at its finest in here. You don’t need to spend a lot for kids to be pleased, a cone of ice cream would even do the trick. Here are some attractions that you could bring your kids to for a treat. Enjoy the tour!

Austin  Zoo

Kids would always love to watch animal shows on TV. Why not treat them to the zoo? Aside from seeing the animals that they want, they could learn some other things. Zoos were not meant for sightseeing only, you know that. It also gives awareness to both your kids and you about the conditions of some animals with regard to its worldwide population.

Barton Springs

Kids always want to go on swimming. Packed with their very own swimsuits and trunks, they won’t mind traveling a couple of hours just to enjoy the natural spring. A couple of improvements were made to give more safety to its visitors. Be reminded that don’t let the kids swim alone.

Texas State Capitol

A walk with your kids on the State Capitol would give them information of how they should be proud of their state and be at awe. You know how kids love to see tall buildings; they’d wish they were giants.

State History Museum

Who doesn't like stuffed animals, arts, and an educational tour? Kids will surely appreciate a tour on the museum. They will always look for something that interests them. You too will enjoy the tour and will be educated.

Longhorn Caverns

Kids love adventures. Visiting the caverns on summer would be great to escape the heat. Aside from hiking up the hills, you’ll be the coolest mom or dad for your kid. You know how they appreciate nature and adventures, right?

Austin Lake

Catching a fish would mean so much for a kid. It’s like they’d celebrate for catching a small fish. The lake is always the best spot for fishing, especially when with you are with your family. You could also enjoy canoeing, diving, windsurfing, and swimming on the lake.

Ice Cream Festival

Sweet tooth! Even adults still has it. Candies, cakes, and chocolates are just some of the foods that kids would like to have. How much more with ice creams? Ice creams could even bring the family together on the table.

Chuy's Christmas Parade

This parade features giant balloons, floats, classic cars, marching band, and the most admired figure during this season, Santa Claus. Imagine the happiness and enjoyment you could give to your kids if you bring them here. It’s like the happiest day of their life. Old toys will be your entrance pass.

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Top Houston Texas Beaches

Top Houston Beaches 

Houston Texas is famous for so many things but not to beaches. You see, Houston doesn't have beaches of their own to brag about but they have beaches near it that could give enjoyment to those who love swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Even though they don’t have it right in their locality people still enjoy having road trips towards the nearest beach along the coast of Texas.

Galveston

Located at the south of Houston, you’d enjoy the ride towards the largest beach of Galveston, the East Beach. If ever you are looking for a family friendly beach, they have Stewart Beach which offers an alcohol free environment, great for families with a couple of kids around. You don’t have to worry about bathrooms and refreshment stalls, they have it just around the corner of the beach.

West End/San Luis Pass

They offer free parking along the beach. You could have your swimming and sunbathing here plus, the location is less crowded compared to other beaches. Beaches along Farm-to-Market Road 3005 are open to different access points so, you don’t have to worry in reaching this beach faster than you ever thought.




Bolivar Peninsula

Even if the communities here are still on the rebuilding process, the Crystal Beach in here is worth the long drive and ferry ride. Fishing, swimming, and camping are all welcome here. Though they do not have so much facility, the beach along this area is still worth it due to the fact that it’s a little private compared to other beaches because parking passes must be bought so not everyone could have access in here.

Brazoria County

If you’re wondering which beach is good for a night party, it’s the Surfside Beach. They have restaurants, bars, and shops to offer to their guests. With your best buds and girlfriends, you’ll have the entire night to enjoy every drink you’d like to have and the entire day to enjoy the sea breeze while sunbathing and go on swimming. Whenever you want the opposite one, you could go to Bryan Beach with no parking fee and a good sight of the beach to offer. In Quintana, they offer camping facilities and cabins for your stay. It’s up to you to decide which kind of ambiance you want for enjoyment.

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My Taxi Travel Tips

Tips on Tipping a Cab 

Cabs or Taxis are the frequently used transportation of the tourists. Most tourists don’t know how to give tips on cabs that are adequate and with etiquette. Here are some few things to remember when giving tips on cab drivers. Always remember that when giving tips, it should be out of your willingness and know the timing, it might sound insulting to the driver if you don’t have the right timing.




