Friday, June 30, 2017

Best Scuba Diving in Malta

Sitting in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the Maltese Islands offer fantastic diving that is easily accessible from all over Europe. It’s especially popular with U.K. divers, as it’s only a three-hour flight away. Around the three islands — Malta, Gozo, and Comino — the water ranges from 60 to 77 F (16 to 25 C), and offers some of the best year-round visibility anywhere in the world. Divers would consider 98 feet (30 m) an average day. We can sum up the diving in four words: wrecks, reefs, cliffs, and more wrecks (okay, five words). It’s a wreck-diver’s paradise, offering a window into history for both recreational and technical divers. There are so many great dive sites here, it’s especially difficult to pick out the best, but nonetheless we’ll try. Here are the sites we chose to represent the best scuba diving in Malta.

Um El Faroud wreck

Where it is: South coast of Malta
Depth: Maximum 121 feet (37 m); average 91 to 98 feet (28 to 30 m)
What makes it special: At 377 feet (115 m) long and weighing 10,000 tons, it’s an impressive wreck that you can explore time and time again.

The oil tanker Um El Faroud caught fire while in dry dock in Malta in 1995, sadly killing nine dockyard workers. The fire-damaged wreckage sat at the dock in Valletta for three years before becoming an artificial reef in 1998. The wreck currently sits upright in two pieces after a heavy storm tore it in half in 2005. The top of the bridge is at 59 feet (18 m), and the main deck starts at 82 feet (25 m), so you must have an advanced certification, and it’s best to dive on nitrox. A technical dive increases your NDLs even more. Qualified wreck divers will find some great penetration points, but be aware that the wreck is degrading inside, and in some areas electric cables now dangle precariously.

Cirkewwa

Where it is: North coast of Malta
Depth: From the shore, down to a maximum of 118 feet (36 m) on the wrecks. Average depth of 82 feet (25 m).
What makes it special:  The northernmost point of Malta, Cirkewwa has something for everyone: a reef, a statue of Madonna and two, yes two, wrecks to explore — the P-29 patrol boat and the MV Rozi tugboat.

At 170 feet (52 m) long, the P-29 started life as an East German minesweeper, but was sold to the Maltese Maritime Squadron in 1997 as a patrol boat to fight smuggling. It was scuttled as an artificial reef in 2007. The wreck sits on the sea bed at 101 feet (31 m), but you should be able to take it all in with a maximum depth of about 82 feet (25 m).
Before also being scuttled as a wreck, the Rozi was a tugboat operating first in Bristol, England and then in Malta. Sunk at Cirkewwa in 1992, it sits intact on sand at 118 feet (36 m), not far from the P-29. Both wrecks are in good condition.

The local dive club placed the Madonna statue at the entrance to a swim-through, one of those things you must see just to check it off your list.

The reef at Cirkewwa features an arch, formerly part of a collapsed cavern. The top sits at 39 feet (12 m) and goes down to the sand at 65 feet (20 m). The reef is great for a lazy, shallow dive, and even better as a place to do an extended safety stop or decompression stop after coming back from the wrecks. Because of their depth, you’ll need advanced certification for the wrecks and nitrox is best. Cirkewwa is also great for decompression and rebreather divers.

HMS Maori

Where it is: 328 feet (100 m) offshore in Valetta
Depth: Maximum 46 feet (14 m)
What makes it special: Bombed by German aircraft in World War II, this is a must-dive.

HMS Maori was a Tribal-class destroyer that performed numerous duties in WWII before the Germans sank it while it was moored in Valetta in 1942. Only the bow section made it to the shallow sand during the tow to its current resting place. Although it has degraded significantly due to both its age and its location in shallow waters, it is still a very impressive wreck. There’s also a lot of marine life sheltering in and around the wreck. Morays and octopus are common, as is the occasional seahorse. This site is suitable for open-water divers, and is accessible most of the year.

Gozo wrecks

Where they are: On the south coast of Gozo
Depth: Maximum 151 feet (46 m); average depth 114 to 131 feet (35 to 40 m)
What makes them special: Three — count them, three — wrecks, all accessible from shore.

You will definitely need to do this dive more than twice. In fairly close proximity are the car ferry the MV Xlendi, sunk in 1999, the MV Karwella, sunk in 2006, and the MV Cominoland, sunk at the same time as the Karwella. The Xlendi rolled over during its sinking, and now sits upside-down. But the Karwella and Cominoland stayed upright. The Karwella is especially famous for its photogenic stairway on the main deck inside.

They are all impressive wrecks with plenty of opportunities for penetration. But the depth of these wrecks, averaging over 100 feet, means that you’ll need the deep-specialty certification. A sidemount or a twinset on best-mix nitrox would help you get the most out of your bottom time.

The Blue Hole

Where it is: On the west coast of Gozo
Depth: Maximum 197 feet (60 m); average depth 49 feet (15 m)
What makes it special:  A great shore dive for divers of all levels

Don’t be fooled by your entry point — this dive site is stunning. On descending to 33 feet (10 m), you will immediately see why. The archway leading out to the open sea is around 50 feet (15 m) wide, and is as beautiful as any of the world’s top dive spots. The water is dark blue and crystal clear. Next to the blue hole is a coral garden, where you might see parrotfish, bream, moray eels, lobster, or octopus. Don’t miss the chimney, a vertical crack you can ascend from 59 to 13 feet (18 m to 4m) before exiting the water.

Deeper wrecks

Technical divers can choose from numerous deeper wrecks, each with a lot of history:

HMS Southwold: A Type-II British Hunt-class destroyer, sunk in March 1942. It lies in two sections 984 feet (300 m) apart in 236 feet (72 m) of water.

HMS Stubborn: A British S-class submarine, it was sunk for target practice in 1946. It sits upright in 187 feet (57 m).

SS Polynesien: A German torpedo sank this French passenger ship in 1918. It sits upright in 207 feet (63 m).

Malta should be on any diver’s bucket list, with new wrecks discovered all the time. Even if you’re not keen on wreck diving, marine life, such as moray eels, octopus, and nudibranchs, populates each structure. There are numerous dive operators all over the Island that offer a range of prices; one of the best is Divewise Malta, run by husband and wife Alan and Viv Whitehead in St. Julian’s. Diving is generally good year-round, but January to March is the coldest and windiest, which can limit access to some of the dive sites.

The post Best Scuba Diving in Malta appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



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Best Scuba Diving in Malta

Sitting in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the Maltese Islands offer fantastic diving that is easily accessible from all over Europe. It's especially popular with U.K. divers, as it's only a three-hour flight away. Around the three islands — Malta, Gozo, and Comino — the water ranges from 60 to 77 F (16 to 25 C), and offers some of the best year-round visibility anywhere in the world. Divers would consider 98 feet (30 m) an average day. We can sum up the diving in four words: wrecks, reefs, cliffs, and more wrecks (okay, five words). It's a wreck-diver's paradise, offering a window into history for both recreational and technical divers. There are so many great dive sites here, it's especially difficult to pick out the best, but nonetheless we'll try. Here are the sites we chose to represent the best scuba diving in Malta.

