It can’t be denied that #TeamCoco love to live life in the fast lane. Our team are constantly checking out new places and experiences, creating content to share with our readers and followers. But how do we keep going? Luckily over the years we’ve learned how and when to slow down the pace and mentally check out for some well deserved “us” time.
Bainland Lodge Retreats have been serving up just that for the past two generations, so when you’re ready to put the brakes on, you know you’re going to be in good hands.
We hear the phrase “cater for everyone” crop up time and time again, but never has it rang truer than it does here. When they say everyone, they really mean it – couple retreats, family lodges, corporate retreats, glamping holidays, and even dog-friendly weekends away. Lodges come big and small ready to cater for all types of group, from villas with their own private outdoor swimming pools, to surprisingly luxurious two storey safari tents.
Our home for the weekend was The Orchard, Bainland’s newest lodge with its own private garden and not one… but two hot tubs on the terrace. Can’t get much boujier than that?!
We love staying in places where small details make huge differences. At The Orchard, there’s a very welcome emphasis on privacy, with great care taken to ensure nobody can see you while you’re enjoying some hot tub time, so no quick dash inside with your robe and slippers.
While the kitchens are decked out with fancy Le Creuset cookware, being waited upon at Bainland couldn’t be easier. The ‘Copper Goose’ App is designed with comfort in mind – a couple of quick taps on your phone will see that food and drink be delivered directly to you, all from the comfort of your hot tub. Need some food for a picnic? Done. BBQ gear? Say no more. They even have a Starbucks menu on here with freshly brewed coffee at the touch of a button. There’s plenty to do out of the water too for when your fingertips get too pruny. Archery, cycling, climbing, hiking – they have you sorted with a dedicated phone number or online portal to book with ease. The retreat sits in 45 acres of land in the middle of the Lincolnshire countryside, so it’s really a time to connect with the outdoors, and with one another.
If you’re more into dining in than out, ‘The Nest’ has your back. Recently opened, this bar and bistro serves up all day dining and drinks. There’s an all weather terrace here too for al fresco dining at any time of the year. And what goes well with an all weather terrace you might ask? Well, an extensive cocktail list of course. We’d recommend an ice cold Aperol Spritz in the summer, and a nice Old Fashioned in the winter – something to warm your cockles.
If you are intending on going away for vacation, then it’s a very good idea to plan meticulously. A lot of people don’t give their vacation plans the thought that they require, which results in them having underwhelming getaways. After two years’ worth of lockdowns and social distancing restrictions, you deserve a vacation that’s fun, enjoyable, and memorable. The only way to achieve this is to extensively (and meticulously) plan your trip away.
This post will offer an in-depth guide, advising you on how you can plan for your upcoming trip abroad:
Financing
If you are going away on vacation, then one of the first things that you need to think about is financing your trip. How are you going to pay for your vacation? If you don’t have a lot of money, then you may have to take out a loan to pay for it. You can find same-day cash loans, that will reach your bank account less than five minutes after acceptance. If you are going to take out a loan to pay for your upcoming vacation, then you need to make sure that you can afford to make the loan’s repayments. You should also carefully work out the amount that you are going to borrow so that you can be sure you will be able to repay it with the added interest. The more money you borrow, the more you will have to repay in interest.
Location
Where are you going to go away on vacation? Once you’ve sorted out funding and know how you are going to pay for your vacation, you can begin thinking about destinations. With all of this said, it’s highly likely that you already know where you want to go and had a destination already in mind when you were applying for a loan. If you are going to leave your home country for your vacation, make sure that you research your vacation destination’s COVID entry requirements. Some countries require visitors to be vaccinated, while others just require them to have a negative PCR test.
Accommodation
Accommodation is also something that you need to think about. If you do not carefully think about accommodation, then you could end up having to pay a lot of money. Most people stay in hotels when they are going away, but Airbnb’s are also a good idea. Airbnb is a company that allows people to list their holiday homes, giving travelers an opportunity to stay in private, self-contained accommodation, rather than large hotels. If you are going to stay in a hotel, then try to find one that’s affordable and that has good online reviews.
