Top Tips for Getting Away From It All, Without Actually Getting Away

I have just booked a holiday, the kind of holiday I have never booked before... an all inclusive week long spa break. I have almost always gone away in search of something; adventure, creativity, exploration (of self and the world), romance, culture, learning... but now I know all this is available on my own doorstep I feel less of a need for a holiday and strangely, I feel like I need to need this kind of holiday!

This got me thinking and in a recent survey I did in my own head, it seems that many people reach a certain point, let's call it a breaking point, and decide they need a holiday. The ten main reasons for going on holiday, according to the aforementioned survey, were as follows;

1) Need to get away from work/life stress

2) To relax

3) To get quality time with loved ones

4) Habit - "we always get away at this time of year."

5) A break from the norm

6) A new experience/different culture

7) To have some fun - nightlife, a sporting event, or just an adventure.

8) To get some sun/a tan (so that you can feel happy/look healthy)

9) It's on my bucket list - "I've always wanted to go there."

10) Facebook is showing that everyone else is doing it and I need some new pics to get everyone jealous.

The funny thing about holidays is that sometimes booking them seems to add stress. For example, people often book their two week break, and then spend months telling others (before and after) that they can't afford anything else because they have just paid for/been on their holidays (which of course must include a whole new wardrobe and toiletry stock up). There are also those that worry about their work, either before they go, desperately trying to tie up ALL lose ends (they can't possibly delegate), or whilst away, or when they come back to hundreds of emails. This kind of thinking is what makes some believe they can't take a break at all.

So how can you get the same results that a holiday gives you, without actually going on holiday?

Here are my top tips for getting away from it all, without actually getting away:

1) Make the most of your free time - don't just come home on a Friday night and eat dinner in front of the TV. Plan a date night; a quick drink after work or a dinner date does not cut into your chill out time, it's part of it!

2) Schedule in a couple of hours at the weekend or an evening in the week to do something for you. Get creative, read a book quietly in a cafe, or simply sit in a warm bath. Make sure other people are aware this is happening and it's for you... not to get away from them, but to reconnect with yourself. Equally, schedule in quality time with loved ones - a lift to football practice or food shopping with your partner does not count!

3) Think good thoughts and you really don't notice the rain... and share that with others, smile at strangers.

4) Have a themed night in. Mexico, Italy, France, Asia..get everyone to bring a dish using unusual fruit and veg, get dressed up, find some tunes, decorate the dining room, rent a relevant movie... bring the culture to you.

5) Once a month turn a weekend into an adventure - jump on a random bus, stick your finger on a map, make a list of places you want to go and can get to, put the ideas in a hat and pick one, or simply take a walk and get off the beaten track. The key here is to be excited about what you might discover.

6) Have a night out with the girls - slap on some fake tan and bust out the summer time tunes as you get glammed up.

7) Focus on what you have got - I've said it before and I'll say it again, grateful people are so much happier than those always chasing something else. Write a gratitude dairy every couple of days and reflect when needed.

8) Relax - meditate, swim, do a yoga/mindfulness class, have a lay in... whatever works for you, do it... and do it often.

9) Really look at things around you in wonder - see things differently and you will find many wonders already in your world.

10) Be silly - letting your hair down isn't just for children or when alcohol is involved. Go dance in the kitchen and sing in the street!

BONUS TIP - Love what you do. (And if you don't love what you do, get a coach. OK, so I'm biased, but some of the most successful people I know have had help to unpack their suitcase full of overwhelm and feel free without having to take flight.)

Sam Holman is a 'Guru of Brave' and works with women in transition to unpack their baggage and achieve success with confidence. Find out more http://www.holsamlifecoaching.com

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Considerations and Tips For The First Time Cruiser

When planning your cruise you should first decide where in the world you want to go, most first-time UK cruisers will opt for the Mediterranean which is an excellent choice as you will get to see more destinations in a shorter period of time. Caribbean cruises are also extremely popular though you usually have to first fly to the USA to embark on your cruise.

Once you have decided where you want to cruise to, you can then look at cruise itineraries and cruise ships - the ships do vary with some being more formal than others and some offering far more in the way of daytime entertainment than others - a good example is the Royal Caribbean cruise ships, some of these ships have water parks and rock climbing walls!