Um El Faroud wreck

Where it is: South coast of Malta
Depth: Maximum 121 feet (37 m); average 91 to 98 feet (28 to 30 m)
What makes it special: At 377 feet (115 m) long and weighing 10,000 tons, it's an impressive wreck that you can explore time and time again.

The oil tanker Um El Faroud caught fire while in dry dock in Malta in 1995, sadly killing nine dockyard workers. The fire-damaged wreckage sat at the dock in Valletta for three years before becoming an artificial reef in 1998. The wreck currently sits upright in two pieces after a heavy storm tore it in half in 2005. The top of the bridge is at 59 feet (18 m), and the main deck starts at 82 feet (25 m), so you must have an advanced certification, and it's best to dive on nitrox. A technical dive increases your NDLs even more. Qualified wreck divers will find some great penetration points, but be aware that the wreck is degrading inside, and in some areas electric cables now dangle precariously.

Cirkewwa

Where it is: North coast of Malta
Depth: From the shore, down to a maximum of 118 feet (36 m) on the wrecks. Average depth of 82 feet (25 m).
What makes it special:  The northernmost point of Malta, Cirkewwa has something for everyone: a reef, a statue of Madonna and two, yes two, wrecks to explore — the P-29 patrol boat and the MV Rozi tugboat.

At 170 feet (52 m) long, the P-29 started life as an East German minesweeper, but was sold to the Maltese Maritime Squadron in 1997 as a patrol boat to fight smuggling. It was scuttled as an artificial reef in 2007. The wreck sits on the sea bed at 101 feet (31 m), but you should be able to take it all in with a maximum depth of about 82 feet (25 m).
Before also being scuttled as a wreck, the Rozi was a tugboat operating first in Bristol, England and then in Malta. Sunk at Cirkewwa in 1992, it sits intact on sand at 118 feet (36 m), not far from the P-29. Both wrecks are in good condition.

The local dive club placed the Madonna statue at the entrance to a swim-through, one of those things you must see just to check it off your list.

The reef at Cirkewwa features an arch, formerly part of a collapsed cavern. The top sits at 39 feet (12 m) and goes down to the sand at 65 feet (20 m). The reef is great for a lazy, shallow dive, and even better as a place to do an extended safety stop or decompression stop after coming back from the wrecks. Because of their depth, you'll need advanced certification for the wrecks and nitrox is best. Cirkewwa is also great for decompression and rebreather divers.

HMS Maori

Where it is: 328 feet (100 m) offshore in Valetta
Depth: Maximum 46 feet (14 m)
What makes it special: Bombed by German aircraft in World War II, this is a must-dive.

HMS Maori was a Tribal-class destroyer that performed numerous duties in WWII before the Germans sank it while it was moored in Valetta in 1942. Only the bow section made it to the shallow sand during the tow to its current resting place. Although it has degraded significantly due to both its age and its location in shallow waters, it is still a very impressive wreck. There's also a lot of marine life sheltering in and around the wreck. Morays and octopus are common, as is the occasional seahorse. This site is suitable for open-water divers, and is accessible most of the year.

Gozo wrecks

Where they are: On the south coast of Gozo
Depth: Maximum 151 feet (46 m); average depth 114 to 131 feet (35 to 40 m)
What makes them special: Three — count them, three — wrecks, all accessible from shore.

You will definitely need to do this dive more than twice. In fairly close proximity are the car ferry the MV Xlendi, sunk in 1999, the MV Karwella, sunk in 2006, and the MV Cominoland, sunk at the same time as the Karwella. The Xlendi rolled over during its sinking, and now sits upside-down. But the Karwella and Cominoland stayed upright. The Karwella is especially famous for its photogenic stairway on the main deck inside.

They are all impressive wrecks with plenty of opportunities for penetration. But the depth of these wrecks, averaging over 100 feet, means that you'll need the deep-specialty certification. A sidemount or a twinset on best-mix nitrox would help you get the most out of your bottom time.

The Blue Hole

Where it is: On the west coast of Gozo
Depth: Maximum 197 feet (60 m); average depth 49 feet (15 m)
What makes it special:  A great shore dive for divers of all levels

Don't be fooled by your entry point — this dive site is stunning. On descending to 33 feet (10 m), you will immediately see why. The archway leading out to the open sea is around 50 feet (15 m) wide, and is as beautiful as any of the world's top dive spots. The water is dark blue and crystal clear. Next to the blue hole is a coral garden, where you might see parrotfish, bream, moray eels, lobster, or octopus. Don't miss the chimney, a vertical crack you can ascend from 59 to 13 feet (18 m to 4m) before exiting the water.

Deeper wrecks

Technical divers can choose from numerous deeper wrecks, each with a lot of history:

HMS Southwold: A Type-II British Hunt-class destroyer, sunk in March 1942. It lies in two sections 984 feet (300 m) apart in 236 feet (72 m) of water.

HMS Stubborn: A British S-class submarine, it was sunk for target practice in 1946. It sits upright in 187 feet (57 m).

SS Polynesien: A German torpedo sank this French passenger ship in 1918. It sits upright in 207 feet (63 m).

Malta should be on any diver's bucket list, with new wrecks discovered all the time. Even if you're not keen on wreck diving, marine life, such as moray eels, octopus, and nudibranchs, populates each structure. There are numerous dive operators all over the Island that offer a range of prices; one of the best is Divewise Malta, run by husband and wife Alan and Viv Whitehead in St. Julian's. Diving is generally good year-round, but January to March is the coldest and windiest, which can limit access to some of the dive sites.

The post Best Scuba Diving in Malta appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



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Hotels spend more to attract guests

Hoteliers in the United States are paying, on average, 16 percent to 18 percent to acquire customers, with many paying as much as 25 percent to 35 percent, according to Kalibri Labs.

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OTAs go on summer spending spree

They are battling each other and hotel brands like Marriott and Hilton for pieces of the more than $67.2 billion online U.S. hotel and lodging market - and they are winning: OTAs now control more than half of online hotel bookings.

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Sabre chief highlights travel distribution complexity

In the wake of the latest challenge to the GDS status quo, Sabre chief Sean Menke says the GDS will remain “the most efficient way to move us forward.”

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Barcelona seeks to eject Airbnb

Barcelona’s council has threatened to eject Airbnb from the city after accusing one of the company’s executives of illegally listing a sublet flat on the site.

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The rise of indirect hotel bookings

Some of the consumer shift to digital channels is unavoidable, but hoteliers have the ability to manage within that shift and work to guide as many guests as possible to the lowest-cost channels.

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Thursday, June 29, 2017

Travel not making the most of YouTube

The travel industry is not using YouTube effectively enough to promote its brand and products to potential millennial customers, the chief of Google’s travel division believes.

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Stable rates with declines in bookings continue as hoteliers close out first half of 2017

Heading into the second half of the year, North American hoteliers are continuing to experience stable average daily rates alongside declines in bookings during the second quarter of 2017, according to new data from TravelClick.

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Choosing the best distribution strategy: Should it be as unique as your hotel?

