Top 10 Tips For Getting Cheap Cairns Accommodations

Submitted By: Ryan Pauline
Looking for cheap Cairns accommodations lets you stretch your holiday budget so that you can have more money to spend on doing the things that you’ll enjoy. Here are the top ten tips on how to find affordable accommodations when you go to Cairns.
Visit Cairns during the off season. The peak tourist season for Cairns as well as other destinations in Australia’s north such as Brisbane and Darwin is June to August and you’ll probably be able to find cheaper room rates if you travel outside of these dates.
Book your accommodations online. There are aggregator sites that allow you to choose a place to stay based on your price range and the dates when you’ll be in the country. You can even do comparison shopping to find the best deal.
Book well ahead of time to get the best rates, particularly during the off-season. Many hotels and hostels offer discounts on their room rates to those who book several weeks or months in advance.
Hostels are the most affordable accommodations available in Cairns, offering tourists a wide range of options ranging from the cheapest dorms to single and double rooms at budget prices. And if you stay there in the off-season, you may find that you have to share the dorm with only one or two other people.
Keep an eye out for discounted rates offered by hotels and other accommodations during the off-season. These may be surprisingly affordable and competitive with hostel rates while providing you with a higher level of comfort.
Consider unconventional cheap Cairns accommodations ideas such as couchsurfing and renting spare rooms. To make money, many people in and around Cairns rent out their couches and even their spare rooms to tourists at prices that are more affordable than regular hostel or dorm accommodations.
If you have friends living in Cairns or friends of friends, you might be able to find temporary accommodations with them. Of course, you should bring a gift to express your gratitude to your host, as well as buying some food items that can be shared.
If you’re willing to do some work during your vacation, you might be able to find temporary positions with establishments in Cairns in exchange for food and a free place to stay. While you might not have the freedom to set your own schedule, you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy Cairns’ many attractions.
House sitting is another option for finding affordable accommodations in Cairns. Of course, you’ll have to do some work such as keeping the house tidy or looking after pets, but you’ll have a free place to stay. Alternately, you can house swap with a Cairns resident by joining a home exchange program; however, you’ll have to adjust your holiday times to accommodate those of the other party.
Short-term apartment rentals in Cairns or nearby cities may be a viable cheap Cairns accommodation option for families or groups taking holidays of a week or two. Listings for these can usually be found on online classified ad sites.

Published At: Isnare.com

Top 10 Tips to Buy Cheap Cairns Flights

Submitted By: Ryan Pauline
Finding cheap Cairns flights can save you a lot of money and leave more money in your vacation budget to spend on enjoying the attractions. Here are the top 10 tips on how to find affordable flights to Cairns.
Try to be as flexible as possible when choosing flight times. Generally, you can get a more affordable fare if you fly on mid-week days rather on weekends or peak weekdays such as Fridays and Mondays.
Book as early as possible, particularly if you’re planning to visit Cairns during the peak tourist months of June to August. You can get the best deals if you book as much as three to six months in advance of your departure date.
If you’re trying to find a flight at the last minute, call the airlines directly. There may be a few empty seats due to last-minute cancellations that the airlines are trying to fill on particular flights, which they are willing to sell at a cheaper price. If the airline has a regular online newsletter that you can subscribe to, you might want to consider signing up as these usually give advance notice of upcoming deals and promotional fares.
If your vacation time is limited and there are strict limitations as to your departure and return dates, you might get a better deal by working with a knowledgeable travel agent rather than trying to book a cheap Cairns flight online on your own.
You might be able to get a better overall deal if you book a package that includes airfare, accommodations as well as tickets to the attractions that you want to see or experience. These packages will also save you a lot of hassle as everything you need is already provided, including domestic flights within the country.
Book flights on international discount airlines. While these flights may not have the frills that you can enjoy from the regular airlines, they do offer fares at substantial discounts. You can look for fares from these discount airlines from aggregator sites.
If you have a credit card that offers frequent flier miles as an incentive, you can apply these to your flight. However, you may have to book early to redeem your miles, as airlines only hold a certain number of eligible seats on each flight.
Comparison shop using aggregator sites to find the cheapest fares. This is a particularly good option if you can be flexible on your departure date since fares may suddenly drop at certain times of year.
Look out for deals, particularly if you are flying as a group or a family. Many airlines offer promotions for families or groups, such as letting children below a certain age fly at a discounted fare or giving discounts for large groups. And there may also be discounts for senior citizens.
If you can spare the additional travel time, you can get cheap Cairns flights by playing around with different arrival and departure ports, even if it might take you longer to get to Cairns or travel back to your departure point.

