Are You Ready For Some Great Steam Train And Coach Trips?

As winter makes her grand entry, what better than a nice vacation with family and friends to warm up the heart? Taking steam train and coach trips to some of the beautiful locales that England has to offer is a nice way to get away from your  routine and come closer to people and things that matter.

Even if you are in the mood to reinvent that little explorer within you, hop into a steam train and chug out in search of newer destinations. Yes, it is winter, and for us humans it is not a time to hibernate. It is the season to explore and enjoy. Kick it off with some memorable steam train and coach trips to places you have never been before.

The first step towards enjoying this holiday is to conduct a tour operator who can guide you through the many packages that are available. Choose the one that is a perfect fit for your travel and budget requirements. More often than not, these packages include steam train and coach trips.

You may be picked up from a location by a coach and then continue your journey between two points by steam trains. Sometimes, you even have the option to fly to a certain destination before continuing your journey by steam train.

There, however, is no hard and fast rule to the way in which the trip should be designed. It largely depends upon the tour operator and the holiday package you choose. It is important that you enquire about the travel itinerary in detail. This helps you to plan in advance and have a fair idea of what to expect on any particular day as far as the travel is concerned.

You may be in for some of the biggest and pleasantest surprises when you take the actual trips. This is because some of the steam train and coach trips are designed to take you through some of the most picturesque locales that exist in UK.

For example, a  beautiful countryside, meandering roads, or imposing castles. Your tour may take you to places that you will remember forever. Don’t be surprised if you feel that you are being a part of a winter holiday postcard!

One of the added advantages of taking steam train and coach trips is that you get to spend more time with your loved ones who accompany you to the trip. This is because there are no rushed moments or unnecessary hurries. Enjoy a great time with your friends and family in an ambiance that is meant to make you feel relaxed.

Hardings Tours has been organising many trips for the past one hundred years. You can count upon their dedicated service and reputation for your next steam train and coach trips. They offer a wide range of packages ranging from one day excursions to long holiday breaks.

You can either check out their website or get in touch with them for a more detailed understanding of the various available plans.

Welcome the season with some beautiful explorations. Raise a toast to a great new year ahead!

Cheri Davis writes for http://www.hardingstours.co.uk/

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Make The Most Of Your Winter Holiday At Caravan Parks In North Wales

Come winter and all you can think of is cosying up in front of the fireplace, watching the snow fall, and going to bed singing Silent Night. Right? Wrong! You really can do better than that. Why not make the winter holidays a little more exciting by spending it in the caravan parks in North Wales? If you are still dubious and unsure about how to make it a big success, read on.

Caravan parks are a great way to spend some fun-times with family and friends. These are available in a variety of types, each with its own set of amenities. You could head to static caravan sites, touring caravan sites, camping pods and lodges, or shepherd’s huts. Depending upon the type of caravan parks you choose, you can enjoy a lot of options including cooking a family dinner in a fully equipped kitchen.

However, not everyone is a big fan of welcoming Santa with home-cooked food. If you are all for switching on the no-cooking mode, you can do that too! Many locations have excellent takeaway options so that you can enjoy all the mouthwatering delicacies minus all the hassles.

One of the best ways to ensure a hassle-free holiday is to choose one of the many static caravan parks in North Wales. These have all the amenities you will ever need and much more. Take for instance the Oakfield Caravan Park. Located in one of the most stunning locales of North Wales. You will feel like stepping into a postcard the moment you set your foot here. On one side of it stands the Clwydian Hills and on the other side stretches the beautiful Irish Sea. Perched in between, in the North Wales coast, the Oakfield Caravan Park waits with the promise of gifting you many unforgettable moments.

One of the best ways to choose your static caravans is by deciding the number of people in your group. This is because static caravans generally come with the option of two to three bedrooms and may even accommodate up to eight people. Next, choose the caravan parks in North Wales that offer all the amenities you are looking for. This might include disabled facilities. The Oakfield Caravan Park, for instance, has disabled toilets and showers.

Once you know the number of people who would be accompanying you on your holiday, determine the kind of activity that all of you would enjoy. The Oakfield Caravan Park has a generous blend of entertainment options for both kids and adults.

This includes an amusement arcade, outdoor adventure play area for kids, large outdoor games area, large indoor soft play area, disco, lounge, cabaret club, and more. Plus, it is also very conveniently located close to many popular local attractions.

If you have never stayed in any of the caravan parks in North Wales before, now is the time to explore it. Contact the Oakfield Caravan Park to know more about how they can make your holiday a thing to remember forever.

About the author

Cheri Davis writes for http://www.oakfieldcaravanpark.co.uk/.

