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Some of The Best Kept Secrets Of Glasgow

Although it is often known for having a good sense of humor, it is a very serious place when it comes to its cultural heritage and points of interest. Glasgow is home to some of the most beautiful architecture, interesting festivals, an incredibly exciting music scene and some world-class galleries and museums… CONTINUE READING >> 

Although it is often known for having a good sense of humor, it is a very serious place when it comes to its cultural heritage and points of interest. While Edinburgh is the official capital city, Glasgow has long been considered the cultural capital of the country. It is home to some of the most beautiful architecture, interesting festivals, an incredibly exciting music scene and some world-class galleries and museums.

If you are taking a trip to Glasgow and have the best cargo carrier sorted for your car, to benefit fully from your visit, we have outlined some great sites you need to include in your itinerary. Many of which you may not have considered before.

Mitchell Library

Like many of the buildings in and around Glasgow, the Mitchell Library is a marvel to behold not just on the inside, but the outside too. It is the largest public library in the country and is home to resources on a wide array of subjects. One of the largest and most-renowned collections of manuscripts by Scottish poet Robert Burns can be found there, and you can also use the family history centre to plot your family tree. Throughout the year, the library plays host to a wide array of events, including Aye Write!, Glasgow’s famous book festival which best-selling authors such as Denise Mina, Irvine Welsh and Alexander McCall Smith have all made appearances at.

Ashton Lane

Although it is very easy to miss this hotspot, you will be annoyed that you didn’t take the time to find and meander along Ashton Lane. The street is just off Byers Road in Glasgow’s interesting West End. The street is cobbled and there are a variety of little restaurants and bars, as well as the popular Grosvenor Cinema and ‘chippy’ Ubiquitous Chip.

Necropolis

It may seem like a strange choice of tourist attraction, but trust us, Glasgow’s Necropolis is a stunning Victorian Cemetery that was designed using the Pere Lachaise in Parish as its inspiration and features something in the region of 3,500 stone monuments. Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the hugely influential architect from Glasgow, designed a Celtic cross on display there and there is a monument dedicated to the leader of the Protestant Reformation, John Knox. Although it is free to enter and you will have a nice time walking around it on your own, taking in the history – there are number of walking tours with guides held every month that can help you to appreciate it all the more.

The Kibble Palace

While the Botanic Gardens of Glasgow are the perfect place to enjoy a break from sightseeing and shopping; you should make sure to take time in your schedule to visit Kibble Palace. Designed by engineer and inventor John Kibble this is an intriguing greenhouse. There you will find requisite, intricately carved statues in marble in amongst the National collection of Tree Ferns, tropical palm trees and vividly coloured flowers. This is a must for all nature lovers.

St. Aloysius Church

As Glasgow has a long and historic connection to various faiths, there are a number of beautiful churches to take in the splendour of, but perhaps one of the most interesting is St Aloysius Roman Catholic Church. As well as taken inspiration based on the Church of the Gesu in Rome with its renaissance style opulence and is home to a copy of the amazing Our Lady of Montserrat monument, only of 2 found outside of Catalonia.

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5-Minute Guide to Choosing a Shark Vacuum Cleaner

Shark is now truly one of the best vacuum cleaner brands. It’s powerful, universal, and cost-reasonable. However, choosing a manufacturer is one thing, but picking the best Shark vacuum from all that variety – that’s where a real challenge starts… CONTINUE READING >> 

Shark is now truly one of the best vacuum cleaner brands. When choosing methods of cleaning it is powerful, universal, and cost-reasonable. However, choosing a manufacturer is one thing, but picking the best Shark Stick vacuums from all that variety – that’s where a real challenge starts. The truth is, different models of the same brand differ drastically.

Why Shark and not the other brand?

If you been out of following the vacuum cleaner industry, you might’ve missed the fact that this brand is so far one of the best manufacturers worldwide, surpassing Dyson as the number-one company in the US. On top lists, Shark vacuum cleaners ‘swim’ further and faster than most of their competition. Dozens of models each year, new design, and widen functionality. There are so many ‘sharks’ out there that you can literally get lost.