Companions
Are you going to travel alone, or will you be taking people with you? Taking people along with you can be a great way of making your vacation a lot more enjoyable. While it’s fun to travel alone, bringing friends is a lot more engaging. This is because you will have people to share your experience with, as well as have people with whom you are comfortable in a foreign country, which will make it a more relaxed experience. Carefully select people to bring with you. Try to bring people that are interested in the same things as you, so that you don’t clash.
Transport
Transport is equally important as accommodation. Wherever you are going, how are you going to get around? If you don’t arrange transport, then you could end up stuck abroad, with no way of getting around. When you are booking your flights, the airline with whom you are booking them should be able to offer you cheap transportation. Many will even give you a discount on car rentals. If you aren’t going to rent a car, then make sure that you check out your destination’s public transport system. Some countries have very efficient public transport networks, which are better than renting cars.
Season
Lastly, consider the season of your visit. If you travel during your destination’s off-season, you should be able to get significant discounts on travel and accommodation. Many nations, during their off-seasons, receive basically no visitors. However, you often have to compromise on weather in order to visit during a nation’s off-season. The main reason that the off-season is called that is that it is a period when visitors don’t want to travel and take time off from traveling. If you are comfortable traveling during this season, you can save a lot of money.
If you are planning on going away, then you need to organize and arrange every aspect of your trip meticulously. If you don’t then your vacation could be ruined. As this article shows, planning ahead isn’t difficult at all.
The purpose of travel is to have fun, relax and unwind. It also presents an excellent opportunity to experience different cultures and expand your perspective. However, some people fail to make the most of their travels. It could be because of stressing too hard trying to make everything perfect or worrying about their responsibilities at home. You have to make the most of your travel experiences. Here are some ideas for how to amplify the fun during your next travel:
Choose a perfect time
With the wrong timing, even the most glamorous destinations can feel meh. To make the most and avoid disappointment, you need to find ideal times to visit various destinations. The perfect time is relative. Choose the most important things to you and plan your trip around the best time to visit your target locations. Peak tourist seasons may seem like the perfect time but are not always the case. That is because the crowds tend to be huge and the prices insanely high. Opt for off-peak times to get a more wholesome experience where you won’t need to squeeze yourself among the overrunning tourists in popular spots.
Leave the work at home
Is it even a relaxing getaway if you have to make presentations, reports, and send emails? Carrying work to your travel escapades takes something out of the possible fun of a trip. You will barely relax or take the time to marvel at your new location if your mind is constantly on work. Do as much work before traveling to have less on your plate during the actual trip. You will feel more rejuvenated from a trip if you get the chance to unplug your day-to-day tasks. You will also have all the energy to dive back to work when you come back.
Travel with a fun squad
Unless you are going on a solo trip, your company determines the amount of fun you will have. And frankly, even if it is a solo trip, making fun friends on your trip will make the experience more memorable. Having free-spirited, fun people willing to go an extra mile in the name of exploration makes a world of difference. Try to travel with friends who can get out of their comfort zone to make memories. Travel with people down to doing fun activities like hiking, bungee jumping, swimming, etc. According to the professionals at getkush, make the trip extra memorable by carrying some cannabis products so that you can have them when chilling in the evening. Soak in new experiences as a group and have fun.
Embrace the local culture
Boxing yourself in touristy places could prevent you from soaking in the local culture and experiencing different life perspectives. The beauty in travel destinations lies in understanding the local culture and appreciating how people from various places operate. Drop the tourist traps and go outside your comfort zone. You will marvel at the way of living of the locals. Also, the locals tend to know some hidden gems that you would never have known if you restricted yourself to tourist destinations.
Wrapping up
It is essential to remember that things may take a path different from the one you planned. The key to having as much fun as possible is not sweating the small stuff. Go with the flow of things, and don’t let any unexpected occurrences kill your vibe.
There is nothing like a day on the cliffs – appreciating the mountain landscape from the ski lift, the feeling of the cool air tickling your face, and feeling the surge of excitement as you have fun in the snow. While the mountains are important, these ski vacation destinations also have charming communities and exciting scenery just waiting to be explored.
What are Ski Resorts?