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10 Lesser-Known Attractions in Delhi

Delhi’s most famous attractions - your Red Fort, your Rashtrapati Bhavan, your Lotus Temple - lure millions of visitors every year. But there’s a lot more to India’s National Capital Region. Here are 10 lesser-known gems to explore.

10. DLF Emporio in Vasant Kunj
Delhi is a shopper’s paradise but tourists tend to pay far more attention to the city’s labyrinthine, feverish marketplaces. Justifiably so, perhaps, but there’s something undeniably fascinating about the DLF Emporio mall in Vasant Kunj. The luxury brand mall, arguably the swankiest in all of India, caters to Delhi’s moneyed upper crust (and, higher up on the food chain, the occasional billionaire’s daughter or mistress). In an ironic twist, visitors have to cruise through the slums before they hit up Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton et al. Concierges at upscale hotels in New Delhi will know precisely how to get there.

9. Central Market, Lajpat Nagar
A suitable counterpunch to DLF Emporio’s unabashed affluence is Lajpat Nagar’s Central Market, where travellers can swap out their jeans and trainers for affordable, well-made, authentic Indian clothes.

8. International Dolls Museum
Delhi’s International Dolls Museum was established by Kerala native and famed political cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai in 1965. Housed on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in the Children's Book Trust building, the museum displays tens of thousands of dolls gifted to, and subsequently donated by, the likes of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, the Queen of Thailand and dignitaries from all over the world.

7. Nalli Silk Sarees, Connaught Place
Connaught Place is ground zero for tourists and locals alike but Nalli Silk Sarees is largely overlooked by the former. This Shangri-la of sarees has four floors chockablock with material - and overzealous aunties too.

6. Central Cottage Industries Emporium
Emporium is right. Central Cottage Industries’ chief haunt procures products from every corner of India. Tourists looking for cut-rate goods may want to give it a wide berth but quality-wise the range is superb in the silverware, jewellery, pottery, textile and beauty product departments.

5. Lalli Motorbike Exports
Loyal adherents of Royal Enfield, makers of iconic and maddeningly tempermental motorcycles, flock to this shop/museum in Karol Bagh for repairs, tutelage, tips and, quite honestly, simply to gape in amazement.

4. Chandni Chowk Bird Hospital
Delhi’s Jains make up only 1% of the megalopolis’ population but the community renders some valuable services; most notably in the form of the avian veterinary hospital in Digambar Jain Lal Mandir temple.

3. Majnu-ka-tilla
Lhasa’s a tough go for many tourists - altitude, special permits from the People’s Republic of China and all - but Delhi’s Majnu-ka-tilla neighbourhood brings some aspects of authentic Tibetan culture to life. The city’s Tibetan colony, as it’s called, was established in 1960 and contains myriad Buddhist temples, handicrafts shops and restaurants.

2. Kitab Bazaar, Daryaganj on Sundays
Delhi’s biennial book fair is Asia’s biggest but those who can’t make it to the main event can avail themselves of a busy and eclectic book bazaar held every Sunday in Daryaganj.

1. National Railroad Museum, Chanakyapuri
The story of modern India parallels, in a sense, the trajectory of the country’s railroad development. From the UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Railways of the Himalayas and Western Ghats to the early Monorail Trainways system, the museum’s a phenomenal education.

About the author

Sallys recent travel to India saw her gain knowledge that noramlly only the locals know. She hopes to sahre the acquired information to allow future travellers to make the most of their soon to be experience.

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6 of the Best Coastal Places to Live in America

America’s a place of diversity with deserts and mountains, rural villages and sprawling cities. Its beaches are some of the best in the world, and tourists flock in their millions every year. If you want to make the most of the beaches, then a two-week visit won’t be enough. That’s why more and more people are looking for coastal places to live in America, and buying homes by the sea.

Here are six of the best coastal places to buy property if you want to fill your days with sunbathing, surfing and the occasional ice cream:

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Coastal destinations don’t get much better than the beautiful Kiawah Island. It’s a tropical paradise in South Carolina where you can spend your days fishing, playing golf and relaxing on the sand. Average house values are over $1 million, which makes Kiawah Island a pretty exclusive place to live. Still, if you’ve got the money then you can enjoy exceptional high school graduation rates, wonderful open spaces for walking and kayaking, and the feeling that you’re constantly on holiday. Perfect!

Sausalito, California

Sausalito’s another fantastic place to consider. Pristine beaches, wine bars and restaurants appeal to all that appreciate the finer things in life. Average house values are even higher than Kiawah Island prices, though if a traditional property doesn’t appeal you can always join the thousands of residents living in house boats along the coast.

