Author: Ottawa Valley Travel

Holidays on Budget
Holidays, Travel

10 Tips to Holidays on a Budget

If you were thinking the cost of an overseas holiday would be too much, there are many ways in which you can save.  The biggest cost factors on holiday travel are for the travel fares, the accommodation and the food. If these three biggies can be reduced in some way, your holiday suddenly becomes much more affordable. And this applies to holidays in Australia, not just overseas.

Here are 10 tips to help reduce the cost of holidays.

  • If flying, watch for specials run by the airline of your choice. Be flexible so you can get packed and go at short notice when the specials come on.
  • With cruise ships, booking way ahead will often get you a great special in price. But it is also possible to get last minute deals because they want to sail with a full ship if possible and if all the cabins are not booked by a week before sailing they’ll offer them at a good rate.
  • If going by car, the way you drive can save a great deal in the cost of fuel. Braking and accelerating smoothly save fuel; jamming your foot down on the brake or accelerator waste it.
  • Watch what you buy when overseas because you’ll have to pay excess for luggage that is over the weight limit. So pack light and take an extra suitcase if you intend to get a lot of stuff, then you won’t have to buy luggage to carry all those things you bought. Luggage is quite expensive in other countries.

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June 20, 2017
Holidays, Travel

Holiday Adventures that Kids Will Love

If you want to delight the kids with an overseas holiday, Bali has many unique adventures suitable for kids and adults alike. Participating in these fun outings with them will guarantee to ensure a fun time for all with no chance of being bored – and you won’t need to hire a babysitter. Settle into your villa and start to enjoy.

Here are some of the great places in Bali that kids will love.

  • Walk through the treetops at Tabanan. It’s great to view the forest from the top instead of the bottom. At Tabanan you’ll find high walkways through the treetops. In fact, it’s made more fun by including obstacles of varying hardship degrees. In every case, safety is assured with a safety wire attached to your harness. Start from 2 metres high and go up to 20 – if you’re game. It’s called Bali Treetop Adventure and is located at the Bali Botanical Gardens.

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April 1, 2017
overseas-holiday
Holidays, Travel

Travel Tips to Save Money

Whether you are going to your favourite holiday island such as Bali or another tourist destination there are certain things you can do to save money, if you just know about them. Most people are on some kind of a budget, so finding ways to save is something they look forward to. If you save money you might even be able to add a day or two to your holiday.

Here are some ways to save on the cost of an overseas holiday

  • Book weekend accommodation in the business district of a city. This can save money because during the week these places are full, but at the weekend – including Friday nights – when business is not carried out they are essentially empty, so offer cheaper rates to attract people.
  • According to some travel experts, Tuesday is the time to look for budget airfares. This is because often one airline will offer a good deal on Monday and by Tuesday, many other airlines bring their prices down to match it.
  • The weekend is the most popular time for travellers so is likely to be the most expensive for flights.
  • Eat at a local restaurant where the menu is not in English. Asking for recommendations from the hotel staff will only get you to an expensive place because fancy restaurants pay them for recommendations.
  • You can often save money on hotel accommodation by phoning the place directly rather than using an 800 line, which is often a clearing house that reserves at a higher rate.
  • In Europe, October through to April is the off-season when you’ll get cheaper deals.

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March 7, 2017
Riding-Scooter-on-Holidays
Holidays, Travel

Do’s and Don’ts for Riding a Scooter on Holidays

Once they’ve settled into their luxury villas, many holidaymakers choose to rent a scooter to get around because there is no public transport. They don’t realise the driving rules and conditions are completely different from most other places such countries as India, China, Japan and even Indonesia. It may seem easy to ride a motor scooter too, but if you’ve never done it, Bali is not the best place to learn.

Here are some do’s and don’ts for riding a scooter in Bali.

Do’s

  • Always wear a helmet; make sure it fits properly and has a visor.
  • Before choosing a scooter – and paying for it – make sure the brakes, lights and horn all work. Yes, you’ll need the horn, it’s an integral part of driving in Bali.
  • If you are not sure where to turn or how to pass another vehicle, watch what the locals do and follow them.

