About St Lucia

Popular with visitors from around the world, St Lucia is a Windward Island situated in the eastern region of the Caribbean sea, northwest of Barbados. Having achieved independence in 1979, it is now a member of the Commonwealth of Nations with a political system which mirrors that of the UK.

The geography of St Lucia is volcanic and mountainous, with verdant forests occupying much of the island’s landscape. Most famously, the island is home to the world’s only drive-in Volcano, and several sulphur springs which, it is claimed, boast healing properties. In addition, St Lucia is also home to numerous public and private beaches, consisting of soft, golden sand – perfect for sunbathing.

Island Activities

Just as with any tropical island, St Lucia has become a paradise for alternative and water sports enthusiasts. Expect to be able to partake in any number of island activities, including:

• Surfing
• Diving
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Parasailing
• Forest Treks and Mountain Hikes
• Cycling
• Yacht Excursions

The Soufrière Sulphur Springs

The Soufrière springs on St Lucia are what are referred to commonly as the ‘world’s first drive in Volcano’. Located on the south-western side of the island, the sulphur springs were created by an upheaval of lava over 400,000 years ago. These days, the springs attract tourists who number in their thousands, every year. However the sulphur springs are not suitable for bathing in, and visitors are no longer allowed to walk up to the edge of them, for safety reasons.

For those of you who like the idea of getting muddy, further down from the springs there are places in which temperatures become bearable enough for bathing. However this kind of bathing won’t get you clean, as the water is filled with mud and sulphur deposits which are said to have healing properties.

Booking Your Accommodation

Accommodation in St Lucia is plentiful, and of a good quality. Choices range from basic hotels to 5* luxury spa resorts and private beaches, so you’re sure to find something to suit your budget when you book a holiday to St Lucia.

Work from anywhere

Whether you’re heading to Miami or Berlin, smartphone apps will help you to run your business right of the box and carry out numerous other tasks as well.

Here are the top 4 smartphone apps for the luxury business traveler:

1.  SayHi Translate

Most businessmen and women need to be proficient with their communication skills in order to successfully rise to the top. Many try to improve communication skills and linguistic capability through professional training – which is very beneficial to all professionals. However, if you’re not looking for a professional communication trainer, then look to SayHi Translate.

It includes 40 different languages and dialects, and features the most important languages used in business-based countries like Chinese, Australian English and French.

SayHi Translate works on iPhone and iPad and requires Wi-Fi or mobile data internet connection to function. The simple, easy to use interface makes the app all more appealing. You just need to talk to the app and it will translate the spoken language into the language of your client or business partner.

2.  AwardWallet

AwardWallet will help you to keep track of your loyalty programs during travel. It brings all your frequent flier miles, credit card points and any other loyalty credentials in a single place and it even works without an internet connection.

The app also lets you connect to the internet to check your current balance. The latest version of the app features all account updating with a single tap.

You’re given a detailed view of each reward program, letting you see if there is anything you can go for in rewards and points that have already been applied.

3.  Sygic GPS Navigation

There’s a possibility that you may face difficulty in finding your way through for a business meeting in a remote city, but Sygic GPS Navigation will make sure that you get there on time.

The app works in an offline mode and most of the maps are on local storage, so when there’s no internet connection or you face issues with the local carrier internet, you’re not left hanging.

The app presents color maps and as many alternative routes as it can discover from your present location to your destination. It also offers voice directions (turn-by-turn navigation). Sygic GPS Navigation works with iPhone and Android phones.

4.  Splid

Splid is like your insurance against unpleasant experiences. It will allow you to file claims against difficult situations and get you compensation in return. It’s an audio and video app which can’t be used to edit any of the files.

This may sound like a limitation, but it’s the concept on which the app is based on. For example, the argument of who you file claim against accuses you for modifying the image or file, the accusation can’t exist as the files can’t be edited in anyway.

You can use the app to record bad quality food, poor room customer service or client agreements for later use and save the files to the cloud. Splid will act as original, unedited evidence in important situations. This app is available for iPhone and iPad.

A new home is often the first, large benchmark of financial independence in one’s life. You have decided that you want to be a home owner – but now what?

Do you buy a house or build your own?

The answer to this depends on your desire for customization, convenience, and cost.

If your two primary considerations are customization and cost – then owner building is for you.

Now let’s tell you where to begin!

1. Buying Land - You will need to either pay cash for the land, get a land loan from a bank, or buy land from the seller with owner financing. Buying the land with a land loan first allows you to take the land off the market so others cannot buy it before you do. It also allows you plenty of time to pick out house plans, submit the plans to the county for approval and obtain a building permit all while obtaining the best construction loan. Construction loans can include the land into the construction loan only if you already own the land with a land balance to add into the construction loan.

