Luxury Travel Archives - Top Spot Travel

September 24, 2018 by Jeremy

Destinations Which You’ll See On a Baltic Cruise

Cruises have long been my favorite type of vacation and throughout the years I have been fortunate enough to see much of the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Scandinavia through a variety of cruise packages. Last year my husband and I decided to shake things up a little bit so we decided to take a Baltic cruise. I must say that despite a little but of apprehension beforehand, it actually turned out to be one of the best trips that I have ever taken. A Baltic cruise is not something that everyone knows too much about, so I wanted to talk a little on here about what destinations you can expect to find, If you decide to treat yourself to a Baltic cruise holiday.

St.Petersburg, Russia

During the cruise we had an overnight stay in the wonderful city of St Petersburg which offers a great insight into imperial Russia and the buildings and culture which shaped it. This was probably my favorite destination during the cruise as there was something new to discover around every corner, from the spot where Rasputin was poisoned to the intricate Yusupov Palace there is plenty here to enjoy. If you happen to arrive during May or June a real treat awaits you in the shape of the White Nights, which are the evenings when the sun doesn’t set, and festivities take place throughout the city.

Helsinki, Iceland

Helsinki was somewhere that had been on my list of places to visit for a very long time and it was actually one of the motivating factors in taking this cruise in particular. Helsinki is a colorful and vibrant capital which is absolutely packed with art and design. The Icelandic capital is widely considered to be one of the most forward thinking cities in the world in terms of innovation, something which can be witnessed in the architecture, the art installations which adorn the streets, as well as in the charming and eye-opening art galleries such as the Anteneum

Stockholm, Sweden

The Scandinavian cruise which we took in the 90s didn’t actually stop in Stockholm, so we were pleasantly surprised to find that our Baltic cruise would take in the Swedish capital. Something which I wasn’t aware of was that Stockholm is actually a collection of 14 islands. The fact that the city is an archipelago means that there is a real outdoors feel to the city, resulting in busy streets and at times, a touch of chaos. The city is colorful and still looks much like it has done for centuries, with cobbled streets, ancient walls, old squares and traditional boats all around. We only had a day in Stockholm as part of our cruise, probably not a bad idea given the high price of just about everything in the city!

These were my top 3 places on the cruise but you can also expect to see these other wonderful European destinations;

Estonia
Norway
Finland
Poland
Denmark

If you are looking for a cruise which offers something a little different, this is the perfect choice.

April 26, 2018 by Jeremy

Cruise Fever, What You Can Expect On-Board a Cruise Ship

Whenever I speak to people about cruises it never ceases to amaze me just what people who have never cruised, actually think about this type of vacation, and how wrong they usually are. One of the most common questions which I am asked about cruise vacations, is what life is like on-board the ship, and whether or not it can become boring. In light of that I wanted to write a post about what life is like aboard the cruise ship and what you can expect during your time away.

As I write this I am on a Seabourn cruises ship, so I can assure you that the information is most definitely up to date.

Accommodation

I have stayed in almost all levels of accommodation on many a cruise ship and I have always found it to be spacious, very comfortable and most definitely well serviced. The choices available for accommodation ranges from those above deck, below deck, luxury suites and budget cabins, and all of which are of an excellent standard.

Entertainment

There are many days on the cruise that you may have to find ways to fill in your time, as you will be at sea all day, this will not be a problem when you take a cruise however. The reason for this is because cruise ships are absolutely packed to the rafters with entertainment for you to enjoy as you pass your time at sea. Some ships offer theaters and cinemas, multiple swimming pools with jacuzzis and wave machines, kid’s clubs, tennis courts, live performers and even spa centers. Cruise companies understand your needs and they make sure that they do all that they can on-board to meet them.

Food and Drink

Another fear which many have is that there will be a lack of food options for them on-board, and that they will be stuck with the same old food each day and night. This could not be farther from the truth and in fact you can depend on sampling some of the most exquisite food and a wide range of eating options. Most cruise liners offer a variety of high class restaurants, snack bars and eating establishments which will be more than enough for whatever tastes that you have.

