Top 15 Sexy Travel Writers & Bloggers
By Daniel Abrahams , Phil Blackwell & Lynda Hamilton
Today, we take a look at 15 of the sexiest Travel Bloggers & writers. So, how do we define sexy?
“Excitingly appealing; glamorous.”
That’s MyTravelMoney.co.uk‘s definition of sexy – or at least one of them.
But how many sexy travel bloggers and writers do you know? Quite a few, we’d reckon – and that’s because avid travellers are passionate, excitingly appealing and, sometimes, glamorous. So, with that in mind, here are our top 10 sexiest travel writers, bloggers & entrepreneurs. See if you agree…
@travelettes
http://www.travelettes.net/ - Meet Katja, Sophie, Marie, Lorna, Frankie, Alex, Cordula, Kathi, Rita & Marie. These inspiring & sexy travelettes are one’s to watch! From sharing inspirational travel quotes to teaching you how to dress for a road trip, the girls cover it all. A worthy entry!
@seatsixtyone
Seat 61 – Mark Smith is an inspiration to all travel writers who want to make the transition from part to full time writing. What could be sexier than that? Seat61 evolved from a personal hobby into Mark’s full time ‘job.’ The site is packed (an understatement) with high quality information on train travel across many destinations around the world.
@adventurouskate
http://www.adventurouskate.com/ - Kate is an adventurous one and that’s super sexy! A while back, she managed to save a whooping $13000 for travel in just 7 months. Her motto is ‘life is too short to have regrets’ and frequently blogs about solo travel. Whilst not in London, spends half her time travelling abroad. Very cool.
@Sexyfuntraveler
Sexy Fun Traveler – How could Alex now make a top 15 sexy travel writer slot with a name like this – which does indeed pretty much sum her up? Although, ooops, we forgot the crazy part! Not only is she undoubtedly sexy and fun, but we love hearing all about her glamorous adventures.
@IsabellesTravel
http://www.isabellestravelguide.com/ - Isabelle Kenis is super sexy because of her love of travelling, which she claims she does to “satisfy her insatiable need for the exciting and exotic”. She also likes “the best of everything”. Perfectly put!
@edentravels
http://www.carolineeden.com/CarolineEden/Home.html – Caroline Eden is, we think, super glam and a very well published travel and lifestyle journalist at that. She writes for all the top glossies we love to read and we can’t help but be a little bit jealous!
@traveldudes
http://www.traveldudes.org/ – Melvin of Traveldudes is hot to trot with his well groomed blonde hair and (we assume) surfer shorts. But, most of all, we love how this young traveller founded such a great following and for his part in developing #TTOT.
@mrsoaroundtheworld
http://mrsoaroundtheworld.com/– this luxury travel writer and blogger isn’t just a pretty face, she’s an expert author and travel reviewer – not to mention extremely honest. What else can we tell you? Oh, she loves shoes… how very Sex and the City!
@DreamEuroTrip
http://www.dreameurotrip.com/– DJ Yabis, the man behind the blog, is certainly a man to watch because he is, quite literally, going places and in more ways than one. He’s young, switched on and ready for all his adventures can throw at him.
@Travelandstuff
Mexico based travel and tourism writer Vanessa Arce is glam, witty and is a successful radio producer and host. Let’s face it, we want her lifestyle!
@globalgrasshopr
http://www.globalgrasshopper.com/– this isn’t just one sexy blogger, this is a sexy TEAM which takes an offbeat look at travel. Slightly quirky, slightly sassy and some great photography are what makes this troupe such an intrigue.
@nomadicmatt
http://www.nomadicmatt.com/ - All hail king Matt! The darling of the travel blogging community & featured in almost every major international news outlet. Matt will teach you how to travel the world on $50 a day. Boy that’s sexy!
@pommietravels
http://www.pommietravels.com/ - Victoria has an awesome story, which we frankly think is sexy! She’s a British girl from Manchester who has been traveling solo since 2008. Her content fulfils her mission of inspiring others to be their own boss and travel the world. We’re digging her style
@quirkytraveller
http://www.thequirkytraveller.com/ - Rule Britannia! Meet Zoe – voted Britain’s Best Travel Blogger 2011 which we find totally sexy. Her work has been published in the Guardian, LateRooms & Visit Britain’s super blog. Zoe is constantly searching out the unusual, curious & inspiring.
@stevanl
MyTravelMoney.co.uk & MyCurrencyTransfer.com – ah! Our very own young Stevan Litobac at large. But how come he makes the list, we hear you ask. Well, Stevan is the brains behind our operation and a real techie at heart – but without the geek factor. Didn’t you know – techies are the new rockstars!
