Brazil’s Best Beach Destinations for 2015

When most people think about Brazil, Rio de Janeiro probably pops into mind first. With its alluring beaches, famous carnivals and other activities, Rio de Janeiro is a tourist favorite. However, there are several other destinations in Brazil that have just as much to offer, including nature, great food, water activities or walks on the beach.

Corumbau, Bahia, is the ideal destination for those who want to take advantage of the beautiful Brazilian beaches, but prefer a quieter and less-crowded atmosphere. This is a small fishing village that is known for its stunning sand and its clear blue water. The underwater coral formations are also popular, making this a perfect snorkeling spot. Swim with the fish and get up close and personal with the exquisite coral formations. Nature lovers will be in awe over the variety of birds that call this area home and will take full advantage of the walking trails. Since it is small, it is limited to only a few beachside hotels, but travelers will not be disappointed with what they find once they reach this beach destination.

Praia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, is another hidden gem. This destination is even more remote because visitors must take a boat or walk across the island to get to the beautiful beaches. This area is part of a protected nature reserve, perfect for those looking for a little nature and some adventure. Enjoy breathtaking views of the sand that seems to flow right into the crystal clear water and of rock formations that give a spectacular view of the beach and land below.

For those looking for a little more excitement, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, is where to find it. The locals here are very active, so guests can join in a friendly game of beach football or simply sit back and watch the action. Food and drink vendors line the road during the day, ready to serve up great local cuisine. At night, guests can head to the strip located just across the road to enjoy the lively restaurants, cafes and bars. With all the choices, there is definitely something available to please even the pickiest guest.

Taipus de Fora, Bahia, is located along the coast on the Marau peninsula. This area, which faces the Atlantic Ocean, is a great family location and a big lure for surfers. The kids can head over to the lagoons and the calmer areas to enjoy a little swimming or snorkeling. This area is known for its large coconut trees, which definitely give the beach a tropical vibe. Those looking for a little relaxation can head over to the lounging area to sit under an umbrella. This is the perfect destination for those who want water activities and beach relaxation.

Jericoacoara, Ceara, is ideal for those who want the best of both worlds. This area features a remote beach for those looking for a little peace but it’s also close to the bustling destination city, Fortaleza. Guests can relax all day on the appealing quiet beach, and then head into the city to see what the nightlife has to offer. Rock formations found at the end of the beach provide a picture perfect setting. Areas of the beach closer to town offer food and drink options, including some well-known cocktails. Be sure to try kite surfing, a popular sport in this region.

Although Brazil is known for its tropical weather and great beaches, it has so much more to offer. Take a break from your beach adventures to enjoy world-renown cuisine, famous nightlife hotspots and cultural excursions.

Top 6 Items to Remember When Traveling Abroad

Whether you're going scuba diving in Cozumel or taking to the slopes in France, it's imperative that you plan ahead.

Listed below are the top items you should be packing before heading out on your next adventure.

Passport

This one may seem obvious, but you'd be shocked at just how many vacationers arrive at the airport only to realize that they remembered to bring 16 pairs of shoes but not their passport.

Due to more rigid traveling policies, traveling to anywhere outside the United States requires a passport. If you don't already have one, apply now: passport applications can take upwards of six weeks to process. And even if you do have a passport that hasn’t expired, you’ll probably need to renew it if the expiration date is close to your travel time: Some countries require your passport to stay valid for several months from date of entry.

Pocket Translator

If you're en route to a country where the natives do not speak English as their primary language, you'd do well to invest in a pocket translator. In their pages, you'll find enough phrases to help you order food at a restaurant, find the nearest bathroom or directions should you get lost.

Better yet, if you have a tablet or smartphone device, download a translation app. Just do it before you leave because you never know how strong a foreign country's Wi-fi signal might be.

Medicine

Should you be vacationing at a spot known to inhabit diseases local to the country, you're advised to receive a vaccination before leaving.

For everything else, from foreign food that you're body is not used to digesting, to everyday maladies like the common cold, pack medicine. Adventure travelers in particular are encouraged to also pack a first-aid kit, mild painkillers and hydrogen peroxide. Better to be safe than sorry.