2. Know Estimated Cost Of Your Home - This is the breakdown of each particular cost of construction of the home. The foundation, lumber, framing, plumbing, heating, electrical, painting, and builder’s profit, etc. Often times an owner-builder chooses to purchase their own equipment for future use and save money long-term. There are good deals available online for forklifts for sale and a lot of other useful equipment. It is important to keep an eye on overall construction cost, as it can add up quickly.

3. Pick A House Plan or Hire An Architect - There are some great house plan resources on the internet. Just go to Google and type in “house plans” or “architect” for your local area and you will have more sources than you can handle. If you go with a stock house plan from the internet, you will still probably need to make some modifications for your local building codes and building practices. To do this, you will probably want to hire a local architect. Once you pick out a house plan that fits your needs and expected budget, simply buy a few sets and start getting estimated bids from builders.

4. To Hire A Builder or Be An Owner-Builder - The goal of being an owner builder is mainly to save money. Some people can save quite a bit of money if done correctly. However, some people are not meant to be owner-builders, as it takes a strong personality to manage contractors.

You are now on your way to building your own home! Keep focused and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Here are a few tips on what to look out for when you are going online to look for a sportsbook review:

1. Make certain that the sport you are looking to bet on is fully covered by the company. No point signing up to them if you later find out that they don’t cover it.

2. This one is very rarely considered, but it’s nonetheless very important. You must check to see if the company is financially secure. If they are a public company, then you can go and check their books. If they aren’t public, then you can see how long they have been in business and also ask around to see if any of your friends has used them before.

3. Try and see what their reputation is like online. Check out different forums and meeting spots for like minded people who all love to bet on sports. If there are any negative comments made about the company you are looking at signing up to, then see exactly what the issue at hand was. Pay attention to any reviews made by others, as they will be given you first hand experience about what the site is like.

4. Finally, only bet what you can afford to lose. This is an obvious consideration, but one that many fail to pay attention to. Also, when you first start using a new sportsbook, only place small bets initially. You want to make sure you get paid first, and also that you have easy access to getting your money withdrawn. When you then become more comfortable with the site, you can start increasing your bet sizes.

If you stick to these short, but helpful guidelines, then you will have a more enjoyable sports betting experience online and hopefully make some money!

Swampy Secrets
By car, the Everglades National Park is about an hour and a half away from the centre of Miami. A swampy wetland that extends approximately 1,900 square kilometres, it is only the southernmost 20 per cent or so of this wilderness that is covered by the protection of the National Park. Famous for its wildlife, especially alligators and many varied species of birds, there is a also a great range of activities on offer to visitors. Camping and hiking are popular, while boat trips are truly memorable, especially if you travel in one of the popular air boats.

Of course, Florida is just as famous for its theme parks. Most of the more famous parks are actually located close to the city of Orlando, which is situated closer to central Florida. Motorists can expect to spend up to three-and-a-half hours driving from Miami to Orlando, but the journey is worth it if you want to visit some iconic locations. Disney World and Busch Gardens are among the parks that you can visit in Orlando and there is plenty of accommodation there if you find that you need to stay overnight.

Drive into Outer Space
Not far from Orlando, on the east coast of the state, is the so-called ‘Space Coast’. Built at the Kennedy Space Center, which staged shuttle launches until 2011, most of it lies within Brevard County. Towns such as Rockledge and Cape Canaveral will resonate with anyone who watched a NASA mission on television as a youngster. As well as the space facilities, visitors can see some of Florida’s more unspoilt countryside. The Atlantic Ocean provides great surfing opportunities, not to mention the chance to spot turtles and other marine life.

Seascapes and Super Fishing
To the south of Miami is the Biscayne National Park, a coastal and maritime protected area that offers some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the USA. The national park area covers 172,971 acres and includes Elliot Key, which is the first of the Florida Keys. A portion of the world’s third-largest coral reef is contained within the park’s boundaries. Mangrove forests are among the natural features of the park, which can be explored in canoes and glass-bottomed boats.

If you want to head further south of Miami, then a trip to the Florida Keys is recommended. This chain of islands, with Key West as the largest, is a holiday paradise. The area has a distinctive culture, which is more Caribbean than American in many ways; residents tend to adopt a laid-back attitude, which rubs off on tourists in the many bars and beach sites. This is where you go if you really want to relax. Miami was a favourite destination of writer Ernest Hemingway, who loved the superb fishing in the area.

A recent study conducted by the University of Florida revealed that Floridians are currently buying more locally grown produce than residents of the other 49 US states, and that retail sales are also higher in The Sunshine State than elsewhere.

