Archives: Answers

Despite the high upfront cost of a cruise, they are surprisingly good value and you’ll often spend less overall on a cruise holiday than the equivalent time away on land. 

This is because pretty much everything is included in the price of the cruise – your stateroom (of course), three meals a day (plus all the snacks in between), incredible entertainment for the whole family, and travel to and from a mind-blowing array of destinations. That’s a pretty good all-inclusive package!

There are extras to consider depending on the cruise line. The major additional cost on most cruise lines is the tip (or gratuity) for the crew. This is calculated on a daily rate per passenger and is divided between the housekeeping and dining room crew who serve you during your voyage. Some cruise lines include this in the fare, whilst others don’t – so check in advance to be sure.

Most cruise lines charge for WiFi. This is very different from most land-based holidays nowadays, where free internet is a standard amenity. If you don’t want to pay for the WiFi, there are always internet hotspots in the ports you can use to keep in touch with friends and family back home.

Other extras you might consider paying for onboard include specialty dining, shore excursions, the casino, and photo packages. Most ships also have an onboard shop for souvenirs.

Here’s a little tip for when you book: remember to ask if you can get any “onboard credit” as part of your booking – this is essentially free money to spend on board, and well worth seeing if a deal is currently on.

If you love Disneyland Paris, then Europe has some other real gems to offer.

The largest theme park in Europe has nothing to do with an oversized mouse… in fact, it’s Europa-Park in South-West Germany. Get yourself tickets here for twelve rollercoasters if you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie.

For exciting rides, head to Tarragona (just South of Barcelona). PortAventura is the biggest theme park in the South of Europe, and is built around six themed areas, based around historic civilizations… and Sesame Street!

If it’s the magical world of Disney that excites you, then you’ll definitely enjoy a trip to Efteling in the Netherlands. This Park is a full-sized fairy tale featuring fairies and trolls, and the biggest water show in Europe.

It’s not yet been built, but plans are in the works for a massive new theme park along the River Thames, just south of London… so soon enough we’ll have our very own Disneyland contender to experience.

Even though we’re an island, it’s surprisingly easy to enjoy a holiday abroad without flying. The most popular choice is to take the Eurostar train from London across to France, Belgium or the Netherlands. 

The Channel Tunnel is so convenient and the crossing only takes 35 minutes. You can choose to take the traditional train, or if you enjoy driving around yourself, take your car with you on the specially designed car train from Dover.

Once in France, international trains are an enjoyable way to zip across to Italy, Spain or Germany.

If you’re hoping to head further afield, you’re in luck too. Southampton is a major cruise port, and ships sail all over the world from Britain’s south coast.

Most notably, Cunard operates a weekly service between Southampton and New York, which features a luxurious trans-Atlantic crossing on their famous Queen Mary 2. 

If you’ve got more time on your hands… and have a generous budget to play with… some cruise lines start round-the-world cruises from Southampton, which will give you the most incredible opportunity to circumnavigate the globe without ever stepping foot in an airport.

I totally get where you’re coming from! When I’m looking for some reliable winter sun, I turn to the Canary Islands. The Spanish islands are beautiful – as is the neighboring Portuguese island, Madeira – and are more African than European when it comes to the weather.

If you go for New Year’s Eve, the fireworks display on Las Canteras beach (Gran Canaria) will, for sure, be a highlight of your holiday. Average winter temperatures come in at a comfortable 20°c.

If you prefer to stick to the mainland of Europe – perhaps you’re driving or don’t want to fly – consider Malaga in the South of Spain, or nearby Gibraltar – a little piece of Britain abroad, with a very familiar high street, but much nicer weather! Temperatures are warm enough to relax and eat outdoors, though you may not want to spend the day out on the beach. Think a warm British spring…

For similar temperatures, with a more Mamma Mia feel, consider Greece and Cyprus on the other side of the Mediterranean Sea. With their subtropical climate, it’s no wonder they’re a popular winter getaway for us Brits.

Brazil is such a huge country with so many options for tourists. If you’re looking for another city break, choose between Sao Paulo or Brasilia.

Highlights in Sao Paulo – Brazil’s financial center – include the Football Museum, based in the old-school Pacaembu Stadium. For culture, check out the neo-Gothic cathedral and Avenida Paulista, which is a busy street lined with museums and shops.

Brasilia has been Brazil’s capital since 1960, which makes it one of the most modern capital cities in the world. The architecture is striking. The city’s avant-garde cathedral is like something from outer space… or Liverpool (if you’ve seen Liverpool’s Catholic Cathedral, you’ll appreciate the similarities).

If you’re looking for a beach break, head to Florianopolis (Brazil’s answer to Miami), or for history, check out Recife with its colonial old town dating back to the 16th Century.

There are so many mesmerizing spots of natural beauty in Brazil. I’ll limit myself to one suggestion: visit Foz do Iguacu for the most stunning waterfall, surrounded by rainforest.  

Currently, 19 countries have the Euro as their national currency, making it really easy to travel around Europe without constantly exchanging money. 

Of the EU Member States, Denmark is unique in its position to opt-out of the Euro and continues to use the Danish Krone (not to be confused with the Norwegian Krone, Icelandic Króna, or Swedish Krona). If you’re planning a Scandinavian trip, be prepared for lots of different currencies.

Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden are the only other EU countries not to currently adopt the Euro – though all have plans to shift across to the single European currency at some point in the future.

Outside of the European Union, but still, in Europe, the three notable countries that have independent currencies are Switzerland (Swiss Franc), Russia (Russian Ruble), and the UK (Pound Sterling).