Published At: Isnare.com

A Guide to Car Hire in Asturias

Submitted By: Michael J Lee
1. Where is ASTURIAS?
Asturias is an autonomous community in Spain that is located on the north coast of the country, edged by the Cantabrian Sea. Oviedo is the region’s capital, as well as its largest city and main seaport. Asturias’ International Airport is 40km from the city and there are a number of carriers who fly to the airport, including Easyjet, Air France, Iberia and Spanair.
Asturias is easily reachable by train as Spain's national RENFE rail network also serves the province. A number of cruise ships stop at El Musel (the Port of Gijon) as they make their way up the Atlantic European Coast.
2. Car Hire companies in ASTURIAS
There are plenty of car rental companies serving tourists who want to explore Asturias and the surrounding regions. Recognisable names like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Budget, Sixt, Thrifty, and Eurocar all operate in the region and offer some pretty competitive prices and discounts.
There is plenty of information available on line for anyone looking for car rental companies in Asturias as the route here is well trodden. If you are not booking in advance then the airport at Oviedo is probably the best place to arrange car hire as most companies have an outlet there so you will have the best choice of hire companies, makes and models.
3. How to find the best Car Hire in ASTURIAS?
As with most travel situations, if you are wondering how to find the best car rental in Asturias then it is a good idea to do some research before you go. There is a lot of information available online, either through price comparison websites like Travel Supermarket, or by visiting the websites of individual car rental companies servicing the region.
You can also obtain contact details for each company and call them up to have your questions directly answered. And if you want to know what other tourists and travellers thought of car rental companies in Asturias, there are a number of review websites where you can read about other people’s experiences.
4. Long term Car Hire in ASTURIAS
If you are planning a long trip to the region, or moving there for a short period of time, then you might want to consider long term car rental in Asturias. Most car rental companies in the region will offer long term car hiring and if you are looking for anything longer than a week then you can find some great discounts (sometimes up to half the daily price).
There are a lot of advantages to long-term car hire, as opposed to relying on local public transport and private cars. It can be much cheaper to hire a car, particularly when compared to the cost of taking taxis, and you will also have the freedom to go where you want, whenever you want to go.
5. One way Car Hire in ASTURIAS
Car rental companies are used to their cars being picked up in one location and dropped off in another, so you will find plenty of opportunities to arrange one-way car hire in Asturias. If you are arriving at Oviedo airport then you can pick up your hire car from there the day you arrive and there are drop off points throughout the region.
Some typical one way journeys in Asturias include Oviedo to the Parque Natural de Redes, which is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, and the capital city to any of the province’s other principle hubs, including Avilés and Gijón.
6. Estate Car Hire in ASTURIAS
Hiring an estate car in Asturias is perfect for families. If you are one of those people who does not relish the prospect of trying to handle a 4 x 4 on unfamiliar, foreign roads, but you need a little more space in the car then estate car hire is a great option.
Hiring an estate car will provide that bit of extra room in the boot for suitcases and bags, as well as giving the people inside the car a bit more room to move. Estate car rental in Asturias is easily arranged and most of the main companies will offer this as an option.
7. Sports Car Hire in ASTURIAS
Asturias is a great place to drive around and there is plenty to see and do in the region. If you don’t have to make room in the car for children and you are able to travel light, then sports car hire in Asturias is a great way to really get the most out of your holiday driving experience.
Companies like Hertz and Europcar offer some excellent deals on sporty little numbers and hiring a luxury car for a week is obviously far less expensive than buying and maintaining one back home. As holidays are the time to really enjoy yourself why not treat yourself to a motor upgrade!
8. Convertible Car Hire in ASTURIAS
Because of its position in northern Spain, Asturias benefits from some beautiful weather, particularly in the summer months. So, whilst a convertible car might not be that great an option in some other countries, convertible car hire in Asturias can really make a holiday.
If you have never been able to justify buying a convertible (particularly if you live in a country with large amounts of rainfall like the UK!) then hiring one for a week and heading out into the summer Spanish sun can be a really memorable experience – one that you definitely wont forget! Plenty of car rental companies in Asturias offer convertible car hire and there are some great deals to be had.
9. Mini bus hire in ASTURIAS
For groups or parties with more than four adults, hiring a regular car to drive any kind of distance can be a rather uncomfortable experience for everyone involved. If you need that little bit of extra space, or your party is likely to have a lot of luggage, then it is a good idea to consider mini bus hire in Asturias.
There are plenty of car rental companies offering mini bus hire in Asturias and most offer some great deals. It is a good idea to do your research before leaving your home country when it comes to mini bus hire as it is not as easy to turn up and hire this kind of vehicle on the day. Book in advance to make sure you get the vehicle you want, when you want it.
10. Economy Car Hire in ASTURIAS
Car hire in Asturias is well established and most companies operating in the region will offer a wide range of vehicles, including plenty of economy options. Although this might not sound particularly exciting, economy car hire in Asturias does not mean you will be driving a rust bucket with two gears, as economy cars now come in all shapes and sizes.
The best bargains on economy car hire in Asturias are undoubtedly to be found online and it is worth shopping around to make sure you get the best deal on the daily rate. Use price comparison websites to look for the cheapest options and then check out the model you are considering on a car review website.