Understanding and leveraging travelers’ shopping and booking preferences may be an appropriate starting point for setting your hotel’s distribution strategy.

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Choosing the best distribution strategy: Should it be as unique as your hotel?

Understanding and leveraging travelers' shopping and booking preferences may be an appropriate starting point for setting your hotel's distribution strategy.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2tr7J0H

Hotels spend more to attract guests

Hoteliers in the United States are paying, on average, 16 percent to 18 percent to acquire customers, with many paying as much as 25 percent to 35 percent, according to two experts from Kalibri Labs.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2u5IXkf

OTAs go on summer spending spree

They are battling each other and hotel brands like Marriott and Hilton for pieces of the more than $67.2 billion online U.S. hotel and lodging market - and they are winning: OTAs now control more than half of online hotel bookings.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2st4npr

Sabre chief highlights travel distribution complexity

In the wake of the latest challenge to the GDS status quo, Sabre chief Sean Menke says the GDS will remain "the most efficient way to move us forward."

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2sXD9Lf

Barcelona seeks to eject Airbnb

Barcelona's council has threatened to eject Airbnb from the city after accusing one of the company's executives of illegally listing a sublet flat on the site.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2st4dym

The rise of indirect hotel bookings

Some of the consumer shift to digital channels is unavoidable, but hoteliers have the ability to manage within that shift and work to guide as many guests as possible to the lowest-cost channels.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2sXoLm6

Travel not making the most of YouTube

The travel industry is not using YouTube effectively enough to promote its brand and products to potential millennial customers, the chief of Google's travel division believes.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2ssXPaz

Stable rates with declines in bookings continue as hoteliers close out first half of 2017

Heading into the second half of the year, North American hoteliers are continuing to experience stable average daily rates alongside declines in bookings during the second quarter of 2017, according to new data from TravelClick.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2sXKevd

The World’s Top Five Marine Reserves

Marine reserves and marine-protected areas (MPAs) are vital to ocean health. They prevent (or severely limit) human activities in defined areas, allowing commercially important fish, and other marine life, to increase in diversity and numbers. While we currently only protect 3 percent of the world's ocean, new marine reserves appear each year. Some existing reserves have been particularly successful in their conservation efforts. Here are our picks for the top five marine reserves and why they're working so well.

Palau

Palau, in the western Pacific Ocean, designated 193,000 square miles (499,868 square km) of its waters as a marine reserve in 2015, banning all fishing and mining activity within the area. With an area larger than California, it became the world's sixth-largest marine reserve at the time. Palau's president is committed to increasing the number of fish available to feed local communities. Further, the nation's economy relies on environmental tourism, so healthy marine life is essential.

Palau has no military to enforce the reserve rules; instead, the Council of Chiefs placed certain reefs off limits to fishing. The local communities have a strong conservation culture, which was also key to the reserve's success. A 2017 study demonstrated that the protected waters near Palau's populated areas have twice the number of resource fish, and five times the number of predatory fish, as unprotected waters.

Pitcairn Islands

The Pew Charitable Trusts' Global Ocean Legacy project has worked with Pitcairn Islanders since 2011 to establish a marine reserve in their remote southern Pacific Ocean waters. The project came to fruition in March 2015, when the U.K. government announced the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve. The reserve covers 320,465 square miles (830,000 square km) and is more than three times the size of the United Kingdom. Locals can fish coastal areas for sustenance, but the reserve disallows all commercial fishing. The reserve is home to more than 1,200 species of marine mammals, seabirds and fish.

The remote location makes enforcing the reserve rules challenging and potentially expensive. Administrators have used new technologies to monitor the area for illegal fishing and develop the reserve's enforcement plan, including Project Eyes on the Sea, a low-cost integrated platform. It analyzes fishing-vessel behavior in the area remotely and is being used to develop long-term surveillance plans for the reserve. The project not only confirmed that the Pitcairn Islands has a low level of illegal activity in its waters, but also paved the way for new, inexpensive surveillance techniques for use in marine reserves worldwide.

Cabo Pulmo, Mexico

Local fishermen were instrumental in starting Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park on the east coast of the Baja California Peninsula. Designated as protected in June 1995, the park is home to a 20,000-year-old coral reef; the oldest of only three on the west coast of North America and the most northern in the east Pacific.

Although they'd heavily fished the area for years, local fishermen began to realize that they had to go further and further from shore to catch fish. The community decided to take the fate of the area into their own hands and moved from fishing economy to scuba diving and tourism. Local communities supported this move from fishing to sustainable ecotourism, and the area soon became a no-take zone. Following the action of the locals, the Mexican government designated the area as a marine reserve. It also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The marine life biomass increased by more than 400 percent from 2000 to 2010 and continues to flourish. Work continues to protect this unique environment, as proposals for nearby coastal developments threaten the reef.

Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand

New Zealand has 37 marine reserves, including the Poor Knight Islands. This group of islands features a unique marine ecosystem with both endemic marine plants and animals as well as tropical species. The islands became New Zealand's second reserve in 1981 thanks to this diversity and abundance of marine life. The reserve also has cultural importance, serving once as the home of an ancient people, the Ngātiwai.

All fishing is prohibited in the reserve, as is landing on the islands and taking or disturbing any marine life. Penalties range from imprisonment to vessel seizure and large fines. Strict enforcement of the regulations and best environmental practices by tourism companies have successfully created a reserve rich with abundant marine life.

Ross Sea, Antarctica

The Ross Sea Marine Protected Area became the world's largest marine reserve when it received international protection in October 2016. It covers 598,000 square miles (1.5 million square km) off the coast of Antarctica. It came about through the unanimous decision of 24 countries, including New Zealand, the United States and European Union. Environmental groups, scientists and countries had campaigned for protection of the Ross Sea for decades.

The Ross Sea, or "Last Ocean," is mostly untouched by humans and has not been heavily fished or affected greatly by shipping pressures. The waters are the Antarctic's most productive and contain over 16,000 species, including emperor penguins, leopard seals and various species of whale. There will be no fishing in the reserve as of December 1, 2017. This new reserve is a great example of how the world can cooperate to protect our last remaining wilderness areas.

The post The World's Top Five Marine Reserves appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



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The World’s Top Five Marine Reserves

Marine reserves and marine-protected areas (MPAs) are vital to ocean health. They prevent (or severely limit) human activities in defined areas, allowing commercially important fish, and other marine life, to increase in diversity and numbers. While we currently only protect 3 percent of the world’s ocean, new marine reserves appear each year. Some existing reserves have been particularly successful in their conservation efforts. Here are our picks for the top five marine reserves and why they’re working so well.

Palau

Palau, in the western Pacific Ocean, designated 193,000 square miles (499,868 square km) of its waters as a marine reserve in 2015, banning all fishing and mining activity within the area. With an area larger than California, it became the world’s sixth-largest marine reserve at the time. Palau’s president is committed to increasing the number of fish available to feed local communities. Further, the nation’s economy relies on environmental tourism, so healthy marine life is essential.