Facilities that are specifically designed for skiing, snowshoeing, and other forms of winter sports are known as ski resorts. Most resorts in the world are cities or villages in or near ski areas with a ski lift network.
Aspen, Colorado
It is not difficult to understand why Aspen is considered one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world. The resort features more than 2,000 skiable hectares. There are four major ski mountains in the Aspen area, and each is easily accessible via an available bus network. This gives you the ability to switch from mountain to mountain as much as you want to. Skiers with more experience will enjoy the challenging terrain on Aspen Mountain, which is known for having some of the most difficult trails.
With several ski mountains available, you may prefer to remain in the mountains, but the ski towns are also fantastic after sundown.
Morzine, France
Morzine offers excellent value for money, combining the amenities of a large resort with the elegance of an alpine town. Morzine has something to offer skiers of all levels. There are exercises for beginners, difficult slopes for skiing professionals, as well as off-slope skiing for the more seasoned and daring. Thanks to a vast network of lifts, you can spend the entire day on the slopes and return to the village with ease.
Courmayeur, Italy
The Italian town of Courmayeur sits on the other side of Mont Blanc. While the views of Mont Blanc from here are stunning, the climate is said to be milder than that on the French side of the mountain. The Monte Bianco cable car, which offers a view of the Monte Rosa, as well as dining and a lively ski scene, are just some of the reasons people visit this resort village in addition to skiing.
Cardona, New Zealand
Cardrona’s mountain and off-piste infrastructure are designed to accommodate skiers of all ages and levels. The resort is well-known for its excellent child-care and kid instruction programs and is also renowned for allocating one-fifth of its hills and mountains to advanced skiers. The remainder is divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced categories in nearly equal proportions. If you are a first-timer, the folks at https://yapq.com/ advise you to look into reviews to get better insight into what might be the best option for you. There are online resources that can provide you with tips from people who have visited ski resorts before and who have also engaged in all sorts of outdoor activities.
Niseko, Japan
Niseko, Japan, is one of the best winter resorts for skiers and anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Advanced skiers will find a plethora of slopes with breathtaking views, and beginners will have plenty of options as well. A nearby village, Sapporo, is also well-known for its annual Sapporo Winter Festival and a beer museum.
What if you are a fan of winter sports but crave a new experience? If you’re up for the challenge of experiencing all that winter has to offer, consider adding one of these top ski resorts to your winter itinerary. Whether you want to go skiing or participate in other winter activities like hiking, snow yoga, or attending ice shows and festivals, these destinations have something for everyone.
Helicopter tours are a great way to see a city from a different perspective. There is nothing like an all-over view of a city from above the tall buildings. It is a spectacular sight. We shall discover just what such a tour has to offer the tourist during this article. In particular, the helicopter tour nyc has to offer.
What Helicopter Tours Provide Sightseers
Tours inside a helicopter as a small group offer an unobstructed view of the city that is impossible to get from any other vantage point. From up high, you can see everything in all its glory – the majestic skyline, the winding rivers, and the bustling streets below. A helicopter tour is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family.
A helicopter tour is something that you will want to tick off your list of things to do and there is no better place to do that than in New York City, which has some of the best skyline in the world. It is a good way to see where you are staying during your vacation and eye up some of the best places to explore in greater depth.
The Famous Landmarks a New York City Tour Offers
A helicopter tour over NYC provides an unparalleled view of the cityscape below. You will see landmarks such as the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and Central Park from a whole new perspective. And, helicopter tours are not just for sightseeing – they can also be a great way to get to your destination. Imagine being able to avoid traffic and arrive at your hotel or business meeting in style! This is something we shall think of again later in this article.
Anyway, let us not distract ourselves from the top sights that NYC has to offer its tourists and residents. This can all be seen from the air, whether you are staying in a luxury spa hotel or elsewhere. If staying at a spa hotel, we can combine awe-inspiring sight-seeing from the air with the relaxation possible from swimming in the pool and having various massages.
Empire State Buiding
The Empire State Building was completed on May 1, 1931. It was designed by William F. Lamb from the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon. The building has 102 floors and is 1,250 feet (381 meters) high, making it the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion.