That’s where a list of reviewed models comes in handy. By picking a vacuum cleaner with no plan in mind, you risk settling for first not-so-bad option just to find out later that it was far from the best fit. Here lies the issue: all houses and apartments are different. If some model fits perfectly for your friend, it might not work for you. You should make a list of best Shark vacuums based on specific needs. Well, now you don’t have to, because we did it for you, along with a few Shark vacuum reviews. Just go through them and find the ones that work for your living space.

What to pay attention to while choosing Shark’s vacuum cleaner?

It’s not brain surgery, and it’s not going to be long and difficult. All you have to do is go through a short checklist and settle three main issues:

1) the type of the cleaner

2) additional features

3) finding the perfect model.

Cleaner type #1 – Robot cleaner

It is the fun way to get a boring thing done. It’s so fun that you can consider buying it as a gift – and people will actually love it (and use!). All you have to do is press a button, sometimes put a few settings, and watch the miracle. Yes, the smart robot cleaner is way more expensive than, let’s say, an upright one. It is yet worth the investment – but only if you buy a good one. Robot cleaners are fun and very tech-savvy (it’s the newest Shark vacuum breakthrough) but their suction and overall efficiency can suck. Especially if you fail to choose the right model.

Additional features: WiFi connectivity. You can choose a WiFi-connected model that will store information about its cleaning procedures so you can plan, monitor, and track the efficiency. That’s how you say ’yes’ to a smart cleaning.

Best Shark models:
• Connected to WiFi: ION Robot 750;
• Not connected to WiFi: ION Robot 720.

Cleaner type #2 – Handheld cleaner

The floor is not the only thing that could be cleaned by a vacuum cleaner. What about sofas, chairs, mattresses, beds? Handheld cleaner deals with these perfectly, actually being a leader for the furniture cleaning on the vacuum market. Cleaning furniture with the same cleaner you use for the floor is not hygienic. Also, it can damage the furnishing since the floor-oriented vacuums are way harsher. Luckily, it’s not something you can say about the handheld version.

Additional features: cordless power. You can walk from one room to another without struggling with cable and its length. It’s a more expensive option but also a more comfortable one.

Best Shark models:
• With cordless power: Pet Perfect II
• With no cordless power: Rocket handheld

Cleaner type #3 – Stick Vacuum

Stick vacuum cleaner is long and narrow, looking like, well… a stick. Their shape gives them agility and makes them a perfect options for big rooms and halls. It’s a vacuum that can deal with huge space, also a great version of vacuums for pet owners. Nevermind the height, stick cleaners are lightweight because of how narrow they are. The only issue there could be is that a stick vacuum takes a lot of space in the room. Before buying one, think whether you have a suitable place in mind.

Additional features:
• 2-in-1 vacuum (two nozzles in one model)
• Cordless power
• Flexible stick.

Best Shark models:
• 2-in-1 vacuum: Rocket ION;
• Flexible stick: ION Flex Duo Clean
• Cordless power: Flex Duo Clean
• No additional features: Navigator Free Style.

Cleaner type #4 – Upright vacuum cleaner

Upright cleaners use a rotating brush to pick up dust and pet hair. They suck the type of dirt that other vacuums often ignore. If you have pets, you know how often vacuums just refuse to suck pet’s hair for some reason, no matter how hard you try. Here it’s not the case. The brush is designed specifically to solve the pet-hair issue. Otherwise efficient, upright cleaners can, however, be noisy and massive. Great for big houses, not so good for small apartments.

Additional features:
• 2-in-1 vacuum;
• XL dustbin (you don’t need to clean the vacuum too often);
• Designed to pick up large debris.

Best Shark models:
• 2-in-1 cleaner: Rotator Pro Lift-Away;
• XL dustbin: Shark Navigator Pro Lift-Away
• For large debris: APEX Duo-Clean Lift-Away.

