Destination Archives - Top Spot Travel

June 15, 2018 by Jeremy

4 Creative Family Vacation Ideas

Just because a vacation is popular doesn’t mean it is the one for you. Also, it does not mean that it is the best one for your family. It largely depends on the age of your children, who, including grandparents, might be traveling with you, and the amount of both time and money you have to spend, and that’s before you try to fit all your travel gear into a suitcase.

The vacations you might enjoy also depend on the time of year you plan to take them, and the weather where you plan to go. Spring break can be a tough time to travel whether you plan to ski or to bask in the sun, as the weather in March can be quite unpredictable. If you want to have plenty to do inside as well, you may have to explore even more options.

This means that just searching sites like Expedia for the best family vacations. You need to know more about what you are looking for in the first place. Here are four creative family vacation ideas that you and your family will both love and can afford.

Get Active

We often think of vacation ideas as ones that are passive and restful, but if you have a family, these can also be extremely costly. Think of what it costs to bring two adults and two children to a baseball game, a movie, going to a theme park, or even just going to dinner somewhere special. And those activities don’t always lead to family bonding as much as being active.

Active vacations can include things like hiking, camping, rafting, ropes courses, zipline courses, cycling, fishing, and more. These tend to be the moments when you spend time together as a family, talking rather than sitting.

Often the best part about this kind of vacation can be where you go. National parks, spectacular mountains, even places in your state you do not often visit can be great spots to stay. If you are camping or doing other active pursuits, the money you save can even be used to travel abroad and explore these activities internationally with you children, broadening their perspectives.

Look at Packages

While sometimes it is cheaper to research separate deals for car rentals, lodging, and flights, often it is cheaper to book these things together, especially to popular destinations and resorts. The attraction you are visiting will often have deals with both airlines and hotels to get you there.

You can also search sites like Expedia and other travel sites for package deals. If you don’t want to do all that work yourself or simply don’t have the time look into having a travel agent book things for you. They will often have inside deals, and also insights on what to do and where the best places to stay are in an area.

Flights are always a tricky part of any vacation, but there are ways you can be more comfortable when flying economy class and having devices and entertainment for your kids when you are on the plane can keep your time in the air from being a nightmare.

Booking everything together will save you money if you plan ahead well. Which is the final key to packages. Book early, during the off season. Things will be cheaper and nearby attractions will not be sold out. If you do use book online with a travel website, they will also often have a lower price guarantee: if the prices drop between when you book and when you travel, you will get a refund of the difference.

Take the Beach Less Traveled

There is nothing like a beach vacation for your family. Nothing else quite stacks up for parents or kids, but if you are headed to a really popular beach destination, be prepared to pull out your wallet and empty your savings. This does not mean you cannot go to the beach, it means you get to be strategic about it. Visit beaches that are not as popular as the ones in Orange County, California or Miami. Instead, choose somewhere along the Oregon coast or between South Carolina and Florida on the east coast.

The right time of year, the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico can be very nice as well, like those in Alabama and Texas. The cost of hotels alone in these places can be half of what they are in major beach destinations, not to mention the reduced cost of food and other activities around the area.

Choosing the beach less traveled, especially if you can get a package deal, will pay off well for you in the long run in both your budget and family relaxation time.

Take in a Working Vacation

No, this does not mean to take your work with you on vacation. Instead, you can use your vacation time to do some good with your family. This can mean volunteering for environmental cleanup projects, going somewhere to help with disaster relief, or giving of your time and energy in other ways.

This also does not mean your entire vacation has to be spent working. There are plenty of great things you can do while you are in those locations that are fun as well as helpful to the community you are visiting. Visit local attractions and restaurants when you are not working and support the local economy.

Agencies who are doing work in those areas will often provide you free passes to those attractions, or even discounts as a thank you for your efforts. Lodging is also often inexpensive or even free. Not that these things should be your motive for doing good, but you can have a great vacation while teaching your kids about civic responsibility.

When planning a family vacation, it is often easy to get overwhelmed or run out of ideas. Use these four creative ideas to get you thinking about different ways to spend your family time off together. You can have a great time, stay in budget, and bond as a family in new and exciting ways.

