Top 8 Adventure Tours for Women this 2015
We just started year 2015 but I’m pretty sure you’re already planning a special getaway with your closest girlfriends. Traveling with your family, significant other, and children may be fun but admit it, you sometimes want to take a break and just enjoy some time all by yourself.
What better way to spend time off than with your most trusted friends on a quick girlfriend getaway or on an adventure tour especially planned for women.
Adventure tours for women mean men, parents, and kids are off-limits. For a few days or a couple of weeks, travel somewhere far you haven’t explored and where culture is different and interesting. You and your friends will definitely have a blast remembering the good old days when you go on a special getaway together.
We’ve listed some of the top adventures for women you and your friends should try this 2015:
1.) COSTA RICA
The Ultimate Yoga Bliss in Costa Rica is one of Gateway Destinations’ many custom women-only tours. We’ve partnered with Kim Bowen, founder of Prosper Wellness. Kim is a yoga instructor and a Stress Reduction Specialist, inspirational speaker, and founder of a local yoga based wellness company in Arizona.
2.) PERU
Our Peru In All Its Splendor women-only tour will be a 9-day journey that lets you discover art, beauty, and food in this South American country. It’s a trip worth taking as it is filled with many adventures. It’s not only fun, it’s also educational.
3.) PARIS
Paris has always been the top travel destination for couples but the City of LoverDs is also a favorite of women going on tours with their girlfriends. Paris in August can be fun but going to the city anytime of the year is quite lovely especially when you’re travelling with the people you love.
4.) TUSCANY
Discover the heart of Italy and explore the hidden regions of the region. Taste the world-renowned Chianti and Brunello wines and enjoy the regional authentic cuisines as part of the special tour.
5.) ALSACE
Gateway Destinations can plan your Alsatian journey, which will start in the picturesque and lively town of Strasbourg. This place is known as a World Heritage Site and can be found at the France-Germany border. As you begin the Alsatian Wine Tour, you’ll venture into the countryside and follow the wine route up to the beautiful and historic villages like the must-see Colmar.
6.) SOUTH AFRICA
Gateway Destinations’ 11-day exclusive adventure through South Africa will include the “big five” and wildlife at the Kruger National Park. After each day of a fun trip, you will retreat to a luxurious lodge reserved only for you.
7.) BELLE PROVENCE
Gateway Destinations can plan a custom women-only tour for you. This inviting countryside is one awesome travel destination that will make you appreciate southern France more. It’s a rich area displaying the abundant beauty of nature and its people.
8.) INDIA
Travel with your girlfriends to India. You will have a blast learning about the history of Delhi by visiting popular sights and participating in a unique culinary experience in a local Indian family home. Discover the beauty of Taj Mahal and take a photo while in front of it as souvenir. To cap off your day, maybe go on a thrilling elephant ride in Amber Fort.
Should I Bring A Debit Card On My Trip?
The Expert Tour Guide to Athens, Greece
People say that going to Europe can be very expensive. However, those who live in the continent or have been to countries in the region will all agree that travelling there is worth it. The cost of travel will never outweigh the unforgettable moments and beautiful things one can experience in Europe.
We’ve talked about several European cities already and I’m pretty sure you’re convinced that Europe should be your next destination. The only challenge now is for you to decide on which place to visit.
One of the more popular and more affordable places to visit in Europe is Greece. What comes to mind when you hear of the country? Gods, goddesses, Athens, mythology, ancient times, Mykonos, and the beautiful white houses we always see in the movies.
Gateway Destinations offers an Ancient Athens & The Greek Isles Specialty Tour Package. It’s one of our more popular travel deals because many people want to experience an in-depth Grecian experience. This featured tour allows travelers to discover the rich, mythological history of Athens. Explore the prominent archeological wonders of ancient times set in the middle of modern surroundings.
With our tour itinerary, you can enjoy abundant shopping, savor great food, and enjoy the very lively atmosphere of this vibrant city. Aboard the Monarch Ocean Countess, venture out of Athens in style. Cruise the blue waters of the Aegean sea for three full relaxing days, then off to the beautiful Greek Isles. You’ll also get to visit the ancient site of Ephesus in Turkey.
