One of the things people look for in their perfect partner is the joy of indulging in similar activities. If you are someone who loves adventure, then it is perfectly understandable if you have tied the knot with an adrenaline junkie. Most people think that honeymoons are all about romance. However, there is no hard and fast rule that honeymoons can’t be adventurous.

Dubai, UAE (The Desert)

Dubai is well renowned for being one of the most luxurious and opulent cities in the world. It is the only city with a 7-star hotel and boasts of having restaurants established by some of the greatest chefs from around the world. It is easy to see why Dubai would be a very popular honeymooning destination. However, there is more to the city than just palatial hotels and humongous shopping malls; it is a mecca for adventure sports enthusiasts. Considering how glamorous the city is (do not be shocked to see Ferraris and Lamborghinis at almost every street corner – you can also rent exotic cars), it can be easy to forget that the desert lay right at its doorstep. The desert proves to be a fun playground with a variety of activities you can indulge in. Couples can set off for a desert safari, spend nights in luxurious tents, and have dinner, cooked in a fire-pit in the traditional manner, under the open clear skies. If thrill is what you seek, rent out a 4×4 of-roader and go tearing though the sand dunes. Couples can also rent dirt bikes and sand buggies to explore the desert in the most fun way possible.

Geneva, Switzerland (The Mountains)

Switzerland is already a very popular honeymoon destination. However, most couples do not venture beyond the city limits of Zurich. Those who do make it to the Alps, generally engage in a bit of skiing before heading for the chalet, far away from any major city. The reason why Geneva is the most appropriate place for a honeymoon in the mountains is the location. You can spend the day in the mountains and be at the opera by night. The geographical diversity around Geneva makes it ideal for skiing, snowboarding, trekking, camping, and a number of different outdoor activities. Rarely can you find a major city so close to some of the finest and most picturesque mountains in the world.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia (The Ocean)

When it comes to underwater adventures, you just can’t beat the Great Barrier Reef. One of the natural wonders of the world, the reef is a thriving eco-habitat and one of the best places in the word to go snorkeling and scuba diving. The local accommodation options mean you can easily combine an underwater adventure honeymoon with an island holiday. You can also live on the mainland and explore the overall natural beauty of Queensland. Whether you are staying on the mainland or on the reef itself, there is no lack of local businesses offering diving and snorkeling equipment for rent, along with lessons. Quite often, the hotels have their own diving instructors and scuba shops for guests to take advantage of.

Traveling to any one of these destinations for a honeymoon is the perfect way to blend adventure and romance for any new thrill-seeking couple.

Author of this post, Mark Branson is a celebrated wedding planner. His latest client, who also happens to be his best friend, had a destination wedding which was followed by a Great Barrier Reef honeymoon. Mark was happy and honored to be Best Man to the groom at the wedding.

First posted on Affordable Cruise Deals, Best Travel Tips and Cruise Reviews - Everything about affordable cruises and best deals on luxury cruises

The Great Barrier Reef is nothing less than true to its greatness, with close to a 1000 islands and the largest ecosystem in the world. Sailing to one of the Seven Wonders of the World is something that will remain embedded in your memory forever, a truly life enriching experience. You can sail to the islands of your choice for just a day, or cruise around for a week or two. Here is a list of what you can expect while sailing the great barrier reefs.

Luxury voyage

There are luxury vessels available that take you around the Great Barrier Reef and give you the best sights the many islands have to offer. You need not worry about food or the dreaded clean up on these trips as everything is catered to by the friendly staff on board. Usually these journeys have a minimum occupancy rate of no more than 15 passengers on the smaller vessels so there’s not much cluster and you stay still enjoy your visit to the rocks in comfort and privacy.

Discover the Columbus within yourself

Exploration is the most fun part of visits the reefs and islands. The adventure only begins when you tap into your inner explorer and go out on your own. When the boat docks, it’s your time to make the best of the location settled on. The rock structures are simply fantastic, dating way back to the aboriginal times. Stand over the towering cliffs into the depths of the blue sea waters below and soak it all up. Don’t forget to make sure your camera is full on battery; you wouldn’t want to miss out on capturing the beauty of the reefs and the magnificent mountainous compositions.

