Best for Wedding Dresses
New York
New York has an enduring reputation as the shopping capital of the world for brides. For a dress worthy of an A-lister, head to Vera Wang’s flagship store on Madison Avenue. Bargain hunters will find unbeatable prices at Bridal Garden, the only non-profit bridal boutique in New York, while high-end second-hand gowns can be bought at Michael’s Consignment Store.
For a custom-made gown, visit Banico, who will take about four months to make a dress in any colour, style or fabric.
Firth Avenue’s Bergdorf Goodman stocks frocks by top designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Ulla-Maija, Jenny Lee, Lela Rose and many others. For the ultimate bargain, head to Filene’s Basement, famed for its annual sale of designer wedding gowns, which normally takes place in February. Not for the faint-hearted, the event has been officially branded the Running of the Brides after news reports compared it with the Running of the Bulls, in Pamplona, Spain.
But even if you’re not a bride-to-be, the Big Apple is an ideal destination for shopaholics, as Sex and the city fans will know only too well.
Best for Fashion
Paris
Paris is the city of choice for serious fashionistas who can head for the great couturiers – Christian Lacroix, Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, all of which can be found around the Champs-Elysees area, where the new department store LE66 has recently opened and is home to 100 fashion labels.
Paris also has some top-notch department stores, notably Galeries Lafayette, Bon Marche and Le Printemps, where shoppers can pick up perfume, lingerie and jewellery as well as high-class fashion. Take a walk around any part of central Paris and you’re likely to come across a new designer.
Best for Hi-Tech Goods and Gadgets
Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s tax-free status and focus on new technology means you can get great deals in computers, software and electronics. There are two main districts for ho-tech goods: Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island and Mongkok in Kowloon. Recommended shops include Wan Chai Computer Centre and the Mongkok Computer Centre. Digital Pavilion in Mongkok has high-end video mobile phones, speakers, LCD televisions and assorted hi-tech gadgetry for home entertainment.
Grab the best deals during the annual Hong Kong Summer Temptations (12 weeks from the start of July) and in the winter and summer sales when prices often fall by more than 50%.
Best for Gold and Jewellery
Dubai
Dubai teems with shopping malls, the newest and largest of which is the Dubai Mall, which opened last week. Open from 10am to midnight daily, the mall has 1200 shops and 160 food and beverage outlets.
One major feature is the world’s largest indoor gold souk, with 220 gold and jewellery stores. Designed like a souk to reflect the region’s ancient gold trade, there are winding corridors and courtyards dotted with life-size bronze animal statues.
Did you bag a bargain in any of these fantastic cities or where would you recommend as a shopping destination? Post your comments below.
Friday, 28 November 2008
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Seychelles Update - New developments planned
Despite the recent downturn in UK visitor numbers, hotel development continues in the Seychelles, with more than 20 new properties due to open in the next three years.
Most new hotels will be on Mahe, the main island and seat of the capital and Praslin, the country’s second island, and on the outlying islands of the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Four Seasons, Emirates, Shangri-La, Raffles and Sofitel are among the groups planning to open hotels on the islands by 2011. Second hotels are also scheduled from Beachcomber and Constance Hotels. Although they will be small branches in keeping with the country’s low-impact development strategy, the new properties will increase the country’s tourism bedstock by more than 3000.
The new hotels will be relatively small developments and will add to the Seychelles’ boutique hotel portfolio. Plus many properties are being refurbished. Sainte Anne Resort and Spa near Mahe reopened in August following a refit that saw private pools and sundecks added to 29 of the 87 villas. Two new restaurants opened, bringing the on-site total to four, and the Clarins spa was extended.
While many of the new hotels are five-star, specialist operator Elite Vacations is seeking increased demand for mid-range and guesthouse properties.
Air Seychelles, which operates the only direct service from the UK with two flights a week between Heathrow and Mahe is considering adding to its winter 2009/10 schedule. “There has been high demand for our new Pearl business class”, said Air Seychelles UK and Ireland sales manager Mitchell Hawes.
While the islands continue to appeal to couples they are also attracting families. On average, visitors stay up to 12 days and “hop” between at least three islands.