Camera/Blog

The average American only gets to go away once or twice a year. Do yourself a favor and capture your overseas memories. Luckily, most modern phones come stocked with a built in camera and video recorder.

If you're feeling super ambitious, create a travel blog before you leave and update it while you're away. Or use Facebook like Bob Corsini has, so your friends and family can keep in contact with you, without necessarily having to call you everyday. You may even gain a following.

Money...the Right Kind

One of the costliest mistakes travelers make is that they wait until they're at the airport's travel exchange to convert their currency. Most U.S. banks provide the same services at a significantly lower rate.

Should you forget to convert, consider withdrawing funds from an ATM. Just be sure to find one that offers free withdrawals.

Contact Information

In the event that your wallet or purse gets stolen, you will no longer have access to your credit card company's number. That is, unless you wrote it down somewhere.

Before you leave on vacation, take five minutes and write down every customer service number you don't already have memorized. It could mean the difference between a minor annoyance and complete disaster.

Better yet, jot down the digits of your closest family members too. Due to the convenience afforded by cell phones, most individuals rarely bother to memorize numbers anymore. This could come back to haunt you if you don't take proper precautions.

Peninsula Paris - Celebration in the making

The Peninsula Paris preview (paris.peninsula.com)

I am giddy and excited about Peninsula Paris opening in August 2014! I have always believed in the brand and I am sure there are fans out there waiting for this grand opening - which is the first Peninsula hotel in Europe. For many years the Peninsula has managed to preserve the luxury brand and keep that high level of quality in each of their hotels. Growing up in Manila, where Peninsula maintains one hotel, I am always transported to another world every time I enter their grand lobby to attend a wedding or another celebration.

I have read that for the BIG inauguration, other Peninsula properties are celebrating it French style. The luxurious Peninsula Hong Kong will be having a "Moet & Spa" package which includes a heavenly spa treatment. While the Peninsula New York will be showing some classic French films on the hotel rooftop.

The magnificent Rolls Royce at the Peninsula Hong Kong (hongkong.peninsula.com)

If Peninsula can make our four legged furry friends feel special, what more US !! (Yes, they have special packages to cater to our pets at the NYC Peninsula).

Peninsula New York grand staircase (newyork.peninsula.com)

So much for something

It's 6AM and 9 degrees (C) outside. I've been awake for about 2 hours now. Somehow I am now thinking about the following weeks to come and the unexpected change that is about to happen. All for the best of course, is what we are all hoping for.

An opportunity knocked at my door a couple of months ago, but I declined it then. There were lots of things going on and change back then would have just rocked our boat big time. Uncertainty can do that sometimes. It was a tough choice to make since this was something I have been wanting to pursue (maybe for at least 12 years now!). But then timing was just so wrong, or so I thought it was. For all I know I was resisting too much something that was meant to be. I struggled deep inside to not take this chance even if I wanted it so bad.

Now, this same opportunity fell on my lap again last week. Quite unexpectedly. And this time around it will happen. I am longing for the less stressful work environment and the great hours.

Taking this opportunity means I have had to put on hold a few business plans for a while. I am praying so hard though that this is the right decision. I guess something that's blessed on you cannot be bad and can only lead to even better things. Surely when the timing is right the universe will conspire and inspire you to not resist the flow.

Fear of flying

Hubby has always not been fond of going on plane rides. He'd much rather go on a month long caribbean cruise or round the world cruise, than catch a plane. He's had a bad experience when he was young, and this explains the fear of flying he developed. It is not uncommon to be afraid of flying, especially nowadays when airlines' (lack of) safety is very much publicized. I know a lot of couples who either both or half the couple would prefer long drives over air travel. I guess this would be good if one lived in a big continent such as Europe, Australia or America. If one lived on an island one would be limited to driving around the island! Of course if one lived on a very nice island then maybe it would be wise to just spend it on that paradise!