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February 12, 2017
scuba diving
Adventure, Holidays

The Top 7 Scuba Diving Sites In The Globe

If you are planning an overseas holiday this year, Scuba diving gives people who dare venture into the water an opportunity to explore the deep oceans and discover things that have never come to human attention.  A dive down to the ocean floor will make you appreciate the magnificence of nature as you see, touch, and even have a chat with big sea animals such as whales.

Well, you only need to have some courage and a guide to venture into the ocean depths and, your life will change forever. Here are top 7 scuba diving sites you should consider in 2017.

  • The Barracuda point in Malaysia

The Barracuda point is a great site for people who love deep sea diving. It has a wall of coral reef where sharks frequent and barracuda surround you. It is the point you are guaranteed of enjoying great stuff. Often, strong currents from the other side of the Sipadan Island bring White Tips, Jacks, Bumphead Parrotfish, and turtles.

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December 10, 2016
Different-Holiday
Holidays, Travel

Enjoying Something Different on Holidays

There are many things to do and see on holiday and all of it is interesting, especially after you’ve recovered from your jet lag in that nice, luxury villa or hotel room you rented. If you wanted to do something exotic after you’ve checked out all the best spots to surf in Bali and want something a little less touristy than visit temples and see monkeys, consider booking into an educational workshop. There are many of these in Bali ready to educate you on how to do any number of amazing things.

  • If you love the traditional Bali food, you can experience this kind of cuisine at home if you learn to cook it yourself. You can actually attend any of several cooking classes in Bali that teach you how to cook some of the most popular Balinese dishes. It might be the best thing you ever did. There are many different cooking classes so choose the kind of food you love best – if you can.
  • Love jewellery and crafts? Try a silversmith class at Ubud. Class costs include 10gm of silver and instruction of how to make it into a piece of jewellery.
  • Visit an organic farm and learn about farm cooking. The visit is as much fun as learning how to do it.

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November 18, 2016
Camping Getaway
Adventure, Holidays

10 Most Important Essentials When Traveling On A Camping Getaway

Camping is a great way to enjoy a holiday with a difference. Unlike traveling to a hotel where everything is entirely new, a camp is like a home because everything is carried in a recreational vehicle. However, you must be prepared with all items from cooking requirements to power supply among others. For your camping getaway, it is important to ensure you have the following 10 essentials.

  • Personal shopping

While most top hotels provide everything from bathing towels to toilet supplies, it is completely different in a campground. You must be prepared with personal shopping and everything that will be required. Take time to plan for the meals you will require, gas cookers, clothing and food supplies.

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July 22, 2016
skiing-like-a-pro
Adventure, Holidays

Ten Tricks That Will Help You Ski Like A Pro In The Mountains

A slide from the top of a frozen mountain to the foot is magical. It creates a unique connection to the mountain having conquered it with sledges and skiing poles. While you might have seen other people ski down the Rockies or Alps at top speed and wondered how they manage it; you can also ski down like a pro. Here are top tips that will help you ski like a pro on the mountain of choice.

  • Get the right ski: Getting the right ski’s is the bottom line to skiing like a pro. Though some people tend to think that the right ski is the one other successful skiers use, it is a misconception. You should look for the ski’s that fit well on your feet and are capable of balancing yourself when flying down the frozen mountain.
  • Take time to learn all the skills: Just like surfing, skiing requires a lot of learning. You need to appreciate the concept and try it on the trails. Lucky enough, most skiing destinations are full of experienced trainers who will help you with balancing and navigating through the trails.

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November 22, 2015
Enjoyable Watersports
Adventure, Holidays

Five Most Enjoyable Watersports To Try This Holiday

Planning for a holiday? Ensure to make it more enjoyable by including several water sports. In the last couple of decades, the holiday has shifted from simply relaxing in the hotel room to exploring nature and learning new skills. In this post, we bring you the best water sports to get involved in this holiday.

  • Surfing

Surfing is a unique water sport considered as a way of life for many communities in the world. The sport was first practiced in Hawaii when its inhabitants learnt that they can float on the board and ride on waves. Over time the sport has become sensational and an irresistible activity for people on holiday. Well, try it once, and it will become part of you in a special way.