Visit and see for yourself the famous Mykonos. At night, witness how sophisticated the nightlife is. During the day, visit the beautiful Monastery of Saint John on the island of Patmos, the island of Crete, and Santorini complete with the unique and beautiful architecture. For two days, you’ll stay in a very lovely suite overlooking the crystal shimmering sea.
Ready for your Grecian adventure? Here are some travel tips that might come in handy.
- Choose your accommodation well
Depending on your budget, choose a hotel or resort you like. Hostels are not expensive and there are a lot of budget hotels in Athens especially during the off-season. - Take note of Greek Rules
Read about the Greek culture and traditions. Some things must be done in a certain way so do your homework and research before going to the country. - Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
As with any trip to a new place, you need to know the proper clothes and shoes you should be wearing. Wear clothes comfortable enough and shoes that you know will keep you going all day, all night. - Be culturally sensitive
As an Orthodox Christian country, Greece has a lot of shrines at the roadside. You might notice a lot of people signing the cross. Be respectful at all times. - Rent a moped
This will make travel easier, faster, and fun if you’re not going with a group tour. A moped will easily bring you from one place to another around Greece. You can rent one for $16 a day. - Travel by train
You can also travel by train to visit different areas in Greece. - Book overnight ferries
Greece has many islands so to visit them, you need to travel by boats or ferries. It is highly recommended that you try overnight ferries if you want to visit nearby islands. Overnight fees are usually cheaper. - Book ferries early
Book early so you’re sure to have a seat reserved for you. Discounts are sometimes given to early reservations. - Eat a super cheap meal
You don’t need to spend a lot on food. You can keep your stomach full for only $10 per day. - Make the most of your trip
Visit a lot of tourist destinations and islands. Make the most of your time in Greece. Don’t waste any minute! - Enjoy!
Go ahead and starting ready about Greece. While you’re at it, listen to this beautiful Greek music:
If you want a custom tour or a packaged group tour to the Ancient Athens & The Greek Isles, contact Gateway Destinations.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Versilia Coast and the Cinque Terre
When you hear about traveling to Italy, a lot of people would think of Rome, Florence, Venice, or Milan. These are some of the most popular cities to explore in Italy but the country has more regions to offer.
Italy is a very beautiful country filled with historical sites worth visiting. There’s Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Naples, Verona, Turin, Bologna, Peruvia, and Genoa. These are considered the best places to go to in Italy being the most famous tourist destinations. However, there are smaller regions you can visit and explore while in Italy.
The Versilia Coast & the Cinque Terre are two interesting places just on the other side of Tuscany. The Versilia Coast has beautiful and expansive beaches while further south are the five cliff-sided villages of the Cinque Terre. You can enjoy these areas by traveling from village to village by train or by a walking trail.
Here are ten (10) things you probably didn’t know about the Versilia Coast and the Cinque Terre:
- The name Versilia is derived from Vessidia, the ancient German word for water (Wesser/Wasser).
- Climate in Versilia is usually temperate (mild). This makes it an ideal holiday destination by locals and foreigners visiting the city. Expect about 270 sunny days with pleasant warmth. During winter, it can be cold but you won’t experience any biting cold.
- The most populated and most famous part of Versilia is Pietrasanta. It is located at the foot of the Apuan Alps, extending along the coastline, from South to North, starting at Stazzema and ending up to Marina di Massa.
- The old or Historical Versilia consists of four places: Stazzema, Seravezza, Pietrasanta, and Forte dei Marmi.
- Versilian territory includes both mountain and the sea. It boasts of the longest sandy beaches in Italy.
- One of the impressive sights in Versilia is the whole range of mountains called the Apuan Alps. It spreads as far as the north-west of Tuscany. There are about 200 caves in the mountains and some of them tourists can visit with special guides.
- Liberty Style in art is very much evident in Versilia. It started in 1905 but in 1917, Art Deco came to life. You’ll see examples of Art Deco style in Villa Arrighi and Villa Argentina.
