The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

vacation

3 Ways to Get Out on the Water in Seattle

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If you are a lover of water and everything that it entails, then Seattle offers you many options for doing just that. You just have to know where to go, and what to use in order to find your favorite attractions. So, where do you start? How do you go about enjoying the water attractions in the city of Seattle?

Use the Ferry Services for Transportation

Image via Flickr by thirteenthbat

One of the best ways to get around in Seattle and its vicinity is to make use of Washington State Ferries. This ferry service system consists of 28 ferries that travel across 10 routes.

If you want to go on a tour of Bainbridge Island and enjoy a picnic while taking in the scenery or travel to Bremerton and visit the USS Turner Joy Museum Ship, the Washington State Ferry services will get you there. And you will be able to sightsee and enjoy the local attractions in peace until it’s time to go back again.

Generally speaking, if you want to tour the entire Puget Sound and see what’s on offer, the ferry services offer you the best chance to do so. But in case you do not have much time, it pays to find an IHG hotel in a great location with water views for your enjoyment.

Boat Rentals for Fun and Sports

It’s safe to say that fishing is indeed a sport. And in Seattle, you can rent a boat when you’re feeling the itch to release the reel. You can charter a fishing boat for salt-water fishing courtesy of Seattle fishing companies. You will then have access to experienced skippers and the right tackles so that you can finally catch salmon just like you have always wanted to. And it’s year-round too. What’s not to like about that?

You can also rent boats or kayaks for fun. Green Lakes Park offers you the chance to learn about sailing. And you can use your knowledge to set sail using the rental boats available. You can opt to be part of a group canoeing event if you would rather. Paddle boats, row boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boats are also available if you are looking for a fun workout.  And when you are done, there’s a café nearby to help you get your energy back up again.

Cruises and Sightseeing

What if you could go on a cruise and get to see a lot of Seattle even when you have minimal time to enjoy yourself?

You could start by booking the DUKW aka the Duck, which is an amphibious vehicle that travels on both land and sea, courtesy of Ride the Ducks of Seattle. You can get to view the Seattle waterfront, Pioneer Square, and even the downtown shopping district before you sail into Lake Union.

You can also book a whale watching tour that will take you to the San Juan Islands, where whales are frequently seen. Other cruises will enable you view whales in Puget Sound and the Salish Sea. You can also charter private cruise boats that will allow you to sightsee at a more relaxed pace.

These are just a few of the ways you can get out on the water. Between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle is a haven for water-lovers.

How to Survive Your Beach Vacation with Your New Baby

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Summer is almost here. It’s the best period of the year and many are surely planning to hit the beach and kick back after working extremely hard for the better part of the year. By now, most of us have made it a habit of carrying certain things such as a book, swimming costume & sunscreen when going to the beach. However, what does a parent(s) need to do when taking their newborn along?

It is, without doubt, an ingenious idea to take your latest addition in your family on a beach vacation and start making memories as soon as possible. But it is also wise to take along some nifty baby beach gear to help make the experience at the beach go as smoothly as possible. Here are some top tips for your first excursion to the beach with your baby:

1. Pitch a Baby Beach Tent

This is obviously the most important thing to do when going to a beach holiday with a baby. Baby beach tents are lightweight, easy to assemble and can provide much needed shade for your little one. Not only that, but it will also help protect them from the wind, sand and UV rays. We never head to the beach without our beach baby tent.  You can see a selection of our favourite baby beach tents by clicking here.

2. Carry Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an obviously important item to carry whilst going to the beach, no matter what age you are. On top of the baby beach tent, you should take along special baby sunscreen and apply it regularly to your baby. Don’t forget to take a wide-brim sun hat with as well.

3. Use a Clear Plastic Zip-Lock Bag to Pack Your Clothes

We all know that beach sand pretty much tends to get in everywhere. At some point your baby might get a bit frustrated with the scratchy sand (or by the wet togs).  Having some clean clothes in a zip-lock bag is a good idea, so you can change them into some soft clean clothes when needed.

4. Carry Lots of Water and Snacks

Everyone needs to be well fed and hydrated during a trip to the beach. If you are breastfeeding, hydration is even more important than normal.  Also, don’t forget to come prepared with bottles and formulae if your baby is bottle-fed.