So, what do you think? Have we missed out any other worthy sexy travel writers, bloggers & travel entrepreneurs? All comments & thoughts are greatly appreciated below.
Feel free to dive in and comment on our facebook fan page too – MyTravelMoney Facebook Page
Favourite UK Easter break destinations for the kids
Looking for last minute short break inspiration this half term? Then check out our selection of 15 firm family favourites worth checking out – or into – this Spring.
1) Haven
With last minute Easter breaks from £149, you can’t beat a cheap and cheerful half term holiday at Haven, which is always a seaside favourite. The kids will love the pool, the amusements and the day-night entertainment, which is really geared up for the whole family.
2) Butlins
Forget everything you think you know about Butlins because this brand has been revamped and holidays here are even better than before. The new Butlins hotel gives you the choice of a more comfortable room if you don’t fancy an apartment. Term time breaks start from £40 per person and, of course, all the usual entertainment, arts, crafts and activities are a given.
3) Alton Towers
What child – or ‘big kid’ doesn’t want to go to Alton Towers? It’s Britain’s best-loved theme park with more white knuckle rides than you can shake a stick at. Comfortable accommodation is guaranteed and the Waterpark is always popular with little ones. There’s even a spa for mum.
4) Blackpool
Cheap and tacky weekends in Blackpool are what it’s all about! But, if you haven’t been since your own childhood, rest assured the only things which have really changed are that the rides are better and more modern and the Elvis and Marilyn Monroe souvenirs have been replaced by those of Lady Gaga and One Direction. Head to the Pleasure Beach for hours of fun!
5) Flamingo Land
For a great theme park and zoo all rolled into one, make for Flamingo Land and its Gold Fleet holiday homes in the heart of Yorkshire. Great night time entertainment, out-of-this-world rollercoasters and animal experiences are all par for the course.
6) Center Parcs
Spring breaks aren’t the cheapest here but you certainly get what you pay for – and that’s quality. The woodland accommodation here is second to none and it’s a great option for families who love to go outdoors and get active. There are lots of indoor sports, a subtropical swimming paradise and spa experiences and treatments to boot.
7) Legoland
Anyone who’s ever tinkered with Lego will recognise the appeal of a holiday here. It’s a kids’ dream! With a new Star Wars Mini Land and Duplo Splash and Play, there are also even more reasons to visit than before. What’s more, there are great family-of-four deals to be had and kids can often go free.
8) Paulton’s Family Theme Park
For value for money short breaks and great last minute deals, check out Paulton’s which is also home to Peppa Pig World – fantastic for pre-schoolers. Set in the New Forest, it has acres of rides, attractions and activities to suit all ages. It’s impossible to cover it all in one or even two days, though, so make sure you book some decent time off.
9) Landmark
Landmark Forest Adventure Park near Inverness in Scotland is another great haunt for families which love the great outdoors. Picnics, climbing, zip gliding, a Tarzan Trail and plenty of rides are all there for the taking. There are lots of great accommodation options nearby, including B&Bs, camping, bunkhouses and hostels and Highland hotels.
10) Chessington World of Adventures
A zoo, sealife centre and a series of thrilling rides are just a few of the things which make this family theme park and holiday resort well worth a visit. Not only will the kids be able to get up close to shark-infested water, but they’ll encounter all manner of wildlife, from lions and gorillas to cheeky penguins.
11) Drayton Manor
One of the UK’s best family theme parks, Drayton Manor has something for everyone – just take the zoo, Dino Trail and Thomas Land, for example. In fact, it’s an absolute MUST for little boys who love Thomas the Tank Engine. They’ll be thrilled to see their on-screen hero chuff into town and interact with them in a way they never thought possible.
12) Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park does a great offer to help combat the effects of the wet British weather. The deal is, if it’s raining when you visit, you can visit again for free! New for 2013 is The Crash Pad accommodation for the ultimate overnight stay and modifications to The Swarm ride so that you can ride it backwards.
13) M&D’s
Scotland’s official theme park – set in Strathclyde Park, near Glasgow – is home to five white knuckle rides, more than 20 other kids’ rides, a glow-in-the-dark bowling alley, 18-hole miniature golf course and Amazonia – the country’s only indoor rainforest.
14) Light Water Valley
For kids who love pirates, Light Water Valley theme park is a real treat with its swashbuckling land that is Skeleton Cove, featuring none other than the Black Pearl. There are literally hundreds of things to do and the team is great at organising seasonal events and activities – whether it’s for Easter or Halloween.