Would you consider a trip to the Seychelles in the next few years or have you been recently? Please post your comments below.
Most new hotels will be on Mahe, the main island and seat of the capital and Praslin, the country’s second island, and on the outlying islands of the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Four Seasons, Emirates, Shangri-La, Raffles and Sofitel are among the groups planning to open hotels on the islands by 2011. Second hotels are also scheduled from Beachcomber and Constance Hotels. Although they will be small branches in keeping with the country’s low-impact development strategy, the new properties will increase the country’s tourism bedstock by more than 3000.
The new hotels will be relatively small developments and will add to the Seychelles’ boutique hotel portfolio. Plus many properties are being refurbished. Sainte Anne Resort and Spa near Mahe reopened in August following a refit that saw private pools and sundecks added to 29 of the 87 villas. Two new restaurants opened, bringing the on-site total to four, and the Clarins spa was extended.
While many of the new hotels are five-star, specialist operator Elite Vacations is seeking increased demand for mid-range and guesthouse properties.
Air Seychelles, which operates the only direct service from the UK with two flights a week between Heathrow and Mahe is considering adding to its winter 2009/10 schedule. “There has been high demand for our new Pearl business class”, said Air Seychelles UK and Ireland sales manager Mitchell Hawes.
While the islands continue to appeal to couples they are also attracting families. On average, visitors stay up to 12 days and “hop” between at least three islands.
Would you consider a trip to the Seychelles in the next few years or have you been recently? Please post your comments below.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
Barbados - The laid-back Caribbean Island
Barbados is a popular Caribbean holiday destination and is renowned for its natural beauty, richness of culture and its friendly and laid-back atmosphere. Holiday makers are enticed by Barbados' glorious beaches, blue waters & vibrant nature, combined with its strong sense of historical & cultural heritage, great music and delicious food.
Holiday makers are also attracted by the beautiful coral reefs enveloping the island and because the water is clear and calm, it is a great destination for diving and watersports. During your Barbados holiday, you can also visit underwater caves, lush tropical gardens, sugar-cane factories, rum distilleries, plantation houses or simply relax on the amazing beaches.
Hotels on the island tend to be luxury resorts with excellent amenities including large swimming pools and spa facilities. Many of the all-inclusive hotels are situated close to the top attractions of the island or on the white sandy beaches. Visit Travelcreator's Barbados Featured Deals for our range of luxury hotels.
Barbados has a variety of entertainment choices during the evenings. The island has an abundance of restaurants serving excellent seafood and traditional Caribbean dishes, plus there are many bars as well as a few nightclubs for those looking for livelier night. Also, hotels generally have entertainment programmes including barbecue evenings and shows.
Would Barbados be your choice for a relaxing beach holiday? Please post your comments below.
Holiday makers are also attracted by the beautiful coral reefs enveloping the island and because the water is clear and calm, it is a great destination for diving and watersports. During your Barbados holiday, you can also visit underwater caves, lush tropical gardens, sugar-cane factories, rum distilleries, plantation houses or simply relax on the amazing beaches.
Hotels on the island tend to be luxury resorts with excellent amenities including large swimming pools and spa facilities. Many of the all-inclusive hotels are situated close to the top attractions of the island or on the white sandy beaches. Visit Travelcreator's Barbados Featured Deals for our range of luxury hotels.
Barbados has a variety of entertainment choices during the evenings. The island has an abundance of restaurants serving excellent seafood and traditional Caribbean dishes, plus there are many bars as well as a few nightclubs for those looking for livelier night. Also, hotels generally have entertainment programmes including barbecue evenings and shows.
Would Barbados be your choice for a relaxing beach holiday? Please post your comments below.
Monday, 10 November 2008
Travel Creator's Top Honeymoon Destinations
Looking for the perfect honeymoon holiday destination? Then take a look at some of our recommended honeymoon destinations for great ideas on where to go for that special break.
1. The Caribbean
The Caribbean is made up of many islands which lie in the Atlantic Ocean south of the USA. The Caribbean is an obvious choice of honeymoon holiday as the islands are graced with long, white, sandy beaches, luxury resorts and more importantly peace and tranquillity. Islands such as St Lucia and Jamaica are favourites with newly weds as they offer total relaxation.