Service

The service on-board a cruise ship is some of the finest and most hospitable that I have ever experienced and you can guarantee that your time on the ship will be made better because of it. If you have a problem you can expect it to be solved quickly, the staff are always on hand for whatever you need and the level of personal care is absolutely phenomenal. On the vessel you will find a huge number of staff who deal with customer relations, catering, cooking, cleaning and entertaining and you won’t have to look far to find someone to attend to your every need.

The destinations which you can head to on a cruise ship are truly wonderful, and so too will your time be aboard the ship.

February 17, 2018 by Jeremy

Four Reasons to Put Singapore on Your Travel Bucket List

Singapore isn’t just any other city – it’s a unique and exciting experience! Located south of Malaysia, the island city of Singapore is a must for any avid traveler’s bucket list. With extravagant, luxurious shopping malls, relaxing spas, stunning green gardens, and picturesque beaches, there’s something for every type of traveler in Singapore whether you’re alone or with family or here for adventures, to explore, or to simply wind down and relax. Eager to learn more? We’ve put together the top five reasons to add Singapore to your bucket list.

Royalty Free Photo

#1. Shoppers Rejoice!

If you love to shop when you travel and pick up new things from the destinations that you visit around the world, then you’ll love exploring the shopping malls in Singapore. The options for shoppers are so vast in this city, that it’s pretty much impossible to visit without buying at least one or two new items for yourself, or to give as gifts for your friends and family back home. And, there’s something for everybody, from high-end and designer items at Orchard Lane, to traditional, vintage and handmade items found in Little India and China Town Lane.

#2. Turn on Your Taste Buds:

One of the main reasons that Singapore attracts so many visitors is that quite simply, it’s a paradise for foodies. Anybody who enjoys trying new dishes and enjoying all the taste sensations of a new cuisine will be in their element in this vibrant city. From tantalizing street food on the go to sitting down for a three-course meal in a high-end, five-star restaurant, Singapore has something for every type of food-lover who visits. If you’re ready to get started with sampling the best cuisine in the city, you can book Delhi to Singapore flights here.

#3. Fun and Adventure:

Singapore may be known for its calming spas and quiet beaches, however, it’s not just the serenity that attracts visitors to this city. In fact, it’s just as much of a great choice of destination if you are looking for some fun, adventure and an adrenalin rush, with several awesome amusement parks to choose from. These include Universal Studios, LEGOLAND Singapore and Wild Wild Wet Singapore to name just a few, which are popular with visitors of all ages!

#4. Relax and Unwind:

Lastly, whether you’re looking for a totally relaxing vacation or simply want somewhere to rest in peace after an action-packed day in Singapore, you’re in the right place. The city has a vast array of spas and massage parlors to choose from if you want to indulge in some rejuvenating treatments, whilst those who love exploring nature will be in awe of the many gardens around the city. Gardens by the Bay is a must-visit, and home to the Cloud Forest Dome which is the tallest indoor waterfall in the world. For a truly relaxing day, eastern Singapore and Sentosa Island are where you will find the main beaches, complete with water sports options, seafood restaurants, and plenty of spots to kick back and relax.

Singapore is a city that truly offers something for every kind of traveler.

February 1, 2018 by Jeremy

Top Places to visit in Guernsey

Close to the French coast, Guernsey is an island in the English Channel. With beautiful beaches and interesting historical sights Guernsey is a fantastic place to visit. A quiet holiday in Guernsey could be just what you need! So let’s take a look at the top places to visit in Guernsey.

Shell Beach

Off the Coast of Guernsey is a little island called Herm island. Herm island has some beautiful beaches with Shell Beach as its prime attraction. Shell Beach is a long stretch of golden sandy beach perfect for a family day out. In the summer temperatures are moderate making it one of the nicest places in Guernsey for a swim. Taking a picnic on the beach, a typically British past-time is always nice and when the tide goes out the rock pools that appear are particularly fascinating for children to explore.