Making an exception for takeaway meals, local food now represents roughly 20% of all food purchased in Florida to be consumed at home, said the Extension scientist Alan Hodges, working for the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Floridian Foodstuffs

The study consisted of a consumer survey that covered the whole of the state, and showed a marked difference between previous estimates – other states had put the figure at around the 5% mark, meaning that Florida’s local foods are accounting for roughly four times as much of the total food sales in comparison to the rest.

Hodge believes that this means Florida is well on its way to self-sufficiency in terms of its food production, and attributes that success to the great weather that gives Florida its nickname of the “Sunshine State” – the high amount of sunlight all year round provides very favourable conditions for the growing of fruits and vegetables.

Consumer Preferences

This study was conducted as part of a much larger project, one which looks at consumer preferences regarding locally grown foods.

Traci Irani, the professor of agricultural education at the University of Florida and the director of communication and development at the aptly-named PIE Centre (the Centre for Public Issues Education), said that these results suggest that consumers may now be paying closer attention to what they are putting in their bodies, perhaps due to an increased amount of nutrition coverage in the popular media.

This increased awareness will of course result in an uptick of sales of locally grown, natural produce, but only to a point – Irani also stated that the sales would only continue to increase if there was a similar increase in the advertisement and marketing of the local goods.

Other Findings

Floridians are hoping that more people from abroad will start booking flights to Florida to try the locally grown fruits for themselves, and that their economy could benefit from the increased tourist revenue. Currently, the projections are that, in the last twelve months, local food sales in the Sunshine State totalled a massive $8.3 billion.

Of this total, only $320 million came from restaurant sales, whereas grocery stores made up a huge $6 billion! Clearly, there is room for improvement when it comes to the restaurant industry – Hodges stated that diners should start asking their favourite restaurants to incorporate locally produced meats and other ingredients.

Clearly, consumers are sensing the health and economy benefits that come with buying local, and Florida is finally seeing the profits that come with this. The East Coast state is a blazing a trail when it comes to actual sales – we can only hope that other states (and countries) follow suit.

Hotel Adlon

The Kempinski Hotel Adlon is one of Berlin’s most legendary luxury hotels. The original hotel was destroyed in World War II, and at the time was a hub for the celebrities of the day including Charlie Chaplin, Henry Ford and Albert Einstein. It was then rebuilt in the 1990s, and has since retained its luxury status, attracting guests such as Queen Elizabeth II, Bill Clinton, and Michael Jackson, which was the site of his infamous “baby dangling” episode.

The hotel itself is in a great location, just across the street from the Brandenburg Gate, making it easily accessible, and an enviable place to stay. It also has over a dozen venues for business events, ranging from lecture theatres, board rooms, and luxury banquet halls, each decorated in a classical style.

Soho House

The notorious private members club opened its Berlin hotel in 2010, and has since attracted the elite traveller through its doors. The hotel boasts a rooftop pool, spa and gym, as well as private areas for functions. The main highlight includes a screening room equipped with plush red armchairs, plus the unique Red Room which is decorated with shelves that originate from the London Library. You don’t have to be a member to book a stay here too – though there are some strict rules you have to abide by.

Regent Berlin

A serene, luxury hotel, the Regent is usually a favourite haunt for film stars in Berlin who are recording their latest flick. It’s on the Gendarmenmarkt Square, which is surrounded by lots of trendy bars and restaurants. It also has over 10 conference and events spaces, and the décor is a mix of modern furniture and classic class.

The Mandala Suites

If modern simplicity is your thing, then the Mandala Suites offer clean, and simply designed accommodation. Situated near the Brandenburg Gate on the historic East/West divide, the hotel offers simple hotel rooms, plus a choice of penthouse suites. Whilst it doesn’t have any business facilities on site, it’s a good place to stay if you want a serene break from busy meetings all over the town.

With its vibrant colours, cruise ships, a fresh breeze and crystal clear skies – the Cote d’Azure is certainly a location well worth visiting.

There are so many things to do in the South of France that you and your children will never become bored. With some spectacular cities dotted along the coastline there’s definitely something for everyone.

The best time of year to visit is probably September. The Cannes film festival is hosted there each year in May and leads to huge crowds. The sweltering sun and packed highways that accompany July and August also make these months less attractive.

Once the masses of people disappear as the high season ends, you can really appreciate the charm and beauty of this exotic location.

Since the province has a dominant mediterranean influence, you should definitely sample it’s culinary delights in the afternoon – as most restaurants close their doors from 3pm to 7pm.

In Cannes, window shopping can pass countless hours, as can sipping a cappuccino as you see if you can spot any celebrities.

There are many luxurious holiday resorts in the South of France to choose from and something for most budgets. However, bear in mind that prices will almost always be a little more expensive here than back home. It is the South of France after all!

For some really expensive treats – head over to the world famous Monte Carlo Casino! There is a strict dress code here so keep that in mind.