2. Mauritius
Mauritius is a small tropical Indian Ocean island, renowned for its natural beauty, great cuisine, coral reefs and stunning luxury resorts. The island has other attractions too, including a large waterpark, dolphin watching and deep sea fishing.
3. New York
The Big Apple may not seem like an obvious choice of honeymoon, but it is a city with so much to offer. A great choice if you are looking for an active city break instead of a relaxing beach holiday. Visit attractions such as the Empire State building and Central Park, do a spot of bargain shopping and enjoy the huge variety of worldwide cuisine on offer.
4. Las Vegas
Las Vegas is another great choice if you’re looking for an active honeymoon. Las Vegas is known as the Entertainment City of the World, it is home to a vast selection of casinos & hotels, great shopping, exciting rides, lavish shows and a huge selection of restaurants. There are also major sights just outside Las Vegas, including the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley and the Great Basin National Park.
5. Koh Samui
Koh Samui is many people’s idea of paradise and is therefore popular with honeymooners. The island has long stretches of white, sandy beaches and clear, warm waters. You can relax on the uncrowded beaches; drink cocktails by your pool or for a more active holiday enjoy one of the many activities and sightseeing the island has to offer. Your honeymoon could also be combined with Bangkok or another Thai beach.
What would be your perfect honeymoon destination? Please post your comments below.
1. The Caribbean
The Caribbean is made up of many islands which lie in the Atlantic Ocean south of the USA. The Caribbean is an obvious choice of honeymoon holiday as the islands are graced with long, white, sandy beaches, luxury resorts and more importantly peace and tranquillity. Islands such as St Lucia and Jamaica are favourites with newly weds as they offer total relaxation.
2. Mauritius
Mauritius is a small tropical Indian Ocean island, renowned for its natural beauty, great cuisine, coral reefs and stunning luxury resorts. The island has other attractions too, including a large waterpark, dolphin watching and deep sea fishing.
3. New York
The Big Apple may not seem like an obvious choice of honeymoon, but it is a city with so much to offer. A great choice if you are looking for an active city break instead of a relaxing beach holiday. Visit attractions such as the Empire State building and Central Park, do a spot of bargain shopping and enjoy the huge variety of worldwide cuisine on offer.
4. Las Vegas
Las Vegas is another great choice if you’re looking for an active honeymoon. Las Vegas is known as the Entertainment City of the World, it is home to a vast selection of casinos & hotels, great shopping, exciting rides, lavish shows and a huge selection of restaurants. There are also major sights just outside Las Vegas, including the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley and the Great Basin National Park.
5. Koh Samui
Koh Samui is many people’s idea of paradise and is therefore popular with honeymooners. The island has long stretches of white, sandy beaches and clear, warm waters. You can relax on the uncrowded beaches; drink cocktails by your pool or for a more active holiday enjoy one of the many activities and sightseeing the island has to offer. Your honeymoon could also be combined with Bangkok or another Thai beach.
What would be your perfect honeymoon destination? Please post your comments below.
Friday, 7 November 2008
The Palm - Dubai's Newest Attraction
Dubai has yet another reason for you to visit this wonderful holiday destination… The Palm. The Palm is one of three artificial islands, called the Palm Islands, designed to expand Dubai's shoreline and is shaped like a palm tree. The Palm has taken 7 years, 94 million cubic meters of sand and 7 million tonnes of rock to complete but it was finally a reality in September 2008. If you fancy seeing this for yourself, why not take advantage of Travelcreator's great deal to the Atlantis, the Palm’s flagship resort.
Dubai is renowned for its world-class hotels and ever expanding skyline. This cosmopolitan city is an ideal holiday destination for the luxury traveller, with an enviable year-round climate, luxurious hotels, and fantastic evening entertainment provided by numerous restaurants, bars, live music venues and nightclubs. However, one of Dubai's top attractions is its excellent shopping facilities. Tourists are attracted by Dubai's tax-free environment and by its paradise of malls, souks, boutiques and modern department stores, which offer top brand names & jewellery at cheap prices. Travellers can also experience exotic Arabia in the bustling souks or a night in a Bedouin tent with belly-dancing.