15) Gulliver’s Theme Parks
There are three brilliant Gulliver’s parks to choose from in Warrington, Milton Keynes and Matlock Bath and, whichever one you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Great rides, Splashzones, a Dinosaur & Farm Park and top notch accommodation are just a few of the highlights you can expect.
Picture courtesy of photostock/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Top 10 online luxury travel magazines for pure escapism
Ever wondered how the other half live – or travel for that matter? We know we certainly have.
That’s why we thought we’d share our Top 10 online luxury travel magazines – you know… the ones we like to dip in and out of when we’re dreaming of that ultimate escape?
Check out what makes these online magazines top of our subscription wish list then put your feet up, visit each one in turn and let your imagination run wild…
1) The Billionaire Magazine
Read by some of the wealthiest people in the world, The Billionaire Magazine is the ultimate in fantasy reading for most of us who aren’t lucky enough to have a Porsche sitting in the drive or a Sikorsky S-76 waiting on the helipad. As it sets out to ‘bridge the gap between dreams and desires’, we challenge you not to drool over image after image of Air-Force-One-type aircraft interior, private jets, the world’s most beautiful chartered yachts and out-of-this-world – and for most of us, out of reach – holiday accommodation. Everything featured here is so enviably high-brow, it almost brings tears to our eyes.
2) Meze Magazine
Meze is London’s ‘luxury journal’ – and, depicting almost every aspect of a comfortable lifestyle, certainly lives up to its name. Meze covers topics ranging from concierge services and new cars to casinos, Playboy Clubs and high end travel – making it one that’s probably more geared towards the discerning gentleman rather than the ladies. Not only is it stylish, but it proffers switched-on features in easily digestible chunks with great teasers and intros illustrated by fast cars, poker chips and iconic landmarks. In short… a modern man’s magazine!
3) Departures
We love the name of this luxury travel magazine – after all, what could be more apt? A series of classy travel features is what you’ll find here, along with car reviews, food, health, culture, gadgets and more. In fact, it’s like a well-put-together magazine style Saturday or Sunday morning show for discerning lifestyle lovers. On-trend hotel and destination reviews, as well as everything else fashionable in between, are what keeps this great online read fresh.
4) Just the Planet
A must-read for current or would-be individual travellers looking to escape the norm, Just the Planet magazine is first class. Pleasing on the eye and an even bigger pleasure to read, it’s got everything a conscientious traveller might want in terms of holiday inspiration, great insights and more. It’s the writers and their personal experiences which make this magazine the great little publication that it is – and its off-the-beaten track accounts are worth a pit-stop if nothing else.
5) The Luxury Travel Magazine
If it’s inspiration you’re looking for, this magazine is just the ticket – offering up suggestions we didn’t even know existed. Take the Six-day Papal Package to meet Pope Francis, for example. Who knew?! For coverage of underwater spas, group golfing holidays, buddy trips, private jet travel and safaris of a lifetime, you’ll find it all here – not to mention interviews, tips, and some great travel round-ups.
6) Live, Share, Travel
‘Liberating luxury for the smart traveller’ is what this magazine says on the tin – or online cover – and we think the description is spot on. It’s a great site to visit for travel news, great photography, inspiration, shared ownership opportunities and quirky little features, which are expertly written and often raise a chuckle.
7) Conde Nast Traveller
Probably one of the better known luxury travel magazines, Conde Nast Traveller is one of our favourites for one-off travel features, which have covered the likes of ‘Blissed-out beaches and surfing in Indonesia’ and ‘Stargazing in Chile’. Our favourite elements are its ability to stay abreast of worldwide news and trends – making sure we never have to miss out on the hottest places to eat and drink where, top destinations at a particular time of year, the latest travel award winners, and the best luxury travel deals of the week.
8) Best in Travel
Slightly more modest than some of the other sites, but still covering luxury travel, Best in Travel is more destination-led – featuring an eclectic mix of dream destinations, from idyllic barefoot island havens to some of the world’s poshest pistes. Its featured holidays are definitely more attainable than those of our number one but we’d still recommend having a few bob in the bank for a visit to one of its ‘sun-soaked sojourns’.
9) Diners Club Magazine
This online luxury travel mag is exclusive to members and, therefore, by invitation-only. It’s the official online publication of Diners Club International and is one of the many benefits offered to Diner Club Card holders across the world. It is of course, well stocked with reviews, features and destination guides covering some of the most coveted hotels and resorts in the world. It’s exclusivity appeals to us no end.