What are your best creative family vacation ideas. Leave us a comment with your thoughts in the section below.

May 25, 2018 by Jeremy

Choosing the Right Model to Travel

Deciding which mode of transportation to take is an integral part of traveling. You’ll want to choose the best possible way of getting around so that your trip will be stress-free and enjoyable. The following are some things you’ll need to consider before you decide whether you will take a plane, bus, car, train or another mode of transportation.

The Time Factor

The time factor is going to be one of the first things that you consider before you choose which way to get to your destination. The bus will probably take the longest amount of time, while an airplane ride will be faster than any other method. Based on your schedule decide your best option. For example, you’ll want to take the fastest route possible if you need to be somewhere for a wedding, concert, family reunion or something similar.

Aside from the time factor, you should also think about what you want to do once you get to the destination. If you take an automobile, you can get in and out of it whenever you like and go explore the town. Trains, airplanes and bus rides will leave you at someone else’s mercy once you get to the destination.

The Cost of Transportation

Pricing is another area that you should review before you decide which way go. Insurance costs, fuel costs, and parking costs are just a few of the things that you should think about and factor in before you decide one way or the other. Insurance will come into play if you decide to rent an automobile instead of driving your own vehicle. If you decide to drive, you can buy car insurance online to save time. Food, beverage and amenity expenses may be super high if you choose a non-automobile method. You won’t be able to pull over at the rest stop and get a cheap burger if you travel by airplane or train, for example. You’ll only be able to buy what they have to offer, and that food may be super expensive.

Danger Level

Safety is an important aspect to consider before you plan your trip. You should always try to pick the safest way of getting to your destination possible. To do that, you will have to do some research on the area that you’re going to and check out the traffic statistics and data. It may be wiser for you to take a train than an automobile in some situations if you’re trying to travel the safest way.

Comfort and Stress Level

Finally, the comfort level is a category that you should examine closely before you decide. You will want to be as comfortable as possible. Airports can be stressful sometimes. If you have a family, you may opt to drive a car instead because of that high-stress level. A bus may be better for you if you’re the only driver in the group or don’t have a reliable car. A train may be an excellent choice if you just want to relax and get some rest.

You will be able to make the best choice after you consider all of the previously mentioned factors. Take your time and choose an option that feels right to you so that you will have the best trip possible.

April 26, 2018 by Jeremy

4 Exciting Places To Explore and Discover in China

I have been traveling throughout Asia for the past three years and without question my favorite country to go traveling in has been China. I have visited the nation 4 times in the past few years, and each time I have managed to find something new and exciting to discover. The truth is however that I could write page after page about this interesting country, but to really understand you have to see China for yourself.

What I will do for you however, is give you my top 4 places to go in the country, should you make the leap and book yourself a trip to the Asian nation.

Beijing

Some capitals really don’t live up to the billing but that is not something which I could ever say about Beijing. The history of the city dates back over 3,000 years, with so much of the rich history still alive and kicking within the city. It is here where you will be able to visit the Forbidden City and the iconic Tiananmen Square, as well as the fascinating National Museum. There is something new around each corner here and you will find many exciting places like tea shops, perfectly cared-for gardens and plenty of ancient architecture to explore and take snaps of.

Seeing the Wall

The Great Wall of China is one of the World’s Seven Wonders and a reason why millions of tourists come here each year. I have seen the wall from a number of destinations and the two best places which I would recommend to you, are in Baddaling, which may be very popular but it is highly accessible from Beijing, and Jiankou, the latter is for the adventurous amongst you as it is steep and extremely wild in this region. Wherever you go to see it, make sure you get up early and get there ahead of the crowds.

Xi’an

For many years I have been fascinated by the original Silk Road trade route, and this was why I visited Xi’an, once the start of this busy trade path. The city was also the where the head of 11 dynasties presided and it was once one of the four ancient capitals of the country. Much of this rich and interesting culture remains and staying here feels almost like stepping back in time. If you want to get to the heart of Chinese culture, I would definitely recommend Xi’an.