The beaches in Dubai offer somewhere to escape all of the activity of the city. Although you may have to pay a small amount to access some of the beaches in Dubai, it is well worth it as they are unspoilt and the sea is often the same temperature as the air, making it great for swimming in.
For a more active holiday, take a trip to one of the many horse-racing events or even camel races in Dubai. There is also a waterpark near Jumeirah Beach called Wild Wadi, which offers thrills and excitement for all the family.
There are many reasons to visit Dubai; what would yours be? Please post your comments below.
Dubai is renowned for its world-class hotels and ever expanding skyline. This cosmopolitan city is an ideal holiday destination for the luxury traveller, with an enviable year-round climate, luxurious hotels, and fantastic evening entertainment provided by numerous restaurants, bars, live music venues and nightclubs. However, one of Dubai's top attractions is its excellent shopping facilities. Tourists are attracted by Dubai's tax-free environment and by its paradise of malls, souks, boutiques and modern department stores, which offer top brand names & jewellery at cheap prices. Travellers can also experience exotic Arabia in the bustling souks or a night in a Bedouin tent with belly-dancing.
The beaches in Dubai offer somewhere to escape all of the activity of the city. Although you may have to pay a small amount to access some of the beaches in Dubai, it is well worth it as they are unspoilt and the sea is often the same temperature as the air, making it great for swimming in.
For a more active holiday, take a trip to one of the many horse-racing events or even camel races in Dubai. There is also a waterpark near Jumeirah Beach called Wild Wadi, which offers thrills and excitement for all the family.
There are many reasons to visit Dubai; what would yours be? Please post your comments below.
Thursday, 6 November 2008
Maldives - A Luxury Holiday Destination
The Maldives are a group of islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, and provide the perfect luxury holiday destination. A majority of the islands are uninhabited, but those that are attract visitors from all over the world. The luxury holiday islands have long, white, sandy beaches, clear, warm waters and exclusive hotel resorts.
The Maldives are popular with honeymoon couples as they provide a real taste of paradise and are very quiet relaxed islands. Although many visit the Maldives for a relaxing holiday, some have a host of activities. Diving is a popular sport on the islands, as the corals and sealife are untouched and guaranteed. Deep sea fishing is also popular as the Maldives are surrounded by great fishing areas. Whale and dolphin watching is also a must in the Maldives.
For land activities, you could visit the Male fish market and the National Museum on Male, and some of the more lively islands have volleyball on the beach. If you do decide to visit the island of Male to visit the attractions on offer there, make sure that you cover up as the island is strictly Islamic. All of the other islands are casual so there's no need to wear more than your swimwear.
Accommodation is of very high quality, and visitors to the Maldives can stay in hotels, lavish beach bungalows or luxury water bungalows.
The islands of the Maldives are quiet both in the day and the evening, so perfect for a relaxing beach holiday. Entertainment is generally hotel-based; some islands have live music bands and evening shows.
Does this sound like your perfect luxury holiday destination? Please post your comments below.
The Maldives are popular with honeymoon couples as they provide a real taste of paradise and are very quiet relaxed islands. Although many visit the Maldives for a relaxing holiday, some have a host of activities. Diving is a popular sport on the islands, as the corals and sealife are untouched and guaranteed. Deep sea fishing is also popular as the Maldives are surrounded by great fishing areas. Whale and dolphin watching is also a must in the Maldives.
For land activities, you could visit the Male fish market and the National Museum on Male, and some of the more lively islands have volleyball on the beach. If you do decide to visit the island of Male to visit the attractions on offer there, make sure that you cover up as the island is strictly Islamic. All of the other islands are casual so there's no need to wear more than your swimwear.
Accommodation is of very high quality, and visitors to the Maldives can stay in hotels, lavish beach bungalows or luxury water bungalows.
The islands of the Maldives are quiet both in the day and the evening, so perfect for a relaxing beach holiday. Entertainment is generally hotel-based; some islands have live music bands and evening shows.
Does this sound like your perfect luxury holiday destination? Please post your comments below.
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