Tiburon, California

Tiburon’s a peaceful town with little boutique shops, great schools and wonderful restaurants, as well as plenty of opportunities for sailing. Its beaches are fantastic, but what makes Tiburon even better is the fact that it’s easy to catch a fast ferry straight over to San Francisco past the Golden Gate Bridge.

Laguna Beach, California

California’s clearly a great place to buy a house on the coast. Alongside Tiburon and Sausalito, Laguna Beach deserves a mention. It’s a colourful village with a long, sandy beach and unspoilt hidden coves, and is one of the most inspirational places to live in America. In fact, it started as a colony for artists and is still one of the best places to buy a house if you enjoy festivals, alternative culture and surfing.

Chatham, Massachusetts

Chatham’s a perfect fusion of ‘American coastal town’ and ‘quaint English seaside resort’. It’s got lovely little harbours, sprawling farms and cosy little cottages. The people of Chatham love their fresh produce, and there’s a strong sense of community spirit. Concerts are held regularly in the town, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy.

Jupiter, Florida

The home of Juno Beach, one of the favourite nesting sites of the Loggerhead Turtle, Jupiter’s a Florida paradise with plenty to see and do. Temperatures are high, and house prices are surprisingly low. This is the perfect town for people that like to keep active. There are plenty of opportunities for sports, long walks and days swimming in the sea, making Jupiter a particularly healthy place to live.

Have you got another coastal town to add to our list? Do you love living by the beach, or would somewhere inland suit you better? Have you been on holiday to Laguna Beach, Sausalito or Kiawah Island? Could you see yourself living there? Comment below, and share your opinion.

About the author 

David Wilson writes for AreaVibes the specialists on the best places to live in America.

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Try These Great Tips To Age Gracefully

Keep these tips in mind and continue to enjoy life just as you get older. You can drive yourself crazy worrying about your weight and the fact that you've gained 20 pounds lately. You will still need some numbers so stop worrying yourself down every day. We get to a point when we can no longer care for ourselves any longer. This would be the time to consider moving into a nursing home. While this might not be ideal for most people, there are times when this is truly the best option.

Making others happy will make you feel happy too. Happiness is free and by spreading it around, yet it is free to give. Staying out in the heat or freezing cold for too long can cause skin damage. This can lead you to age faster and give you serious skin cancer but also causes premature aging.

Look for ways to enjoy every day as if it was your last. Make sure you are drinking enough water.Older people can dehydrate quickly, so it is very important to make sure you drink 8-10 glasses of clean water everyday.

Be careful and avoid falls. Falling down is the main source of serious damage to aging bodies. Walking three times a week, for only thirty minutes, while maintaining your physical and mental fitness. To lower your risk of getting a fracture, increase your bone density by combining weight training, but also getting enough vitamin D and calcium. Talk with your physician to find the right supplements you should take. You should mix a good combination of vitamins, multivitamins and possibly anti-inflammatory medication. Taking these will help you to have increased activity and active. Make taking these an important part of your everyday routine.
Improving the quality of what you eat is a big difference in your battle against aging.Eat healthily; a variety of meats, dairy, vegetables, and natural sugars to get what you need. Have three moderately sized meals, and avoid excessive snacking.

Keep a list where you can see it. This is even more critical if you get your medicines and supplements. This list will let pharmacists cross-reference your medicine for ones that counteract or react to each other. Save early and often for retirement, but keep savings on hand for health issues. But you need to have enough savings available for dealing with any health issues.

Try to laugh as much as possible.

Be aware of the alert for fraud. Older people are usually targeted by unsavory characters looking to make a quick buck. Protect yourself by refusing to give your bank information to anyone, destroying documents with your personal data and limiting access to your home to include only known individuals. These steps will ensure that your money from falling into the wrong hands.
It is a good to get as many anti-oxidants into your diet as you can.Experts agree that getting enough antioxidants can prevent free radicals which are present in your body.

Assisted Living Services in Southlake, Texas

You can take advantage of your old age and turn it into the best years of your life. If you take control of your life and diet, the next fifty years could be great.

About the author

Call us today at (817) 631-9887 to visit our assisted living facility in Colleyville. Once you see it, you will know it is the best place for your loved one. We are convenient to Colleyville, Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Flower Mound, Watauga, North Richland Hills, Irving, and Arlington.

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Things to do in Auckland New Zealand

Auckland has plenty of sights and delights, but the question is: where to start? The easiest answer is with the NZ$16 Airbus Express from the airport, the fastest and most efficient way to get into the city. Now you’re in the thick of it, and ready to experience one of the friendliest cities in the world.

From the Airport

The Auckland Explorer Bus is a convenient way to get around town. A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour, it allows you to go at your own pace to explore the city.