10) ttg luxury
Aimed at those within the travel trade, ttg luxury gives a great insight to the luxury travel market and features plenty of news on what’s happening in the industry – from the latest cruises, to aircraft revamps, hotel initiatives, and travel partnerships and deals. It’s a nice place to stop if you want to know where and what’s going to be the next big thing in luxury travel.
We hope you enjoyed our top ten round-up and that you were inspired. If you found yourself just insanely jealous of the discerning travellers who manage to island hop, jet-set and charter luxury transport at the drop of a hat, our advice to you is… keep buying those lottery tickets. Next time, it could be you!
Image courtesy of KenFotos/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Funny destination names: Our top ten
I must confess that when I started out as an apprentice travel consultant under a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) at Blenheim Travel – a company which went into administration in the 90s – I was completely clueless.
I went to college one day a month to learn about travel, geography and customer service but, the rest of the time, I was let loose on the public to advise on holidays.
One of the downsides of being initially clueless meant that unusual destination names got me into a whole lot of trouble.
Take Phuket, for example. If you sound it out phonetically, it sounds alarmingly less exotic.
Of course, I’m a lot older and wiser now – and no longer a wannabe travel consultant, of course – but my early days of selling straight out the brochure have inspired me, in this post, to cover the destinations which once might have posed a problem for me and might just raise a chuckle among the more worldly among us (me included this time).
While I might have the pronunciation down, there are places which still prompt countless puns, jokes and connotations among travellers on the road who encounter them for the first time.
So, without further ado, here are MyTravelMoney.co.uk’s top ten funny – and some rude – destination names (which would have had me in stitches and promoting cluelessly in the past).
1) ‘Fucking’ is a peaceful place in Austria, believe it or not, which has been plagued by negative connotations thanks to its controversial name. Perhaps one of its best features, however, is the photo opportunity which appeals to British and American tourists on encountering the road sign.
2) ‘Fart’ is, in fact, a place in Virginia, USA. I’ve never been and, needless to say, it’s almost impossible to get any sensible information on the place given its derogatory name.
3) ‘Sandy Balls’ is a long-established UK holiday centre in Hampshire’s New Forest whose name dates back to Henry VIII. Despite its chortle-worthy name, it’s actually a brilliant destination for family holidays akin to Center Parcs. We just dread to think of the response from school kids who say they are destined for Sandy Balls this summer.
4) ‘Boring’ in Oregon City is, luckily, nothing like its name and was actually named after an old resident. It’s even earned the name ‘the most exciting place to live’ by locals.
5) Many people think ‘Djibouti’ is a funny name but, for us, it only comes into its own as part of a drinking game – if you say it over and over in quick succession, for example. Nevertheless, it’s still up there, we suppose.
6) ‘Dildo’ is, in fact, a town on the island of Newfoundland, Canada. Although the name dates back to 1711, its origins are still unknown. We can just imagine, however, the chortles it inspires when a resident is asked: ‘Oh, and in which town do you stay?’
7) Despite its connotations, ‘Spread Eagle’ is a community in Florence County in north east Wisconsin. It’s the home of beautiful lakes, rivers and associated wildlife. And, funnily enough, if you’re lucky, you can even spot a beaver.
8) ‘Wideopen’, a village not far from Newcastle, is of old coal mining heritage and, despite its modest setting, is a popular destination for tourists looking for a retreat near rather than in the big city.
9) Yep, there is actually a town named ‘Feces’ – or Feces de Abaixo (translated as ‘Lower Feces’) – on the drive between Spain and Portugal.
10) Last but not least is the ‘Pee Pee Township’ in Pike County, Ohio – of course, in the US. But we couldn’t possibly give you a description of this place as we’d be too busy wetting ourselves.
Of course, we urge you to take this post with a pinch of salt but can confirm that all the places named are, in fact, real.
Picture credit: www.blog.oregonlive.com
The biggest sporting events of 2013 – and where to find them!
Of course, the event that’s on everyone’s lips this month is the Formula One World Championship in Melbourne, which is on-track for what promises to be the biggest and best launch yet on 14 March…
F1 World Championship – Melbourne
The programme will see a number of V8 Supercars take to the tarmac, a special appearance from global stunt masters Nitro Circus Live, a number of Australian celebrities go head to head in the Mazda 6 Celebrity Challenge, and the return of the Porsche Carrera Cup.
Find out more by visiting the official Formula One website.
‘Baa Baas’ World Tour – Hong Kong and Australia
Next up on our sporting calendar is the Barbarians Rugby Team tour, which kicks off with the Baa Baas taking on England in Twickenham.