Watch from the guard lines

If you are not one to get your shoes dirty, then you can experience the great barrier right from the sail boat itself. The isles of Whitsundays prove to be a big favorite for sailing and cruises. It is cordoned off from the ocean by the large reef with a myriad of anchorage docks. These docks are not located too far off from each other so the options are abundant and plenty to choose from. The islands here vary in shape and form as your progress along, some fall towards a teal sea as a stunning rocky protrusion while others boast of sandy beaches, serene bays and exciting coves.

If you want to be the go getter or the laid back cruiser aboard the sail boat, the Great Barrier Reef promises to give you the experience of a lifetime. Spectacular views and great weather all year round. Sunrises and sunsets over the rocks is something you must catch the complete the perfect sailing trip. A sailing trip among the Great Barrier Reef is sure to leave you gasping with the breath taking picturesque scene and has something for everyone. Whether it be to rediscover yourself or spend the weekend away with your loved one, sailing away into the sun and cool breeze is the way to go.

This article is submitted by Ryan Rutherford. He is an adventure enthusiast who likes to lives his life to the fullest. He is a huge fan of http://www.whitsundayssailingadventures.com.au and asks his readers to try it out once as it is very fulfilling.

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Finding a good seafood restaurant can be a very tricky affair. Seafood has to be cooked in such a way so that the ingredients are well balanced and do not overpower the natural taste of the seafood itself. Here are 4 of the best seafood restaurants in the world that exemplify everything that is good with seafood dining.

Neptune Oyster, Boston

At the doorstep of the North-eastern coast of the United States is one of the best fishing areas in the North Atlantic, and indeed the world. As a result, the city of Boston has a plethora of seafood restaurants that make use of only the finest fresh catch as ingredients. Among the many restaurants dotting the North End, Neptune Oyster definitely stands out as perhaps the best seafood restaurant in Beantown. A favourite with locals and tourists alike, the menu at Neptune Oyster focuses on dishes that allow diners to taste the quality of the seafood; unlike other restaurants, Neptune Oyster does not mask the flavours of the seafood with overenthusiastic cooking practices.

Cervejaria Ramiro, Lisbon

With an economy that has been heavily dependent on the fishing industry for centuries, it is only natural that Portugal is home to some of the finest seafood restaurants in the world. The quality of seafood in cities like Lisbon is so high, that even a local Portuguese restaurant can compete with some of the fanciest and most expensive restaurants from around the world. Portuguese seafood cuisine is very distinct from other European countries, including neighbouring Spain, and is the main reason why Cervejaria Ramiro is often rated one of the best seafood restaurants in the world. The menu stays true to authentic Portuguese dishes and a casual dining environment allows you to soak in the best that Portugal has to offer.

Nodaiwa, Tokyo

When it comes to seafood in Japan, the eel rules the roost. Japanese cuisine allows the eel to be prepared in a different ways, including boiled, grilled and barbecued. Why, they even have soda containing eel! To say that the eel is an important part of Japanese cuisine would be a massive understatement. Amidst the many restaurants claiming to serve the best unagi (Japanese for eel) in Tokyo, Nodaiwa definitely stands out as a culinary gem in the Japanese capital. The chefs at Nodaiwa take pride over the fact that eels served at the restaurant are caught in the wild and not from fish farms. As a result, the flavours are a lot bolder and the dishes more succulent. Served with koshu, a local white wine, eel dishes like shirayaki make Nodaiwa one of the best seafood restaurants in Asia.

Ossiano, Dubai

Very rarely does one come across a seafoo restaurant that offers a great variety. However, that is exactly what Ossiano sets out to do, and accomplishes spectacularly. Nestled in the hotel Atlantic – The Palm, this fine ding establishment in Dubai is consistently rated as one of the best seafood restaurants in the world. Ossiano offer diners the opportunity to sample seafood from a variety of different cuisine from across the globe. Each dish on the menu strives to be as authentic as possible and provides diners with a dilemma as to which part of the world should their taste buds travel to.

Venture to any of these fine restaurants when craving seafood and you certainly won’t be disappointed.

About the author: Jessica Belmont believes that nothing is more therapeutic than a box full of chocolates or a day spent shopping with girlfriends. She recommends a seafood restaurant to her readers who love to eat.

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Orlando, Florida is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. You can find a number of companies that offer Orlando cruises and it can be one of the most pleasant places in the country to go when you want to go on a cruise. Here are some things you will want to think about before you plan your cruise.