Chrysler Building
The Chrysler building is a magnificent skyscraper in the heart of New York City. Completed in 1930, it was the world’s tallest building for 11 months until it was surpassed by the Empire State Building. It is still one of the most iconic buildings in New York and is a must-see for any visitor to the city.
Central Park
Central Park, located in the heart of Manhattan, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New York City. It’s also one of the most historic parks in the United States. The park was first proposed in 1853 by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and engineer Calvert Vaux, and construction began in 1857.
The Many Advantages of Helicopter Tours
There are many advantages to taking a helicopter tour, whether you are a tourist or a business traveler. helicopter tours offer a unique perspective of the city, they are a fast and convenient way to get around, and they are a great way to avoid traffic.
If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, a helicopter tour is a perfect way to see NYC, and from an alternative perspective. You will have an entirely different view of the city than is possible from any other level, including from the top floor of a skyscraper, because you will be above all of them and looking down. It is truly awesome just thinking about it.
The Bradley Hare, located in the quiet yet charming village of Maiden Bradley, gives you the familiar feeling of a traditional village pub but with a twist. Forget your preconceived notions about traditional country inns because The Bradley Hare is that and so much more.
Located in the wildly picturesque grounds of the Duke of Somerset’s estate, The Bradley Hare benefits from and is inspired by the gorgeous pastoral landscapes that surround it. The rooms, which are warmed by roaring fires in the winter months, have been designed by James Thurstan Waterworth, ex-European Design Director of Soho House.
While boasting some handsome 18th and 19th-century furnishings, each of the 12 individually-designed bedrooms exude a muted yet contemporary vibe, elevating the rural chic interiors. Picture glorious free-standing baths, Egyptian cotton sheets, Siberian goose down duvets and a colourful array of contemporary artwork – that is exactly the aesthetic at The Bradley Hare.
We stayed in one of the five generously-sized dog friendly bedrooms in the Coach House. Opposite the pub and with plenty of space to roam, these gorgeous farmhouse style rooms are the perfect place to relax and unwind amidst the sounds and scenery of the great British countryside.
Guests who are staying at The Bradley Hare can expect a complimentary continental breakfast, which exceeded our expectations of continental meals. While hot breakfasts incurred an additional charge, the continental, which offered delicious homemade granola, pain au chocolate, ham, fresh juices, coffees and freshly-baked sourdough with homemade jams and yoghurts will soon make you forget about the lack of a full English.
We were lucky enough to visit during a sun-soaked weekend and so our lunch was enjoyed in The Bradley Hare’s garden. Here, both locals and tourists come together to enjoy delicious food and great company. Inside, the pub’s bar area is dog friendly – perfect for well-behaved dogs like TeamCocopup. The Bradley Hare boasts an ever-changing seasonal menu that makes good use of the fresh and local ingredients to reimagine pub classics. The Bradley Hare is a champion of zero-waste and tries to minimise food waste as much as possible.
This is best exemplified by the ‘Crumbled Pig’s Head’ which is a delicious appetiser made with the offcuts of a pig – ensuring that the whole pig is used. The Pork Belly with anchovy sauce is crispy, tender with the anchovy sauce offering a surprising yet delightful twist to the pub classic. We also liked the cod roe with asparagus and chervil sauce, and the Hake with artichoke heart. All this is paired with a fabulously eclectic wine list and cocktail list. The Bradley Hare was also very accommodating of our dietary requirements, making it a suitable place for those suffering from food allergies and intolerances.
If, during your visit, you only have time to do one thing in Maiden Bradley, then definitely spend the day at Stourhead. This gorgeous National Trust property is just a seven minute drive away from The Bradley Hare and boasts 2,500 acres of unspoilt countryside and breath-taking gardens. There are Palladian structures that add majesty to this place, shady pathways and even a hidden grotto. The gardens are dog-friendly, offering the perfect day out for families and four-legged friends.
Back at The Bradley Hare and run a relaxing bath in your room. It is the best way to recharge after a day of exploring. Between the tranquil interiors, excellent service and even better pub food – there’s plenty to love at The Bradley Hare. We shall surely be returning for another relaxing and magical weekend in Maiden Bradley’s best kept secret.