- You can enjoy a lot of local cuisines in Versilia: Luca, Pisa, Massa Carrara, and Genoa.
- The Cinque Terre are situated in the region of Liguria. It is close to Genoa and the boundary of Tuscany. Cinque Terre landscape was formed by a series of folds that results when rocks were pushed, raised, and pressed together during the Tertiary period.
- There are five villages forming the Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Monterosso.
Want to visit Versilia Coast and the Cinque Terre? Contact Gateway Destinations and we’ll plan a custom tour just for you.
[SOURCES: 1, 2 [ [IMAGE: Davide Vadalà]
10 European Destinations to Visit in 2015
Another year is here once again. It’s time to carefully plan your 2015. Plot your adventures for a more memorable twelve months. If you haven’t traveled much last year, you can always make up this year and go to many places and gain new discoveries.
There may be a lot of interesting places in your state or country but it is highly recommended that you go out of your comfort zones. This year, take the chance of having an exciting experience in some of the top European destinations. Here at Gateway Destinations, we have excellent travel and tour packages to help you experience a wonderful girlfriend getaway, your dream honeymoon, memorable family vacations, or unique specialty tours.
Traveling is important because it gives you a new perspective and new ideas. Traveling will also give you a chance to meet new people, as well as, experience a time out from your stressful life.
So where will 2015 take you? We have listed the Top Travel Trends some of the more popular European destinations. We promise you a memorable trip to these places because we’ve planned them with interesting activities, great places to shop, new things to discover, and more.
Here are Gateway Destinations’ Top European Destinations to Visit this 2015:
1. The Alsatian Wine Route
Taste the crisp, clean wines and relish in the abundant natural beauty of the Alsace region. Its Germanic influence extends to food and architecture, serving up some of the most delicious foods in France and beautiful timbered houses and fortified castles. (READ: Discovering The Alsatian Wine Route)
2. Belle Provence, France’s Southern Jewel
Sunny skies, multi-colored fields, perfumed air, and charming medieval villages await your discovery in beautiful Provence. No other area in France, or Europe for that matter, boasts such a rich tapestry of history, delectable wines, abundantly varied cuisine, and inviting countryside. (READ: Belle Provence Tour: Discover France’s Southern Jewel)
3. Paris Couture & Country Châteaux
Begin your luxurious women-only journey into France exploring exquisite châteaux in the Loire Valley. Taste regional wines at a local vineyard and see how mushrooms are cultivated in limestone caves, while experiencing a regal life in the Valley of the Kings! (READ: 8 Travel Tips to Paris)
4. The Pays Basque & French Pyrénées
A mélange of colors awakes your senses in the Pays Basque and Pyrénées Mountains. Taste the clean salty air of the sapphire blue Atlantic, smell the freshness of the green forests and lush mountain valleys, gaze at vibrant building façades and festive clothing unique to the Basque people, and feel the strong deep traditions embodied in the ancient grey stone of this unique region. (READ: Bask In The Beauty Of Pays Basque & French Pyrénées )
5. Ancient Athens and the Greek Isles
Discover the mythological rich history of Athens with its prominent archaeological wonders of ancient times set in the midst of modern surroundings. Savor great food, enjoy abundant shopping and experience the lively atmosphere of this vibrant city.
6. Corfu & Crete, Greece
Corfu, Greece is a beautiful lush island in the Ionian sea on the west side of mainland Greece. It boasts inviting beaches and offers a variety of fine accommodations and great dining venues. (READ: Travel Tips For Corfu And Crete, Greece )
7. Italy’s Versilia Coast & The Cinque Terre
Spend relaxing days in the “other side of Tuscany,” the Versilia Coast, with its beautiful and expansive beaches. Venture further south to explore the five cliff-side villages of the Cinque Terre.