For an authentic maritime experience, visit the fish market in the newly opened Wynyard Quarter. Kids can play in the play areas or take the whole family on a ride on the 1920s heritage tram.

For the adventurous, there are plenty of adrenalin-pumping activities to be found in and around Auckland, such as quad biking and kayaking. You can even climb and bungy jump off Auckland Harbour Bridge.

For a taste of Auckland’s traditional and contemporary Maori heritage, take a Tamaki Hikoi walk with a guide from a local tribe. The Auckland Whale and Dolphin safari will also get you out of the city and onto the dazzling ocean to witness some of New Zealand’s most beautiful creatures in their natural habitats.

If you’re traveling with kids why not visit the Auckland Zoo? Or else for a diverting rainy-day activity check out the largest art institution in New Zealand, the Auckland Art Gallery. There are more than 15,000 works of art on offer, as well as plenty of kids’ activities.

Perfect Day Trip

For a charming day trip out of town, take a ferry to Devonport, the popular and picturesque seaside village that offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea. Or consider the Glenfern Sanctuary, on Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. It’s a predator-controlled area where threatened and endangered species are able to thrive once more. Sightseeing and guided hikes are available, and accommodation is available on the island.

Also, the black-sanded, rugged, spectacular west coast beaches such as Piha and Muriwai are only 40mins drive from central Auckland and are not to be missed!

When night falls, head to the Sky City tower, the tallest tower in New Zealand. With a spectacular view across the whole city, it’s open for dining and refreshments. Or the really adventurous among you can choose to skyjump off it!

With a bustling multicultural population, you will have a choice of where to eat in Auckland, from delicious Asian cuisine to the finest degustation menus and fresh-out-of-the-harbour seafood. Or why not try New Zealand’s favourite: fish and chips!

Whatever your taste, New Zealand has something for everyone. With cheap flights to Wellington and Auckland readily available, you’d be crazy not to pop over and check out what the cities have to offer!
For travel advice or help booking flights, speak with your local travel consultants such as Flight Centre, to get you on your way!

Author: L Waite loves spending time in New Zealand and plans to go again soon to check out the ski season. 

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Get Away for a Weekend!

If you’re looking for some ideas for a great weekend break, you’re in luck – not only is this article written by the experts on amazing weekends away, but the good old British Isles are home to a fantastic array of amazing places to stay!

Luckily, our fair green isles have loads of great places of all types, so whether you’re after a beach break in the summer or you’re hoping to really get away and spend a couple nights fending for yourselves out in the wilderness, there’s sure to be something to take your fancy.
So let’s get on with it, shall we?

Hampshire – Lainston House Hotel
Arguably the quintessential country house hotel, the Lainston House is one of the most traditionally “English” weekends away you could possibly hope for. It’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway, with perfectly manicured gardens, wonderful interiors and even a croquet lawn!
Any fishers will love the possibility of fly fishing in the streams, too – so off you go!

Wiltshire – Bowood Hotel
The Bowood Hotel has its very own spa, making it a great place for a romantic weekend away or a more relaxing hen weekend, deep inside the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.
Even though it’s nice and secluded, it’s incredibly close to the M4, so it’s conveniently located for those coming from afar. Don’t worry – you won’t be able to hear the cars as you wander around the lush gardens!

Berkshire – The Olde Bell Inn
This coaching inn is hundreds of years old, and it’s so full of character. You can really feel the history present in the building, which is found in the quaint old village of Hurley, though it has been modernised recently (and tastefully, we hasten to add!).

The roll-top baths are the ideal thing to help you relax and unwind from the daily stresses of modern life, and the crackling wood fires, hearty, homely food and crooked support beams all really add to the atmosphere of the place.

Gwynedd – Hotel Portmeirion
Portmeirion is a lovely place, if you haven’t already take advantage of its gorgeous coastal vistas and bizarrely continental stylings. There are actually a couple of luxury hotels at Portmeirion, in North Wales, but we’re going to look at the main one, Hotel Portmeirion. Castell Deudraeth is also fantastic, however!
The Hotel Portmeirion was done up by the architect of the village, Clough Williams-Ellis, and has been open since 1926. It’s Grade II listed, with 55 bedrooms, and overlooks the Dywyrd Estuary, 70 acres of woodland and gorgeous beaches. There’s even an outdoor pool if you’re willing to brave it!

Argyll – Alt Na Craig
This is another boutique hotel, this time all the way up north in Oban, in the Firth of Lorn. Excellent value for your money, the lovely Victorian country house has its own extensive grounds and offers a simply unbeatable view over the Sound and across to the Isle of Mull and the rest of the Hebrides.

If you’re looking to truly get away, you could probably do no better than here!

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