Planning a Cruise in Orlando

There are a number of great cruise consultants who can tell you about some of the places you can visit and some of the packages available. Most the packages include a few days on a cruise ship and several days in a great hotel. The duration of the trip can be anywhere from three days to a week and a half. You can customize your trip to spend more time on the ship if you would rather spend your time on the water.

You Can Afford an Orlando Cruise

Many people are worried that they won’t be able to afford to go on an Orlando cruise. Fortunately, these trips can be surprisingly affordable. You may be able to go on a cruise for less than $300 if you are riding in the interior during certain times of the year. However, you will need to pay a little bit more if you are going to be staying in a suite or want to access the balcony.

Where Can You Go?

There are a number of different destinations that you can travel to when you are going on a cruise. Most cruise ships will go to Tampa, Universal Studios and Port Canaveral among other popular destinations throughout Florida.

You can ask your cruise consultant what places are most interested in visiting. They can usually arrange to send you to the most popular destinations around the Bahamas.

What Else Can You Ask for on Your Trip?

There are a variety of different activities that you can participate in when you are traveling. Many cruise companies can arrange to take you kayaking in Manatee Cove. You can also go for a ride in a boat in the Everglades. There are many great places to visit during your trip. These include many of the areas around Universal Studios and an entire theme park dedicated to Harry Potter.

Of course, you can also choose to spend most of your time on your trip as well. You can spend your time basking in the warm Florida sun or sipping martinis on the trip.

You can go on an Orlando trip nearly anytime of the year. You can have a lot of fun on your trip regardless of what months you plan it, but you will many have more activities available if you travel during the spring or summer. However, you can usually pay less for you trip if you travel during the fall or early spring.

Have you ever been on an Orlando cruise? Share your experience in the comments below.

About the Author: Kalen is a frequent traveler who just came back from Florida, where he stayed at the Quality Inn Hotel Universal Studios – I Drive Area.

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If you’re not employed full time and are working part time, or even as a freelancer, then it may be easy finding the time to go on holiday, but not necessarily the budget. Wherever you’re going, you will want to get the best price possible for your break, so here are a few handy hints that can help you financially.

Make good use of cash back and voucher code websites

Cash back websites are free to join, and you can usually get a percentage of the total you spend if you buy your holiday by clicking through from them. There are also lots of websites that offer a range of voucher codes to give you money off your next holiday.

Book in advance

Booking in advance can be a good way to spread the balance of your holiday out over a few months. You usually only have to pay a deposit, so it gives you the opportunity to save up the rest of the money, which can be due only a month before you depart.

Consider a pay day loan

If you’re leaving to go on holiday soon and you need some extra spending money, a pay day loan can be perfect if you’re not employed in regular work but know you have money coming in on a certain date. That big freelance job or bonus may be coming your way, but you shouldn’t have to wait until then to enjoy your holiday. Easy Finance Club is one pay day loan website that offers up to £400 for you to borrow – perfect for your spending money.

Get on the phone

Sometimes it can be cheaper to call the travel company up and ask them to find the best deals for you. Many travel agents work on commission so you can sometimes afford to barter a bit with them and get some money off your holiday.

Don’t book the first thing you see

It can be cheaper to book your flight and hotel separately from different websites. Package holidays can be alluring as they offer transfers from the airport, so work out how much it would cost to get a taxi from the airport and book the flight and hotel separately. Coupled with voucher code websites and cash back, you may be able to bag yourself a bargain.

Plan how you will get to the airport at home

It’s easy to forget this part of the holiday, but shop around for parking prices at the airport. Sometimes it may be cheaper to book a taxi to the airport if you live relatively close, or make use of public transport. Many trains and buses go high speed to the airport, so it can be time saving too.

Louise Jenkins writes about budgeting for holidays for the Easy Finance Club. For more information click here.

First posted on Affordable Cruise Deals, Best Travel Tips and Cruise Reviews - Everything about affordable cruises and best deals on luxury cruises

Many of us will look forward to our holidays at the end of each year with something nearing obsession. I’m sure I’m not the only one to have ever kept a calendar in my office counting down the days, and when you’ve had a tough day at work sometimes the prospect of a holiday in a few weeks can be the only thing that keeps you going.