Palau has no military to enforce the reserve rules; instead, the Council of Chiefs placed certain reefs off limits to fishing. The local communities have a strong conservation culture, which was also key to the reserve’s success. A 2017 study demonstrated that the protected waters near Palau’s populated areas have twice the number of resource fish, and five times the number of predatory fish, as unprotected waters.

Pitcairn Islands

The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Global Ocean Legacy project has worked with Pitcairn Islanders since 2011 to establish a marine reserve in their remote southern Pacific Ocean waters. The project came to fruition in March 2015, when the U.K. government announced the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve. The reserve covers 320,465 square miles (830,000 square km) and is more than three times the size of the United Kingdom. Locals can fish coastal areas for sustenance, but the reserve disallows all commercial fishing. The reserve is home to more than 1,200 species of marine mammals, seabirds and fish.

The remote location makes enforcing the reserve rules challenging and potentially expensive. Administrators have used new technologies to monitor the area for illegal fishing and develop the reserve’s enforcement plan, including Project Eyes on the Sea, a low-cost integrated platform. It analyzes fishing-vessel behavior in the area remotely and is being used to develop long-term surveillance plans for the reserve. The project not only confirmed that the Pitcairn Islands has a low level of illegal activity in its waters, but also paved the way for new, inexpensive surveillance techniques for use in marine reserves worldwide.

Cabo Pulmo, Mexico

Local fishermen were instrumental in starting Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park on the east coast of the Baja California Peninsula. Designated as protected in June 1995, the park is home to a 20,000-year-old coral reef; the oldest of only three on the west coast of North America and the most northern in the east Pacific.

Although they’d heavily fished the area for years, local fishermen began to realize that they had to go further and further from shore to catch fish. The community decided to take the fate of the area into their own hands and moved from fishing economy to scuba diving and tourism. Local communities supported this move from fishing to sustainable ecotourism, and the area soon became a no-take zone. Following the action of the locals, the Mexican government designated the area as a marine reserve. It also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The marine life biomass increased by more than 400 percent from 2000 to 2010 and continues to flourish. Work continues to protect this unique environment, as proposals for nearby coastal developments threaten the reef.

Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand

New Zealand has 37 marine reserves, including the Poor Knight Islands. This group of islands features a unique marine ecosystem with both endemic marine plants and animals as well as tropical species. The islands became New Zealand’s second reserve in 1981 thanks to this diversity and abundance of marine life. The reserve also has cultural importance, serving once as the home of an ancient people, the Ngātiwai.

All fishing is prohibited in the reserve, as is landing on the islands and taking or disturbing any marine life. Penalties range from imprisonment to vessel seizure and large fines. Strict enforcement of the regulations and best environmental practices by tourism companies have successfully created a reserve rich with abundant marine life.

Ross Sea, Antarctica

The Ross Sea Marine Protected Area became the world’s largest marine reserve when it received international protection in October 2016. It covers 598,000 square miles (1.5 million square km) off the coast of Antarctica. It came about through the unanimous decision of 24 countries, including New Zealand, the United States and European Union. Environmental groups, scientists and countries had campaigned for protection of the Ross Sea for decades.

The Ross Sea, or “Last Ocean,” is mostly untouched by humans and has not been heavily fished or affected greatly by shipping pressures. The waters are the Antarctic’s most productive and contain over 16,000 species, including emperor penguins, leopard seals and various species of whale. There will be no fishing in the reserve as of December 1, 2017. This new reserve is a great example of how the world can cooperate to protect our last remaining wilderness areas.

The post The World’s Top Five Marine Reserves appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



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India’s domestic travel market to be $48 billion by 2020

Google India and Boston Consulting Group released a comprehensive report on the growth opportunities in the Indian hospitality market over the next four years.

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The hottest hotel design trend? Hipster-inspired hospitality

The latest wave of hipster hotels hosts DJs and boasts artists-in-residence, whose work is on display, as well as for sale, to admiring guests.

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Price trends on mobile for Google Hotel Ads

Google's price trends feature - which has existed on desktop and tablet for years - is now also available on mobile screens. This addition creates another resource for Google consumers to monitor pricing trends of hotels, now directly from their smartphones.

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Beware of the hype that surrounds voice search advertising

Brands are being told 2017 will be the year of voice search, but questions exist about whether it's overhyped.

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Crafting the perfect guest experience, from website to hotel - part 2 of 2

Part 1 outlined a number of best practices for hotels to craft the perfect guest experience on their website before guests reach the property. Now we are going to complete the picture with a guide on how to enhance your guest's experience during their stay.

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Is Google becoming the biggest metasearch site in travel?

Google has always been a giant of the search world, but now it seems the behemoth is expanding even further to take over the metasearch arena for hotels and travel.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2u0UktU

India’s domestic travel market to be $48 billion by 2020

Google India and Boston Consulting Group released a comprehensive report on the growth opportunities in the Indian hospitality market over the next four years.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2trGGmw

The hottest hotel design trend? Hipster-inspired hospitality

The latest wave of hipster hotels hosts DJs and boasts artists-in-residence, whose work is on display, as well as for sale, to admiring guests.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2u0BqmJ

Price trends on mobile for Google Hotel Ads

Google’s price trends feature - which has existed on desktop and tablet for years - is now also available on mobile screens. This addition creates another resource for Google consumers to monitor pricing trends of hotels, now directly from their smartphones.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2trVGkn

Beware of the hype that surrounds voice search advertising

Brands are being told 2017 will be the year of voice search, but questions exist about whether it’s overhyped.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2u0BoLD

Crafting the perfect guest experience, from website to hotel - part 2 of 2

Part 1 outlined a number of best practices for hotels to craft the perfect guest experience on their website before guests reach the property. Now we are going to complete the picture with a guide on how to enhance your guest’s experience during their stay.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2ts0mH5

Is Google becoming the biggest metasearch site in travel?

Google has always been a giant of the search world, but now it seems the behemoth is expanding even further to take over the metasearch arena for hotels and travel.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2u0UktU

Expedia reports higher ADR and growth for independent hotels

For Q1 2017, Expedia data shows independent hotels continue to excel on ADR growth versus branded properties, and in addition, travelers spent more per night at independent hotels than at branded properties during the time.

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Travel is the next battleground for China’s tech titans

After slugging it out in ride-hailing, bike rentals and food delivery, the battle between China’s technology giants is spilling over into the travel sector.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2tnIU5r

Expedia reports higher ADR and growth for independent hotels

For Q1 2017, Expedia data shows independent hotels continue to excel on ADR growth versus branded properties, and in addition, travelers spent more per night at independent hotels than at branded properties during the time.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2ukNgYb

Travel is the next battleground for China’s tech titans

After slugging it out in ride-hailing, bike rentals and food delivery, the battle between China's technology giants is spilling over into the travel sector.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2tnIU5r

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

3 Tips for Keeping Your Carpet Looking New

Having new carpet installed can almost make you want to avoid stepping on it in hopes of keeping its pristine look. Use the following tips so you won’t have to worry about your carpet looking old soon.