Cleaner type #5 – Canister Vacuum

By their design, canister vacuums are similar to upright cleaners, although smaller and shorter. Comparing to previous types, they are leaders in terms of noise control, maneuverability, and easier-to-carry. All these features combined – and you have a great cleaner for a small or medium-size apartment.

Best Shark models:
• Rotator Lift Away.

Tips before buying Shark vacuum cleaner

If you looked through our list and found that one perfect model, congrats. Don’t rush into buying it though – there are yet few things left to be done.

The thing #1 – Look the reviews

These recommendations are results of our testing. We try models of different surfaces and compare their technical characteristics, but we don’t use them for years. To know better, ask those, who do. Start with reading expert Shark vacuum comparison reviews to find out the professional opinion. People who deal with vacuums all their life, know how to choose a cleaner (and also give the details you could forget about – like insights about pet power brush).

The thing #2 – Make the decision beforehand

If we could give one advice about buying electronics, that would be: make the decision before you entered the store. This way, you limit the risk of being influenced by an irritating sales assistant or making the-last-moment choice.

The thing #3 – Don’t settle for the cheapest option

No, we are not implying that higher cost means better quality. However, chances are, that settling for the cheapest thing, you’d’ have to change it in a year or so. A vacuum cleaner is an investment for a long while – it will help you clean home for 5, hopefully, 10 years. Investing a little more won’t hurt.

If you can’t find the model you like, don’t worry about it for a minute. There are hundreds of vacuum cleaners only on Shark’s website. If you take a look at all of them, you will find a fit. Whatever challenge you face, many people surely face it too, and the company had already taken it into account. Good luck!

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Satisfy Your Taste Buds With These 3 D.C. Food Tours

If you love discovering great tasting food, D.C. is an amazing place to visit. The city offers some excellent food tours, many of which allow you to visit its best eateries in a single day. Here are some of our favorite options… CONTINUE READING >> 

If you love discovering great tasting food, D.C. is an amazing place to visit. The city offers some excellent food tours, many of which allow you to visit its best eateries in a single day. Here are some of our favorite options.

Carpe DC Food Tours


Image via Flickr by apium

Carpe DC run a number of fab food tours around the nation’s capital, each centering on a different neighborhood and offering various food options. For example, you can take a tour around Georgetown, D.C.’s oldest neighborhood, to sample diverse, Southern comfort food. On this tour, you’ll eat at the Prohibition-era bar where John F. Kennedy proposed to his then-girlfriend, Jackie, sample socially conscious streetfood, and drink tea next to the historic canal.

Alternatively, take part in the 14th Street Tour to learn about other aspects of D.C.’s history while munching on pizza, authentic American cooking, and international fare at a top city restaurant. If you’re visiting in the spring, you could also join the seasonal and self-guided Tastes of Spring Cherry Blossom Food Crawl to eat your way through up to eight of D.C.’s best restaurants.

Make sure you plan ahead using a D.C. city guide to really maximize your visit and choose the best attractions and eateries for you.

DC Metro Food Tours


Image via Flickr by T.Tseng

DC Metro Food Tours offer a range of tours focused on various parts of the city. You can visit George Washington’s place of business on the Old Town Alexandria tour, enjoying the food this district has to offer while soaking up the rich, colonial architecture. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the diverse culinary world of Capitol Hill, where you can walk through the country’s largest Victorian neighborhood and stop off at local joints to sample regional delicacies.

For adventurous eaters, the Little Ethiopia Tour is a must-do. You’ll explore authentic Ethiopian cuisine at a variety of restaurants, many locally owned and operated by the largest Ethiopian community in the world outside of Ethiopia itself.

You can join DC Metro Food Tours for a nighttime bar crawl or a customizable, multi-course evening dining experience. The group also coordinates a one-of-a-kind wine tour in nearby Loudoun County, Virginia, for those who prefer a culinary experience outside the city.