Having said that hubby dislikes air travel, on a handful of times I was able to convince him to travel by air with me. We have agreed though, to go on a cruise maybe when baby turns two or three years old. Perhaps we would be able to visit husband's sister in the America on this cruise! If only I can reconcile within myself to travel across the Pacific Ocean for days without seeing land!

Suddenly Splitsville

So far one of the creative accommodation packages I have come across is the "Suddenly Splitsville" package by the Marmara Manhattan hotel. As much as one would not want to ever be on that package, meaning having been walked away from or have walked away from someone .. it is quite an expensive package. USD 7250 ++ for a one bedroom package for one is a lot of moolah, even if that is for a month! You can choose from either 1,2,3 bedroom packages, the most expensive costing USD 14,500 ++. I'd probably go shopping instead! Hehe! Having said that though, the hotel is tres chic, and quite nice actually. Of course, the location of this property is very classy as well : Upper East Side. Close to the museums, Central Park, etc. I would love to stay there but not on that expensive and sad package..


The "Suddenly Splitsville" Package includes:
•Accommodations in a fully-furnished luxury apartment with sizes ranging from one to three bedrooms
•Weekly housekeeping services
•A one-year subscription to Divorce Magazine, the only magazine of its kind, read by those who need advice from attorneys and other divorce professionals
•A pint of Haagen Daz ice cream to drown those sorrows in
•A bottle of Champagne to toast new found freedom
•A complimentary pass to the 92nd Street Y to work on that new physique
•A complimentary 45-minute in-room spa session (either a massage, facial, or manicure and pedicure) once a month
•Complimentary wireless Internet to start surfing the dating sites.
•A complimentary copy of "Confessions Of An Online Dating Addict" -- a book about the trials and tribulations of a woman who dated online in New York City to learn all about dating on the Web.
•A one-hour consultation with a real estate agent to start searching for a new place to live

The Marmara Manhattan
301 East 94th Street New York NY 10128
Phone 1 212 427 31 00
Fax 1 212 427 30 42

The Titanic memorial cruise

I read the other day about the British travel firm that enlisted one whole Fred Olsen Cruise Liner to do a Titanic memorial cruise in 2012. This would be to commemorate the 100th year of the original Titanic's maiden voyage. I think this is a fabulous idea to have come up with. Not to mention that it probably would be quite a healing trip for those who would be going on the cruise because they had a family member who did not make it back then.

There would be the same number of guests as the original Titanic, and they would leave the port at the same time that the Titanic did. Of course, this time around there would be enough lifeboats, and there would be no icebergs.

No, Leonardo diCaprio and Kate Winslet won't be on it.

First love : Travel

I took the day off today since I had to study for my university exam this evening. I am hoping to pass this subject in one go! Hopefully in a year I am able to shift industry so I can try something new. Although I don’t think I am totally able to leave the travel industry as I am sure I will always be drawn to the exciting world of travel. I will forever be excited with the challenge of booking a passenger on a flight to a popular destination at peak season, find the easiest website to book Car Hire Lisbon, and find a room available in a city that claims to have reached one hundred percent hotel capacity. I guess booking travel will always be my first love, however I must spread my wings and discover my other interests. I can’t wait to graduate!

Shutter dreaming

When I think of outdoor shutters, I think of this really nice beach front hotel in California. I wish I could go and visit that place for real, but for now I am satisfied with just looking at its website! Perhaps one day when I visit friends in the west coast. Meanwhile I will just go back to my california dream about the sun, beach and sand.

Still undecided

I still haven’t found a place to spend a week long ‘babymoon’ with hubby. Initially I wanted to travel about six hours north, and spend some time along the coast. But then given my bigger bump now, I am thinking it could be too long a ride for me. Maybe a maximum of three hours road trip would be fine. Perhaps we could save budget perth hotels for next time, and instead settle to choose from cheap hotels Sydney cbd. I guess just really a few days away to spend quality time as parents to be would be what we are after.

A few months ago I watched this travel show where some hotels do offer special babymoon packages. Some of these packages even included a massage treatment specifically for pregnant women! Writing about this makes me so excited to plan this getaway! I am sure whatever we decide on we will have a great time.

