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December 8, 2016 by Chase Vandros

5 Ways to Shop for Vacation Packages

Are you ready for a vacation?

If so, do know how best to go about shopping for the right trip packages? If not, you could be costing yourself a fair amount of money.

While most people have different priorities when it comes to what they want (and expect) out of a vacation, it is important to put some research time in. By doing so, you will most likely save yourself some money, money that can be put towards a future vacation etc.

As for the research time, much of that can be done through two avenues, travel companies and the Internet.

So, are you ready to put some time and effort into properly for shopping for vacation packages?

Putting Your Plan in Motion

In order to find the best available vacation packages to suit your needs, remember these five tips:

Research – First and foremost, putting the necessary research into your vacation plans is where you begin. That research is typically done through either a travel company and/or the Internet. When working with a travel company, research them to see how long they’ve been in business and what kind of track record they offer in terms of giving customers what they want etc. Even though using a newer travel company is fine, start with those that have been around for decades. The older ones tend to be around for the simple reason that they have met or exceeded the needs of most customers.

Websites – Even if you decided to go ahead with a travel company, you should still use the Internet to your advantage. Whether in search of Chile vacation packages, excursions to Europe, perhaps even doing a group tour of parts of Asia, the worldwide web is a great resource tool. Use the Internet to track down not only travel company websites, but also travel blogs. There are countless travel blogs out there, blogs that give you lots of useful information on when to travel, where to travel to, how to go about saving money on your trips, what to avoid etc. Yes, it can be a lot of information to gather, but it certainly can pay off when all is said and done. Best of all, you will be better prepared before you even put your first dollar down towards a trip.

Get Social in Your Travel Needs

Social media – With millions of people globally active on social media, you stand a good chance of talking to someone with great travel tips. As a result, you are able to gather some information, information that can help you shop for the best vacation package you need. Many travel companies are also active on social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.), so you can gather lots of good details just by being socially active. Various publications also use their social networks to cover how best to save money on trips, so use these opportunities to learn more when not reading written copies. Lastly, don’t forget social video sites (see more below), sites that can make you feel with a simple video or two like you’re already at your desired location.

Videos – When it comes to online videos, YouTube is a great place to start. Just do a simple Google search for vacation videos on YouTube and other such online channels. In doing so, you can watch the experiences of travelers on their vacations; experiences you hope to soon have yourself. Travel companies are also known to post videos, so do your best to check them out and see what you can learn from them as far as hotel stays, saving money on airfare, where to go for food and entertainment etc.

Word-of-mouth – Finally, turn to friends and outside family members to see how they’ve gone about getting the best vacation packages. In many cases, they likely saved money by doing their own planning on and offline. Who knows, they may even want to tag along on your next venture?

Getting away from it all is something most people yearn for, so take the time to properly plan your next getaway.

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December 7, 2016 by Chase Vandros

Top attractions to visit on a trip to London

London is filled with some of the most incredible attractions in the world. The city has to something to offer everyone no matter what their taste or interests. Whether you are a history buff or a culture vulture, whatever your area of interest you can be sure to find it all here. That is why London has repeatedly occupied the top spot of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom. It attracts record numbers of visitors to its charming shores every year, with close to 17 million visitors to the city annually.

To squeeze the most out of a trip to the city you should choose to stay at a hotel in the city centre. There are a number of Kensington hotel special offers at some of the best luxury hotels in the area, which could help to save on accommodation costs.

A good option would be the Park Grand London Kensington a luxury boutique hotel renowned for its elegance, fabulous facilities and affordable price. Another benefit of staying here is that you are just a short distance from key attractions in the city including…

Westminster Abbey is one the top attractions to visit on a trip to London

Westminster Abbey: If you are a first time visitor to the city Westminster Abbey is a must see. Westminster Abbey is situated on a spot that has been linked to Christianity from the seventh century. Its official name is the Collegiate Church of St Peter in Westminster and was founded in 1065 by Edward the Confessor. It is also the location where most of the sovereigns were interred beginning from Edward in 1066. It also has the distinction of playing host to the royal tradition of crowning the ruler, which has continued through centuries with Queen Elizabeth II also having been crowned here. It has also served as the venue for the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana and sadly also the location where the funeral of Lady Diana took place. It has been the pre-eminent church in England from 1066, when it began to be used as a place of worship.

London Zoo: It is one of the top zoos in the world. London zoo opened to the public in 1826 and at the time of its inception was one of its kind in the world. Since then it has played a pivotal role in rearing and breeding exotic species of animals like Asian lions and Giant Pandas. The zoo is home to a diverse collection of more than 8,000 species of mammals, fish, animals, insects, amphibians and reptiles. Other striking exhibits include a Penguin Pool, a piranha aquarium and a shark aquarium apart from the famous Moonlight World with reversed lighting for visitors to observe the behaviour of nocturnal species. Other interesting places to visit at the zoo include the Hyacinth Macaw Aviary, The Elephant House, The Invertebrate House, The Lion Terraces etc. Also while there make it a point to drop in at the Ambika Paul Children’s Zoo with its Pet Care Centre and Touch Paddock.