Image Source: Flickr

Regular Care

Frequent vacuuming will help keep soil and debris from becoming embedded in carpet. Soil can pit and scratch carpet fibers, so regular vacuuming helps maintain that new look. High traffic areas should be vacuumed two to five times weekly. Light traffic areas may require twice weekly vacuuming, but don’t forget to go over non-traffic areas like corners once a week to keep dust from building up.

Use a vacuum with adjustable brushes that will suit the type of carpet and the area you are cleaning. Use a crevice tool to get into corners and a beater brush attachment when working on stairs. Regular vacuuming not only picks up dust, dirt and surface fragments on your carpet but will fluff up the fibers to counteract daily wear. Choose a vacuum setting to match the height of the carpet so it will clean efficiently without damaging fibers. Let your strokes overlap so you cover the entire carpet. Use the angled nozzle attachment to clean along baseboards where dust settles. Replace the vacuum bag or empty the canister when it is 2/3 full so your machine works safely and more efficiently, and periodically check the hoses and attachments for obstructions that might impair their function. You want to get the most clean with the smallest effort! Source: SheKnows

Use Rugs in High-Traffic Areas

You can protect carpet in high-traffic areas with rugs. Look for rugs that are tough and will be able to stand up to some wear and tear, but that are affordable, so that if they do start to show some wear you will still feel like you got your money’s worth for them.

Another benefit to using this approach is that rugs can be easier to clean than carpets. You can shake them out when they get dirty and take them to be professionally cleaned as needed. Source: HSS

Avoid Using Carpet Powder Products

Carpet powders are a popular way to eliminate odor in your carpet. However, they can leave traces of powder residue in the carpet, especially if you overuse them. You may not see this residue until the next time you have your carpet steam cleaned or shampooed. Then, you’ll see a white, sometimes sticky film on top of your carpet. If you absolutely must use carpet powder, use it sparingly. Source: AngiesList

For more information, feel free to call us today!

The post 3 Tips for Keeping Your Carpet Looking New appeared first on Curlys Carpet Repair.



from Curlys Carpet Repair http://ift.tt/2ukbt16

3 Tips for Keeping Your Carpet Looking New

Having new carpet installed can almost make you want to avoid stepping on it in hopes of keeping its pristine look. Use the following tips so you won't have to worry about your carpet looking old soon.

Image Source: Flickr

Regular Care

Frequent vacuuming will help keep soil and debris from becoming embedded in carpet. Soil can pit and scratch carpet fibers, so regular vacuuming helps maintain that new look. High traffic areas should be vacuumed two to five times weekly. Light traffic areas may require twice weekly vacuuming, but don't forget to go over non-traffic areas like corners once a week to keep dust from building up.

Use a vacuum with adjustable brushes that will suit the type of carpet and the area you are cleaning. Use a crevice tool to get into corners and a beater brush attachment when working on stairs. Regular vacuuming not only picks up dust, dirt and surface fragments on your carpet but will fluff up the fibers to counteract daily wear. Choose a vacuum setting to match the height of the carpet so it will clean efficiently without damaging fibers. Let your strokes overlap so you cover the entire carpet. Use the angled nozzle attachment to clean along baseboards where dust settles. Replace the vacuum bag or empty the canister when it is 2/3 full so your machine works safely and more efficiently, and periodically check the hoses and attachments for obstructions that might impair their function. You want to get the most clean with the smallest effort! Source: SheKnows

Use Rugs in High-Traffic Areas

You can protect carpet in high-traffic areas with rugs. Look for rugs that are tough and will be able to stand up to some wear and tear, but that are affordable, so that if they do start to show some wear you will still feel like you got your money's worth for them.

Another benefit to using this approach is that rugs can be easier to clean than carpets. You can shake them out when they get dirty and take them to be professionally cleaned as needed. Source: HSS

Avoid Using Carpet Powder Products

Carpet powders are a popular way to eliminate odor in your carpet. However, they can leave traces of powder residue in the carpet, especially if you overuse them. You may not see this residue until the next time you have your carpet steam cleaned or shampooed. Then, you'll see a white, sometimes sticky film on top of your carpet. If you absolutely must use carpet powder, use it sparingly. Source: AngiesList

For more information, feel free to call us today!

The post 3 Tips for Keeping Your Carpet Looking New appeared first on Curlys Carpet Repair.



from Curlys Carpet Repair http://ift.tt/2ukbt16

The World’s First Action Camera for Divers

The Paralenz Dive Camera is an action camera designed specifically for scuba divers, developed with the help of divers from around the globe and built by a team of design engineers who share a passion for scuba diving and the underwater world. Designed to be as easy to use below the surface as it is above, Paralenz has developed the ultimate action camera for divers, with a no-compromise attitude to quality or functionality.

The team at Paralenz asked the international dive community what they would like to see in an action camera for divers. As a result, almost 250 divers from 38 countries helped develop the Paralenz Dive Camera. The result is a small, tough camera with some ground-breaking new features, never seen before on an underwater action camera.

Designers created a product that would allow anybody — regardless of their diving experience or photographic expertise — to record high-definition footage and take quality underwater pictures.

"Being able to get opinions from so many divers has been invaluable," says Martin Holmberg, CEO at Paralenz.

"It made it possible to prioritize what was important in a camera for divers, and which problems we had to solve. On top of this they have tested the camera more rigorously than we could ever have done."

Some of those key features include:

  • Temperature and pressure sensors that log your dive and display this information in your videos
  • Automatic depth-controlled color-correction, eliminating the need for lens filters
  • Long battery life allows recording of 4K video at 30fps for over two hours
  • Paralenz Dive App allows you to display dive-profile information alongside recorded footage and share it with other divers
  • The camera has a 650-foot (200 m) depth rating with no additional housing — a first in the recreational-dive market

The camera is built from well-known and extensively tested technology, both in terms of software and hardware. But this is the first time these elements have been combined in a diver-friendly design.

"We wanted to focus on divers and give them the ultimate action camera specifically for diving," says Martin Holmberg, one of the camera's developers.

"This goal had a tremendous impact on the decision process along the way. This is not just about having a top-notch resolution and sharpness, the best components and the newest technology. It is about how we combine these elements in an intuitive design, with dive-specific functionalities, such as the dive log, share and camera in one."

Paralenz Dive Camera Features

The camera that logs your dive

The easy-to-use camera gives you the freedom to focus on your dive. At only 5.6 ounces (161 g), the Paralenz is lightweight enough to mount on your mask strap. And, just like a dive computer, depth and temperature sensors log your profile from the moment you hit the water.

Once you surface, the free Paralenz Dive App compiles your dive log and tags all your photographs and video recordings with the time and depth where they were taken. You can scroll through your dive profile while displaying the relevant footage, which you can easily share through the app with your friends and dive buddies.

Paralenz World Compilation 2 from Paralenz on Vimeo.

No need for color filters

Due to the absorption of light underwater, photographs and video recordings are either tinted green or blue unless you use color-correcting lens filters or electronic white balancing. The Paralenz Dive Camera has a unique depth-controlled color-correction feature that automatically corrects the colors to match the depth at which you are diving — a world first for underwater cameras.