Mangia DC Food Tours

If you love Italian food, you won’t want to miss Mangia DC’s tours. They offer tours that include four or five food and drink samples. Take part in their signature Italian Tour of Dupont Circle to learn about the original Italian population of D.C., and try great Italian food at locally owned hidden gems around the neighborhood.

For vegan and vegetarian sightseers, try the Vegan Gourmet Experience to spend time with Chef Madelyn. Madelyn will talk you through a five-course Italian meal made entirely from plant-based food. She explains the origins of each dish and recommends a wine pairing for your meal too.

With so much food and drink to explore, you’ll want to come back to D.C. to take it all in!

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The Best Places to Go To in Singapore with Your Family

Singapore has set itself as a choice family-friendly holiday destination over the years in the Asian region. The city-state hosts many fantastic things including great beaches, rich culture, marvelous rain forests, and fantastic adventure sites. The following are some great places to go to in Singapore with your family… CONTINUE READING >> 

Singapore has set itself as a choice family-friendly holiday destination over the years in the Asian region. The city-state hosts many fantastic things including great beaches, rich culture, marvelous rainforests, and fantastic adventure sites. The island-state is never short of things to keep you and your family happy giving you beautiful memories.  You do not have to worry about getting a visa and travel documents for you and your family before going to Singapore because you can contact Visa Express Singapore who will assist you with processing the relevant documents as they have a wide experience in the field.

The following are some great places to go to in Singapore with your family:

Gardens by the Bay

This is one of the most amazing places to visit in Singapore and will certainly leave your family, especially the kids, very excited. The Supertrees are great eye-catching structures. There are also some cool gardens where children will certainly enjoy a lot. Cloud forest, one of several awesome gardens, has a 35-meter artificial mountain which is made even more beautiful by a waterfall. The climax of the trip in Garden by the Bay for the family is a visit to the Far East Organization Children’s Garden. There are a number of fun things here – tree houses, a water playground, and other exciting play equipment.

Singapore Flyer

Taking a ride on the giant observation wheel, which is the second biggest in the world, is a must-do activity for you and your family while in the city-state. The feeling at 165 meters above the ground on board the Singapore Flyer is just one of its kind. The ride also offers a chance to enjoy some of the greatest views of the city.

The National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum offers a chance to walk back into the past and experience wonderful things for all the family members. The place is lively, engaging, and is an excellent place for kids. The building that houses the museum is a beauty in itself. In the museum, there are some children activity rooms and your kids will certainly enjoy themselves while interacting with other kids.  There are also multicolored reconstructions that keep the kids quite busy.

Singapore Zoo

This zoo is probably the best zoo in the entire region. Situated at the Mandai Reservoir, it is an expansive area and very green.  There are many animals – tigers, giraffes, lions, zebras, polar bears, and local animals such as the Komodo dragon. The animals have been put into vast enclosures based on their natural habitats. The enclosures are spacious giving the animals the chance to run around, enjoy some play and make things look as close to the natural environments as a zoo can possibly make it appear.

Sentosa Island

This should probably be the first place to visit on setting foot in Singapore. It has great and fun-filled activities for kids. This island, off the main island of Singapore, is packed with family-friendly events and branded places, for instance, the Universal Studios Singapore. The island also has some top-notch hotels where you should consider spending several days. The list of attractions on the island is endless, and most places are well suited for the family.

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Best Places to Stay in Iceland

Touring through Iceland is like a treasure hunt. Finding places to stay near the attractions you wish to see reduces stress and makes it easier to find the hidden gems of the country. Here are the best places to stay when planning your Iceland Tours and booking accommodations… CONTINUE READING >> 

Touring through Iceland is like a treasure hunt. Many of the attractions are natural and not well mapped out, while the winding mountainous roads make turnoffs easy to miss. If you’re planning on driving yourself around this incredible country, you need to go in with a plan of attack.

Finding places to stay near the attractions you wish to see reduces stress and makes it easier to find the hidden gems of the country. Here are the best places to stay when planning your Iceland Tours and booking accommodations.

