The Battalion Travel Blog

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Vacation in Egypt

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How To Plan A Perfect Girlfriend Getaway

Girls only getaway trips are a very popular trend! It is a time to rejuvenate, relax and just get away…just you and your girl friends!

As the planner of your girls-only trip, you can either pick the date and then see which girl friends can go… or you can make a list of various date options for your trip that work for you and then take a poll from all the girls you are inviting to see what dates work the best for most.

Make sure to look closely at the calendar when making a list of date options for your girls-only trip, as you and other girl friends may not want to be away from family on days such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, 4th of July, birthdays, etc. Plus, if you are watching girls-only trip cost then you should avoid traveling on holiday weekends.

Here is how you can plan a perfect girls getaway trip

Finances

Money can be one factor in determining your girls getaway destination. Remember, the point of having a girls only getaway is to get your friends together to have fun! 

Also, you will need to ask all of your girlfriends who are attending if they are ok with sharing a hotel room, or if they would like their own room.

You may also wish to discuss commitment and consequences for someone backing out of the girls-only trip as depending on how many girls are going this may not make much of a difference in price of your trip, or it might make a big difference.

Goals for the trip

If the destination hasn’t already been chosen, take a poll for what each girl wants out of their trip. Some might be looking for fun party time filled with cocktails and dancing while other girl friends might want a relaxing spa weekend, or maybe some want a combination of both. 

Some girls might also want shopping or sightseeing, to see a show, or just time lounging on a beach or by a pool. Many girls want a combination of it all on their girls getaway trip, and thankfully there are many city destinations that can do just that! 

Some of our favorite girls getaway trips are in the summer when we have one day at a spa and one day by the pool (with cocktails and lunch served poolside!). 

Mix that in with a little shopping, some fabulous dining, along with maybe one relaxing night and one night at a club!

Hotels, flights and more

Now that you have your date and destination for your girls getaway trip, you need to book your hotel. We do highly recommend that you and your girl friends stay in as nice of a hotel as you can afford, as it really does make your girls-only trip experience so much more pleasurable.

For plans once you are at your destination, if it’s somewhere that all or some of your girl friends would like to see a show (maybe a Broadway show, or a Male Revue show!), have one person be in charge of getting the tickets in advance. If your group of girls plans on doing some fine dining where you need reservations in advance, put someone in charge of doing that too.

If your girls getaway involves spa time, we recommend booking your spa treatments in advance so that you have your choice of times. Plus if you and some of the girls want to have your treatments at the same time then the sooner you book the better. That way you and your girl friends can relax in the lounge areas together around your spa treatments.

Spa trips

If you want spa time on your girl’s getaway compare any hotel packages with spa treatments built into it, to putting it together yourself. Ask the spa if they offer a discount for multiple treatments.

Pool and beach cabanas

If you are traveling to a destination that you will be providing you with some awesome pool and/or beach time, think about reserving a cabana… if you haven’t thought of that already! I can’t tell you enough how great of an idea this is. 

Not only is it super fun, but provides your group a great space with shade, when you want a break from the sun. Also, it’s a place to keep all your bags and things together, while enjoying the little luxuries that are provided. 

Most cabanas have excellent, comfortable lounge chairs, tables (to of course set your cocktails on!), and mini refrigerators filled with refreshing bottles of water. 

Let’s not leave out the fact that you’ll most likely have a cute cabana boy catering to your every need!

Money saving tips

If you and your girl friends are watching your budget or on a tight budget, here are some tips:

Compare travel/hotel packages to building your own.

Avoid traveling on weekends and holidays.

Some hotels offer AAA discounts to certain group of students, so ask and see if anyone in your group of girl friends is a member.

Sharing rooms can be a big money saver.

Don’t rent a car unless you have to, or choose a destination that is close to a major airport to cut down on transportation cost.

Try to have multiple girl friends fly in and out around the same time so they can share cab rides to and from the airport.

If shuttles are offered (even though it does take longer to get to your destination) and you are doing airport transportation alone, it might save money to take a shuttle to your destination instead of a cab.

Engage hotels that offer free airport transportation.

Check multiple airlines and travel sites for the best airfare.

Eat breakfast at your hotel if it’s offered.

Bring snacks from home or make a trip to the local store and load up on snacks and drinks for your hotel room.

Hiring a photographer

Just a thought here! Wouldn’t it be nice to go back home with amazing professional photos from your girls trip! Depending on the size of your group, the cost of booking a reasonably priced professional photographer can be very inexpensive. 

If you considering doing this, I highly recommend to go on Craigslist for whatever destination you are traveling to, and contact some local photographers in that area, and work out something from there.

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Destination Travel St Lucia | St Lucia Things to Do

Wondering what to do in St Lucia? Even if you don’t leave Castries to explore the rest of Saint Lucia, you will find plenty of things to do there.

[iamatravelleradventurer-blog1]

Very nice

[frenchweekender]

How to Plan a Romantic Getaway

There are a number of reasons why you might decide to plan a romantic weekend getaway. They range from being in the doghouse with your significant other to just wanting to do something nice for them. Whatever your reasons for planning a romantic weekend, there are plenty of options to choose from. Just be sure to follow the tips below so your romantic getaway goes well without a snag. 1) Plan your weekend well in advance Everyone appreciates spontaneous romantic gestures. However, no one appreciates those gestures if it means you have to stay at a one-star motel because you didn’t plan far ahead enough to make reservations at a nicer place.