Adventure tripping

I have this friend who’s recently broken up with a long term partner of 8 years. They were planning on getting married early next year, but they recently decided to call it quits. She’s called me and asked me to organize an itinerary for her to Travel Alaska this June, as she wants to forget about her love misfortunes. I willingly obliged and have come up with a few activities and adventures for her to do whilst doing a bit of Alaska Travel. I told her now would be a good time to travel since the weather would be a bit warmer in Alaska.

Adventure is one of the necessary factors included in my friend’s trip. I found a tour group that would take her camping, traveling around Denali Park, canoeing and abseiling in various places as well. It’s good that I have used this particular tour operator before, so that I know that I can trust them in taking care of my lovesick friend. Now, I am not sure how effective adventure traveling is for broken hearts, but I am sure she will fall in love with the place.

Almost checked in

As usual we were tempted to go and check into a hotel in the city yesterday, and almost book last minute accommodation online! We went around the city taking photos (it was such a lovely day!), and we even went on a picnic at the botanical gardens. We got so tired and lazy to head home. I guess it’s good we didn’t give in this time, since it would have been nice to maximize checking into a hotel maybe around mid-day and requesting late check out the next day. Plus, we did not have proper clothes with us, just the clothes we bought from shopping! Hubby and I agreed to just plan an actual weekend getaway sometime in June, during Queen’s birthday weekend. I’m not sure if we could already consider looking for last minute flights and last minute hotels since it still more than three weeks away. Surely there are a lot of good deals with cheap flights on Qantas or Virgin Blue.

I don’t know if we could really afford to go on an all out splurge this time, since we are planning to spend Christmas in Manila this year! I guess a few nights wouldn’t hurt that bad!

Travel Rituals

(Note: Postcard photo from here)

Everyone's got their own travel ritual. Pre-departure. On the trip. Post-departure.
It can be a quirky pre-departure endless list of things to do, things to bring, must eat, places to see, people to write postcards to, people to call, things to take back home, etcetera. (I know I am guilty of this!) (Bigtime!).

Or, it can be upon entering your hotel room : take photos of each corner of the room, the view, the bathroom (Okay, I do this too coz I need it for my job!). And it could also be : setting the wake up call with Reception,or checking out the closets/bar fridge/drawers, etcetera.

Arriving back home, some people literally just plop onto the bed and take a very long sleep. Others I know unpack straight away and do one load of laundry. And still others, take a long warm shower.

We all have our quirkiness and travel rituals that comfort or satisfy us in some way. It's just simply the way we do. The way we are. Oh how I love talking about travel.

Booking my groups

One type of tourist accounts for those who travel out of motivation from an interest (or interests). I have made a booking for a group of people who traveled to visit archaeological sites in Greece, and another group that traveled to France and Britain to attend a war memorial event. Recently, I have had a group of people wanting to travel to the United States to visit a list of museums located in the Eastern part of the States. They were quite a handful as some of the travelers were wanting to try Gettysburg camping style, while the others wanted at least a four star rating hotel to stay at.

At the end of it all, they came into consensus that they would give rv camping Gettysburg a go. Majority of them haven’t tried this style of pa rv camping but were convinced that it would be an interesting experience. It was good that they have all agreed to this, otherwise I would end up having a divided group which would mean more work for me. I usually like dealing with group bookings especially if I communicate with only one coordinator.

Cebu Central

I’ve booked my parents for their anniversary to travel to Cebu and Bohol. There were great deals on Cebu Pacific and so I immediately grabbed them seats to travel for one week! Now, I am looking for a place for them to stay at in Cebu and Bohol. It’s not like it’s their first time to travel to these cities, so I am trying to check out places that would be nice for them and at the same time cost effective (they don’t want to spend too much). Since I love checking out hotels and resorts, and doing a lot of research, I am quite excited to do this for them. Besides, I travel through my family’s and friends’ eyes.

One of the options I saw, which was at the lower end of the options list, is Casa Escano. I’ve read that this is a quaint Bed and Breakfast place in Cebu. This was one place that had no frills, but was clean and comfortable. It is centrally located (not sure if this is a good being that it is in the city). Reviews on Tripadvisor mainly say positive things about Casa Escano. I suppose if my parents choose this they would feel at home.