Then the touring club will jet off to Hong Kong to throw down the gauntlet to the British and Irish Lions on 1 June before heading Down Under as part of a regional play-off before a three Test Series against the Australian Wallabies on the 22nd.
Check out the website for full tour dates.
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship – St Andrews
Between 26 and 29 September, Scotland will see the world’s golfing greats tee off at St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie – on some of the most famous greens in the UK.
As one of the world’s leading golf events, the Dunhill Cup is not be missed and has also become popular with the people of St Andrews as well as tourists visiting the East Neuk of Fife.
In fact, because it’s such an international championship, it draws golfers from all corners of the globe and is one of the most talked about tournaments on the European Tour.
Again, for full times and events, go to the website.
Formula One Indian Grand Prix – Delhi
The F1 Indian Grand Prix revs into action on 25 October in the delightful city of Delhi. It promises to be a true show stopper on the still relatively new F1 India track, which is nearly 6km in length with one of the fastest average speeds of any Grand Prix circuit.
Cars can reach speeds up to 200 miles an hour on the $350 million circuit built by Formula One’s foremost race track designer Herman Tilke, who is also responsible for circuits in Sepang, Shanghai, Bahrain, Turkey, Korea and Valencia.
Book tickets, or find out more, via the official website.
The other following events below are, of course, also ones to watch:
Cricket:
The Masters 11-14 April
The Ashes (England) 10 July – 25 August
The Ashes (Australia) 21 November – 7 January, 2014
Tennis:
Wimbledon 24 June – 7 July
Cycling:
Tour de France 29 June
Horse Racing:
The Grand National 6 April
Athletics:
World Athletic Championships (Moscow) 10-18 August
Picture credit: commons.wikimedia.org
Thailand: Top five spa packages in Koh Samui
Looking for a paradise in the tropics in which to relax, rejuvenate and restore? Then head to Koh Samui!
It might be the third largest Thai island but it’s a little piece of heaven away from the hustle and bustle of modern Thailand and here are our top five spa packages to enjoy while you’re there:
1) Kamalaya Sleep Enhancement Programme
If you suffer from insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns then this wellness retreat is a good bet. Centred around a tiny cave temple where Buddhist monks used to meditate, Kamalya offers a tranquil setting with wellness activities from yoga and sound therapy to visiting spiritual gurus. Its Sleep Enhancement Programme includes a specialist consultation, body bio-impedance analysis, acupuncture and Ayurvedic massage.
Check out The Healthy Holiday Company for more.
2) Antara Bophut Golfer Indulgence
Indulge in 225 minutes of pure indulgence provided by MSPA International with a package tailored to avid golfers. Enjoy a ‘Skin Cooling Sun Soother’, a massage which focuses on the muscles most used when playing golf, and a skin defining facial which blends delicate techniques with nourishing plant extracts and Thai ingredients.
Find out more at MSPA.
3) ‘The Revitalise’ at LUXSA
What could be better than just over two hours of pure relaxation in the form of an aromatic oil massage, herbal steam and a romantic floral bath? Well, that’s exactly what you get at LUXSA Spa by boutique resort Hansar Samui in Bophut Bay – just minutes’ walk from the trendy Fisherman’s Village. The spa has six treatment suites, four double spa suites, two Thai massage suites and a dedicated treatment area for manicures and pedicures, as well as three outdoor salas against a tropical backdrop.
Find out more and view the picture gallery via the website.
4) The Jasmine Facial
Breeze Spa at Amari Palmreef Samui is laying on a special ‘Let it Glow’ programme for the upcoming Songkran festival in Thailand which promises sheer indulgent heaven. One of the highlights is its Signature 60-minute Restorative Jasmine Facial – based, of course, on the scent of jasmine which has been carefully selected as it’s representative of the annual festival, in which jasmine garlands are shared among loved ones. Jasmine is also scientifically proven to speed up the removal of unwanted toxins caused by stress, pollution and a busy lifestyle and is thought to actively ‘roll back the years’.
Find out more via ONYX Hospitality Group.
5) The Thaimazca Treatment
Six Senses Samui Spa offers a treatment which involves a spa mixologist presenting a singing bowl, which is then striked to allow the vibrations to fill the room three times. After a minute, the Thaimazcal journey begins. Nadhi Shodhanna breathing is practised to help clear and balance the room while calming and relaxing its guests. From here on in, meditation is key, followed by a mocktail of body scrubs which are finally washed away by passing a water delude.
Find out more via the website.
Heading to Thailand? Check out the best thai baht exchange rates . On the 11th March 2013, £1 buys 43.100 THB
Picture credit: samuipedia.com
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