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is where you will most likely fly into when you visit Iceland and is not only the capital of the country but the only city. While you may be eager to get in your car and drive out into the wilds of the Land of Ice and Fire, it is worth spending a night in the city. Reykjavík is home to attractions like Hallgrímskirkja, a cathedral with a tower reaching over 200 feet. You will also see Harpa, an architecturally incredible music hall on the waterfront.

There are numerous museums worth visiting, covering everything from punk rock music to photography and natural history to odds and obscurities. Make sure you stop by the Sun Voyager statue before leaving the city for good luck on your travels.

Vík

Vík is slightly off the beaten path when traveling around the tourist-heavy Golden Circle. It is the one area where you will have to drive back the way you came to be able to continue your tour. What makes Vík so special? The black sand beaches and intriguing basalt columns, natural rock formations in hexagonal shapes making up the cliff face down the road in Reynisfjara.

The town of Vík is small and secluded, with only small churches, hotels, and a few restaurants. The black sand contrasts beautifully against the golden beach grass and old-fashioned red and white churches. Should you be lucky enough to see the sun during your trip, the sunset and sunrise over the black sand is a sight to behold.

Laugarvatn

Here’s an area you likely won’t find when searching online for accommodations. Laugarvatn is in proximity to Thingvellir national park, where you can walk between two continental plates, view waterfalls, and even go diving. This rugged, mountainous park is worth spending a day in exploring and taking photos. If your time is limited, you can quickly drive there from Reykjavík.

Laugarvatn is a gem because it is home to fields of cottages under mountains and overlooking stunning lakes. Many of these cottages are available for rent on Airbnb and offer seclusion and coziness. Visit the Laugarvatn Fontana, a collection of thermal baths and saunas overlooking the lake. While this area has less allure than the Blue Lagoon, it’s a perfect escape for whiling away an evening.

Öræfi

Öræfi has hotels conveniently located between Skaftafell National Park– home to incredible waterfalls and natural attractions– and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. If you wish to spend time exploring both the park– which is a common attraction– and the glacier, then this is the spot for you. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, in particular, is a physically demanding and time-consuming experience which is worth both the hours and the energy spent.

As this secluded area is popular for tourists and bus tours, you will want to book your hotel room far in advance. Many hotels also offer a northern lights wake up call. If you request it, the concierge will call you at any time of night to let you know that the lights are visible. Find a room with large windows, and you won’t even need to travel outside.

No matter where you stay in Iceland, you are sure to see something breathtakingly beautiful and have a memorable experience.

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All-Inclusive Travel Options

There’s not just one way to travel, instead of paying as we go we can often pay all at once for almost everything that we’ll need while vacationing. It may not be for everyone, but there are some serious benefits to taking that approach… CONTINUE READING >> 

There’s not just one way to travel, even though it’s easy to develop tunnel vision and assume that, if we’re going to travel, we need to budget money separately for things like food and entertainment. We think, “OK, the hotel is one part, then we’ll need money for three meals a day for two people, then we need money alcohol, and don’t forget to leave a tip for service workers, too.” That is a valid way to travel, of course, but many people don’t realize just how many all-inclusive travel options are available to tourists in the year 2018. Instead of paying as we go, we can often pay all at once for almost everything that we’ll need while vacationing. It may not be for everyone, but there are some serious benefits to taking that approach.

Resorts

Do you dream of going to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, but have always figured it’s out of your range price-wise? Don’t give so fast on the idea of visiting this resort town’s legendary beaches and experiencing some of the sizzling nightlife. Whether you’re seeking a second honeymoon with your sweetheart or looking for a weekend escape with the girls, you have a way to to make your dream vacation a reality. Arguably the best way to experience Cabo is to look for an all inclusive Cabo experience. Don’t limit yourself to a hotel room, either; there are luxury penthouses and timeshares available for travelers as well. Stand on your balcony and watch the ocean at sunset with your significant other, then go out to dinner and enjoy some Mexican classics. Mexican food in Mexico is different from the version of Mexican food many of us are used to eating in the States. It’s worth expanding your palate as you expand your horizons.