8. London Theatre & Shakespeare Country
Enjoy one of London’s infamous live theatre performances, contrasting it to a Shakespearean play in the countryside. (READ: London Theatre & Shakespeare Country Tour )
9. Sensational Sorrento & The Amalfi Coast
Bask in sunny southern Italy on the hillside of Sorrento as you enjoy this women-only tour. Enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius from the lovely Hotel Bristol, your base for the entire week. (READ: Experience Sorrento And The Amalfi Coast )
10. Venice, Verona, and Lovely Lake Garda
Revel in the unique beauty of Venice with its impressive architecture and network of intricate and romantic canals. Visit the island of Murano, famous for its beautiful glass designs throughout the world. (READ: Visiting Venice, Verona & Lake Garda )
When Should You Purchase Foreign Currency For Your Trip?
The US Dollar just hit a 9-year high versus a variety of foreign currencies including the Euro. We are not in the business to predict which way it will go from here, but if you are planning a European vacation this year, you may want to consider purchasing some Euros now – even though you will have to pay a hefty markup to your bank (usually about 5 points – varies by bank). For security reasons, it is not recommended to carry a lot of cash when traveling abroad but you will need some cash for emergencies and “to hit the ground running.”
Top Travel Trends in 2015 | Luxury Vacations
A new year means another year to make the most of your life. It’s a new chance to travel more and discover new things. This 2015, vow to get on your feet and explore the world outside. There’s more to life than lounging on a chair or hiding behind the computer. Sure, you can discover the world through the Internet but going to actual cities and countries is more fulfilling.
It’s time to engage with the world. Remember the 5 Reasons Why You Should Travel? You have no reason not to travel this year because fares are lower, thanks to cheap fuel. Airlines will continue to compete especially on transatlantic flights with fares falling 5.1 percent this 2015. According to the American Express Global Business Travel and IATA, domestic business class fares will still go up 2 to 6 percent while domestic economy up 2-5% only. In some markets though, the change in fuel prices will bring most fares down.
Detroit Free Press listed five (5) intriguing vacations: Cuba, Brazil, Asia cruising, Puerto Rico, and Dubai. Hotel rates are on the rise too but because of this change, the number of vacation rentals is now going up. More people will prefer to avail of cheaper vacation rentals instead of checking in at posh and expensive hotels.
Travel and Leisure also listed some super trendy destinations although we’re not sure about the criteria: Chengdu, China; Istanbul; Wasatch Mountains, Utah; Puerto Plata, Domican Republic; Rotterdam, Netherlands; Catskills, NY; and Fez, Morocco.
This year, more people are predicted to try European River Cruising. Perfect example is our Bounties Of Bordeaux Wine Cruise.
Lonely Planet also made a list of places that are worth to visit: Tunisia, Shanghai, Samoa, South Africa, Portugal, Uruguay, Bali, Romania, and Taiwan. On the other hand, the Travel Leaders Group says more travel agents are booking trips to San Francisco, Honolulu, Las Vegas, New York City, Maui, Orlando, and Alaska Cruise.
Car rental rates are more affordable too as prices stay flat in most countries. For those who like to go on a cruise, you’d be happy to know that more deals are will be offered all year round and not just during peak season. More on-board features and experiences will be added like more reliable and faster Internet right on the ship.
For Gateway Destinations, our prediction is that more people will see the value of organized trips, women only tours, and awesome honeymoon adventures. Top destinations include Africa for the Safari, Alsatian Wine Route, Belle Provence, Tuscany, India, Paris, Pays Basque and French Pyrenees, Peru, and Costa Rica among others. These cities are great for women only tours.
Top destinations for Specialty Tours are as follows: Venice, Verona and Lake Garda; Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast; London Theater and Shakespeare Country; Versilia Coast and Cinque Terre; Corfu and Crete, Greece; Bordeaux; and Athens and the Greek Isles.
Feel free to check Gateway Destinations for luxury custom travel packages.
[SOURCE: DFP] [IMAGE: Sean MacEntee]
Gateway Destinations 2014 Blog Roundup
A lot of trends helped define the travel industry in 2014. This year, we expect to see a few changes but it will be bigger than ever as more and more people make it a part of their goals to travel and widen their horizons.