Longest recording times

There's nothing so disappointing as running out of batteries halfway through a dive. The Paralenz Dive Camera's high performance battery and low power usage means you can record in 1080p at 30fps for 3½ hours, and 4K/30ps for 2 hours and 15 minutes. That's enough battery power to see most people through the diving day without a recharge. Thermo-foam insulation means the batteries will last almost as long in cold water.

Built like a cannonball

The Paralenz Dive Camera looks and feels like regular camera, and it's made from military-grade aluminum and polycarbonate. It is lightweight, small and compact, but can withstand being run over by a car or crushed by a scuba tank. The depth rating of 650 feet (200 m) puts it far beyond the scope of any recreational dive camera on the market — and it doesn't need a separate housing.

Real-time snap editing

Gone is the hassle of browsing through several hours of footage with heavy-duty editing software to put together a few short clips. The Paralenz has a snap-record function, which allows you to record and mark short video sequences during your dive. As soon as you're back on the surface, you can view the clips directly on your smart phone and pick and choose the best of them to share on social media.

Comparison and testing

The differences between current action cameras and the Paralenz are noticeable. The top three action cameras on the market within the same price range are Sony's FDR-X3000, the GoPro Hero5 Black and Garmin's Virb Ultra 30.

When you compare the specifications and informational material from this range of cameras, the Paralenz Dive Camera demonstrates what a unique piece of equipment it is.
"Action cameras are made for every purpose, but diving is a one of a kind sport and divers place the most extreme demands on their gear," says Michael Trøst, CIO at Paralenz. "We needed a camera that was actually made for diving — so we built one, and we hope it will make a difference to divers across the globe."

Pricing and availability

The Paralenz Dive Camera became available in North America, Europe and Australia on June 1. It will hit the Asian market later this year. The camera retails for $599.00 USD or €649.00. Visit the company's Facebook page for the latest information.

 

The post The World's First Action Camera for Divers appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2sQPIYz

The World’s First Action Camera for Divers

The Paralenz Dive Camera is an action camera designed specifically for scuba divers, developed with the help of divers from around the globe and built by a team of design engineers who share a passion for scuba diving and the underwater world. Designed to be as easy to use below the surface as it is above, Paralenz has developed the ultimate action camera for divers, with a no-compromise attitude to quality or functionality.

The team at Paralenz asked the international dive community what they would like to see in an action camera for divers. As a result, almost 250 divers from 38 countries helped develop the Paralenz Dive Camera. The result is a small, tough camera with some ground-breaking new features, never seen before on an underwater action camera.

Designers created a product that would allow anybody — regardless of their diving experience or photographic expertise — to record high-definition footage and take quality underwater pictures.

“Being able to get opinions from so many divers has been invaluable,” says Martin Holmberg, CEO at Paralenz.

“It made it possible to prioritize what was important in a camera for divers, and which problems we had to solve. On top of this they have tested the camera more rigorously than we could ever have done.”

Some of those key features include:

  • Temperature and pressure sensors that log your dive and display this information in your videos
  • Automatic depth-controlled color-correction, eliminating the need for lens filters
  • Long battery life allows recording of 4K video at 30fps for over two hours
  • Paralenz Dive App allows you to display dive-profile information alongside recorded footage and share it with other divers
  • The camera has a 650-foot (200 m) depth rating with no additional housing — a first in the recreational-dive market

The camera is built from well-known and extensively tested technology, both in terms of software and hardware. But this is the first time these elements have been combined in a diver-friendly design.

“We wanted to focus on divers and give them the ultimate action camera specifically for diving,” says Martin Holmberg, one of the camera’s developers.

“This goal had a tremendous impact on the decision process along the way. This is not just about having a top-notch resolution and sharpness, the best components and the newest technology. It is about how we combine these elements in an intuitive design, with dive-specific functionalities, such as the dive log, share and camera in one.”

Paralenz Dive Camera Features

The camera that logs your dive

The easy-to-use camera gives you the freedom to focus on your dive. At only 5.6 ounces (161 g), the Paralenz is lightweight enough to mount on your mask strap. And, just like a dive computer, depth and temperature sensors log your profile from the moment you hit the water.

Once you surface, the free Paralenz Dive App compiles your dive log and tags all your photographs and video recordings with the time and depth where they were taken. You can scroll through your dive profile while displaying the relevant footage, which you can easily share through the app with your friends and dive buddies.

Paralenz World Compilation 2 from Paralenz on Vimeo.

No need for color filters

Due to the absorption of light underwater, photographs and video recordings are either tinted green or blue unless you use color-correcting lens filters or electronic white balancing. The Paralenz Dive Camera has a unique depth-controlled color-correction feature that automatically corrects the colors to match the depth at which you are diving — a world first for underwater cameras.

Longest recording times

There’s nothing so disappointing as running out of batteries halfway through a dive. The Paralenz Dive Camera’s high performance battery and low power usage means you can record in 1080p at 30fps for 3½ hours, and 4K/30ps for 2 hours and 15 minutes. That’s enough battery power to see most people through the diving day without a recharge. Thermo-foam insulation means the batteries will last almost as long in cold water.

Built like a cannonball

The Paralenz Dive Camera looks and feels like regular camera, and it’s made from military-grade aluminum and polycarbonate. It is lightweight, small and compact, but can withstand being run over by a car or crushed by a scuba tank. The depth rating of 650 feet (200 m) puts it far beyond the scope of any recreational dive camera on the market — and it doesn’t need a separate housing.

Real-time snap editing

Gone is the hassle of browsing through several hours of footage with heavy-duty editing software to put together a few short clips. The Paralenz has a snap-record function, which allows you to record and mark short video sequences during your dive. As soon as you’re back on the surface, you can view the clips directly on your smart phone and pick and choose the best of them to share on social media.

Comparison and testing

The differences between current action cameras and the Paralenz are noticeable. The top three action cameras on the market within the same price range are Sony’s FDR-X3000, the GoPro Hero5 Black and Garmin’s Virb Ultra 30.

When you compare the specifications and informational material from this range of cameras, the Paralenz Dive Camera demonstrates what a unique piece of equipment it is.
“Action cameras are made for every purpose, but diving is a one of a kind sport and divers place the most extreme demands on their gear,” says Michael Trøst, CIO at Paralenz. “We needed a camera that was actually made for diving — so we built one, and we hope it will make a difference to divers across the globe.”

Pricing and availability

The Paralenz Dive Camera became available in North America, Europe and Australia on June 1. It will hit the Asian market later this year. The camera retails for $599.00 USD or €649.00. Visit the company’s Facebook page for the latest information.

 

The post The World’s First Action Camera for Divers appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2sQPIYz

22 photos to inspire you to visit Ireland

A decade ago I visited Ireland for the very first time.

Man, doesn't speaking in decades make you feel old? Shivers.

And a month ago I was back exploring the Emerald Isle with my family. Nineteen year old me slept in the airport, used a disposable film camera and only ate $5 fish and chips. Wow, have times have changed.