When you think of Florida, most people will immediately conjure up images of Miami or Orlando. However, for a state with the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, it has a multitude of scenic regions for tourists to discover. Over the next few weeks, I’ll introduce you to some hidden gems along the Emerald Coast, which might be well-known to local Americans but as yet undiscovered by the British and European contingent.
Our first destination is Panama City Beach. An area that promises sun, sand and seafood is never going to disappoint travel-goers. Whilst they do have a major shopping and entertainment hub in the form of Pier Park, the focus here is on the unspoiled natural surroundings. On either side of the long stretch of beach are protected state parks with St Andrews State on one side and Camp Helen on the other. The latter is particularly popular with hikers, swimmers and fishermen and also borders Lake Powell, which is the largest coastal dune lake in Florida. It’s a great spot for kayaking or paddleboarding.
Marine life is a key fabric of society in Panama City Beach and one of the must-do activities is to go dolphin watching with operators such as Paradise Adventures. There are several species in the local area, but the most common type you will come across is the highly intelligent bottlenose dolphins. You will see their playful nature out in the wild as opposed to seeing them in an aquapark. Whilst on the tour, there is also time for swimming to uninhabited islands and appreciating the pure white, fine dunes that populate all their beaches.
If you are a fan of beach life, then you should check out a particular Floridian speciality: beach bonfire for hire. Companies like Endless Beach Rentals, help you arrange all the pesky details like bringing in deckchairs, hammocks, bonfire equipment and the icebox for your bottles of wines. You can also try that ever-popular American classic, s’mores which consist of toasted marshmallows and a layer of melting chocolate sandwiched between pieces of graham cracker. Is it a culinary classic? Possibly not, but as a great campfire treat and bonding experience with your family and friends, it is impressively unbeatable.
What the Emerald Coast does offer is world-class seafood. Oysters might be a delicacy in the United Kingdom, but over in this part of Florida, it’s a staple of life. Oyster bars are frequently spotted as you drive along the motorways and one of the most iconic seafood restaurants in town is Capt. Anderson’s. It has been serving seafood and steaks for over 50 years and has won countless accolades and with a seating capacity of 725 people, there’s little doubt about the freshness of its ingredients. The specialities I would recommend include their crab fingers (the crab claws are de-shelled) and their truly jumbo-sized sea scallops. It’s hard not to be jealous of the locals who have been blessed with such an embarrassment of seafood riches.
Breakfast is also a much-loved institution with the Floridians. They have hip coffee bars like The Pour that offer trendy iced lattes matched with almond butter and banana toast. And more substantial offerings like Andy’s Flour Power which offers the classic biscuits and gravy to vegetarian-friendly offerings like their colourful vegetable frittata. I wouldn’t normally recommend ordering a cocktail for breakfast but their world-class breakfast martinis are not to be missed. Their secret ingredient is their orange marmalade, which makes it taste that much healthier with inviting citrus notes.
A great place to enjoy the scintillating sunset is Runaway Island. It’s a relaxed, casual beach bar and grill with live country music daily. It has a boardwalk that extends directly to the sandy coastline. You can arrange your beach bonfire right there for a post-dinner rendezvous. The food is on the no-fuss spectrum of restaurant menus, but you can sample local specialities including the blackened Mahi, creole redfish and something you rarely see on British menus, Alaskan snow crab. The latter is a particularly meaty but fiddly affair, so make sure you are dining with patient guests if you are ordering the dish.
In some respects, Panama City Beach is the polar opposite of Miami. It’s not about dressing to impress, putting on makeup and fussy fine dining. It is all about being a family-friendly, all-inclusive experience. Outstanding natural ingredients are given a chance to shine in their own right without overcomplicated preparation work.
Next up, we’ll be visiting art-focused South Walton, which is affectionately known as 30A by the locals.