Yangshuo

Yangshuo is situated in the south of the country and in terms of natural beauty it doesn’t get much better. This was a regular backpacker haunt for many years owing to its cheap prices and relaxed way of life, but these days you can expect to see all kinds of travelers. The surrounding area of Yangshuo is the backdrop of the Karst Mountains, with the Li River cutting through the valleys and I would recommend that you decompress after visiting one of the busy Chinese cities, right here in the heart of nature. To best enjoy this region, rent a bike and spend your days on the flat roads, drinking in the landscape.

April 25, 2018 by Jeremy

The Top 12 Tourist Destinations in Beverly Hills

All of you 90’s kids out there will remember the television series, “Beverly Hills, 90210”. This television series inspired people from all corners of the globe to set off on glamorous getaways to the city in Los Angeles County, California. If you didn’t catch an episode, let us inspire you to indulge in one of LA’s most affluent spots.

Fun Facts About Beverly Hills

The city of Beverly Hills was incorporated in 1914 and the area ZIP code is the wealthiest per-capita location in the nation. Don’t expect to see any billboards plastering the buildings like you might see in other US cities. Home to famous faces like Jack Nicholson, Beverly Hills boasts a manicured police station and a police department that will respond in under a minute.

The world’s first Cheesecake Factory sits on North Beverly Drive and if you stroll around, you’re sure to find the facade of many buildings quite familiar. This is because Beverly Hills has been the setting for a colossal amount of TV shows and movies, including the 1984 hit movie “Beverly Hills Cop”.

What to Do and See in Beverly Hills

Rodeo Drive – Stretching for two miles, this famous street is the destination for year-round events and seasonal shows. A star-studded street of high-end stores and boutiques, the area can be explored by foot, on a segway tour or on a celebrity-spotting bus tour!
Paley Center for Media (The Museum of Television and Radio) – A memorable day out can be enjoyed at this attraction, which can be found on the corner where North Beverly Drive meets Little Santa Monica Boulevard. Founded back in 1975 by William S. Paley, this striking building houses an expanding collection of content that has been broadcast on television and radio. Contained in its archives is a rehearsal for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella that was previously never seen prior to being shown off at the museum.
Trolley Tour – Hop aboard this open-air trolley and get a glimpse of Beverly Hills from all angles. The 40-minute tour will take you along Rodeo Drive, where you can window shop and search for famous faces. You will also see the city hall, library and other area attractions. Best of all, the vintage trolley is free to ride!
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – This professional honorary organization that comprises over 8,000 men and women working (and succeeding) in cinema. It is known around the world for hosting the annual Academy Awards, better known as “The Oscars”.
Greystone Mansion – You may have heard of this historical landmark being called the Doheny Mansion. It is perched on a beautifully manicured estate and despite its serene vibe, the setting was once chosen for a murder. Ned Doheny Jr. and Hugh Plunkett were shot dead on the grounds in 1929 and the killer was never caught.
Beverly Gardens Park – Officially opened in 1911, this picturesque public park covers 1.9 miles of land from one fountain to another. It’s well worth enjoying a relaxing stroll along the paved promenade, before sitting on one of the benches to admire the surrounding art sculptures, roses and cacti. Likewise, you can work off that serious case of jetlag with a quick run.
Beverly Wilshire – Known as a landmark of Beverly Hills, this plush building is a Four Seasons Hotel on Rodeo Drive. The year 1928 saw its completion and since this time, it has been chosen as the shooting location for various movies and TV series.
Spadena House – A storybook house positioned on the corner of Carmelita Avenue and Walden Drive, this attraction covers 3,500 square feet. Also known as “The Witch’s House,” it was designed by Harry Oliver with a stucco design and lopsided roof. Once upon a time, an architect named Charles Willard Moore likened it to Hansel and Gretel’s house.
Virginia Robinson Gardens – Frequented by the famous, these gardens are part of the Robinson mansion at Virginia Robinson Estate. The historical landmark was built back in 1911 has a period landscape and Mediterranean Classic Revival Style. Set on six acres of landscaped gardens, the ancient estate is included on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sprinkles ATM – No matter what time of day or night you fancy a sweet treat, this cupcake automat will not disappoint. It is open 24 hours a day to satisfy hunger cravings with red velvet cupcakes and vegan nibbles.
Saban Theatre – Previously known as Fox Wilshire Theater, this timeworn entertainment venue is considered a classic landmark of L.A. The Art Deco style building was one of the first structures to be seen in the city’s eastern segment.
Celebrity Sightings – Paparazzi congregate in various parts of Beverly Hills to capture photographs of celebrities going about their daily business. Celebrity hot spots include Nate ‘n Al Delicatessen and Mastro’s. You may also choose to join a Starline Movie Star Tour to see where the stars live.