To enjoy this sport, you need to select a great destination such as the Hawaii Islands, the Miami beaches, or Caribbean countries among others. Then, get down to basics of balancing on the board. It is advisable to get some coaching on selecting the right board, paddling, and balancing as you surf in the direction of the wave. Then, lifting your body and planting the legs on the surfboard, get control of the weight and surf away. With a few trials, you will develop the skills and surf off like a pro.

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July 15, 2015
Take a Holiday
Holidays

Reasons to Take a Holiday

You may think people go on holiday just for fun, but when you look into it you can see there are more reasons than that. Only the most flexible business people such as the so-called ‘digital nomad’ choose a holiday destination by sticking a pin in the map. They maybe able to work anywhere such as an SEO expert, web designer or copywriter. Finding out just why you want to take a holiday will help you to choose the right destination and have the kind of holiday that you really want.

Here are some reasons you may want to go on holiday

  • If you are physically and mentally tired out, going on holiday is a good way to recover. But you’ll need to choose a destination that allows you to rest and relax in the way you love. Maybe you’d like to be pampered at a spa, or perhaps learning yoga is more your thing. Many people like to lie on the soft sand of a beach and listen to the sound of the waves.

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July 11, 2015
Visit Miami
Travel

Places To Visit In Miami This Spring

From having perfect weather the entire year and miles of sandy beaches, the reasons for visiting Miami are endless. In the lovely sandy beaches, visitors enjoy sipping their wine or mojitos to make the stay unforgettable. But there is more to Miami than relaxing on the lovely sandy beaches.

A trip to the Everglades will provide you with a perfect opportunity to meet or even feed the great American alligator. It will be a moment to remember for the rest of your life. Here are more places that you should visit when traveling to Miami.

The Everglades Safari Park

Whether using an airboat or a buggy, you can whip through the Everglades to get the best shot of the alligators in their natural environment. Make sure to wade from a safe distance. You can experience the fierce alligator fights as they try to control various territories or even pet the babies. The park is also full of other wildlife, and it will be an invaluable place to visit.

The Zoo Miami and Jungle Island

The design of the Zoo Miami and Jungle Island was meant to give Miami residents and visitors a taste of the wilderness. The management ensures there are as many animals from the entire world for people to see and learn. While the Tiger is Native to the mountains and jungles around the Himalayas, you do not need to book a flight; simply visit the Miami’s Jungle Island. Other animals you can experience in the Jungle Island include the Lemurs, howler monkeys, macaws, zebras, and giraffes.

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January 8, 2015
Travelling To Alaska
Travel

Five Must Do Things When Travelling To Alaska

Alaska, the northernmost state of the United States is famed for its unique wildlife and scenic beauty. Travelers enjoy sharing the same environment with the polar bears that roam far and wide from the Artic to Alaska. As a holiday destination, Alaska provides a separate experience from other regions in the US regarding culture and climate. To get more from this 49th state of the US, here are five must-do things.

  • Board the famous Riverboat Discovery

The famous Riverboat Discovery is a three hours cruise journey through the rivers of Alaska. The trip takes visitors to the heart of this great state and introduces them to communities that have made Alaska their way of life. On the trip, you enjoy bush floatplanes taking off, visiting the home of the famous Iditarod winner, Susan Butcher, and her famous sledge dogs doing their thing.

The boat ride cannot be complete without experiencing the ancient Athabascan Indian culture. The expert tour guides will take you to the Chena Indian Village to get a slice of the Alaskan history. You will be surprised to learn how much Alaska has developed while keeping its history intact. It is the surest way to go native and be part of the great history.

  • Go soaking in the Chena hot springs

The Chena hot springs are famous for their healing capabilities and beautiful aurora borealis, especially in winter. The natural spa creates a unique connection to nature that will have an impact in your entire life. While some explain that a dip into the hot springs is magical, the appreciation that the water has been heated by the hot rocks deep in the earth makes one appreciate the greatness of nature.