Pre-March 2022, I would not have considered a staycation in the United Kingdom, given a general preconception of poor value for money offered by the hospitality industry. However, the last 2 year have shown us, that our hotel industry has seriously upped its game and have pumped countless pounds into its facilities to make them world-class. A case in point is my recent visit to Galgorm in Northern Ireland which is a mere half an hour from Belfast. With the recent airport issues, flying to Belfast is a much safer bet than flying further afield with countless flights from numerous British airports daily. (Although, saying that, I am still liaising with British Airways to claim compensation for a cancelled Belfast flight).
Travelling from Belfast to Galgorm is the opposite of the M4 Heathrow experience. Rolling green meadows and towering trees greet your arrival and if you want an even more VIP experience, arrange for one of their Rolls Royce Phantoms to pick you up from the airport. The long gardened drive up to the reception area sets the scene for a regal experience even if the front of the hotel building seems deceptively unassuming. There are over 163 acres of serene woodland for you to discover.
What immediately catches the eye is the picturesque beauty of the River Maine, which flows through the estate and the immaculately manicured flora which blooms on the estate. The resort used to be a very important local mill hence why the river plays such an important role on the estate. The hotel has been expanding exponentially with the boom in staycations and offers hotel rooms, shepherd’s huts, cottage suites, log cabins, residences and treehouses. The core of their business is the 125 hotel rooms divided into suites, deluxe and superior rooms. The rooms are extremely spacious ranging from 32 m² to 122 m². Most have impeccable views of the scenic river. Whilst the complimentary minibar is always a crowd-pleaser including local craft beers. You know it’s a no-expenses-spared experience when you find Aromatherapy Associate amenities, Dyson heater/fan and Marshall Bluetooth speaker. The king-sized beds offer a pure blissful sleeping experience with their King Koil mattresses.
There is no shortage of dining options to choose from including The River Room, one of only 4 restaurants in Northern Ireland to be offered 3 AA Rosettes. And options for Italian food lovers at Fratelli Ristorante, options for meat lovers at Gillies Grill and a gastropub experience at Castle Kitchen + Bar. The latter I would particularly recommend if you want a little trip outside of the estate, as it’s situated at the Galgorm Castle Golf Club and the hotel will provide complimentary transportation to and from the restaurant. Whilst the Gillies Grill is also well worth visiting, not just because they source some of the finest cuts of Irish aged steaks but they also have Asian twists on their meat-heavy menu. Their bang bang chicken with a hypnotic mix of sweet chilli, soy and satay is a guilty pleasure to savour.
The jewel in the crown of Galgorm is their thermal spa village. Calling it a village is a very apt description of their facilities with every possible spa experience under the sun available. This is not an exhaustive list but includes Celtic sauna infusion, snow cabin, sanarium, snail shower, the salt cave, Beltane hot tubs, saunas and pools. You can enjoy an exclusive individual hot tub relaxation session right by the river and this is the kind of restorative therapy that can take away every scintilla of stress from your body.
If you want to enjoy professional spa treatments, make sure you book well in advance as their slots do book up very quickly. Highly recommended are their opulent aromatherapy massage on a heated massage bed and the anti-aging skinceuticals expert skin-specific facial. With the former, they will even give your recommended regular treatment suggestions to ensure you reap the full benefits.
If you looking for a wellness escape, Galgorm is the place to check out with their world-class thermal spa village. It is a one-of-a-kind experience in Ireland and great value for money with what they are offering.
Rooms are from £195 per night including breakfast
You can book an individual hot tub in its secluded riverside spot to enjoy an hour soaking in the freshwater and watching the local wildlife with a bottle of fizz for £80.
Multiple destinations in one trip with zero airport queues? I’m in.
I must admit, up until this year, I cannot say I had ever considered a cruise holiday. I was always under the impression that cruises were the preserve of an older, wealthier crowd, where my Zara wardrobe would be too low-key and the trip itself, well, out of my price range. However, All Aboard Cruising with MSC Virtuosa has completely changed my perspective. However, around 2018, I started noticing a shift on social media: young people, people a good decade or so younger than myself, cruising. Instagram snaps of smiling millennials drinking pina coladas in the golden hour sunlight. Long, gushing captions about waking up in a new destination every day. And if that wasn’t enough to make me green with envy: no airport queues.