But while going on holiday is always very exciting, for many people it can get a little predictable. For too many of us it seems that holidays mean doing the exact same thing every year – either going somewhere to sit around a pool and relax in the sun, or going somewhere to see a few sites and have a few drinks. Sure it’s exciting, but is it really the best use of those few days of excitement? I’d argue that it’s not, and that’s I think it’s important to try and make every holiday completely unique in some way. Here I will share some of the best ways to make your holidays completely different and much more memorable.

Go Somewhere Cold

When most of us think about going on holiday we will normally imagine somewhere sunny. This is of course because it’s so relaxing to sit somewhere in the sun and enjoy the feeling of being warmed up while working on your tan and there’s nothing wrong with that. For something a bit different though, why not go to the Arctic and have a real adventure somewhere inhospitable and different? If you’re not a born explorer then many cruises go that way and will give you ample opportunity to get out and explore, or to spot whales from the comfort of the boat. Alternatively a cold holiday could mean going to the Scottish Highlands and staying in a log cabin, sitting in a hot tub and looking up at the Northern Lights, or it could mean going to Lapland and enjoying a place where it’s always night. Any of these things will be completely different to a pool holiday, and add some much needed variety to your holiday destinations – why do you think the ‘snow level’ is such a mainstay in platform computer games.

Go Somewhere Alien

Going to a cold landscape is exciting because it’s so different, but there are many places even more different than that. Check out Socotra Island for instance, which is a place that looks like it was ripped straight out of a Doctor Seuss book, or Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia which is a desert made out of salt that reflects the sky. These are the kinds of places many people aren’t even aware of, and they make for a truly unique experience. Think of the Facebook pictures! Check out this list for more inspiration: http://matadornetwork.com/trips/photo-essay-the-most-alien-landscapes-on-earth/

Go With Someone Different

When I was younger (16-23) I would always go on holiday with the same bunch of guys and do the same kinds of laddish things. Our holidays fell into a routine and while they were a lot of fun, I did feel that I was spending an awful lot of money and being rather dictated to by the group. When a friend from University invited me to fill a space on one of the holidays he was doing with friends from home then, I decided to go for it and see how another group holidayed. These guys did things completely differently, and rather than staying in a hotel we rented a villa which we spent many evenings in playing ball and cooking up barbeques. It was completely different to my previous holidays, but that was what made it so memorable. Better yet I made a whole bunch of new friends in the process, so since then I’ve tried to vary who I go on holiday with just as much as I vary where I go on holiday.

The Hotel

Another thing you can vary between holidays is the hotel, and the level of service that you order. Specifically you can try going all out and staying at a paradise hotel that’s all inclusive (a brilliant way to recharge the batteries and experience the high life) or you can try ‘roughing it’ and going camping. This year I’m going ‘glamping’ (it means ‘glamorous camping’) and that will mean staying in a treehouse with wooden platforms leading up to and away from it. It’s completely different from anything I’ve done before, and I’m very excited about it. Of course a cruise is another kind of ‘hotel’ altogether, and if you haven’t done it before it’s well worth experiencing what it’s like to sleep in a log cabin and feel the sea rocking your vessel as you do.

Organized Themed Holidays

My girlfriend’s parents regularly go on hiking holidays, and for a long time I couldn’t really see the appeal. One year though I got the opportunity to go on a ‘writing holiday’ which was all laid on by another organization and where the emphasis would be on sitting in scenic locations and writing away on our laptops or in a notebook – and actually it made for something that was once again very different. No, I wouldn’t want to go on group holidays every year, but as something that was a bit different and a great learning experience it was brilliant. You don’t even need to be experienced in the theme of the holiday to get something from this even – in some ways it’s even more rewarding to learn something completely new while you’re away.

Amy Sawyer is a freelance writer working for www.royalcaribbean.co.uk in the UK. She writes about travel and destinations on her blog and suggests trying out Royal Caribbean cruises as they are one of the best in their class.

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Every new mommy is understandably apprehensive about traveling with her baby for the first time. She’s scared that she might forget something that was absolutely necessary to ensure a safe and peaceful trip for the baby and in turn, her. A different location with an entirely different climate can be difficult to adjust to easily even for grown-ups. Babies are extremely sensitive to changes in climate and are prone to falling sick quite easily. As a mother, it is necessary that you be completely prepared to handle any situations that crop up that could possibly threaten the good health of your baby. You might pack everything you might need, but since there’s always a chance you might leave something back, here is a checklist to ensure you’re ready to face an army of troubles and be your baby’s hero.