Other things to consider particularly if you have children are things like kids clubs, evening entertainment for children, children's menus in the restaurants and any areas of the ship that are prohibited to children. To be honest, there is no hidden information and you should easily be able to disregard unsuitable itineraries and ships.

On the other hand, if you are booking a cruise as part of your honeymoon or are a couple just wanting a relaxing break then rock climbing walls and children's entertainment are probably not what you are seeking so you can see the importance of doing your research!

While getting a seemingly off-season deal to the Baltic region will have you jumping for joy, having a miserable time because you hate the cold may leave you a little...frosty. Stick to what you know and go from there. An Antarctica cruise will never be balmy and a trip to the Caribbean will always be hot; apart from these two regions however, the rest of the world is bound by the seasons, so pick a place and a time of year which suits you best.

It's highly likely that your holiday time will be pre-set, so we suggest you first decide what you want (sun-baking or sightseeing?), then pick where to go! Spend a little more if you have to, or go for a shorter cruise, but never, ever, compromise too much on what you desire most. A yearly holiday is what we mere mortals work hard for all year, so now's not the time to skimp! First time cruisers are well advised to make sure their first cruise is memorable for all the right reasons.

Budget well

Just like any other type of holiday, a cruise can also have a lot of hidden extra expenses. Knowing about them in advance will save you a lot of heartache, and credit card bills!

Cruises can be extremely economical, but first time cruisers can sometimes get unexpectedly stung. Knowing what is included (and what is not) is the key here.

While three fantastic meals a day are included with your cabin price, drinks are usually not. Moreover, most liners automatically charge a 15% service on every drink purchased; something which can soon add up.

The amount of extra activities on board is usually plentiful, and this is by far the best way for you to really take advantage of modern cruise liners. But not everything is included, so make sure you budget a yoga or gym class if you like, or an evening cabaret show, and at least one very special dinner at a fine-dining restaurant on-board.

There's also usually a Day Spa to indulge in and, of course, a fun and exciting Casino too. One need not go bankrupt upon returning home...one just needs to budget for all these extras.

Extra activities are brilliant, they enhance your cruise, but they do cost something, so plan accordingly. If you're a little hesitant, just keep a daily tab on your cruise-card, that way you won't suffer a coronary on your last day when the bill arrives!Take the sweat out of a first time cruise and sail easy, simply by following our guide.

Remember: the on-board crew is there to make sure you have a great time, so rely on them for any issue you may have, or question you may be afraid to ask. Don't be shy! Dive right in and discover a whole new way to travel!

Cruises now offer something for everyone and as long as you know what you want from your cruise and you do your research then you are promised the holiday and trip of a lifetime. There is no shortage of things to do on a cruise, whether you want 'outdoor activities' art classes or just a pool to relax beside with a book there will definitely be an itinerary for you. Many ships now cater for children with daytime activities, children's menus and evening entertainment so visit Bolsover Cruise Club and start looking for that perfect cruise.

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Tips to Successfully Choosing Your First Cruise

Choosing your first cruise can be a very daunting task as there are so many available. Cruise vacations are great value for money, but they are not only for budget conscious travelers. There are cruises to suit every budget. And the days of cruises being the vacation of choice for retirees are long gone.

1. Price. The first thing you need to decide is how much you want to spend, including getting to and from the port and possible overnighting. Remember that everything is not included in your up front cost - on board "extras" include alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, on board shopping, some dining options, and port taxes. When you see a cruise advertised for $99, that is the basic cost only. These "extras" are automatically charged to your credit card - look out for special deals offering "on board credit".

2. Length of Cruise. How long do you want to spend on your cruise vacation, including travel time to and from the port. Cruises are available all year long worldwide in anything from 3-day breaks to multi-week adventures.

3. Type of Cruise. Having got those decisions out of the way, now you can think about the type of cruise vacation you're looking for - a great party time, a family focus, an intimate/romantic cruise, a themed cruise or something with a little bit of everything. All the cruise lines offer many different forms of onboard entertainment, including separate entertainment areas for kids, teenagers and adults. A general rule of thumb is that the larger the ship the more on board activities available to passengers.