With “revenge travel” (the new buzzword for catching up on all the trips you’ve missed during the pandemic) being such a huge thing right now, airports are overloaded. Flights cancelled, missing luggage, archaic scenes at security and queues of biblical proportions, it’s no wonder that nearly 40% of 16–34-year-olds are considering taking a cruise in the next few years. The joys of being able to visit many destinations without packing and unpacking repeatedly mean you can make the most of the journey without the stressors of multiple airports. So, in the name of travel journalism, I embarked on MSC Virtuosa for my very first cruise.
MSC Virtuosa is one heck of a vessel: carrying up to 6,200 passengers at full occupancy and serviced by 10 restaurants, 21 bars, a shopping galleria, multiple theatres, waterparks, an arcade, a world-class spa, and, if you’re so inclined, a gym, there’s little risk of being bored. For those wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle, an upgrade to the MSC Yacht Club provides access to the suite-only section stretching across the three decks at the front of the ship. With a members-only lounge, a restaurant with sweeping views and a glittering Swarovski staircase, and a private, adults-only sundeck, MSC Yacht Club provides an excellent option for those lusting after a little more exclusivity.
Embarkation
If you think there’s not much difference between a cruise ship and airport check-in, then think again. Once you’ve checked in and gone through security, your luggage will magically find its way to your cabin. You are free to board the ship, where you are met with a sparkling lounge and welcome drinks. Your holiday starts here.
Cabins
The cabins are clean and spacious, with excellent storage facilities plus room under the beds for storing cases. Each cabin has a ZOE speaker for playing music or audiobooks, and a large television that can be used to access your billing information in addition to the normal channels. The beds are incredibly comfortable, and the bathrooms have more than enough room for manoeuvrability (which is shockingly lacking in many ships). If it’s within your budget, an outside cabin with a balcony is a real treat, especially in the evenings. There is nothing quite like sipping wine as you watch the sunset, excited for your next destination tomorrow.
What about entertainment?
This is where MSC Virtuosa really shines. Entertainment onboard includes:
The Galleria Virtuosa contains an abundance of bars, shops, restaurants, and evening entertainment options. Cast your gaze upwards to view the 80-meter-long LED display that morphs and changes throughout the trip.
Indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, surrounded by an array of sun loungers for catching those rays between ports.
An incredible spa featuring a salt-walled relaxation room, ice therapy, multiple saunas, and my personal favourite, mist showers. Whilst you’re there, treat yourself to a gloriously relaxing deep tissue massage. You will be floating back to your cabin in no time.
Matinee and evening shows including magic, musicals, and all manner of top-class performance art in the ship’s theatre and Carousel lounge.
A well-equipped gym with ocean views, plus running and walking tracks around the deck.
For the high rollers, there is an extensive casino complete with both electronic and table-based games.
Finally, for the children, there is a games arcade, rope walk, basketball court, and a LEGO-themed kids club.
The ship also provides a jam-packed daily itinerary including yoga, dance classes, karaoke, and quizzes, perfect for the longer days at sea.
If you’re curious about why cruising offers such an enlightening experience, check out our insightful article on the topic at House of Coco.
Dining around
There is a general assumption that it’s easy to pop on a few pounds during a cruise and I can completely understand why: The options onboard are plentiful and delicious, and it took every ounce of self-control I have not to go all out and do my best Pac Man impression eating my way through everything the ship has to offer. The buffet restaurant provides an impressive spread of international cuisines, sides, and desserts. The speciality restaurants such as Butchers Cut Steakhouse, Indochine (a French-Vietnamese fusion), Hola Tacos, and Kaito Sushi & Teppanyaki are all worth a visit, just make sure you pre-book as soon as you can as they fill up pretty quickly.
There is a drinks upgrade package available if you are partial to a high-end tipple, and an abundance of options available if you’re saving your cash for on shore. With 21 bars on board, including one staffed by a robot bartender, there’s no excuse not to get that perfect iced cocktail shot for the ‘gram.
Insider tips:
Book a balcony cabin at the back of the ship for a hypnotic view of the wake trailing through the water.
Keep an eye out for dolphins: They love ships and can often be spotted frolicking past.