Appropriate clothing

Research the climate of the place you’re going to and figure out how many pairs of clothing your baby would need accordingly. You don’t want your baby feeling over-wrapped or under-wrapped. It can be extremely uncomfortable for a baby who can’t complain much. Always pack at least two pairs of clothing for each day of your stay and also keep two extra sets of clothes just in case you need an urgent change.  Also, don’t forget to carry hats and similar protective wear that are required to protect the baby from both the sun and breezy nights.

Extras

Extra diapers, extra milk bottles and pacifiers, extra napkins, extra food, extra baby wipes, extra disposable bags and baby mats. You name it. When it comes to traveling with the baby, “Extra” becomes the word of the century. Carry at least two sets of everything- including your baby’s daily care products like baby shampoo, lotion, oil, soap etc. You can always buy more at your destination.

Toys

If you intend to have a cacophony-free travel and wish the same for your co-passengers, you better be armed with your little one’s favorite toys. Carry a few of your baby’s toys that he/she likes. It acts as a distraction, especially during long hours of travel.

Prescription medicines

If a doctor has prescribed any medicines, do carry them along with the prescription and make sure you buy them beforehand. Also keep a first aid kit handy. Keep vitamins, anti-allergy tablets in stock. Also carry your regular mosquito repellant cream, baby lotion and oil, sun-screen and hand sanitizers.

Childproof everything

Childproofing the places you’re staying at is of vital importance. Carry a child-proofing kit to cover electric sockets, doorknobs, etc. The last thing you want is a careless accident far away from home.

Always keep the checklist handy before, during and after the trip so that you don’t forget to take or leave anything back. The checklist is subject to updating and changing. Raising a baby is mostly about learning along the way. Most importantly it is important for you to relax. It is natural for you as a new mother to be apprehensive about your baby’s first trip but these are stepping stones. It’s alright to make mistakes as long as you keep learning.  Bon Voyage!

About the author: Martha Young loves to travel and she blogs for www.lanzarote1.com. Martha has taken a stroller to Italy and loves to travel with her kids.

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Nothing gets us hooked on to the television better than the newsflash of some unusual sighting or strange discoveries from outer space. In a way, it gets even the best of us on the edge of our seats and evokes an inexplicable desire to even so much so as get a firsthand glimpse of Mars. But why dream the impossible? Why risk it all, when the most unearthly can be found here, right on our home planet. Listed below are 6 places that are fit to be anywhere else but earth. From the downright uninhabitable to the strangest species, these are excellent fodder for the outer-space obsessed!

1)   The Crack of Silfra, Iceland

If the prospect of weightlessly diving through the boundary of two continents doesn’t interest you, I don’t know what will. The Crack of Silfra is located adjacent to Lake Thingvalla, Iceland, slits between the Eurasian and American plates. Iceland faces dramatic environmental variations in terms of glaciers, active and sizzling volcanoes, steaming and bubbling hot springs. Add to that the geological intrigue that the joint of tectonic plates brings; this crack is a diver’s Mecca. The slit plunges 20 meters into the earth and has the chilliest and clearest glacial water you’ll ever see. The experience: space-like; the feeling: ethereal.

2)   The Stone Forest, China

There’s a lot more to China than eating with chopsticks, Chinese tattoo-worthy symbols and Zen-like living. For instance, The Stone Forest that exudes nothing but pure danger and a sense of foreboding. Made of eroded sinkhole filled rocks, these stalagmites look as if they are rising against gravity threatening to pierce the sky. The stone forest may be a lot of things, but it’s definitely not a site for the faint-hearted. When you take in the sights initially, there’ll be only two questions running through your mind, “What?” and “How?” But, if you look beyond the treacherous landscape and the very warm weather, the imposing rocks and silent rivers make you feel as if you’ve travelled to another realm and any minute now, you’ll spot a three-headed monster or a fire-breathing Dragon!