If you are looking for a cheaper activity then hire a car and drive around the coast stopping off to try various French breads(freshly cooked) and goats cheese.

The Verdon Gorge, which is situated in the heart of the province is often regarded as the grand canyon of Europe. It offers some excellent opportunities for rock climbing for those looking for some thrilling adventures.

If stunning world class beaches, exotic yachts and movie stars are not your thing, then you can visit the province of Haute. This area features quaint villages full of charm and character, lavender fields, old abbeys and bucket loads of red wine to wash down hearty baguettes!

There is so much to see and do in the South of France that you will need to return year after year in order to fully appreciate all of its glory and beauty.

The reason is due to the fact that teenagers are at the age in life where they would prefer to be with their friends while on a school break – rather than travel with their parents.

Travelling with their parents means that they have to say goodbye to their closest friends for a few weeks, and this can lead to them becoming cranky and difficult to manage.

It’s important to let your teens know about any upcoming family vacation well in advance. This way they can get used to the idea and most will end up becoming very excited at the prospect of visiting a new country.

In order to keep teenagers happy on holiday, the parent must set routines and boundaries so that everyone knows where they stand.

Obviously you must allow your teenager sufficient alone time while on vacation as they will become smothered and will kick up a fuss at having no freedom.

Remember, it’s their holiday as well so you need to accommodate their expectations as well as your own.

Managing any conflict that occurs must be done in a controlled and calmly manner. It’s no good shouting your head off whenever an issue arises as they will only create unwanted tension that could possibly ruin the whole trip.

One of the most common causes for dispute that teenagers have while on holiday centers around the money issue. Before you leave, hand them whatever money you think they will need during the duration, and let them spend it as they please.

This is important, as you are giving them the responsibility of buying whatever they want. This creates an easy to work situation where they won’t have you watching over them all the time.

Don’t set any bedtime hours for them. Instead, let them go when they want, and equally let them wake up whenever they want. Remember it’s not an army camp. However, if there’s a family excursion planned for the next day, make sure you let them know that an early start is required so it’s up to them to go sleep in time.

One last idea that could prove very beneficial for a peaceful holiday is to include a close friend of your teenager on the trip. This will undoubtedly keep them happy and content for the whole trip as they will not be totally cut off from their friends! It’s a win-win situation if your budget can afford it.

Keeping a stress free holiday is the key to enjoying family time, and the above tips should help you on your quest.

Lisbon is the only capital in Europe that offers spectacular sandy beaches, and its natural beauty extends as far inland as you’re willing to explore. From cobbled streets and vibrant market salesmen to amazing food and even better hospitality, Lisbon really is the place to holiday this summer. Let’s take a look at some of the monuments and attractions that are often missed in this fantastic city.

The Luminous Fountain

This is one of the major tourist attractions in Lisbon, and located in the AvenidasNovas district it’s very easy to get to though excellent transport links. This fountain was built during the Second World War, 1940 to be exact, when Lisbon was a city that had been reduced to rubble.

Image from staticflickr.com

At night time, the fountain would expel amazing beams of light, and it became a beacon of hope for much of the local population, thus receiving its name ‘fonteluminose – luminosa fountain. In 2011, the monument was shut down for renovation, but after some essential repairs it was back up and running in late 2012, with the water and light shows dazzling tourists and locals once again.

Santana Windmills

The Santana Windmills are one of Lisbon’s best kept secrets, and the chances are that many of the city’s population don’t actually know where they’re located. A well-informed tour guide will however, so if you’re booking a tour of Lisbon, make sure the Windmills are on your route!

The Santana Windmills can be found in the Ajuda district, and they date all the way back to the 18^th century. Back then, the Ajuda district was all farmland, and many of the other mills were tore down to make way for improved accommodation. Thankfully however, the two Santana Windmills survived the countryside evolution, and they stand tall amongst a landscape of modern structures. If you’re thinking about holidaying in Lisbon this summer, make sure you visit cruise.co.uk to get the best travel deals.

The Bemposta Palace Chapel

Catherine of Braganza, once the Queen of England, demanded a new home upon her return to Portugal in 1693. Over the next year or two, the spectacular Bemposta Palace Chapel was designed and built, standing proud at the top of one of the city’s biggest hills, looking down onto its people. Sadly however, the palace is no longer open to visitors, and it is now the home of the Military Academy. There is a small service held in a side room in the palace on Sundays though,  allowing you to get a brief glimpse of the architecture inside.

Pena Church

This is one amazing structure that tourists are allowed to explore, and once you get inside, you realise that you’re actually standing in a part of Lisbon’s ancient history. Built in 1705, Pena Church was the city’s main architectural attraction at the time, and it was constructed using the latest materials and tools. Furthermore, it was also covered in gilt, another first for structures in Lisbon.