Published At: Isnare.com

Children Love Cape Town

Submitted By: Rachel Hill

Any parent who has travelled with children knows that keeping them entertained and happy can be a challenge, regardless of their ages. Kids are just not always interested in the same things as Mum and Dad, and even when they are, their attention spans can be maddeningly short. Fortunately, visitors to Cape Town have found that it is an excellent vacation destination for young families. It has beautiful weather and plenty of sights and activities for young people ranging from toddlers to teens. Many attractions admit children free of charge or at reduced rates.
Lots of Oohs and Ahhs
One of the best attractions for children in Cape Town is the MTN Science Centre in the Canal Walk Mall. Here they can see interactive exhibits that make science both accessible and fun. The gift shop has great experiment kits the children can take home. Ratanga Junction at Century City is a popular and safe theme park with rides for everyone. Kids love Monkey Falls, Crocodile Gorge, and the Cobra. Your entry fee allows you unlimited rides. This park is open seasonally, and no food from the outside is allowed on the grounds. Scratch Patch and Mineral World in Simon’s Town gives visitors a look into the world of gemstones and you can see one of the world’s largest gemstone tumbling plants in operation. Kids over the age of three can fill a bag with rejected polished stones that cover the floor. The South African Museum and Planetarium on Queen Victoria Street is a big hit with kids from ages 5 to 12. Most popular are the four-storey whale well, the African animal dioramas, and the dinosaur exhibits. And what youngster wouldn’t be thrilled with the Discovery Room, where there are crocodile displays, and plenty of creepy things like ants and giant spiders. On weekends and school holidays there are special children’s shows in the planetarium. Another of Cape Town’s truly remarkable museums is the Two Oceans Aquarium. Kids can see all kinds of weird and wonderful sea creatures here. In the Touch Pool they can even handle things like sea urchins and baby sharks. The Alpha Activity Centre has puppet shows and face paining. Older kids can use computer terminals to learn about marine ecology.
Gone Swimming
Cape Town has some of the best beaches in the world, and they are easily accessible. Boulders Beach has safe, flat water that is ideal for children. The resident penguin colony is an extra attraction. Fish Hoek is one of the best beaches on the Peninsula and has warm, gentle waves in summer, a long stretch of sand, and a playground. St. James Beach has a small, sandy beach and a safe tidal pool with some photogenic bathing boxes. Danger Beach is great for sunbathing and building sandcastles but, as the name suggests, it is not ideal for swimming, as it has a dangerous undertow. Camps Bay, with its tidal pool and small rock pools is very child friendly. For child-friendly swimming pools, go to the Newlands Pool or the Sea Point Pool, both of which have play areas for children.
Love Those Animals
Any attraction that has animals is a hit with children. They can see seals at the Waterfront, and thousands of birds and monkeys at World of Birds. At Imhoff Farm kids can ride donkeys and camels. The kids can usually see baboons at Cape Point and other locations around Cape Town and they will never be bored here.