5. Keep the Visit to the Beach Short

The thought of spending the entire day at the beach, relaxing, sunbathing and reading a lovely inspirational book looks like a picturesque holiday. Unfortunately, this is impossible when you have your baby around. That said; keep the trip to the beach nice, sweet and short. An hour or two is plenty when you have your little baby with you.

6. Pack as Light as Possible!

Heavy bags weighing down on you while you’re looking for a nice spot at the beach is the last you’d want to deal with at the beach, especially with a baby in tow.

Keep it simple and only take along the most practical and essential items. Things like a baby beach bag, disposable swimming diapers, a pop-up baby beach tent, a water resistant baby beach blanket, beach shoes, baby powder (work wonders in removing sand from the body), and baby beach toys will make your beach life much easier.

Spending some time at the beach with your loved ones is always memorable. Taking your baby to the beach for the first time will be a memory that both of you will cherish for many years to come.

The above tips will make your beach holiday with your baby nice, sweet and enjoyable. Remember to bring your camera to document this special trip. Happy beach holiday!

Author Bio:

This guest post is brought to you by Andrzej & Jolene from Wanderlust Storytellers, a widely successful family travel blog. They love sharing their passion for travel with people all around the globe. 

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Trying To Decide On Your Next Destination: Consider The Caribbean

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Are you trying to plan your next trip to escape the UK’s cold and rain? Obviously, there is a magnitude of destinations a direct flight away. While you could explore somewhere in Europe, you might want to set your sight a bit further away and head to the Caribbean. If you have never been before, we have some handy information to help you plan your trip.

Flights

It takes around 10 hours to fly from the UK to the Caribbean. There are many direct flights. However, “direct” can sometimes involve a brief stopover on a different island. The more popular islands typically have more direct flights, while the more isolated ones will require some hopping.

The main airlines offering these services are British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Cheap return tickets can be found for around £500. However, these prices will heavily depend on the time of year. The busiest times are typically Christmas/New Years, February, and Easter. Expect to pay substantially more for a ticket (as well as a hotel room).

Weather

The Caribbean has the best weather from December to April. Humidity is low and the nights can get nice and cool. The area is generally hotter and stickier for the rest of the year. The chance of storms is also significantly increased. September and October are when the Caribbean is most likely to experience a hurricane.

Islands

The Caribbean has a lot of islands. You will find that some offer the finest resorts (Grand Cayman) while others are much more isolated with basic amenities (Grenada).

When selecting an island, you should consider your budget, what you want to do, and the amenities required. Caribbeansbest.org is a good resource to help you make the decision.

Hotels

The price that you will pay for accommodation will depend on the island you visit and the level of comfort required. To get the best deals, it’s recommended that you book online in advance. Compare sites such as Agoga, Booking.com, and Expedia. Some properties experience sales, but these sales are only accessible through one particular site, even if the rooms are advertised on multiple sites. Make sure to shop around to get the best prices.

You can also save money by booking tours that include accommodation.

What To Do

If you just want to relax at the pool or on the beach, then the Caribbean is perfect. Those that want to go windsurfing, diving, or on boat tours will also be awash with opportunities.

Many of the islands are popular nightlife spots if you’re seeking a drink with some like-minded people.

You may want to select the island(s) to visit depending on what your activities you want to base your trip around.

Conclusion

Regardless of where you go on your next trip, we hope it’s a great experience. If you do settle on the Caribbean, you will be able to experience the tropical island life, while lying on the beach or undertaking more extreme activities. The choice is yours.

Five Romantic Activities to Enjoy While Vacationing in Branson, MO

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When you think of romantic destinations in the United States, the city of Branson, MO isn’t usually quick to pop into mind, but it’s time to re-think your feelings. Did you know that Branson can act as that perfect getaway for couples who are looking to escape the crowds of a large city and enjoy a little romance? Branson has a number of hidden gems to discover with that all-important romantic touch to them. With that in mind, here’s a list of romantic things to do in Branson, MO, and be prepared because some of them may surprise you.

Take a Ride On the Branson Scenic Railway

There’s just something so romantic and mysterious about train travel, especially when it takes place on a classic train straight out of the 1930s-1960s. That is exactly the experience you’ll be treated to with the Branson Scenic Railway that travels through the stunning, and romantic, Ozark Mountains.