2014 was big for us here at Gateway Destinations. We’ve helped many travelers achieve their dream honeymoon, family adventure, girlfriend getaways, and specialty tours.
We have shown you reasons why you should travel, why travel insurance is important, and some tips on traveling light. Middle of the year, we shared with you some infographics about the state of the travel industry. We learned that fewer adults travel with children according to the U.S. Travel research department’s ‘Domestic Travel Market’ Report released in 2012. In the same report, it was noted that leisure travelers are usually older than business travelers.
There are many ways travelers plan their trips. They usually ask their friends and relatives, refer to past experiences, visit websites, turn to social networks, and access mobile devices. And for men and women, traveling and vacation actually differ.
Your passport being ready is not enough. You must also study the travel sector and see the tourism trends and forecasts the past years so you’ll be able to plan your trip well. And once you are ready, you can now plan your trip to any of the Top 9 Destinations For Girlfriend Getaways (women-only tours). Of course, you need to read on our 7 Ways To Plan A Girlfriend Getaway before you go and know if you still need visa to travel to a particular country. Planning to extend your trip? That’s also possible.
For those who are going on their honeymoon, we have our Top 8 Luxury Honeymoon Destinations list and tips on how to make your dream vacation perfect. You can visit the Ancient Athens & The Greek Isles, the Bounties of Bordeaux Wine Cruise, Corfu & Crete, Greece, Italy’s Versilia Coast & The Cinque Terre, London Theatre & Shakespeare Country, Sorrento & The Amalfi Coast, Costa Rica for an Ultimate Yoga Bliss, and Venice, Verona & Lovely Lake Garda.
You can also travel to Provence, Paris, Tuscany, Peru, India, or try an African Safari. Feel free to bask in the beauty of Pays Basque and French Pyrenees or discover the Alsatian Wine Route.
So many places to go to, so little time. These luxury travel destinations will surely give you a grand time if you decide to go with family or friends.
This 2015, make it your goal to go to at least one place you haven’t been to. I assure you, you will have memorable experiences. Your horizons will be widened and you’ll gain not just knowledge but new friends as well.
Thank you for making 2014 a great year for us.
Happy New Year!
5 Reasons Why You Should Travel
They say traveling is a luxury. While it can be expensive especially when you’re going to the beautiful places in Europe, there are many ways you can save a lot of money.
Travelling can do many things to your soul. You can take a break from all the work and stress life brings. It’s okay to reward yourself from time to time because you’ve been working too hard. Sometimes, you need to clear yourself time out from everyday life so you’ll be refreshed and charged when you get back to your normal routine.
Here are some more reasons why you should travel:
1. You need a fresh perspective
Traveling will give you a totally new perspective on your life and many areas of it. If you need to make a decision about a confusing issue in your life right now, you have to go to a place that is different. It’s ideal to go to a different country where culture is completely different but you can still just go to another town or state. Visiting another place can put your problems in place. You can learn something new about other people, culture, and about your own life as well.
2. You need a timeout
There are times that you need to be free from all the stresses in life. Make an effort to clear time out from everyday life. Don’t wait for the time you’ll feel too stressed or trapped in your work. You need to get away from the familiar people, setup, or environment for a while. You have to spend some time alone too to just sit down and think about your life. Give yourself time to think about your direction in life.
3. You can meet new people
When you travel, you can meet new and interesting people. Talking to new people might give you a new perspective in life. You can learn a lot from them because of your many differences, you have a lot to talk about.
4. You have to go beyond your comfort zone
If you’ve been living in the same place or doing the same things over and over again, you need to break away from your routine for a while. Going beyond your comfort zones means veering away from the familiar people, places, and things that have made you too comfortable.
5. You need new ideas
Going out of your usual comfort zone will also give you new ideas. Traveling to a new place will show you that there are more things you have yet to know and discover. It’s nice to explore a place that you are not familiar with so you can get to know new things about the people, culture, traditions, or even new ideas and schools of thought that would help you in life.
IMAGE: fdecomite
