The Rydges Campbelltown’s New Hotel

Campbelltown now has its own hotel, and a great one at that. Rydges Campbelltown opened in August 2007, and boasts many facilities that need to be seen, to be believed. From wedding packages to conference facilities and everything in between, if you are planning anything in Campbelltown speak to Rydges and they’ll be sure to help.

From the Rydges you can book into Sydney’s only self-contained sky diving centre, where you can parachute from a jet airplane and then come back to relax and get over your 14000 foot experience!

For something a little more cultural, why not call into the Campbelltown Arts Centre, right outside the Rydges hotel, and see if there is anything showing. Or, spend some time walking around the beautiful Japanese Gardens and Sculpture Gardens again, just next door. Presented to the people of Campbelltown in 1988, the gardens symbolise a special link between Campbelltown and its sister-city in Japan, Koshigaya. The teahouse is a design taken directly from the 1500s, and was built by Japanese craftsmen using traditional tools and methods. During your stay at Rydges Campbelltown you must stop in a have a look around.

If your tastes are a little more unusual, you can book a ghost tour of Campbelltown, one company leaves just outside Rydges Campbelltown from the historic Quondong Museum. The tour takes you to many old, haunted houses in Campbelltown, and if you’re lucky you might actually see Miss Josie, the resident ghost at the museum. Other haunted houses include Emily Cottage, Blair Athol House and Eschol Park House, Plough Inn, and Saint Peters Church and graveyard. At least you won’t have to walk too far in the dark back to your safe bed at Rydges Campbelltown.

Of course, Campbelltown has its own ghost, complete with a festival and parade held each year. A leisurely walk from Rydges Campbelltown, the parade meanders through the streets of Campbelltown, and celebrates the ghost of Fred Fisher, reported missing in 1826 and later seen to be pointing to the location of his body in a paddock. As you walk from the hotel, see if you can find the area where his body was located by Aboriginal tracker Namut, in the exact spot the eerie figure indicated. There are several tours available if you wish to see the spooky in and around Rydges Campbelltown.

If you’re interested in the history without the mystery, then not far away are plenty of old houses and buildings that can be seen on your own. Although they may be haunted, of a daytime they seem less imposing, and give great examples of what life was like when Campbelltown was first settled. A short drive will put you in touch with old buildings such as Wivenhoe, Gledswood Homestead and Studley Park. While staying at Rydges Campbelltown make sure you don’t miss out on these beautiful old places.

Donna Mathews
www.rydgescampbelltown.com

Tips On Travelling With Luggage

We can’t do away with luggage when we travel. It is one thing to bring ourselves a little something perhaps to help us in our destination and in what we are supposed to do there. But there are a lot of things to remember to travel with style. Travelling does not necessarily mean all fantasy. As long as you know how to be resourceful and creative, you are doing just fine.

1. You need to carry good backs. Your bags should withstand the hazards of the road because if your bags can’t handle this then you are just wasting your money, your time and your opportunity for a better travel. The sort of bag should withstand the test of time. A bag that can last for even 20 years is something worth to be carried around and worth the money you bought it for. A great deal should be the kind of bag which will make packing a lot easier than before.

2. If you can hand-carry your bag, the better it is for you to carry this because carry-on bags can make your flying so much easier. Advantages of these hand-carry bags are defined by your needs. Your needs are just within your reach and it is always at you line of sight that is why you will never have to risk losing your bag unlike when your bag is put on cargo. However you need to consider about airline rules of hand-carried items. You have to limit yourself and do not over burden yourself with everything.

3. The size of your luggage will really matter so much. The ideal luggage would be that size which will fit inside the overhead compartment or under the seat. You need to consider airline baggage rule and this would mean you need to adhere to the diameters required and the weight of the luggage as well. There are free baggage allowances for passengers in some airlines excluding those that are being carried inside the plane cabin. But these rules may become stricter during peak seasons and other special occasions so you must always take note of that. You need to be aware on what season your flight would really be perhaps you need to avoid busy and full flights. That is if you could really avoid them however if you have just the right luggage no matter what season and what time, you will do just fine.

4. You need to know good packing techniques. You can read them almost from everywhere. However you need to know and master the basics of packing first. Always include contact/profile information and other important itineraries inside your bag. Putting them outside would make you as if some sort of self-advertising person. Common sense will tell you to never pack any hazardous materials such as guns and knives. You should always make sure what items are allowed and what items are not. You will know this with the airline’s rules and regulations.

Always remember you have the control in your hands by exactly knowing what you are doing and carrying because only then you would know how to go on travelling correctly.

James Brown writes about WorldTraveler promotion code, Bagsbuy.com promotion code and Luggage Pros promotion code

Property Focus: What Is All The Fuss About Kamala In Phuket?

The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms. Few countries are so well endowed.

From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the
Andaman Sea, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River, Thailand offers something for every type of traveler.