Though one thing hasn't, my curiosity for the world and a desire to keep going back to places I've been and loved and to get to know them better. And that was certainly the case for visiting Ireland.

visit Ireland

The gardens and estate around Dunbrody House

But I had another reason to journey halfway around the world to a different island than my adopted home of New Zealand.

When I was home in Virginia for Christmas holidays, I surprised my parents with a trip to Ireland. It was a place I knew they've wanted to explore for a long time but would never book on their own. Well, good thing I'm here to shake things up and make shit happen, right?

My parents are hardworking people who haven't had a vacation in probably a decade, and even then they don't go overseas. We've had our ups and downs over the years but they've ultimately been supportive of my crazy ideas and dreams, and it feels really good to finally be in a position to say thank you with the best way I know how – an adventure!

Hell yes to being an adult!

visit Ireland

The Giant's Causeway

As someone who has solo traveled for about a decade, traveling with others can be hard. Traveling with your parents, who somehow still see you as a bratty teenager, was often downright impossible.

But the good prevailed and usual and it was worth every crazy moment.

I didn't let them have a chill holiday, instead dragging them to every corner of Ireland to see as much as possible.

I have so many crazy moments, anecdotes and stories to share of cool spots we discovered in Ireland, but in the meantime, I just wanted to pique your wanderlust with 20 of my favorite photos from the trip. Enjoy!

visit Ireland

Starting in the great city of Dublin and had to take the parents to see the Book of Kells at the Trinity College Library. A famous illuminated manuscript of the Four Gospels from around 800AD, it's quite possibly one of my favorite historical books I studied in university, and I go every time I'm in Dublin and don't regret it.

How amazing is this reading room?

visit Ireland

Wanting to stay in comfort in the big city, we rested our heads at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin, an incredible 5 star luxury property with cozy rooms and fireside hideaways you won't want to leave.

Tucked away in the most stunning of Georgian buildings in the center of Ireland, the Merrion was definitely one of my favorite accommodations from the trip and its vibe of relaxed elegance just made you feel as comfortable as possible.

visit Ireland

Awww mommy!

From Dublin we picked up a hire car, and our driver (me) took us down south through Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glendalough, places I first visited a few years ago during a conference but was so fogged in you couldn't see anything. This time the weather was much better and we had the freedom to stop wherever we wanted with our own hire car.

Seriously though I reckon Wicklow is one of the most underrated areas of Ireland, I could have stayed here for the whole trip and been happy.

visit Ireland

The highlight of the trip for my parents was probably staying at Dunbrody House in Co. Wexford. An intimate luxury hotel on the Hook Peninsula on Ireland's stunning south coast, it's run by Irish celebrity chef Kevin Dundon and his wife, it's the kind of place you want to hide away in and not leave for a while.

In fact, their TV show is what inspired my parents to visit Ireland in the first place, and we had a great time dining on the property, enjoying the incredible forest and gardens, their own pub and brewery and just being in a place that felt like authentic, modern Ireland.

visit Ireland

How stunning is the cute seaside town of Cobh? Famous for being the final port of call for the Titanic, Cobh is one of many adorable little coastal towns in Ireland begging you to just quit your normal life and to escape to one day.

visit Ireland

We spent my birthday tucked away in a village near Kinsale after I found this adorable Airbnb that I couldn't resist. It was a bit more rustic than I anticipated but the incredible host and style made up for it and even had my parents converted by the end.

Don't forget you can join Airbnb today using my code for $30 off your trip.

visit Ireland

My parents had a hard time choosing their favorite Irish adventure, but driving along the Ring of Kerry was definitely one of them.

Nope, don't think I'll ever get tired of these views!

visit Ireland

One of the place I really wanted to visit in Ireland was Killarney. An area famed for its beauty, Killarney National Park was touristy but it didn't disappoint. We had a stunner of a day, hiring a classic jaunting car (horse carriage) to cart us around, it was a definite highlight.

And since I kinda have a thing for historical buildings, I was frothing over Muckross House. Swoon!

visit Ireland

This time we decided to skip the famously touristic Cliffs of Moher in favor of the lesser-known Kerry Cliffs. Hidden along Portmagee on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Kerry Cliffs are even more spectacular and dramatic, overlooking the Skellig Islands and Puffin Island.

Driving the Wild Atlantic Way along Ireland's stunning west coast and the Ring of Kerry was one of my favorite parts of  our family road trip, and I'd definitely go back and repeat in a heartbeat.

visit Ireland

I never got tired of exploring some of the abandoned castles around Ireland. Can you blame me?

visit Ireland

What do you think, does Dunquin Pier on the Dingle Peninsula win the most scenic port you've ever seen?

Not pictured, hurricane winds that about knocked me over.

visit Ireland

Another major highlight from Ireland was getting to stay at the Lodge at Ashford Castle. Ireland's most iconic castle hotel, if you're looking for an epic accommodation experience you can stay in the castle itself or on the grounds at the Lodge

Why yes, I think all my childhood princess fantasies just came true.

Northern Ireland

visit Ireland

After I said goodbye to the parents after 10 days on the road, I headed up to explore Northern Ireland on my own, and wow oh wow, was it just incredible.

I first visited Northern Ireland back in 2008 on my very first year living abroad in Europe, and to get to go back and see it with fresh eyes almost a decade later is something quite special.

My favorite spot, along with many others, is probably the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, first put up by salmon fisherman in 1755. Nowadays an epic swing bridge that spans over to an island, it's worth queuing up to walk across.

visit Ireland

Quite possibly the most iconic tree-lined country road in the world, the Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland were made famous in Game of Thrones and now are a popular tourist spot in their own right.

Be warned, I had to wait a long time to get a photo without people in it.

visit Ireland

The Coastal Causeway Route along Northern Ireland is a dream for any roadtripper.

visit Ireland

I definitely recommend exploring Northern Ireland by car. I turned down many a narrow winding road just to see what was at the end of it, and I was often rewarded discovering spots I would have never found otherwise, like Kinbane Castle here.

visit Ireland

Exploring some of the cute little towns in Northern Ireland with many a medieval bridge and castle to be explored.

visit Ireland

Dunluce Castle at sunset is pretty spectacular. A medieval Irish castle on the beautiful Antrim Coast built around 1500, it's ruined state now is iconic perching above the sea and a must-visit for fellow castle nerds like me.

visit Ireland

And of course you cannot come to Northern Ireland and miss out on visiting the famous Giant's Causeway.

An incredible rock formation and one of Ireland's most famous tourist attractions, it's a wild bit of coastline with a great story. Built by a 54 foot tall giant named Finn McCool, if you look closely you can see the chimney of his house in the distance. The Giant's Causeway is popular for a reason but a must do on any visit to Ireland.

Have you been to Ireland? What were your favorite spots? Have you traveled with your parents recently? Spill!

visit Ireland

The post 22 photos to inspire you to visit Ireland appeared first on Young Adventuress.



from Young Adventuress http://ift.tt/2tk1xre

22 photos to inspire you to visit Ireland

A decade ago I visited Ireland for the very first time.

Man, doesn’t speaking in decades make you feel old? Shivers.