Published At: Isnare.com

5 Awesome Auckland Attractions

Submitted By: Tony Maniscalco

When planning your New Zealand walking holiday you shouldn’t discredit a trip to the bustling city of Auckland. Sure, New Zealand may have plenty of volcanoes, national parks and forests more suited to hiking, but the Auckland is a perfect microcosm of the country as a whole. Where else in the world can you walk volcanic islands, dine in a tree-house and catch a game of rugby, all in the same day?
Rangitoto Island
Located just a 20-minute boat trip from Auckland, Rangitoto Island is one of the most scenic spots in the country. The island actually consists of a dormant volcano that last erupted 600 years ago. It was bought by The Crown in 1854 for £15 and since then has been used as a base for harbour defence, fire control and a radar station. Nowadays the island is the domain of picnickers and hikers who arrive by the boat load for the New Zealand walking opportunities.
There are designated New Zealand walking trails on the island, each taking in a plethora of natural sights from the caves to Mackenzie Bay. Rangitoto Island has over 250 different species of native trees and several ornate species of orchid.
Rugby
You simply can’t visit New Zealand without catching a game of rugby and as Auckland is home to the famous “All Blacks” it’s probably the best place in New Zealand to see a game. If you’re not that heavily into rugby and don’t want to fork out over the odds on a top price ticket to an “All Blacks” game, you can catch the Blues instead at Eden Park.
Wine Tours
The New World is slowly overtaking Europe in terms of wine production. If you can tell your Merlot from your Malbec then you’ll pleased to hear that only in New Zealand, walking around vineyards is possible, so close to a built-up area. Oenophiles are spoilt for choice when it comes to taking tasting tours around the city. From the old favourite West Coast to the newcomer Matakana, there are several places around Auckland where you can sample the produce and simply forget that you’re just minutes away the city.
Dine in a Treehouse
Eating your evening meal amid the branches of a giant redwood tree has to be one of the world’s most unique dining experiences. The huge pod shaped structure was designed by a group of Pacific Environments Architects and access is provided by a giant, elevated, walkway. The tree house can only seat 30 guests at a time so booking ahead is imperative. Redwoods Treehouse is located just outside Auckland in a town called Warkworth. This town is located on the banks of the Mahurangi River and is extremely scenic, it was founded by John Anderson Brown who lived in Warkworth, Northumberland and when walking New Zealand’s Warkworth, guests will spot several similarities with the English village.
The Sky Tower
The Sky Tower is Auckland’s most iconic monument and no New Zealand walking holiday would be complete without a trip to the observation deck at the top of the building. At 328 metres high, the building is the tallest in New Zealand and offers views out at over 80 kilometres in every direction. The more adventurous amongst you will want to attempt the Sky Jump and Sky Walk from the top of the monument; guaranteed to give you quite a rush!

Published At: Isnare.com

Cape Town – the City Bowl

Submitted By: Rachel Hill

Cape Town’s Central Business District is better known as the City Bowl. It lies at the foot of Table Mountain and is bounded by Lion’s Head to the west, and Devil’s Peak to the east. The city centre is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by Table Bay Harbour and the V&A Waterfront. The City Bowl is a culturally varied and sophisticated district with superb restaurants, open air markets, historic buildings, and a vibrant night life in the bars and clubs of Loop and Long streets.
The City Bowl: Street by Street
This central part of Cape Town is quite compact and therefore custom-made for walking tours. St. George’s Mall is a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare with plenty of snack bars and coffee shops. Here you can be entertained by street musicians and dancers and also see displays of local art. St. George’s Cathedral, of Victorian Gothic design, is of historical significance in the struggle against apartheid; and Greenmarket Square is famous for its market, which dates back to 1806. Among other historical buildings surrounding this cobblestone square is the Old Townhouse. Long Street is a well preserved historic street lined with elegant Victorian buildings. Trafalgar Place, off Adderly Street, is famous for its flower sellers while Church Street is the place to go if you’re looking for authentic antiques at competitive prices. Government Avenue is an oak-lined pedestrian boulevard that is one of the most serene walks in Cape Town. Towering 32 storeys over the City Bowl is the Southern Sun Cape Sun Hotel on Strand Street. Its bronzed-glass façade has become a landmark and the views from the top are fantastic.
Grand Parade and City Hall
This is one of the most historically important locations in Cape Town. It was here that Jan Van Riebeek built the first Dutch fort in 1652. For a long time it was a military parade and exercise ground; it then became a popular market area, and remains so today. The Cape Town City Hall that now dominated the Grand Parade was completed in 1905. It is an elaborate Italian Renaissance building, with elegant facades showing on four different streets. The 39-bell carillon tower was added in 1923. The Cape Town Philharmonic holds lunchtime and evening concerts here and it’s well worth attending, if you can get a ticket.
Nice Statue, But Who Is It?
Every community likes to honour significant people with statues, and Cape Town is no exception. As you tour the City Bowl, you’ll see quite a few monuments to people who played their parts in South African history. In Nobel Square you ought to be able to recognize the statues of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Full marks to you if you also recognize the likenesses of two other South African Nobel Prize recipients; Nkosi Albert Luthuli and F.W. de Klerk. But who are the other figures scattered around the City Bowl? Military hero Louis Botha is at Roeland and Parliament streets; Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias stands heroically at the roundabout at the Foreshore end of Heerengracht; Jan Hendrick, author of the South African Constitution, overlooks Church Square; and political leader Cecil Rhodes stands tall in the Company Gardens. Immortalized outside the Cape Town Train Station on Heerengracht are Jan Van Riebeek and his wife Marie de la Queillerie. There are two statues, at opposite ends of Government Avenue, of Jan Smuts, the controversial general and prime minister. A relatively short walk separates these two sculptures, but as with any other two points in the City Bowl, there is a lot to be seen in between.