Candie Gardens

Guernsey is known for its beautiful gardens that bloom in spring. Candie gardens historic gardens date back to the late 19th century. Visitors can enjoy images of beautifully colourful flowers from all over the world and historic British statues such as one of Queen Victoria. Tours around the gardens are fantastic.

In the centre of the gardens, Candie house is a very interesting spot offering nice views of the gardens and neighbouring islands from its terrace. Historians and Florists alike will appreciate the rare Victorian Flower Garden which has been well maintained.

Castle Cornet

The 800-year-old castle is set on a piece of land jutting out into the sea. The unique location makes for a peaceful walk around the grounds. Visitors will experience impressive scenes including some great vistas over the sea of the surrounding islands.

Castle Cornet features a total of 5 museums to explore and 4 gardens that are all very much worth visiting. The fort and its remains are very interesting and the museums help one understand the history of the region.

The Little Chapel

Dating back to 1914 the little chapel is one of Guernsey’s most interesting historic sights.

The unique chapel is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Guernsey situated in a quaint little valley which adds to its charm. The chapel is tiny and can only fit around 8 people inside but what it lacks in size its make us for in beauty.

The Little Chapel features stained glass windows and its surface has been decorated with broken china, stones and shells giving it a colourful and pretty mosaic like exterior. The Little Chapel is currently undergoing some renovations and will likely be closed until the end of March this year.

German Military Underground Hospital

Another interesting historical site is the German Military Hospital. The Channel Islands were taken by the Nazis during World War 2 and an underground hospital was constructed by the Germans in the 1940s. The Germans also used this place to store ammunition and was so well-hidden underground it not possible to spot from planes above. This tunnel complex is the largest structure that remains from the times of the German occupation in the Channel Islands making it a fascinating place to explore.

January 17, 2017 by Jeremy

What to Do when you’re Locked Out of the Car while Travelling

Being Locked Out of the Car while Travelling is just the worst...

Photo by CC user Unsplash on Pixabay

It is one of those things that no one wishes to happen, yet it usually does at some time or another, and when you end up locked out of your vehicle, it always happens when you are in a hurry. The first thing to remember is to stay calm and avoid the temptation to try and break into the car, as this is likely to result in damage. The fact that there are mobile locksmiths that specialise in retrieving keys from inside vehicles is a testament to how often it happens, and if you are unfortunate enough to lock yourself out of your car, here are some tips.

Contact a Locksmith

This is one number you should keep in your phone memory, and if you happen to be in Western Australia, and are looking for a Perth Locksmith, visit www.silverfernlocksmithsperth.com.au/ for more information on the range of services they provide. Some locksmiths have round the clock emergency service, so whether you have lost your keys or they are locked in the vehicle, they can gain access to any vehicle and create a new key if need be.

Transponder Keys

This is the latest anti-theft system and it involves inserting a microchip into the key, without which, the car will not start. If, for example, someone copied your car key with the intention of stealing the vehicle, the car would not start as the key does not contain the vital chip that is necessary to activate the ignition. Most modern vehicles use transponder keys, but this isn’t a problem as a qualified locksmith can cut a new key and program the chip via a port on the vehicle’s dashboard, and you will be up and running within an hour of the locksmith arriving on the scene.

Spare Keys

One could always have a spare key which is kept at home, and in the event you lose your master set, simply call your partner and have them bring the key to you on the road. Of course, this is only practical if you are within a reasonable distance from your home, and failing that, you can call out a mobile locksmith service.

Relax and Take a Break

Once you have called out the mobile locksmith, they will be with you very shortly, and you can find a nearby café and have a coffee while the technician gains access to the vehicle, and you will be on your way within a short time. It is a good idea to anticipate such an event and already have the contact details of a mobile emergency locksmith, as they can also help if you ever get locked out of your home. Should the worst ever happen and you do not have a contact number, you might be in for a long wait, so be prepared and keep the number in your smartphone memory.

Losing your keys is not something you can effectively prevent, so the best solution is to have the contact details of an emergency locksmith service, just in case the worst happens. This way, your travels can go back to running smoothly in no time flat.