3)   Namaskar Pass, Iceland

Volcanic craters threatening to burst open any minute, energetic hot springs and vicious mud pools, endless sizzling fumaroles and lava formations all patched against a backdrop of intimidating mountains. There’s a good reason why the Namaskar Pass is called Iceland’s “Gateway to Hell”. The pass offers a perfect idea of landscape on a planet far faraway. This is one view you’re sure to not find anywhere else on earth and this is also the closest you’ll get to what an uninhabited planet or well, a gateway to hell, looks like.

4)   Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

Impossibly high mountains and unbelievably deep gorges are overrated. Here’s one flatland that will simply take baffle you. The world’s largest salt flat, the world’s greatest lithium reserve, the ideal location for satellite calibration are descriptions that only start to describe this marvel, but what you see is something that takes beauty to a whole new level. During the rains in winter, the whole desert turns into a shallow pool with a surface so smooth it appears like a giant natural mirror, quite literally bringing the sky on earth. It’s as good as walking on water (Problem, Jesus?). When you look at the pure, pristine panorama, it is impossible to believe that you’re on the same planet that is otherwise so exploited. Personally, if someone asked me what my idea of paradise was, this would be it.

5)   Socotra Island, Indian Ocean

Think absurd, think Socotra. If you ever wondered what extra-terrestrial life would look like, Socotra could be the one (and probably the only) place to give you visual answers. Known all around the world for the weirdest flora and fauna, Socotra has been an isolated island for about 7 million years and boasts of more than 700 species of plants and animals, more than 200 of which are endemic to the island. Right from oddly shaped trees to never-seen-before animals, the only sounds you’ll manage to make here are yelps of surprise!

6)   The Mariana Trench

Maybe because it’s the deepest point on earth and maybe because it’s so extensively unexplored, Mariana Trench holds such intrigue and suspense, it’s irresistible. Some researchers say that the trench is home to so many unexplored and unnamed species that are nothing like anything we’ve seen before. When James Cameron dived into the trench, he described it as “moonlike, with minimum life form, and brings a real sense of isolation.” Life form or not, I think this very sense of isolation and the reminder of how small you are in the greater scheme of nature makes this whole experience other-worldly.

This post was contributed by Jeff Miller from Optima Villas Lanzarote. He loves writing posts about off-beat travel destinations. You can visit www.optimavillaslanzarote.com for more info that he has put together related to Canary Islands.

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Now that it’s 2013, it’s time to reflect on all the bad habits that we want to change as we enter the new year. There’s all the usual stuff about health and diet and meditation practices but what we’re interested in here are the ways in which you can make your boating life better. Here are a list of things that may have fallen by the wayside in 2012 but would be a really good idea to pick up again in the new year.

Keep Your Maintenance Green

Your boat needs regular cleaning and maintenance. It’s easy to rely on cheaper cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals but with just a little extra research, you can find products that do less damage to the environment – think of the toxic liquids you’ll avoid pumping back into the water. Particular chemicals to avoid include: chlorine and bleach (which are toxic to water flora and fauna) and phosphates, which encourage algae growth.

Keep Abreast Of Invasive Non-Native Species & Report Them If You Spot Them

There are plenty of websites that list all the invasive non-native species that hang out in your area. One of the lovely things about boating is that you’re so close to nature and you can be a real asset in identifying the species that are doing damage to your local area. You can also prevent the spread of these species from one water body to another by making sure that you check, clean and dry all your footwear, equipment and clothes after every excursion. It may feel like a faff but the ecosystem is very delicate and just a little extra effort means that you’re preserving it for future generations.

Have Your Engine Serviced Every Year Or Every 100 Hours (whichever comes first)

The average boat owner uses their boat about 90 hours a year. However, it is imperative, for the safe and continued running of your vessel, that you have your boat looked over by a professional once a year, without fail. Whilst it’s more likely that your engine will experience problems if it is primarily a salt water vessel, even a seldom-used freshwater vessel is at risk from engine failure and the accompanying permanent damage that comes with that. Plus, if you have a problem like water on the spark plugs and this is left unchecked by a mechanic, your engine will seize up like a frightened horse when you next use it. The cost of a yearly checkup is much more manageable than a whole new engine, or, worse still the cost of having to look for a new boat for sale. Bite the bullet, mark a date on your calendar and make sure it gets done!

Make Use Of Your Boat!