Published At: Isnare.com

Florence, Italy - A One Day Itinerary For a Once in a Lifetime Experience

Submitted By: Elin Brecht
Florence is known all over the world for its artistic and cultural treasures. Many international travellers spend just a day in the “Cradle of the Renaissance”, so we have to optimize this short time and make the most of your visit.
Morning
Uffizi’s Gallery – This outstanding Art Gallery, commissioned by Francesco I de’ Medici, with its 4 centuries of history, is the world’s most ancient art gallery, so let’s start the day on the right foot. The Gallery hosts artworks by some of the most influential masters of the Renaissance: Giotto, Piero della Francesca, Beato Angelico, Botticelli (The Primavera and the Birth of Venus), Leonardo da Vinci (The Announcement), Raffaello, Michelangelo and Caravaggio. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most visited museum in Florence, so remember to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
Afternoon
Santa Maria del Fiorence Cathedral – The Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, is Florence’s Cathedral; the world’s third biggest church (after St Peter’s in Rome and St Paul’s in London) together with the Bell Tower and the Baptistery represent the distinctive symbols of Florence since the Medieval age. Brunelleschi’s Dome which overrules the cathedral is the world’s biggest brick built dome and the distinctive element of the Florentine’s skyline.
Giotto’s Bell Tower – 84.70 meters high and circa 15 meters wide, covered by polychrome marbles, white, red and green, Giotto’s Bell Tower is the perfect example of Florence’s gothic architecture. From the top of the Bell Tower, accessible by an internal staircase, can be admired a breathtaking view of the city.
San Giovanni Baptistery – Situated opposite to the Cathedral, St John’s Baptistery is of octagonal shape and has for centuries been the place where Florentines were baptised. The building is renowned for its magnificent engraved bronze doors. Ghiberti’s doors, of an ethereal beauty, were described by Michelangelo as “Heaven’s Gates”.
Ponte Vecchio (The Old Bridge) – One of Florence most popular treasures and the only bridge saved by the Nazi’s bombing thanks to its beauty. The Old Bridge, built in 1345, initially hosted small butcher’s shops which were replaced in 1593, by order of the grand duke Ferdinando I, by artisan jewellers which still hand down Florentine goldsmiths’ art. An old local legend tells that if you chain a padlock to Ponte Vecchio, and then you throw the key in the Arno river, your love will be eternal…and maybe you will also get a fine from Florence’s policemen…
Pitti Palace – The ancient residence of the grand dukes of Tuscany and – from 1865 to 1871, when Florence was the Capital – of the Kings of Italy, Pitti’s Palace holds the splendid royal apartments and the Galleria Palatina’s paintings and sculpture collection. The complex of Pitti’s Palace includes the Galleria of Modern Art, the Costume’s Gallery, the Museum of Silverware, the Porcelain Museum and the Boboli’s Garden.
Your day in Florence is over. If you have some more time to visit Tuscany, don’t miss the medieval villages of Siena and San Gimignano.

Published At: Isnare.com