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October 7, 2014
Snowmobiling
Adventure, Holidays

Most Useful Safety Measures When Going Out For Snowmobiling

No other activity will bring you closer to nature and develop deep affection with it like snowmobiling. The notion of conquering the greatness of a mountain holds a unique place in the heart of mountain lovers. You can also experience this thrill by going snowmobiling in Alaska, Rockies, or the Alps. To conquer every mountain more effectively and get higher value for your holiday, here are some safety measures when out snowmobiling.

Put on the right clothes and protective gear

As you move up the mountains, it gets colder and wetter. Your ride will only be more enjoyable if you stay warm. You should look for a snowmobile suit that includes jackets and special bibs. It is also important to always dress in layers designed from wool to reduce the loss of heat from the body. Always stay away from cotton because it will make you freeze within a very short time.

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June 28, 2014
Most Enthralling Places
Holidays

Five Most Enthralling Places To Visit This Holiday

The holiday time is finally here, and everybody wants to travel in a unique way. In the past, many people preferred to travel and rest in top hotels. Not any longer. The trend has changed tremendously as people want to get greater value from their holiday. The focus is getting destinations that present an opportunity for diverse exploration and connection to nature.

  • Hawaii in the Pacific

You probably saw an active volcano pouring hot lava from the core of the earth in documentaries or images. But, you can experience the same in reality. Hawaii, commonly known as PARADISE is probably the best place to experience raw nature. The island is home to active volcanoes where you can see top volcanic activities in action. Plan to visit the Volcanoes National Park, the Maui Ocean Center, and Haleakala National Park for a unique experience.

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February 22, 2014
Hawaii
Holidays

A Closer Look At Hawaii: 5 Best Places To Visit This Holiday

When the name Paradise is mentioned, what crosses a traveler’s mind is one place; Hawaii. Hawaii made its name when Japan hit it at the height of the Second World War. This prompted the US to enter the war and ultimately end it with the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Apart from the war memories, Hawaii, an archipelago deep in the Pacific overflows with beautiful sceneries and virgin landscapes. Here are the five best places to visit in Hawaii.

  • The USS Memorial at Pearl Harbor

This memorial is visited by more than 2 million people every year because of its great significance to the US and indeed, the entire globe. The memorial is the point that marked the beginning of WWII for the United States. It is now run as part of the National Park Service. You can check in to follow a film of the great bombing at the height of WWII. You could ask for guided tours with headphones that outline every aspect on the memorial. The moment you enter the park, everything that happened during the Pearl Harbor becomes real, and you can experience war in reality. What a great way to take the mind back in time?

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December 15, 2013
Balinese Dance
Holidays

Enjoy Balinese Dance Performances on your Bali Vacation

Your Bali vacation is going to offer you all kinds of Balinese experiences and that includes traditional Balinese dances. In a week, you can see Barong, Legong, and Kecak dances, gamelan orchestras, wayang kulit puppets, Ramayana ballets, and Mahabharata ballets. There’s no question that traditional Balinese dances are popular. Kick back and be mesmerized by the performers possessed by divine spirits, dancing on fire, and telling a legendary story.

Sanghyang Trance Dance

This is a dance that’s focus is to exorcize evil spirits that can cause members of a village to become sick or worse die. Smell the incense wafting through the air as the choir begins to chant and pray to put the dancers into a trance.

The Kecak Dance

This is a dance that uses a group of men that is 50+ who sit in a large circle around a blazing torch. This is also known as the monkey dance because of the harsh rhythms and sounds the men make. This dance is the musical accompaniment for the narrator and actors who the audience finds themselves spellbound by.

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October 1, 2013
Mountain Activities
Adventure, Holidays

7 Top Mountain Activities To Try This Holiday

The mountains signify greatness. When a traveler decides to go to the mountains for a holiday, the activities involved help to conquer them and create special attachment. Whether it is during winter or warmer months, the mountains will always have something special to offer travelers. Here are the top 7 mountain activities that you must try this summer.