Discussing the fare before riding would save you from a lot of annoying argument with the driver. Take time to ask for questions of how long will the ride be and how much will it cost you. Remember, not all cab drivers have good intentions.

Always secure you have enough cash on hand. It’s embarrassing to have a free ride with a cab. You’re supposed to treat the driver not the driver treating you, you’re the tourist remember that. The tip must be at least 10% of your fare. A little sign of gratitude of keeping you safe until you arrive on your destination.

You could always go beyond that 10% if you don’t mind being more generous. Being new to the place, your driver could give you a little tour in Malpais and some reminders for your safety plus, he gets to carry your bags.

Giving tips is not required but you’re a tourist, be generous. Tips could add to the salary of the driver. It won’t empty your pocket if you give some.

Giving tips with the fare would cause you less effort to look for smaller bills on your pocket. Always have small bills with you so you won’t have to ask for a change. Hey, it’s a tip and asking for a change is so embarrassing.

Informing the driver to “keep the change” would leave a smile on his face plus, he won’t have to count how much your change will be.  You can also get the change first then give some tips for the driver.

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The Tipping Tips While in Holiday Traveling

Tipping Tips

Have you ever given a tip? Did you know that there are certain things that you should consider when giving a tip? The tip that you might be giving is below the recommended amount.

Here are the things that you should consider when giving a tip.

Know the tipping policy

Knowing the tipping policy of the establishment that you are in is important. Tipping is seen differently in every country like Santa Teresa and Malpais Costa Rica. Some appreciates it and others might get offended. Tipping could also give special treatment of other customers that is why there are establishments with no-tipping policy. Of course, if you are the employee, you will choose customers who give tips rather than those who do not. You do not want to be reprimanded by the management for giving a tip, don’t you?

Determine the “tippable” amount

Tipping is not just an ordinary gesture of saying thank you. Determining the tippable amount could give you a suggestion of how much you should give for the tip. The amount that you should give as a tip should be reasonable and appropriate with your expenditures.

Evaluate the Service

If you are not satisfied with the service, you don’t have to give a tip. You’ll be wasting your money in that case. Give tips to those who deserve to have it and only give if you are willing to give. If you don’t want to give, remember, you are not required to give tips.

Calculate the tip

Tips that should be given should be 10%-20% of your total expenditures. This might be your first time to come across this information but this is the recommended amount for tipping. The percentage varies on the service and personnel that you are tipping. Example, restaurant tipping percentage is different from hotels and taxis.

Give the exact amount

Not giving tips at all is better than giving tips and asking for a change. It could be the worst thing that you will do. Always have small bills or coins with you whenever you want to give tips. You don’t want to be mortified because of the tips, don’t you?




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Texas Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Texas has many different places that a tourist would love to go to. You may travel using different transportation  What really matters is that you enjoy your journey towards the location that you would like to visit. Here are some pros and cons on the type of transportation that you could use.

Drive

Tourists can have car rentals. You may go wherever you want to go but you should know the traffic rules and the area particularly. You don’t want to waste your time looking for the right direction I bet. So whenever you choose renting a car, have a map or GPS just in case you get lost in your driving.

Train

Trains are best to travel with if you seek adventure or do not like congested roads. The thing is, when you reach your stop, do you really know where you are going. Only some people enjoy adventure during travelling with trains because the chance of getting lost in the middle of the city is high. You know what, adventure starts when you get lost in a large city, actually.

Bus

Busses are great for sightseeing. Aside from getting a free tour in the city, you get to mingle with the natives. They are cheap transportation but you should be aware of the bus stops. Be sure that your stop is on their route. You don’t want to walk on your own towards the location that you want to visit, don’t you?

Taxi

It’s like a private ride. You’re lucky if you get the driver to tour you around the locations that you wanted to visit but this transportation would cost you a lot. Aside from the meter, you should give tip to the driver for touring you around.

Airports

People would like to travel from one place to another by plane. Aside from saving time, it’s more convenient than driving a very long road, not mentioning the drive during the night and stopovers in a motel and gasoline stations. But having planes, you would miss the scenic views along the road.




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