4. Destinations. Some people take cruises because they enjoy the cruise experience, however, for some people the ports of call are important. Cruises are available all over the world and remember, they are not limited to the oceans - fabulous river and lake cruises are also available throughout Europe, Asia and South America.

5. Size of Ship. The size of the ship and therefore the number of fellow passengers may be of significance. If a more intimate cruise sounds like your cup of tea, then a smaller ship would be your best bet. Bear in mind that the smaller ships also tend to be more expensive but offer a greater crew to guest ratio, and the cost usually includes more "extras".

6. Which Cabin. Most ships, particularly the larger ones, offer interior and exterior cabins, plus cabins with balconies and spacious suites. This decision may be based entirely on price. Basic amenities are similar in each cabin with a balcony or suite providing more space. Most ships have cabins that are handicapped outfitted, so remember to check that out if it is a requirement for you.

7. What to Pack. Most ships/cruise lines do not have a dress code for regular daytime wear, but there will be at least one formal/semi-formal dinner. Restaurants that are "extras" and some of the more expensive cruises require more elegant attire for dinner. Dress requirements are included in the welcome pack that you will receive at the time of booking.

8. Medical/Seasickness. With stabilizers on modern ships, seasickness is not usually a problem, however, if you aren't sure or are very sensitive, you should pick up something from your pharmacist beforehand, as most remedies must be started before your cruise. All cruise ships have basic on board medical care, but emergencies and more serious issues are usually dealt with at the next port of call.

9. Fine Print. Remember to read the fine print when booking your cruise as it will details inclusions and exclusions, plus cancellation terms and other relevant information. You don't want to get home and find a huge credit card bill waiting for you with unexpected charges.

With these tips to choosing your first cruise, you are well equipped to successfully choose, book and enjoy your first cruise vacation.

Pamela Johnson
http://www.destinationcaribbean.net
With these top 10 tips to choosing your first cruise, you are well equipped to successfully choose, book and enjoy your first cruise vacation.

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The Long Haul Survival

Traveling is one of the greatest things a person can do, there's nothing like meeting people in far off lands with different cultural backgrounds, taking in epic sights and trekking though majestic landscapes on foreign soil and eating exotic dishes. It's no wonder people spend a lot on vacations, however there is one part which can be less exciting than the rest. Frankly it can be downright tiring. That part is the long flight to your destination, while some may be used to the 15 or so hours spent in the cold and dry airplane cabin with barely enough space to move, some find it unpleasant. Here are a few tips on how to get through these flights as comfortably as possible.

Getting the right seat: Since you'll be spending the entirety of the flight on it, it's a pretty important part of your journey. And picking the right seat goes a long, long way in determining if your flight will be comfortable or will it be agony. So book a seat early using the airline's online booking feature or if that's not available, get to the airport earlier and ask for your desired seat during check in. Avoid seats in the middle of the row, and those near the lavatory. Usually window seats are the best or if you prefer a little more leg room, those in the exit row. And even if you have booked your desired seat online, get to the airport early so that it's not given to someone else.

Dressing for the part: Try to dress in loose fitting casual clothes instead of those fancy designer attire. You're trying to get as comfortable as possible and that will only happen with the right clothes. A pair of sweatpants and a loose shirt will do. You can bring a change of clothing in your carry on and then change upon arrival. Be sure to take something warm with your for the flight, as the cabin gets really cold. A hood or a warm blanket will do.

The inflight nap: This is a good way to both kill time and feel a little more energetic upon arrival. And it will also prevent you from sleeping the moment you arrive at the hotel hence helping to eliminate jetlag earlier. To ensure you sleep a little on the plane, sleep a little less before the flight.

Hydration and proper moisture: As mentioned before, the air in the cabin can get pretty dry during the flight. This will lead to dehydration pretty quickly and will elevate jetlag on your arrival. You can avoid this by drinking plenty of water. Bring your own bottle if you can and if you cannot, then don't be shy in asking the flight attendant to bring you water regularly. It will help immensely. Stay away from alcohol -even if you're tempted by the complimentary drinks - as it dehydrates you far quicker. Similarly the dry air can irritate your skin, so a moisturizing cream in your carry on wouldn't go amiss.

Travel healthy by following these tips and you're sure to arrive far more refreshed than you would have usually.

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