Here’s a list of the different independent currencies of Europe – all other European countries use the Euro:

Albania: Albanian Lek

Armenia: Armenian Dram

Azerbaijan: Azerbaijani Manat

Belarus: Belarusian Ruble

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark

Bulgaria: Bulgarian Lev

Croatia: Croatian Kuna

Czech Republic: Czech Koruna

Denmark: Danish Krone

Georgia: Georgian Iari

Hungary: Hungarian Forint

Iceland: Icelandic Króna

Moldova: Moldavian Leu 

Liechtenstein: Swiss Franc

North Macedonia: Second Macedonian Denar

Norway: Norwegian Krone

Poland: Polish Złoty

Romania: Romanian Leu

Russia: Russian Ruble

Serbia: Serbian Dinar

Sweden: Swedish Krona

Switzerland: Swiss Franc

Turkey: Turkish Lira

Ukraine: Ukrainian Hryvnia

United Kingdom: British Sterling 

The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a more unique experience when traveling to India. Other than being beautiful and interesting, the Taj Mahal can be viewed at night on five days each month.

 

How to Get to the Taj Mahal?

There are numerous ways to get to the Taj Mahal from anywhere in India. That said, the most convenient ways are flying to Agra from Jaipur, to take a train, or just hire a taxi. 

 

Take a Train to the Taj Mahal

Train travel in India is a great way to get around. Trains are cheap, but there can be some hassle involved with the booking process so make sure you have your passport when trying to book your tickets at the station.

The price for a train ticket with air conditioning from Jaipur to Agra is around £5.00 depending on the schedule. On the other hand, it costs around £15 from Delhi.

From there, you can jump on a taxi as the Taj Mahal is only a few miles away.

Fly to Agra Airport from Jaipur

Flying from Jaipur to Agra is cheap and convenient. On average, prices are about £20 per person and the flight lasts just over an hour.

Hire a Taxi or a Uber

Taking a taxi or booking a Uber in India is cheap and reliable. From Delhi to the Taj Mahal, the ride will cost you from £30 to £45 depending on the ride and traffic conditions.

From Jaipur, expect to pay £35 to £50.

 

When is the Taj Mahal Open at Night?

For those looking to see the famous monument by moonlight, there are several opportunities every month. Every full moon night and two nights before or after it is when the Taj Mahal can be viewed at night. It is open on these days from 8.30 PM to 00.30 AM.

Only 400 people are allowed per night with a maximum of 50 visitors each half-hour. Since the capacity is very limited, we recommend booking your tickets ahead of time.

In the unlikely case where you wanted to cancel your night viewing ticket at the Taj Mahal, the cancellation penalty is 25% of the amount.

Lastly, the schedule for these visits may be changed due to the coronavirus pandemic and we recommend checking the opening times before traveling.

 

It’s a bit of a cruise ship tradition that the captain will host a Welcome Onboard party towards the beginning of the cruise. Often, it’s the second night of the cruise and coincides with the restaurant’s formal night (if the cruise line sets dress codes – some do, some don’t).

At the reception, you’ll have the opportunity to have your photo with the captain and say a few kind words about the quality of his sailing!

If you want more time with the captain, perhaps let Guest Services know that you’d be interested in joining Captain’s Table, if the captain will be hosting a table at dinner during your cruise.

Often seats at this exclusive event are reserved for the most loyal cruisers, but you may be able to talk your way into an invitation by giving a special reason why the captain might want to spend an evening in your company… Was your great-grandfather a pirate? Is it your honeymoon? Are you thinking of chartering the whole ship for your multi-billion-dollar international corporation’s annual incentive trip?!

For a more casual way of bumping into the captain, get up early on a sea day and be out and about in public areas. The captain and senior officers conduct inspections of the ship in the quieter hours on sea day mornings and you’ll be able to grab a quick chat on your way to breakfast.

Moana is set on the fictional island of Motunui, but there are definitely real islands that ooze all that gorgeous sea-loving vibe that makes the movie so great.

We have to look to the Pacific islands for this one, and I’d suggest narrowing your search to one of two options: Hawaii or the South Pacific islands. For younger families, Hawaii is probably your best bet.

Hawaii is a collection of eight major islands, plus many smaller ones. The big eight are Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai, Kahoolawe, and Niihau.

If your kids love Moana, it strikes me the Maui Island might be a good place to start, given the obvious connection to the film.

Maui is a great island, with beaches, great restaurants, biking trails, and even the opportunity to join a mermaid tour, run by Hawaii Mermaid Adventures.

This will be an unforgettable holiday. “You’re welcome”.

The short answer is no, but only because Michelin doesn’t review restaurants in Australia. If they did, there would definitely be some stars scattered around this monumental country.

In Australia, they have a similar rating system called the Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards. Restaurants get rated from 0 to 20. The higher the score, the better. 

Roughly speaking, a restaurant with 12-13 points is a good restaurant. Though if you’re looking for Michelin star quality, you’ll want a restaurant with 14 or more points. The very best restaurants in Australia, with 18 or 19 points (three hats), would be similar to a three Michelin star restaurant.

Attica, in Melbourne, is a three-hat restaurant run by Ben Shewry. It’s in the top 50 restaurants in the world and features an exciting tasting menu in a low-lit moody-romantic setting.

If you’re in Sydney, Quay, by the stunning Sydney Harbour has been listed in the world’s top 50 restaurants nine times. Peter Gilmore’s contemporary Australian cuisine is presented in a uniquely Australian setting.