What determines a perfect holiday getaway?

Every-time you think of going on holiday, alot needs to be considered, however the one things that should never miss on that list, should be FUN! The thought of going on holiday is always a thrill considering you will be visiting somewhere different however the planning and nitty-gritty details...not so much!

Tips on choosing the perfect getaway

1. What's your fancy?
You want to go on holiday but to where? Beach or Safari? Mountain climbing  or gorilla trekking? This is one of the main things to think about when planning a holiday. You need to pick a destination that you fancy, activities that you will enjoy as this will hold your key to your main  agenda, FUN!

2. Who are you traveling with?
Even though this question is mostly overlooked, it is important to understand who you are traveling with and what their enjoy! If you are going on holiday as a family with kids and you all love the beach, then you may want to consider resorts at the beach which have children facilities and programmes such as Watamu beach's Turtle Bay Beach club or Diani beach's, Leopard beach or if you plan on going on a safari, there are certain lodges that do not carter for young kids below 8 years!

3. How much time do you have and when do you wish to travel?
To get a good deal on your  travel you need to know how much time you have for traveling so that you can ride on offers hotels have with common ones such as pay for 3 nights and get 4th night for free? You also need to get the seasons right! What do i mean by getting "the season right"? Most off-peak season periods are almost an assured guarantee that you will get your accommodation/ flight ticket at a much lower price, it also means you can visit the normally "very expensive" destinations at a much better price.

4. What is your budget?
I think this is very straight forward. There is nothing as bad as visiting a place where you spend all your money on accommodation and are left with none to use on activities or a place where you will spend what you had not planned for and after the vacation your left battling with your other bills because you spent all your money while on the trip! It is nice to visit a place within your budget, as this will ensure a comfortable stay, that which will not cause you any ulcers later.

5. What’s the purpose of your trip?
Are you looking into learning something new, like skiing or scuba diving or wildlife conservation? Are you looking for some alone time, bonding time with your partner or family? It is important that when your trip comes to an end, you are left feeling that you achieved your goal. There is nothing worse than a trip coming to a halt and instead of wanting it to last another month....you instead can't wait to get home.

A trip is supposed to create a memorable time, one that made you relax, enjoy, have fun doing the NOT ordinary routine of your everyday life. It is thus why I say; when you plan a trip...give it your all! Make sure it will be a moment in your life that you will treasure forever!

HER GADGETS: The Upright Sleeper

Once in a while I post on travel gadgets out there that I think would be useful to any traveller.

Image by Skymall

Now, if there is anything that really gets me mad besides making me stand up every time you want to go to the washroom (that’s why you request for an aisle seat!) is those people who dose and their heads keep bopping to your side, sometimes you even find they (the annoying passage next to you) lay their head on you!

Well, here is something that may help you to not be that annoying passenger. It may look like a choking device, but this ferocious contraption isn’t aimed at spinal injury patients. It’s actually intended to keep your head steady when you doze off.

Unfortunately, I do not think they are available to us in the Kenyan market, but you can get it online from Uprightsleeper.com for approximately $39

Original article by Brooke Porter

 

13 Unusual International Customs You Never Knew Existed

We have all heard of or practice some customs that may seem a bit off, but because of tradition we just honor them and continue doing it without question. Recently, i was reading the Reader's Digest and came across these international customs that just blew my mind off, some even cracked my ribs!

 

1. Avoid Giving Certain Flowers in Russia
Be careful when presenting flowers to a friend or business associate in Russia. Yellow blooms signify deceit or a relationship break-up. And skip red carnations, too. Traditionally, red carnations are placed on the graves of the dead, or are offered to surviving war veterans.






2. Don't Expect a Thank You Card for These Gifts in China
Clocks, handkerchiefs, straw sandals and flowers are all associated with death and funerals in China. Deemed inappropriate and morbid, you’ll risk damaging the relationship if you present these gifts – for any occasion - to someone in China.

3. Skip the Salt in Egypt

When tucking into a meal in Egypt, by-pass or ignore the saltshaker. It’s insulting to your host to sprinkle salt on your food. If you have to season your plate, it means that you find the meal’s taste repulsive, which is plain rude. 

4. Don't Show Up On Time in Venezuela
Who needs a watch? I think this would work well with most women; we always seem to get late. Venezuela is one place where being early or on time is viewed as being rude. In Venezuela if you are invited over to someone’s home for a meal, it’s recommended that you arrive 10 to 15 later than the requested time. Early or on time guests are viewed as being too eager, even greedy.

5. Always Use a Knife and Fork in Norway
In Norway, table manners are extremely important. Most meals – including sandwiches – are eaten using utensils. 

6. Be Blunt in the Netherlands
Gift giving should be a happy, positive experience. When selecting a present for someone in the Netherlands, don’t purchase fancy kitchen knives or scissors. Giving sharp, pointy objects as gifts is considered unlucky. 


7. Send Your Tooth to the Roof in Greece
Children in Greece don’t expect the Tooth Fairy to cough up money in exchange for a lost tooth. Instead, Greek kids toss their discarded baby teeth onto the roof of their home. This custom is meant to bring good luck and a healthy replacement tooth.

