When on holiday do you dread going over the weight limit? Or maybe you are backpacking and you don’t want to carry a heavy load around with you. Well here is a list that suggests things not to pack and hopefully will help you on how you can lighten the load.

1. Soap – now a day’s most hotels have soaps in their rooms, if not it isn’t that expensive to buy from the local shops. This also includes shampoo, I would buy a tiny travel bottle when I land and leave it behind once my holiday has finished. If you need or want to take some soap and shampoo, they can be bought in travel sizes.
2. Jeans – if you are going on holiday where it is hot, you will not want to wear heavy, bulky clothing also it would be impossible to wash them in a sink if the hotel hasn’t got a laundry room.
3. Towels – now this is a item that will be provided by the hotel and something you don’t need to pack. If your hotel doesn’t provide towels why not re use some of your clothes they are something you need to pack and easy to wash and dry or a microfiber towel.
4. Jackets – if you are going to a place where it is hot you won’t need a thick winter coat maybe take a thin jacket in case the weather becomes a bit nippy. If you are going somewhere cold then you will need a thicker coat not a thin jacket, take what is suitable for the trip / holiday.
5. Expensive Jewellery – Do not take expensive jewellery with you on your trip as you wouldn’t want to be a target of a crime or a victim.

If you don’t agree with this list then please don’t follow it, don’t let this list be do’s and don’ts, if you feel like you really need to take soap and it’s really important to you then buy a travel one. Also leave room in your suitcase for the fun items and souvenirs you purchased on your holidays.
Don’t forget to pack your passport and travel insurance and holiday documents also store them digitally on a USB as a backup.

When considering exotic locations in which to say your nuptials, it would be no surprise if you were to overlook Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, the country’s chequered political past has detrimentally effected the countries tourism levels. Recently restrictions on tourism have been lifted and this beautiful nation is attracting increasing numbers of adventurous tourists who want to tie the knot somewhere truly memorable.

When you take a moment to consider the country’s impressive credentials, all the reasons to pay it a visit become startlingly apparent. Zimbabwe is located on the southern-most part of the African continent, bordering South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. Although landlocked, the nation lies between two of the continents most impressive rivers, the Zambezi and the Limpopo. The nature rich river banks and the surrounding national parks are home to a wealth of fascinating wildlife proud to call Zimbabwe home.

The Zambezi River is divided into three main parts. The upper level, where Victoria Falls is located; the middle section, home of Lake Kariba and the lower level which comes below the monstrous Kariba Dam. Standing at 128m tall, the dam is one of Africa’s biggest.

The area surrounding Lake Kariba is Manu Pools National Park, which stretches across 20,000km of prime Zambezi riverfront. The park is home to over 380 species of bird as well as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, leopards, Nile crocodiles, hippos and rhinos.

It is beside Lake Kariba that couples on the lookout for a romantic, relaxing resort to host their weddings can find their dream location. The Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, located just 50km from the nearest town, is carving quite the reputation for offering some of the finest hotel accommodation in Zimbabwe.

Couples can make their vows to each other in front of friends and family as they enjoy views over the Lake and the expansive national park beyond. With the abundance of wildlife lucky enough to call the national park their home, it should come as no surprise if your wedding ceremony is gate crashed by some of the friendly natives.

When it comes to Zimbabwe hotels, Bumi Safari Lodge offers everything you could possibly want right on your doorstep. The spacious, luxury rooms, the alfresco dining room and the relaxing spa all benefit from unspoilt vistas of the the Lake. Guests can opt to relax and enjoy the resorts facilities whilst basking in the attention of the friendly and helpful staff or choose to enjoy game viewing adventures, sailing and fishing trips on the lake or even a peaceful sunset cruise.

Although your impression of Zimbabwe may have been affected by the negative press, it is a largely undiscovered nation which won’t remain that way for long. With such natural beauty, affable locals and breathtaking scenery – why not give it a chance and pay Zimbabwe a visit before everyone else catches on?

Vacation homes have become very convenient for vacationers who wish to enjoy their leisure time in a “home away from home” atmosphere, rather than being cooped up in a hotel. Owners of vacation homes are happy to rent out their units to vacationers, as they can earn an extra income, which will help pay for the mortgage taken on these homes. Today, the popularity of these homes has increased and it works profitably for all concerned, as the supply meets the demand.