The British Museum: One of the most famous museums in the world the British Museum collection is spread over three acres of arts and artefacts. This is from all corners of the globe with collections as varied as Old Master Drawings, Egyptian, Japanese, European Decorative Arts, manuscripts, Greek, Islamic, Chinese and Indian among others. It is also home to some of the most famous exhibits like the Elgin Marbles, The Lindisfarne Gospels, Colossal horse from Halikarnassos, The Rosetta Stone, Bust of Ramesses the Great and the Parthenon sculptures among a host of other priceless antiquities. This cultural treasure is not to be missed.

The Courtauld Institute: To see one of the finest collections of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings a visit to the Courtauld Institute is highly recommended. It holds an astounding range of works of some of the world’s most prominent artists. A terrific place to spend an afternoon exploring at leisure! The Museum is located within Somerset House on the Strand that long with Ludgate Hill and Fleet Street connects Trafalgar Square to St Paul’s Cathedral. You could spend the entire day on a walking tour of this part of London.

The Victoria & Albert Museum: Another one of the finest museums of its kind the Victoria and Albert Museum was founded by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It is one of the largest museums of decorative arts with its collection comprising furniture, jewellery, sculpture, photography, stained glass, fashion and textiles, ceramics and loads more of exhibits to see. It also plays host to a number of temporary exhibitions all year long.

Big Ben and Parliament: The most iconic of London’s landmarks are Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Big Ben stands an impressive 97 metres in height and the tower houses a giant clock with its massive bell which is known as “Big Ben”. It tolls on the hour every hour and it is known the world over as being the time keeper for BBC radio. And below the massive tower stretching across the magnificent Thames River are the city’s famous Houses of Parliament. One upon a time the site where the Houses of Parliament now exist was home to the Royal Westminster Palace, home of William the Conqueror. There are guided tours of the Parliament Building and if you are lucky you might get an opportunity to the political machinery in action, including discussions and debates. Along with Parliament Square there are a host of other government buildings in the Whitehall area that has made the area synonymous with the UK government.

Piccadilly Circus & Trafalgar Square: These are known as the city’s two most well known tourist spots. Both of them lie nearby and are gateways to Soho, which is London’s vibrant entertainment and theatre district. Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square was created to commemorate Lord Nelson’s victory over the French & Spanish Armada in 1805 at Trafalgar. Other notable attractions in the area include the National Gallery, St. Martin’s-in-the-fields and Admiralty Arch. Piccadilly Circus is the focal point for a number of streets which are Regent, Piccadilly, Shaftesbury and Haymarket, spots where you will find the busiest traffic areas of the city. Also in the area is the city’s most well known sculpture, Eros that is balanced on a single foot.

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December 7, 2016 by Chase Vandros

Romantic things to do as a couple in London

While Paris may be considered by many to be the romance capital of the world, the fact is that London is not lagging behind. Testimony of this are the thousands of couples who visit the city every year either to get engaged, married or even to spend their honeymoon in the city. It is a fabulously vibrant city with a tinge of romance to be found in every corner of the city.

If you are planning to propose or even looking for a honeymoon destination London is the ideal city to visit. To make travelling around the city it is recommended to choose a hotel in the centre of the city like the Park Grand Paddington, which is ideally located.

Of course if you are looking for a hotel that offers easy access to and from the airport to the central London another great option would be Park Grand London Heathrow hotel that offer the best in luxury and facilities while being very reasonable in price.

The benefit of staying at a London Heathrow Hotel is its close proximity to the airport and the excellent transport links it offers to all parts of the city. If you visit the city with your wife or partner some of the romantic things to do together in London are…

There are many Romantic things to do as a couple in London

Best place to dine as a couple: If you are looking for a romantic restaurant to spend a pleasurable evening with your loved one then drop in at Andrew Edmunds at Soho. It is one of the finest places to dine in for couples with just the perfect ambience and setting, which makes it all the more romantic. It is set within an 18th century townhouse, and its candlelit surroundings and cosy atmosphere infuses a sense of la amour into the evening. With fine wine and an excellent menu it makes for a great way to spend a romantic evening with someone special. Alternatively If you’re on budget might be worth eating at some popular chains like Prezzoas they often accept vouchers which will help you save money.

Go to a secluded pub in the city: How about spending time together in a warm and cosy place away from prying eyes, engrossed in each other’s company? Just the right place to do this is the Fox & Anchor pub located in Clerkenwell. Its tiny wooden alcoves to be found at the back, give a sense of privacy and are ideal to enjoy a meal and each other’s company in a secluded corner. You could spend a wonderful time soaking in the atmosphere and revelling in each other’s company, while enjoying some cosy pub food.