Booking a Beverly Hills Hotel

Whether it’s a glamorous and relaxing getaway you are after, or a sightseeing trip on a budget, there’s something in Beverly Hills to suit. You could spend your days sipping champagne at a 5-star luxury resort, such as one of the Beverly Hills Hotels. These iconic hotels are proudly positioned in the most exclusive parts of the city. If you want to stay within the Golden Triangle, the Montage Beverly Hills will surely satisfy.

Alternatively, you might want to book a stay at an affordable, intimate boutique hotels with all of the amenities you could wish for. Sites like Expedia are a great way to find the right Beverly Hills Hotel for your trip. Recommended options include the Hotel del Flores, and Ramada Plaza West Hollywood Hotel and Suites.

What are your favorite destinations in Beverly Hills? Leave us a comment with your best recommendations in the section below.

April 14, 2018 by Jeremy

5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Visit Kauai At Least Once

Kauai may not be the most popular island in Hawaii, but it certainly is up there in the top three. However, what makes Kauai the most appealing is the island’s abundance of natural beauty. In case you have not visited Kauai or even Hawaii yet for some reason, here are five reasons as to why you need to do so soon.

Hiker’s Paradise

If you are a trekking or hiking enthusiast, you have probably already heard about the Kalalau Trail as one of the most beautiful and challenging hiking trails in Hawaii and it does live up to those expectations. The 11-mile long hike will take you through majestic cliffs, lonely beaches and some natural views of the island at the backdrop of the cliffs and the sea, that are the stuff of dreams for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The Unique Beauty of the Hanalei Bay

More a beach for the families, what makes Hanalei Bay unique are the green cliffs that surrounds the place, giving it a sense of privacy and seclusion from the rest of the world. It’s also a popular spot for surfers, and while the sunset from the beach is nothing short of stunning, surfers claim that the view from the water is even more grand.

Historical Wonder

It is believed that none of the main islands of the Hawaiian state are older than Kauai and geologists have confirmed that to be a fact. The island is quite literally millions of years old (5 million to be exact) and instead of visiting manmade museums to experience some of the history, you will be able to enter the ancient Makauwahi Cave and see things for yourself, just as nature left it. The cave is a historical and geological wonder where scientists have found bones and remains of extinct animals and plants that died off thousands, if not millions of years ago.

The Famous Na Pali Coast

Being one of the most popular attractions, the Na Pali coastline probably needs no introduction, but for those who are not familiar with the place or what it offers, know that the coastline here is almost cinematically beautiful and the view from any of the beaches or cliffs is a stunning amalgamation of colors. Helicopter tours are available and kayaking is both allowed and recommended.

The Waterfalls of Mount Waialeale

Admittedly, waterfalls are a common site on most Hawaiian Islands, but it’s different on Mount Waialeale because of the sheer number of waterfalls that roar down from top of the cliff and go down into the Blue Hole canyon that’s hundreds of feet deep and has steep 3,000-feet tall cliffs surrounding it. You can even trek down into the Blue Hole if you want and that’s an adventure by itself.

As Kauai is a tourist hotspot, it is advisable to book your flight tickets and hotel in advance from Panda Online. It will ensure that you don’t waste any of your valuable vacation time hunting for hotels after reaching the island, as well as saving you some money on the flight tickets. After all, there’s just so much to see on Kauai and most people hardly have enough time to see things properly.