Maybe you’re a regular boating enthusiast and every weekend you’re out on the water with the wind in your face. However, too many of us don’t take time to indulge in the passions that really matter to us, such are the distractions of work, personal problems, anxiety and sometimes sheer exhaustion. So, if you’re clocking way under the average 90 hours per year (which works out to just under 2 hours per week) please consider allowing yourself some more ‘me’ time. It may feel decadent, but if you make time for relaxation, your working life will also improve – a high stress lifestyle might buoy you for a little while but in the end it is corrosive to your health. When you make an effort to regularly set sail, your coolant pumps (which suffer greatly from a lack of use) will thank you, and frankly, so will your blood pressure. So grab some friends, your family, plot a course and get out on the water!

Sam Wright is a freelance writer who looks forward to his yearly maintenance. Want to learn more about boating? Why not visit YBWBoatsforSale and share your experience.

First posted on Affordable Cruise Deals, Best Travel Tips and Cruise Reviews - Everything about affordable cruises and best deals on luxury cruises

Do you dream of sailing the open seas in ultimate luxury? Can you imagine being pampered non-stop and treated with sheer hospital excellence? Stop being a clock watcher at work, do some research and take a luxury cruise that will turn your dreams into reality. We all deserve a little pampering now and then and a luxury cruise is one of the best ways to cure the travel need for a little annual (or bi-annual) rest and relaxation.

A luxury cruise can describe anything from elegantly appointed state rooms, 5-star chefs and cuisine, top-of-the-line linens and a personal concierge to a gracious 5-star sailing hotel, on-board spa treatments and world-class hospitality. Whether you want to sail throughout the Hawaiian Islands, along the Panama Canal, discover the tropical Caribbean or stop-through exotic Mexico, a luxury cruise is your number one solution to your travel desires.

Here are some luxury cruise liners to consider when booking your escape abroad this year. Get your sailor hat on, your swimsuit packed and get ready for the time of your life. Stop dreaming and start cruising!

Crystal Cruise Line: A Gem Upon the Seas

This cruise line offers unmatched hospitality, 6-star amenities and was voted World’s best cruise by the readers of world-famous travel magazines Travel + Leisure and Conde’ Nast Traveler for ten years in a row. This leading luxury cruise line goes above and beyond to impress and satisfy their guests upon every cruise. Each individual is treated as royalty and the cruise line’s clientele consists of a large amount of returning passengers. Crystal cruise lines offers their guests elegant accommodations, private balconies, superb value, an array of dining venues to choose from, a Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, world-class entertainment, around the world cruise packages and more.

Enjoy the Freedom with Windstar Cruise Lines: Lose the Tie

While Windstar Cruise Lines may not boast overly large luxury ships in their fleet, they offer the unique elegance of an alternative motor-sail yacht experience. Travel to the Mediterranean, Caribbean and throughout Europe with Windstar and enjoy a luxury cruise experience minus the tie. Guests can experience hospitality at its finest without feeling pressured to be in formal dress for fancy dinners and shows. Don’t get it wrong, Windstar excels in offering 5-star quality; yet you can relax and unwind in casual wear. To clarify, forget the formal dresses, jackets, arranged seating and dinner assignments or any of the regular conventional stuff. After all, you’re on a cruise! It’s time to relax in luxury.

Sail with Cunard Cruises: Experience History at Sea

Cunard Cruise Lines has been voted as the leading luxury cruise ship over and over again. Their large fleet now includes the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2, as well as the Queen Victoria and it has been voted the ‘best luxury cruise ship’ by Travel Weekly’s Readers Choice Awards. Throughout cruising history, Cunard Cruise Lines has been globally known as one of the finest luxurious ocean cruise lines. Legendary for its world-class hospitality, quality and amenities, this majestic cruise line is your top choice when seeking luxury cruises for 2012 and the future. Offered in their packages are world cruises, as well as Transatlantic, Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises.

Are you ready to sail? A few other famously-known luxury cruise lines are SilverSea, Holland America and Regent Cruises. Sailing across the ocean blue in absolute luxury just might be the break you need away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Why hesitate? It’s time for you to make your cruising dreams come true.

If you’re in the market for a luxury cruise, don’t forget to check out the many offerings from the team at http://www.seasons.co.uk/Luxury_Cruising/.

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