Visit a ritzy bar in town: If you are staying in the Park Grand London Heathrow hotel you do not have to step out to enjoy a lovely evening together, to enjoy a fine selection of cocktails. Visit the bar at the hotel, and its chic ambience and efficient yet non-invasive hospitality will captivate you. It is a great place to enjoy a rendezvous together, lost in each other’s company while sampling some of the finest spirits and wines from the bar’s superb collection. If nothing else just order a bottle of bubbly, which will be accompanied with delectable appetisers, followed by a grand meal from its fantastic menu.

Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral: There is something so romantic about whispering sweet nothings to your partner and a fun place to do it is at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Its famous Whispering Gallery housed within its magnificent dome is something unique to experience as a couple. And whispering sweet nothings from one end of the gallery to your partner at the other end, across 100 feet is no mean feat. Just remember to keep the words romantic but not titillating, as this is a church you are in.

Enjoy a show at the West End: Perhaps there is nothing quite as romantic as watching a theatre production about a love story together as a couple. And the best place to do it is of course the theatre capital of the world, London’s famous West End. There are a host of romantic productions and you can check online for the performance you would like to see as a couple. Just remember to make your bookings in advance to avoid any disappointment at the last minute. Spend the evening watching the show and you can follow that up with a late night dinner at any of the trendy restaurants to be found in the area.

Visit Kensington’s Gardens’ Lovers’ Arch: While London has many fine palaces and royal gardens Kensington Palace Gardens is one of the best, if not the best one! It is a great place to visit and explore as a couple, with its stately apartments and fine collection of art and historical antiquities. While there do not miss visiting its famous lovers’ arch that is to be found near the flower beds close to the entrance. It is covered with vines which gives it a secluded and private air to it which makes it ideal for a romantic stroll and maybe steal a kiss or two.

Take in a romantic view of London: If you want to spend a romantic evening enjoying quality time together as a couple, London has a lot of romantic spots that offer great views of the city, like Primrose Hill and the summit of Greenwich Park etc. Watching the Sun set in the horizon together is a very romantic experience and the summit of Greenwich Park is the ideal location. It offers spectacular views of the city skyline and is set amidst striking Palladian architecture and lush green landscape. Watching the golden glow of the sunset from the top is a surreal experience and a great way to spend time together.

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December 7, 2016 by Chase Vandros

Interesting Facts about London’s Hyde Park

One of the greatest natural urban attractions in the UK, Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London and is one of the eight Royal Parks in the capital city. It covers 142 hectares and houses over 4000 trees, a large lake, a meadow and ornamental flower gardens

Hyde Park was created in 1536 by Henry VIII for hunting. Henry VIII confiscated Hyde Park from the monks of Westminster Abbey and closed it to the public so he could use it for this purpose.

In 1637, the park was reopened to the public by King Charles I. The current park layout was planned by the architect Decimus Burton in 1825. It is his design that created Apsley Gate, Hyde Park’s grand entrance.

Hyde Park is home to a number of famous landmarks including the Serpentine Lake, the Serpentine Bridge, Speakers’ Corner, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, the Joy of Life Fountain and the famous statue of Achilles. The centre of Hyde Park is a 17-minute walk from the Shaftesbury Hyde Park International London hotel. Making this walk provides a great opportunity to see these landmarks and the many other sights Hyde park has to offer. The Shaftesbury Hyde Park International also has special London hotels offers available to make a stay in London more economical.

There are many Interesting Facts about London’s Hyde Park

The Serpentine is a 16-hectare recreational lake that curves through Hyde Park. The lake was created in 1730 at the behest of Queen Caroline. The Serpentine is one of the most visited places in Hyde Park during the summer and offers plenty of swimming and boating opportunities. The lake is divided into the Serpentine (east) and the Long Water (west) by the Serpentine Bridge. The bridge was built in the 1820s to carry the West Carriage Drive along the boundary between Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

Protests and demonstrations have taken place in Hyde Park since the mid-1800s. in 1872, police had to break up a violent demonstration and this is when Speakers’ Corner was created. Speakers’ Corner gave the public a chance to express their views. To this day, every Sunday, speakers’ are often found in Speakers’ Corner standing on a makeshift soapbox. As long as they don’t use obscenity, blasphemy or encourage violence, speakers can continue as long as they need to. Often, the public will challenge speeches, turning them into a debate.

Near Speakers’ Corner, in the North-East of Hyde Park, stands the Marble Arch. It was originally built in 1827 to serve as an entrance to Buckingham Palace but was moved to its current location in 1851. Marble Arch was designed by John Nash and was based upon the design of the Arch of Constantine in Rome. If you look closely you will see a small office located within Marble Arch, this was once used as a Police station.