The rent for vacation homes that are offered to vacationers, in the market, range from exclusive to affordable. Financial and industrial giants can afford to take up the most expensive homes for entertainments. It is possible to rent a villa that is tucked away in New Providence, Bahamas on a private cay for over $35,000 per day! These homes offer top-end amenities which not everyone can afford.

For the average individuals, vacation homes are available that cost anywhere from $1500 to about $2100 a week in peak season and drop down to about  $ 700 to $1500 in the off season. Vacation home owners can easily build up an income of roughly $14,000 to about $ 40,000 a year, if they are able to rent their homes for just five months in the year.

Research on the subject indicates that nearly 14% of single units were purchased as vacation homes for families. The details of these homes are easily available on the Internet and one can check out those that are available as short-term rentals.

A family with friends may require two hotel rooms at the very least. These rooms in areas, where there are resorts, can cost about $ 100 a night and more during the peak season. However, it is possible to enjoy the facilities of an entire home with two to three bedrooms, attached baths, kitchen and cable with Internet access, laundry and swimming pool and extra amenities for just $200 a night.

If you eat in, you can save on eating out in costly restaurants. By doing the laundry at home, you can save further, as well as enjoy the freedom of strolling or lounging around in the yard in your pajamas. There is no need to worry about leaving the home with your valuables inside.

Click here to scour the Internet for details about vacation homes for rent and make sure that the pictures that can be viewed are fairly recent ones. Look at the size of the bedrooms, living area, baths and kitchen, where you will be spending considerable time. Try to visualize the distance of the attractions such as a beach that can be glimpsed from one of the balconies upstairs. You can check if the picture was taken with a zoom lens to get a fair idea of the distance.

Prague, hands down, remains one of my favorite European adventures.  Maybe it was the people I travelled with, but there is something unforgettable about this Czech Republic capital.  Upon arrival, you’ll immediately be struck by the imposing architecture that dominates the city’s skyline.  A stop at the Old Town Square offers a smattering of buildings in the styles of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque.  One of the most imposing structures is The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. Its Gothic spires can be seen from just about anywhere in Prague- it served as an excellent reference point.  Another monument worth incorporating in your visit is the Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall.

A true feat of design, the Clock was designed and built in the 15th century.  Every hour, between 9am and 9pm, the twelve apostles rotate around the Clock’s face.  It was a huge deal when it was built; rumor has it the Clock’s designer was blinded after completing his masterpiece. Those that commissioned the Clock wanted to make sure he didn’t build one for another city. Perhaps its just an old wife’s tale but part of Prague’s lure is its mysteriousness.  Meander across the Charles Bridge, a pedestrian only fairway constructed hundreds of years ago to connect the “Old Town” with Prague Castle.  The bridge is filled with hawkers of all kinds and it may feel like tourist overload, but it is worth the stroll.  Check out the array of statues of saints that run along the sides of the bridge and admire the views of the Vltava River and surrounding sights.

If you choose to follow the windy and sometimes steep paths that characterize the castle side of the city, visit the Prague Castle complex and go to tiny Golden Lane to see examples of life back in the 15th century.  A favorite stop of mine was the Lobkowicz Palace, located within the Castle complex. The Palace is small enough that you get to see everything, or almost everything, without feeling totally overwhelmed.  In this private collection you’ll find paintings by Canaletto and Velázquez, original manuscripts by Beethoven, and several other gems that make the Palace worth a visit.

As for food, restaurants in Prague offer up delicious dumplings (knedliky) and goulash (Guláš), I didn’t have a bad meal during the visit.  Head off the beaten path to find better prices and fewer tourists.  The Czech Republic boasts some of the best beer in the world and takes it seriously.  According to a guide from a walking tour, the Czech Republic is the only place where you can drink beer and have it out on your desk at work, take that bit of knowledge as you’d like. However, I will admit, it does pair quite nicely with the local cuisine.

As a major tourist city, accommodation is easy to come by.  That includes all shapes and sizes, whether you want a hostel or would prefer a Prague hotel with a bit more frills.  Regardless of where you stay, your trip will be amazing; Prague is a Bohemian wonderland with surprises around every corner.  Learn more at My Destination Prague.