Another option if they decide to be located in Central Cebu, is to stay at Crown Regency. My sister can get free nights here so it can be quite a good deal, really. And, I think there are quite a few choices of locations for this hotel. Okay, I'll research the beach resorts now.

(Photos from Casa Escano Website)

Some travel blah

The past two weeks have been pretty quiet at work. There are a few new enquiries here and there, and a few new bookings as well. Nothing that is too challenging for me to handle. I wish I can take more cruise or fully inclusive tour bookings, and not just about hotels in new york city or one night accommodation at some local airport.

I guess I shouldn't really complain about this. Times are tough and people are being more frugal in spending, especially about traveling. Nowadays, travellers are after the best value for their money. Nobody passes up cheap accommodation in Vancouver (or anywhere) for that matter. I know everyone is wanting to purchase good deals, and even airline or wholesalers appreciate this. Promotions on domestic and international travel are being advertised on television, newspapers, etc. They say these special deals won't last that long, and if one must plan travel now is the best time. That is providing of course that one has the resources or savings to do so.

Going camping

Two weeks ago three of the ladies from my team went camping. They asked if I wanted to try this with them but I declined since I am not really a fan of pitching tents, creepy crawlies, shared toilet (if any at all). When they got back to work on that monday they were saying how great the experience was and they would not mind doing it again, if ever at some rv park nc, or rv park north carolina. I agreed to go with them the next time they go on one of those camping trips, provided that it was in nc rv parks or some park that is very safe.

How many times does one try out a new adventure? I guess it has been a while since I went on one. The last time I remember was going on a hiking trip with my hubby. It can be very exciting and at the same time tiring! Oh well, I just hope that the girls don't schedule the trip anytime soon!

Family fun

I have been to a few Mardi Gras events, and have truly enjoyed each one! It is so filled with music, colour, interesting personalities, creative costumes, etcetera. I wish I could get to experience the Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S. or somewhere else, as I'm sure it would be fun! (I could probably have my two most favorite lady couple in San Francisco go with me! I am sure they won't mind.)

I would also love to visit Florida again, and spend more time going around theme parks at that state. The last time I have visited Florida, our trip was cut short and we had to rush home due to a sickness in the family. Which maybe, I can ask my dad, mom and siblings if we could continue on from where we left the last time we were there! I am sure it would still be fun to visit Universal Studios Orlando, even though we are all a bit older now (okay, my young brothers may still enjoy the rides). I guess what could make a visit to Orlando even more fun, is to visit during Mardi Gras time! I know none of my siblings have been to one, and so that would be fun!!
I miss spending time with my family, so I guess any trip away with them would be time well spent (quality time). They were asking me to come home for Easter, (or meet up with them in Hong Kong or Singapore), but I realised I actually don't have a valid passport at the moment! I'm in between passports if I may say. My Philippine passport is expiring in a few months, thus invalid to travel on, while I am waiting to get my Australian one! So, I should probably hope that we can postpone such impending big trip for next year instead! I'm sure none of them would disagree to another big trip next year!

Pamplemousse Gardens in Mauritius

Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens in St Louis, Mauritius is one of the most popular gardens in the world, but of course moreso locally. It is located about 20 minutes from the scenic Grand Baie, and is very much accessible by public transport, or by car. For a garden lover, this was quite a nice experience to walk through these tall and old trees, huge and gorgeous water lilies, see other people enjoying themselves in this peaceful place. It is a must see when visiting this Indian Ocean island. The garden's history dates back to 1735 when Labourdonnais bought a house within the park. What started out as a simple garden is now known as the Royal Botanic Gardens Pamplemousse. Two hours minimum time is suggested to cover most of the park, and it is suggested to bring one's camera to take lots of photos!

U2 Way

Have you heard recently that New York's West 53rd Street is now temporarily known as U2 Way. This is to celebrate the release of the U2's new CD. How special is that?! I guess not every celebrity gets to have a street named in their honour! Even if its only for a week.