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain was built with the best materials, talent and technology. It contains 242 pieces of Cornish granite – each shaped by the latest computer-controlled machinery and pieced together using traditional skills. The Fountain was designed to be a tribute to her life and love of children.

The 18-foot-high statue of Achilles, the Greek hero of the Trojan War, commemorates the soldier and politician. 1^st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852). The statue was installed by order of King George III and unveiled on the 18^th June 1872.

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December 7, 2016 by Chase Vandros

How to feel like you aren’t in London

London is a fascinating city to explore with a heady mix of ancient history and modern-day living often standing side by side. It is a bustling and busy environment with more than 8 million people calling it their home and millions more visiting every year. And whilst it may be enjoyable to spend some time wandering around the historical landmarks and gazing up at the iconic skyscrapers and architecture, sometimes it is also nice to take a break from all of that and, believe it or not, there are several places you can head in London which feel like they are miles and miles away from the capital city.

Does this sound like the kind of place you would like to add to your itinerary? Then read on for our favourite places to escape from it all in London:

Want to know how to feel like you aren’t in London? Head to a park in an outlying area...

Lavender Garden, Vauxhall Park

Vauxhall Park is a medium sized Victorian park which has a rich history in the area. It offers facilities such as a children’s playground, a model village, flower beds and sporting facilities which can be used and enjoyed all year round but one particular draw during the summer months has to be the lavender garden. It is truly a hidden gem of the park, tucked away behind the model village and rose pergola but awash with the purple flowers during the warmer months of the year. There are benches dotted around the lavender garden, which is square in shape, inviting you to just sit and soak up the ambience and smell of these beautiful flowers.

St George’s Gardens

For anyone who doesn’t mind a touch of the gothic, you are practically guaranteed to be undisturbed if you choose to explore St George’s Gardens. Less than 2 miles from The Piccadilly Hotel London the gardens were originally the place of burial for two local churches and after being abandoned, the gardens were rescued during 1997 when they were one of several gardens to receive lottery funding under the Urban Parks Programme. The newly restored gardens opened in 2001 and are maintained by the council. They are used by local people looking for a tranquil space to escape and visitors alike and its location truly makes you feel as though you are stepping into another world. Look out for the winding paths, gothic tombs and statues which can be found dotted all over the Gardens.

Camley Street Natural Park

Another park which is just a short distance from the hotels near Piccadilly Circus is the Camley Street Natural Park. This is a unique urban nature reserve which sits in the shadow of King’s Cross station and yet could be a million miles away from the bustling city centre. The reserve was created from wasteland and is now home to a wonderful array of wildlife from birds to amphibians. The park offers lots of ways for families to get involved with nature but it’s also a pretty great place for an adult to head if they want to escape from it all for an hour or two.

Crystal Palace Park

Most people know about Crystal Palace Park because it is home to some interesting dinosaur models but there is more to the park than simply these giant Victorian installations. There are Italian terraces, a children’s play area, a maze, a children’s farm, and the ruins of the old palace which once stood here to admire as well. Although the park is set a little ways from Central London it’s perfect if you want to head to a large open space and find yourself a little corner to get lost in for a while. It’s worth checking out the dinosaurs whilst you are there too, they really are quite something.

Horniman Museum Gardens

The Horniman Museum is a wonder in and of itself with many a quirky artefact and free entry for the public. However if it is a slice of solace that you seek then head to the gardens. These 16 acres consist of formal gardens, a wildlife garden, a meadow field and lots of interesting structures. They also offer some pretty stunning views across London and the South Downs and are the perfect place to go if you want to enjoy some peace and tranquillity as part of your time in London. Make sure you factor in time to explore the highlights of the museum at the same time; there is all kinds of interesting and intriguing things to be discovered from a mummified crocodile to a sand painting from America.

Valentines Park

If you don’t mind travelling a little further afield then Valentines Park is a gem just waiting to be uncovered. It is an award-winning space (voted 6^th best park in the UK in 2015) and has a large boating lake, an aviary, a café, sporting facilities and plenty of open space to wander around and enjoy. There is also Valentines Mansion nearby which offers insight into 300 years of history; there are period furnished rooms, a Victorian kitchen and Georgian rooms, all surrounded by stunning parkland. A real treasure to be sure.

St Dunstan in the East

For a real glimpse of history in a central location you can’t go wrong with the gardens at St Dunstan in the East. Just a short distance from the Tower of London, these ruins were once a parish church before they were damaged in the Blitz of the Second World War and a public garden was created in the ruins. The walls which remain standing are now covered in creeping vines and there is a lovely circular paved area with benches where you can sit to soak up the atmosphere. Despite its very central location, the gardens feel as though they are a million miles away from the urban heart of the city and it makes a fantastic option if you crave tranquillity but don’t want to travel too far.