  • Skiing

This is the best activity when traveling to a snow covered mountain. Most mountains in the temperate climates have a lot of snow and are, therefore, great places for skiing. To ski, you need to move up to the highest point using a lift and then slide down to the bottom using a ski. You will also need to have the right clothing and protective gear such as helmet, skiing boots, and gloves. You should also have skiing poles to balance well on the skiing tracks.

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August 7, 2013
Chinese Tourists
Tourism News

Bali to See More Chinese Tourists in 2013

According to The National News Agency Antara, because of an agreement that has been signed to start charter flights between China and Bali, it is predicted to impact the number of tourists that come to Bali as well as two other Indonesia destinations.

An Indonesian company by the name of PT QATA Restu Dewati has entered into an agreement with Shangai’s Qiansheng International Travel Service Co. Ltd. In fact, recently a ceremony was held in China at the Ministry of Tourism and the Creative Economy.

The Bali travel industry recognizes that China is a huge potential market, not just for Bali, but for Indonesia as a whole. Currently Bali only secures a small percent of the approx. 80 million Chinese who travel every year. That’s really low, and so it’s evident that the excitement is brewing that this flight will boost the number of Chinese visitors Bali sees.

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March 12, 2013
Bali Villas
Holidays

Private Bali Villas Now Offer Alternative to Hotel Stays

We have all gone on vacation and stayed in hotels, but it’s never quite the experience that we hope for. Hotels and resorts are busy places and the only place you can find some privacy is in your room, which for the most part, even the nicest are compact. After all, resorts and hotels are designed to maximize the number of guests for the maximum profits. So if you are tired of that type of vacation environment, Bali has an excellent alternative – private Bali villas.

Now most people hear Bali villas and think they are something that only the rich can afford. Actually, that’s simply not true. Thanks to the increased availability of Bali villas, there now are many options and that means there are also many price points.

There are now Bali villas scattered throughout the island – some are in the centre of activity, while others are tucked away in a nicely secluded area. This means no matter what type of vacation experience you would like you can have it at a Bali villa.

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March 4, 2013
sustainability on holidays
Holidays

12 Tips for Sustainability on Holidays

While it is relatively easy to follow sustainable practices while at home, once you go on holidays it becomes more difficult because so many holiday resources are geared towards the short term and the throwaway. To mention just a few, there are throwaway cameras, one use shampoo – meaning more packaging – and all those takeaway mugs and sandwich containers for the traveller who is passing through.

So if you are interested in remaining eco friendly while on holidays you may have to work a little harder at it. But at the same time you’ll enjoy yourself more in many ways. So here are some tips for sustainability while on holidays that are not too difficult to implement and may even save you costs.

  • If you are going by air, remember those carbon emissions that can be offset. Most airlines provide the option.

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February 4, 2013
Vacation Destinations in Bali
Holidays

Top Vacation Destinations in Bali Revealed

Recently members of Bali tourism have released some of the top vacation destination on the island of Bali, and now is a great time to share that information.

Uluwatu – A visit to the Uluwatu temple is a must. From there you can head over to Dreamland Beach and enjoy the stunning view of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana park. From your Jimbaran Villa it’s an easy drive.

Alas Kedaton – Come see the hundreds of tame monkeys that are just waiting for you to arrive. While there, head to the base of Kedaton and take in a breathtaking sunset.

Ubud – Head to Ubud and visit the amazing sights of Pura Goa Gajah, the rice terraces, and Tegallalang village scenery. Then head to the Kintamani and take in the stunning view of the lake. Stop by the temple, visit the water park, and remember to take in Mount Batur, which is still active.

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April 21, 2012
Organising your Event
Events

12 Tips for Organising Your Event

No event can happen unless it is organised first.  Whether it is easy to org.

anise or not will depend on what kind of event you are having. For instance a simple birthday party with friends and family will be easier to organise than a wedding reception for 400. But one thing they have in common is the need for a dj, so you have plenty of music and someone to play it.

Hiring a professional dj is also good if you need an MC as many disc jockeys also add that talent to their list of skills. Having a Master of Ceremonies takes a great deal of pressure off the host who then has time to meet and greet the guests without worrying about having to guide the event along.

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March 21, 2012