Short term domestic staff service

In my last post I talked about my preference for staying in holiday apartments (or vacation rentals) when staying for longer than three days on my trips around Europe. I can hear some you saying, but what about the lack of service? Whilst I travel alone and am fairly capable of doing a bit of washing for myself and throwing a meal together, I can understand how families travelling together maybe put off this, especially when on holidays and have other things on their agenda.

I was talking this over with a friend of mine they other day, who was planning a trip with her three children. Whilst she loved the idea of the space and autonomy a holiday apartments affords, she was worried she would spend most of her time on looking after her children as her husband was not able to join them on the trip.

So I suggested she contact a short-term domestic staff service. There is generally one in each city, and they have staff on their books like cooks, maids, butler and even nannies who could give you a hand during your stay. Some ones I have heard about are www.butlerforyou.com and www.4familycare.com.

Dubai shopping and bargains - Surprises Event

I am not sure if you attended last years event but the Surprises Event in Dubai is an annual event which on Shopping and is a kind of month sale and one which kind of turns into a festival of sorts. It is not easy to explain as it is a bit like the January sales in the UK each year but in Dubai it is officially its own festival.

'Summer Surprises' is now marketed as an event in its own right and for 2009 takes place between 11th June and the 14th August. Apart from sales throughout many of the malls and shops the festival itself means a number of:

• Live Music shows
• Food tastings
• Market stalls
• Competitions
• and Workshops

You can learn more from the official Dubai Surprises site and there are plenty of places to rent for a vacation stay. Learn also about the best attractions in Dubai for tourists. Learn more also about Dubai travel.

Palace in Wheels - Luxury Train Rides India

One of the most exciting and luxurious train rides in the world surely has to be the 'Palace on Wheels'. The Palace on Wheels is still one trip I have yet to take but am dying to one day do.

In case you have never heard of it the Palace on Wheels is a luxury train journey with 52 luxury rooms, bar restaurant and other outstanding facilities on board. The trip is normally 7 days and travels from and back to Delhi Cantt, India.

This is really a true luxury way to see India and a wonderful way to meet other people who travel on the train for the 7 day trip. This is in many ways the Orient Express of India and prices are high but if you travel on the train you will understand why. You can learn more about the Palace on Wheels online.

Jazz Supercruise

There are so many excellent cruise options out there these days and some wonderful ships and facilities. The choice of itineraries is amazing with a range of Caribbean, Far East and world cruises available on the market.


One cruise though which I would love to go on and which might be of interest to many of you is the Jazz Supercruise. How does a combination of the following sound:

• The worlds top Jazz stars (including Candy Dulfer and and Najee)
• Cruising the Caribbean for 7 days
• A Caribbean Jazz beach party

The Jazz Supercruise, sponsored by Capital Jazz, leaves the Port of Baltimore October 10th 2009 and returns a week later. People from around the world join this cruise and with decent priced flights from Europe to Baltimore international airport, this is an event which is practical where ever you live.

Get prepared for the Luxury Travel Fair

Dates have now been given for the Luxury Travel Show and even though November is a little way away, if is worth blocking off one or two of these days in your calendar for the event. The venue again this year is the Olympia Exhibition Centre in London, England.

If you are exhibiting at the event bookings are now being taken. Booking early means you get a priority over floor space and location so it is worth signing up now. For those of you planning to go as an attendee you can sign up on the official Luxury Travel Show site. Tickets are discounted if booked in advance and can be bought directly online.

Overall, the show covers the high end of the travel and tourim market and areas covered include Luxury Cruises, 5 Star hotels, First Class travel and bespoke VIP tours. Everything you need for luxury travel is covered at this show which is sponsored by Condé Nast Traveller magazine and by British Airways.

A number of travel companies worldwide attend the Luxury Travel Show including the likes of:

• British Airways
• Cap d'Agde Sales Co.
• The Egyptian Tourist Board
• Ibiza Jobs Co.

The high tea hotspot in London

On your next trip to London make sure to enjoy a cup of tea in traditional British hospitality
High tea is no longer just something enjoyed by the elderly, but now the latest trend amongst young travelers.

Traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches (including thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches), scones served with cream and preserves. Cakes and pastries are also served. Tea grown in India or Ceylon is poured from silver tea pots into delicate bone china cups.

Originally, British tea was served at four or five p.m. and ended around seven p.m. However today it is served from three until five in the afternoon. Courtesy of the British Empire, the tradition of High Tea spread across the world. Two hot spots to visit for your English High tea experience:

• For a romantic option, The Ritz has been serving tea in the flowery, domed Palm Court for 100 years.
• For a more relaxed atmosphere and a excellent range of traditional teas, The Carlton Towers would be also a good option.

Top 10 Things to do with Kids in Thailand!

Thailand also called the "Land of Smiles" can be a fun destination for your kids. Top 10 things to do in Thailand with your kids:

1. Ride an elephant near Chiang Mai
2. Have your hair braided
3. Visit the floating markets just outside of Bangkok
4. Ride the sky train in Bangkok
5. Admire the Big Buddha on Ko Samui
6. Play water sports in Phuket
7. Enjoy traditional dancing
8. Eat a banana waffle
9. Ride in a tuk-tuk (motorised rickshaw)
10. Visit the Bangkok aquarium