Even though you may want your romantic getaway to seem spontaneous, make sure you actually put a fair amount of planning into it. Decide on the weekend far in advance, and make sure your partner doesn’t have any conflicts on those days. It is quite the downer if you plan your getaway on the same weekend as her niece’s wedding. Decide on your ideal hotel and restaurants you will patronize, and set up reservations at all of them far ahead of time. Your partner will appreciate the planning that goes into the weekend as much as they appreciate the time itself. 2) Do the things your partner likes Let’s say you’re a fanatical football fan and your partner likes to go to romantic dinners and stay at fancy hotels. Well, then don’t plan a trip to the Giants game for your romantic getaway. Make sure that, when you’re planning your romantic getaway, you do it with your partner’s interests in mind. Part of the romantic nature of the weekend should be that you are able to do things that you both enjoy together.

Renting a villa in St Lucia

3) Make sure you leave time for romance One mistake some couples make when planning a romantic getaway is to pack their weekend full of activities. Remember that the goal of a romantic weekend getaway is to spend quality time with your partner. Thus, your schedule should include blocks of time where you can just enjoy each other’s company. This might include drinks on the beach after dinner, a quiet night on the hotel room balcony with room service, or just a nice walk throughout town during the afternoon. Don’t over schedule yourselves, and allow time for the romance to happen.

St Lucia Honeymoon

4)  Leave all of your resentments at home

We have to be realistic and understand that all couples have arguments and bicker at times. It doesn’t matter whether we’re on a romantic getaway or at home in the kitchen, arguments can happen whether we want them to or not. 

However, if you remember when you leave for your getaway weekend to leave any lingering issues at home, it will reduce the risk of argument while you’re away. 

Just tell yourself that this weekend is for the two of you, and any problems can be dealt with when you get back. A romantic getaway can be a great benefit to any relationship. Just remember to plan ahead and keep the other tips above in mind. 

[iamatravelleradventurer-blog1]

Great article

[mangosarah-blog1]

The Complete Guide to Discovering Island of St Lucia

Discover St. Lucia

If you are thinking of a vacation in the Caribbean then consider St. Lucia. It is nestled to the east of the Caribbean between Martinique and St. Vincent. This tropical island’s natural beauty coupled with fascinating attractions has seen it attract thousands of visitors annually. 

From the pristine beaches and finest natural harbors to a dramatic landscape that is characterized by deep valleys and towering peaks, this island is strikingly beautiful and worth exploring. St Lucia gives you an opportunity to drive through a volcano. 

You will also be amazed to wake up to a symphony from the birds of paradise as they are commonly known. Unlike the rest of the Caribbean, this island offers diverse cuisine and culture that is distinguished by Indian, African, French, Spanish, British and Caribbean influences. 

There are many reasons you need to go on vacation on this Caribbean island.

Top 5 Attractions to Look Out for in St. Lucia

Apart from being an ideal destination to relax, this island boasts of numerous attractions that offer adventure. Consequently, you can engage in many fun activities that will complete your vacation experience. 

Here are the top 5 attractions you must visit in St. Lucia

·The Pitons – These are twin towers and a major topographic feature that soar from the sea to unbelievable heights. The small piton that is also referred to as Petit Piton stands at 750 meters while the large Piton that is also known as Gros Piton stands at 798 meters.  

These Pitons that are a result of volcanic activity dating back to over 300,000 years ago attract visitors by their scenic beauty.

· Anse Chastanet Coral Reef – This is a treasure trove of marine life where you can see soft corals, colored sponges, brain corals and boulder coral. You can also see frogfish among other fish varieties like wrasse, goatfish, parrotfish, barracudas and chromis. 

There is also a lace coral ecosystem that is home to crabs, eels and lobsters. Above the surface, you will enjoy the breeze on the sheltered beach as well as amazing views of the Pitons.

·Marigot Bay – This is considered the most beautiful bay St. Lucia has to offer. Vista point offers the best view of this bay where you can see lush hillsides plunging in the pretty beach that is palm fringed. There are also yachts on the deep blue waters. You can catch a water shuttle here to get to bay hotels on the other side.

·Morne Coubaril Estate – This popular stop within the tourist circuit overlooks that elegant plantation of coconuts, cocoa as well as manioc. You can go on a guided tour of these plantations as well as the tropical gardens where you can see the processing of these food products. 

There is also a traditional village replica where you can see what life was like back in the day. Conclude your tour by enjoying a hearty Creole food at this plantation’s restaurant.

· Soufriere – A fishing village around the beautiful bay. Some of the prominent features of this town include the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the town square. 

There is so much to sight see at the Wharf especially cruises. It is also important to note that this is the birth place of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife, Josephine.

There are many other attractions as well as things to do in St Lucia. Some of the activities that you can engage in include snorkeling, diving, horse riding, sailing, excursions, bird watching, fishing, hiking and sun bathing among others. 

In summary, you cannot go wrong with a vacation to St. Lucia rather, you can be sure to have a time of your life.