Book a massage and/or time in the spa. Your back will thank you for it.
Visit the chocolatery at Galleria Virtuosa for some tasty treats and souvenirs for friends and family back home.
How to book:
Bookings can be made directly with MSC here. Alternatively, call 0203 893 4203 or request a call back via the website. Current deals include a 7-night Northern Europe cruise from the UK for only £449pp (see website for full details).
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or planning that one “trip of a lifetime,” your journey begins with choosing a good set of luggage. Different travelers have different needs, and your choices will come down to how often you travel, your personal preferences, and your budget.
Avoid getting stuck with travel bags that are bulky, of poor quality, and don’t meet your travel needs with this guide for choosing the right suitcase for your next trip.
Consider Your Travel Style
Do you tend to take a series of short jaunts or extended one or two-week vacays? Perhaps you’re planning a month-long journey abroad. Each traveler and trip are different and fortunately, there are plenty of options from backpacks and duffle bags to larger, traditional suitcases.
Generally, backpacks and duffle bags are your best options for shorter trips when you don’t need to pack very much. Since they’re smaller, they can function as a carry-on and save you money on luggage fees. For short weekend getaways, a good quality backpack or duffle bag is a must. They come with great organizational features and are roomy enough to take what is needed for two or three days.
Many travelers take a combination of shorter and longer trips. If this is you, consider luxury luggage like Away or Monos if they meet your budget. High-quality brands such as these offer everything from carry-ons to larger check-ins. You may spend more, but you’ll be prepared for any trip with a few pieces that will last a lifetime.
Decide on Hard or Soft Materials
Hardshell or soft-sided luggage? There are good arguments for both. The argument for soft-sided luggage is that it is generally less expensive and best suited for carry-on bags. They’re lightweight for carrying and easier to squeeze into the overhead compartment or underneath the seat in front of you.
However, hardshell suitcases are much more durable, and airline workers may not handle check-on luggage gently. You’ll run the risk of it getting torn or stained. Hardshell luggage is also shock absorbent and better for protecting your belongings. It’s also easier to clean.
Whichever material you choose, look for a high-quality product that will last a long time. Ballistic nylon is the most durable soft-sided material and polycarbonate is the best hardshell material.
Consider Size and Maneuverability
When deciding on the size of your luggage, think about the duration of most of your trips and what items you typically pack. Smaller bags are easier to carry around but may not be large enough to pack all you need.
Keep in mind that each airline has its own requirement for the size of a carry-on. Dimensions of around 22″ x 14″ x 9″ are the most common so choose a bag this size or smaller. Otherwise, you may be forced to check your luggage and that will mean paying a fee.
Size is also important to consider when you aren’t traveling. You’ll need to store luggage at home when it’s not in use. If you purchase a set with several pieces, look for suitcases designed to nestle inside the largest one. This will save lots of space which is important if you have limited storage in your home.
You should also consider how easy your luggage will be able to maneuver. A telescoping handle and free-spinning wheels make it much easier. If your carry-on has wheels, keep in mind that most airlines will include them when they measure it.
Consider Extra Features
Luggage today comes with all kinds of features for convenience. Some brands come with built-in waterproof pouches for storing toiletries to prevent leakage. They’re also great for storing wet bathing suits after a beach trip.
Look for big sturdy zippers for durability. Choose metal zippers over plastic. Some zippers are self-repairing. If there’s a snag in the zipper’s teeth, simply pull the zipper back and over the snag and the teeth will reseal. The YKK zipper self-lubricates over time with use.
Some luggage comes with a built-in battery pack. This is a great feature to keep your devices charged on the go.
A detachable piggyback clip near the handle allows you to attach a carry-on or other personal item to a larger check-on bag. This way you’ll have a free hand.
Think About Security
The best luggage will have safety and security features. This is especially important if you carry electronics and other valuables in your check-in bag. Look for a suitcase with an internal or external locking system. You can purchase locks separately, but built-in ones are more convenient.
For extra security, purchase a suitcase and a carry-on with a TSA-approved lock. TSA agents will break a non-approved lock if they find it necessary to search your luggage.