Do you worry about gaining weight on vacation? Don’t let that ruin the experience. You’re here to relax, but if you want to sweat a little, head to a state-of-the-art resort fitness center and work off those margaritas. Before you fly away to Mexico, though, make sure you know exactly what is meant by “all inclusive.” Some resorts will include a gratuity for each day you’re there; others will not. Watch your alcohol consumption as well. Some places may cover beer and wine but leave you on your own for things like mixed drinks.

Cruise ships

A cruise can be a great escape with friends and loved ones. It’s just you, the ocean, and a few hundred of your closest loved ones. Some people love the seclusion, but it’s not for everyone, especially if you’re prone to severe motion sickness. The best all-inclusive cruises will include shore excursions in the price you pay up front. Sure, the ship is great, but most of us want to see more than that. If you want to stay connected while you’re at sea, look for packages that include Internet access as well.

The biggest drawback to all-inclusive packages? Sometimes you may pay for services you won’t use. If you’re a teetotaller, a package that includes unlimited alcohol isn’t going to be very beneficial. In that case, you may be better off paying as you go.

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5 Reasons You Should Pick the Algarve as Your Wedding Destination

When people think of ideal places to hold a wedding, the Algarve often makes the top of the list, and for a reason. With its miles of beautiful white sandy beaches, awesome food and even more awesome people, no wonder it is so prized as a prime wedding destination… CONTINUE READING >> 

When people think of ideal places to hold a wedding, the Algarve often makes the top of the list, and for a reason. With its miles of beautiful white sandy beaches, awesome food and even more awesome people, no wonder it is so prized as a prime wedding destination. As a matter of fact, there are so many reasons why the Algarve makes for the perfect location for a wedding, it’s hard to know where to start. Here are some of the reasons why the Algarve should be your top pick.

The Weather

One of the most difficult aspects to control when having a wedding abroad, especially if it’s an outdoor wedding, is the weather. Well, the Algarve enjoys over 300 hours of sun every year on average, which gives you about an 80 percent chance that your wedding will be on a sunny day.

Romantic Spots Abound

The Algarve is filled with romantic spots. It’s beautiful beaches, unique caves and coves, ancient castles and solitary lighthouses will give you quasi infinite photo opportunities and possible ceremony locations. With all that romance floating in the air, it is no wonder why so many people choose the Algarve as the perfect place for a proposal.

Tons of Great Affordable Venues

What separates the Algarve from other destinations is the surprising number of low cost high-quality venues. While many popular destinations will gladly gouge prices to take advantage of the influx of people coming in for wedding, you’ll have no issue finding a great venue that suits your needs in the Algarve.

The region truly offers the best of both worlds: a great, exotic and safe destination for you and your guests all at a budget friendly price. And with the number of weddings being held every year in the region, you won’t have issues finding a good wedding planner Algarve if you take the time to do your research.

Lots of Choice

Whether you want to have a religious or civil ceremony, the choices are plenty if you decide to hold your wedding in the Algarve. The bureaucracy makes it easy for expats to get their wedding officiated and the region is filled with beautiful churches as well. There are also tons of great alternative locations to choose from. You could go for a quaint ceremony in a small local villa or a lavish affair at one of the region’s many 5-star resorts if that’s more your speed.

Easy Flights

Flying accommodations play a crucial part when planning a wedding abroad. Since you have to take care of your whole party and make sure that guests will be able to get there easily, a site that offers easy access is a must. Fortunately, the Algarve is easily accessible from pretty much every major city in Europe. With tons of cheap flights, many with flight times of 3 hours or less, your guests should have no issues booking a suitable flight.

The Algarve has tons to offer if you are looking for a cheap, beautiful and romantic spot to tie the knot. So, if you are still on the fence as to which destination to pick, make sure you take a closer look at what the region has to offer before you make your decision.

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