This is a guided tour, so you’ll be able to learn about the area as you travel through it. Besides the mountain views, you’ll also get to take in bridges that are a century old, ghost towns, and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way. There are three bubble-top cars which provide passengers with an even more spectacular view. This tour is open year-round, so obviously you’ll have a different experience depending on which season you visit.

For that added dose of romance, you can book the Saturday night dinner train, which offers a mouth-watering four-course dinner that is enjoyed by candlelight.

Enjoy Quiet Solitude on Table Rock Lake

Perhaps you define romance by enjoying quiet time with one another, away from everyone else. If that’s the case then the quiet solitude of Table Rock Lake is perfect. You can enjoy fishing on the lake, which also happens to be free, allowing you to enjoy that all-important one-on-one time. Expect to catch white bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, channel cat, crappie, panfish, and bream here.

Silver Dollar City – a True Branson Landmark

If you define romance as engaging in a fun activity together where you get to share some laughs, then Silver Dollar City is a must-visit. This theme park has a unique feel to it as it is meant to feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to the 1880s. It offers rides and attractions galore, festivals that take place throughout the year, shows, dining, and even the Marvel Cave for exploring.

Get Your Dose of Animal Cuteness at the Promise Land Zoo

For those who are animal lovers, a visit to the Promise Land Zoo will fill your day with cute moments shared together. What makes this zoo so unique is that it offers up-close animal encounters, walking, and driving trails.

It Doesn’t Stop There

This is just a small look at what Branson has to offer for couples looking for romantic activities. Also worth visiting are the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure, the Titanic Museum, and Presley’s Theatre. Romance is definitely in the air here in Branson, MO.

3 Reasons to Visit Peru

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Every country and culture on Earth has something unique to offer the world. Each place and peoples are interesting in their own way, but Peru is one of those places which manages to stand out as being just a little bit more unique than most other places. The country, while small, is home to a number of beautiful natural and man-made sights that just need to be seen and experienced first-hand.

There are a number of reasons why Peru is such a fantastic holiday destination. Whether you are looking for somewhere to visit, a culture that you can absorb and experience relatively quickly, or you are looking for somewhere to make your home for a while, Peru can fit the bill. Here are just some of the reasons why you should consider making Peru your next travel destination.

Experience the History and Culture

Peru is home to the famous ruined temple of Machu Picchu. This world-renowned heritage site is a thing of beauty, something that no one who experiences its majesty up close can soon forget. However, Machu Picchu is just one of the many beautiful and mysterious ancient ruins in the country, as the country is overflowing with sights of historical interest. Whether you visit one of the many, well-curated museums, or you travel to see these sites first hand, you will find no end of experiences in Peru that satisfy the history lover within you. For suggestions of where else to visit in Peru, check out this guide from tourist2traveler.com.

Meet the People

When we talk about the merits of visiting other countries, we all too often focus on the landscape, the ruins, and the history. We don’t often talk about the people themselves, and how are we to define nations if not by the people that comprise them? Peruvians are an interesting people and meeting them is a joyous experience. Many of the people who live in Peru today can trace their ancestry directly to their Inca ancestors. As a result, the Quechua culture, which plays an important role in Peru’s history, is still alive and well today.

Peruvians are known for being hard workers, extremely polite, quiet, and peaceful. They are engaging and helpful to outsiders, and they are all too happy to satisfy the curiosity of visitors to their country. A high percentage of the population of Peru have never, and will never, leave the country. This has led to a culture which is very much inward-looking and has remained resilient to outside influences.

Arts and Crafts

Visit any town in Peru and you will be met with a dizzying array of hand-produced textiles in a kaleidoscope of colors. It is through their handcrafts that visitors to Peru will have their best, and perhaps most authentic experience of the country’s culture and art. As well as the textiles for which they are famed, Peruvians also produce exquisite examples of instruments, wood carvings, canvas paintings, and jewelry.

Peru is a country with a unique history and culture, the Peruvian people are among some of the friendliest and most engaging in the world. Taken together, this makes visiting Peru an unforgettable, and unbeatable, experience.