And a month ago I was back exploring the Emerald Isle with my family. Nineteen year old me slept in the airport, used a disposable film camera and only ate $5 fish and chips. Wow, have times have changed.

Though one thing hasn’t, my curiosity for the world and a desire to keep going back to places I’ve been and loved and to get to know them better. And that was certainly the case for visiting Ireland.

visit Ireland

The gardens and estate around Dunbrody House

But I had another reason to journey halfway around the world to a different island than my adopted home of New Zealand.

When I was home in Virginia for Christmas holidays, I surprised my parents with a trip to Ireland. It was a place I knew they’ve wanted to explore for a long time but would never book on their own. Well, good thing I’m here to shake things up and make shit happen, right?

My parents are hardworking people who haven’t had a vacation in probably a decade, and even then they don’t go overseas. We’ve had our ups and downs over the years but they’ve ultimately been supportive of my crazy ideas and dreams, and it feels really good to finally be in a position to say thank you with the best way I know how – an adventure!

Hell yes to being an adult!

visit Ireland

The Giant’s Causeway

As someone who has solo traveled for about a decade, traveling with others can be hard. Traveling with your parents, who somehow still see you as a bratty teenager, was often downright impossible.

But the good prevailed and usual and it was worth every crazy moment.

I didn’t let them have a chill holiday, instead dragging them to every corner of Ireland to see as much as possible.

I have so many crazy moments, anecdotes and stories to share of cool spots we discovered in Ireland, but in the meantime, I just wanted to pique your wanderlust with 20 of my favorite photos from the trip. Enjoy!

visit Ireland

Starting in the great city of Dublin and had to take the parents to see the Book of Kells at the Trinity College Library. A famous illuminated manuscript of the Four Gospels from around 800AD, it’s quite possibly one of my favorite historical books I studied in university, and I go every time I’m in Dublin and don’t regret it.

How amazing is this reading room?

visit Ireland

Wanting to stay in comfort in the big city, we rested our heads at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin, an incredible 5 star luxury property with cozy rooms and fireside hideaways you won’t want to leave.

Tucked away in the most stunning of Georgian buildings in the center of Ireland, the Merrion was definitely one of my favorite accommodations from the trip and its vibe of relaxed elegance just made you feel as comfortable as possible.

visit Ireland

Awww mommy!

From Dublin we picked up a hire car, and our driver (me) took us down south through Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glendalough, places I first visited a few years ago during a conference but was so fogged in you couldn’t see anything. This time the weather was much better and we had the freedom to stop wherever we wanted with our own hire car.

Seriously though I reckon Wicklow is one of the most underrated areas of Ireland, I could have stayed here for the whole trip and been happy.

visit Ireland

The highlight of the trip for my parents was probably staying at Dunbrody House in Co. Wexford. An intimate luxury hotel on the Hook Peninsula on Ireland’s stunning south coast, it’s run by Irish celebrity chef Kevin Dundon and his wife, it’s the kind of place you want to hide away in and not leave for a while.

In fact, their TV show is what inspired my parents to visit Ireland in the first place, and we had a great time dining on the property, enjoying the incredible forest and gardens, their own pub and brewery and just being in a place that felt like authentic, modern Ireland.

visit Ireland

How stunning is the cute seaside town of Cobh? Famous for being the final port of call for the Titanic, Cobh is one of many adorable little coastal towns in Ireland begging you to just quit your normal life and to escape to one day.

visit Ireland

We spent my birthday tucked away in a village near Kinsale after I found this adorable Airbnb that I couldn’t resist. It was a bit more rustic than I anticipated but the incredible host and style made up for it and even had my parents converted by the end.

Don’t forget you can join Airbnb today using my code for $30 off your trip.

visit Ireland

My parents had a hard time choosing their favorite Irish adventure, but driving along the Ring of Kerry was definitely one of them.

Nope, don’t think I’ll ever get tired of these views!

visit Ireland

One of the place I really wanted to visit in Ireland was Killarney. An area famed for its beauty, Killarney National Park was touristy but it didn’t disappoint. We had a stunner of a day, hiring a classic jaunting car (horse carriage) to cart us around, it was a definite highlight.

And since I kinda have a thing for historical buildings, I was frothing over Muckross House. Swoon!

visit Ireland

This time we decided to skip the famously touristic Cliffs of Moher in favor of the lesser-known Kerry Cliffs. Hidden along Portmagee on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Kerry Cliffs are even more spectacular and dramatic, overlooking the Skellig Islands and Puffin Island.

Driving the Wild Atlantic Way along Ireland’s stunning west coast and the Ring of Kerry was one of my favorite parts of  our family road trip, and I’d definitely go back and repeat in a heartbeat.

visit Ireland

I never got tired of exploring some of the abandoned castles around Ireland. Can you blame me?

visit Ireland

What do you think, does Dunquin Pier on the Dingle Peninsula win the most scenic port you’ve ever seen?

Not pictured, hurricane winds that about knocked me over.

visit Ireland

Another major highlight from Ireland was getting to stay at the Lodge at Ashford Castle. Ireland’s most iconic castle hotel, if you’re looking for an epic accommodation experience you can stay in the castle itself or on the grounds at the Lodge

Why yes, I think all my childhood princess fantasies just came true.

Northern Ireland

visit Ireland

After I said goodbye to the parents after 10 days on the road, I headed up to explore Northern Ireland on my own, and wow oh wow, was it just incredible.

I first visited Northern Ireland back in 2008 on my very first year living abroad in Europe, and to get to go back and see it with fresh eyes almost a decade later is something quite special.

My favorite spot, along with many others, is probably the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, first put up by salmon fisherman in 1755. Nowadays an epic swing bridge that spans over to an island, it’s worth queuing up to walk across.

visit Ireland

Quite possibly the most iconic tree-lined country road in the world, the Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland were made famous in Game of Thrones and now are a popular tourist spot in their own right.

Be warned, I had to wait a long time to get a photo without people in it.

visit Ireland

The Coastal Causeway Route along Northern Ireland is a dream for any roadtripper.

visit Ireland

I definitely recommend exploring Northern Ireland by car. I turned down many a narrow winding road just to see what was at the end of it, and I was often rewarded discovering spots I would have never found otherwise, like Kinbane Castle here.

visit Ireland

Exploring some of the cute little towns in Northern Ireland with many a medieval bridge and castle to be explored.

visit Ireland

Dunluce Castle at sunset is pretty spectacular. A medieval Irish castle on the beautiful Antrim Coast built around 1500, it’s ruined state now is iconic perching above the sea and a must-visit for fellow castle nerds like me.

visit Ireland

And of course you cannot come to Northern Ireland and miss out on visiting the famous Giant’s Causeway.

An incredible rock formation and one of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions, it’s a wild bit of coastline with a great story. Built by a 54 foot tall giant named Finn McCool, if you look closely you can see the chimney of his house in the distance. The Giant’s Causeway is popular for a reason but a must do on any visit to Ireland.

Have you been to Ireland? What were your favorite spots? Have you traveled with your parents recently? Spill!

visit Ireland

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