The best overall time for visiting most of Thailand climate-wise is between November and February when it is not too wet and not too hot. The south is best visited when the rest of Thailand is miserably hot (March to May), and the north is best from mid-November to early December or when it starts warming up again in February. If you’re spending time in Bangkok, be prepared to roast in April and do some wading in October - probably most challenging two months, weather-wise, in the capital.

Phuket is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand. Phuket’s appeal lies in the beauty of the island, and the variety of relatively inexpensive activities on offer. Thailand’s largest island has wonderful food, vibrant nightlife, an excellent range of accommodation and great beaches, but there’s a lot more to do besides sunbathe! Diving, fishing, eco-adventure tours in the forests, touring the amazing area around Phang Nga Bay, trips to the outlying islands and elephant trekking are just a few of the alternative activities on offer.

Accommodation in Phuket is justifiably amongst the elite of the world. Luxury villas dot the landscape throughout the island, from beach front villas to ocean view villas there is a luxury Phuket property that will suit the needs of every visitor to this island.

If relaxation in a small seaside community is what you’re after, you’ll find Kamala a delight. Kamala is the most beautiful and sought after holiday spot on Phuket Island. Perfect sunsets, unspoiled tropical beaches and cascading mountains are some of the highlights that make the area unique. Located on Phuket’s west coast, just north of Patong, it’s less hectic that its neighbour.

Formerly a quiet, fishing village, Kamala is a beautiful spot in which to relax and enjoy the still peaceful village atmosphere of this scenic, unspoiled beach. The area behind the beach has developed over the last few years giving a greater choice of local places to eat and drink, as well as an incredible array of beautiful property rental options which blend into the natural scenery maintaining the tranquility of the area.

More secluded resorts nestle higher up amongst the trees on the headland, capitalizing on the wonderful sea and mountain views, and only a few minutes walk to a sandy white beach on the northern end. Villa rentals in Kamala offer a fantastic choice, with lavish villas jutting out into the ocean offering fantastic views of Patong, and convenience for traveling to the best beaches in Phuket and the best nightlife.

There are excellent villa rental options in the lush hills behind Kamala, unique to Thailand luxury villas are built to target affluent young city professionals with gleaming aluminum surfaces and minimalist design, villa designers are gaining recognition worldwide for their imagination in design and style.

MyAsianVilla.com provides accommodation options in various locations around Thailand and features some of the most beautiful villas available. Book your vacation today at www.myasianvilla.com

Villas In Krabi, Luxury Holidays At Thailands Andaman Sea

Krabi is a province of astonishing beauty, with spectacular views over the Andaman Sea and the closest coastal access to the Koh Hong island group, and the more famous Koh Phi Phi island. The province is largely ignored however by vacationers on luxury holidays in Thailand as Phuket is a short distance away and more notorious for it’s luxury villas and condos.

Luxury villas are operating in Krabi, with all the amenities and service a guest would expect from the more developed Phuket, but with greatly reduced prices to reflect the seclusion and access of many of them. For a guest seeking isolation and total relaxation Krabi is a perfect place to come for your luxury holiday in Thailand.

The accommodation that has been built along the coast of Krabi province and islands off the coast such as Koh Lanta all share the same characteristics: private, luxurious and self-contained. Most have direct access to the beach and with spas, pools, restaurants and even shops, there is no need for guests ever to leave the confines of the villa area. Many villas offer personal chefs and maids to attend to your needs throughout the day, and drivers to shuttle you around should you wish to explore.
All of which is perfect for people who want a quiet, luxury break or an escape from the usual holiday crowd. Those who prefer not to stay around the pool being pampered for two weeks should definitely consider hiring a car or motorbike to explore the rest of the region.

As all the Krabi villas are located directly on the shore, with only indirect public access, the beaches are effectively private, for the use only of the resorts’ clients.

Krabi has something for everyone, whether you are an active sportsperson, or a lazy beach bum. Its stunning scenery provides adventure in the form of rock climbing and kayaking, as well as pure relaxation with island hopping tours and laidback beach life.

Underwater enthusiasts will love the diving and snorkeling in Krabi’s warm coastal waters, while nature lovers can visit elephant camps and explore the diverse flora and fauna in the national parks. There are also plenty of outdoor sports available, including fishing, golf and mountain biking.

After all that action, you can be pampered in one of Krabi’s many spas, where you can try out a Thai massage, or visit the natural outdoor Jacuzzis at the Klong Thom hot springs site.

Immerse yourself in local culture with Thai cookery lessons or a visit to the famous Tiger cave temple with its spectacular mountain-top shrine. All of these activities can be arranged by the impeccable service on offer at some of the most unique Asian villas available.

These stunning Villa rentals are on a par with anything in Asia, yet very few people have a chance to experience them as they head to the more famous villas in Phuket and Samui.

For the more adventurous, or for those who have experienced the best of Phuket and Samui, Luxury villas in Krabi can offer something new and exciting for guests on vacation in Thailand.

MyAsianVilla.com provides accommodation options in various locations around Thailand and features some of the most beautiful villas available. Book your vacation today at www.myasianvilla.com

Next Page →