8. Don't Clink and Drink in Hungary 

Clinking glasses and swigging beer is a scene played out of many pubs around the world, but don’t expect to see such merriment in Hungary. This old custom dates back to the 1849 war with Austria. After defeating Hungarian forces and savagely killing thirteen of their military’s leaders, Austrian generals were celebrating by smugly clinking glasses and drinking beer. While consuming beer was never forbidden, Hungarians did pledge to refrain from clinking glasses for a period of 150 years. Today, this custom is still followed in certain circles despite the expiry of the 150-year vow.

9. Keep Business Away From the Table in Bolivia
In Bolivia, it’s rude to discuss business during a social occasion such as a wedding, or dinner party. The dining experience is meant to enrich personal relationships, not make deals. If you’re attending a business lunch or dinner, wait until your host brings up the subject of work before diving into the topic. Your Bolivian counterpart will want to chat about family before tackling business issues.

10. Skip the Tab in Turkey
When doing business in Turkey, it’s the custom for your host to pay for your meal. Requests to split the bill will be viewed as a polite gesture, but won’t be accepted. If you would like to pay your fair share, Turks recommend inviting your host to a follow-up meal. At that time, you can reciprocate and extend the same courtesies that were offered to you.

11. Mind Your Chopsticks in Japan

Japan is a very polite nation, and their fondness for etiquette extends to the mealtime use of chopsticks. According to Japanese custom, it’s considered ill-mannered to point, play with, or stab food with chopsticks. If you’re in the middle of eating, use the opposite end of your chopsticks to secure food from a shared plate. Using the end that touches your mouth is extremely offensive, not to mention unhygienic.

12. Red Equals Dead in Korea
Writing a lot of cards or notes while visiting South Korea? Be mindful of your pen’s ink colour. Scrawling a person’s name in red ink traditionally signifies that the person is deceased – an important point to remember when giving a birthday card.

13. Stick to the Sauna in Finland
Don’t be perplexed. Say, yes! In Finland, saunas are a preferred way to relax and socialize with family and friends. Don’t be surprised if your business meeting is followed up with an invite to let off some steam in a local sauna. If you receive such a request, rest assured that your business meeting went well.

For the original article By Jackie Middleton for readersdigest.ca 

Her Lifestyle: Meet Maryanne Waweru - Wanyama from Mummy Tales

I had a chat with Maryanne of Mummy Tales Blog, which is one of my all time favourite blog because of all the stuff you learn about motherhood. For most women this is a chapter in life which is ..... (I have no words to describe it)!! So here at Her world, it is time we got to know a little bit more about the lady who has become a source of advice for many women....

1. Tell us more about your blog and why you decided to write about motherhood?  

My blog is about my day to day experiences as a mom – both good and bad. I decided to write about motherhood because there are so many experiences to narrate about this journey and being a writer, this is the best way that I could capture them. Mummy Tales is my diary, a journal that I will look back on together with my family in future years and reminisce those moments.

But besides sharing my experiences, I also hope to educate and inform other moms on different issues that affect us. I hope they can learn from my experiences and from the resources that I use in my posts. I have also learnt a lot from other moms who give me feedback and guide me on different issues as I build my family.

So my blog is not just about me – it’s a community. 

Maryanne 4 months pregnant... aint this just sweet.:)

2. Which is the best destination you have ever visited? Why?

It’s got to be Mauritius.

I loved it because I found the beaches so pristine and inviting and the country so relaxed and easy. We (hubby and I) also had a good experience driving through the entire country on smooth roads while sampling the various tourist attractions. I was four months pregnant then and I totally enjoyed our weeklong stay there. 

3. Which is your favorite restaurant in Kenya? Why?

Indigo Spice in Westlands. I love its alluring ambience and their lovely food. I also enjoy the warm hospitality given each time I’m there.

4. Which / where is your dream holiday destination? Why?

Somewhere in the Caribbean islands. I think being in a different continent and taking in the scenery while enjoying the experience of a different culture will be a surreal moment for me.

5. What do you like most about traveling? What do you dislike most about traveling?

Being to a different place with new experiences is always welcome for me as in this rat race, life can be routine and sometimes dreary. So it is the experiencing new things from my everyday environment that gives me so much satisfaction.

What I dislike – the travel itself! I don’t like the journey much –whether by road or by air and I’m always very impatient as I just can’t wait to get there already so that I can start enjoying myself. I find travelling so confining, tiring and endless and I don’t like that at all.

6. What / which gadgets do you NEVER miss to pack in your travel bag?

My camera, a notebook and a pen. Because anything can happen at anytime. I’m a journalist.

7. What is more of a romantic getaway for you, Beach or Safari?

Beach definitely. So that I can laze around in the sun all day.

8. Tell us 3 things about you that your blog doesn't?

 I hate travel by water. But if I really must, I’ll sit somewhere where I’ll stay fixated until we get to our destination, all the while praying hard and afraid of looking into the water.

-       I’m just not a movie person. I find it hard to stay still and watch a movie till the end. On the times that I find myself watching one (once in five years), I prefer fast forwarding and quickly seeing what will happen next.

-       I love writing. I could write forever.

9. What travel tips do you have for "Her World" as she trots around Kenya and globe?

Enjoy the moments and capture them all.