How to Organise Group Holidays in Italy

Organising a group holiday is no mean feat. Pull it off and you will be admired by your family, friends or colleagues, with your trip looked back on as the holiday of a lifetime. But get it wrong and you will have A LOT of explaining to do to. Italy is the perfect destination for group holidays because it offers something for everyone. Whether you are planning a stag or hen do in party capital Rome, a family wedding in stunning Lake Garda, or a wine tasting holiday with colleagues in Chianti, Florence, there are lots of different types of group holidays in Italy.

Here are our top tips planning group holidays in Italy:

Do not know where to start? Brainstorm with your fellow holidaymakers. If the visit has a particular purpose (like a stag do), you will probably have a vague idea of what people will expect (eg. good nightlife). But if you are planning a trip without a single aim then you will need to look for something which most of you have in common. It could be as simple as wanting good food or wine, or it could be a love of history, adventure or relaxing days on the beach. Maybe not everybody will share a single interest, but aim for a destination which will please those with that common interest, with nearby attractions to please everyone else. For example, if most of you enjoy visiting historic sites, while other members of the party are devoted, try Rome, which offers both infamous ancient sites and amazing restaurants and plazas for enjoying a glass of fine wine. The city of Rome is a good starting point for pleasing everyone on group holidays in Italy because it is home to world famous sights like the colosseum, the Vatican and the Trevi Fountain, alongside museums, galleries, top restaurants and lavish hotels. Multi-centre group holidays in Italy are another simple way to offer something to please everybody, and the range of destinations can be personalised to your group.

Look at hotels, restaurants or attractions you would like to visit on TripAdvisor or other review sites. Remember that some reviewers have ulterior motives so take no notice of particularly suspicious reviews, but these websites are a great way to get a rough idea of which hotels or activities are worth the money and which are not worth bothering with. It is particularly important to read reviews before travelling if staying for a week or less, or if you have a limited budget, when you will not have much time or money to explore lots of sights. Relay your ideas back and forth with the group of travellers, making sure that everyone is happy with the accommodation and itinerary.

While deciding on destinations for group holidays in Italy you will need to keep a rough budget in mind; a figure which everyone can afford. Don’t forget that the cost of group holidays in Italy is not all you will need to pay for; you will also need insurance, transport to the airport, flights and transfers if not included, and spending money. It is advisable to look for booking agents which offer group holidays in Italy discounts for large parties. Choose someone who will be responsible for collecting money and booking the holiday in their name, and make a rule that everyone should pay that person before they book it, by a set date. Make sure every member of your group has an up-to-date passport before booking, and print off details of where you are staying and where you will visit. It is also helpful to buy a cheap map for everybody in the group, which will come in useful if anybody gets lost.

Protect Against Malaria with Mosquito Nets

If you are travelling in a malarial zone, a mosquito net is vital. It is said that mosquitoes have killed more people than war. Literally bloodthirsty, they may be, but the real danger of mosquitoes lies in the infections and diseases they can pass between people. Rift Valley fever, epidemic polyarthritis, encephalitis (including the West Nile Virus) and malaria can be transmitted by mosquitoes. Every year, at least 2 million people die as as result of such mosquito-born infections. Most of these deaths are children.

It is important to make sure you have the right size mosquito net for your bed. A variety of styles are available for single and double beds. Those mosuqito nets which require hanging (be it from a hook, wall or clothes lines) come with the necessary kit.

Portable, freestanding mosquito nets are perfect for use with tents. If you are off camping or are else in a situation where a traditional net cannot be hung, then these provide the answer.

Those who are moving around and/or don’t necessarily know where they will be sleeping, compact mosquito nets are ideal. Whilst products large enough to cover even double beds are available, their design means they can be collapsed down small enough to be stored in a compression bag. They are small enough to be carried in backpacks or hand luggage; the perfect choice for those off travelling the globe or trekking around Asia.

It is the recommendation of the World Health Organisation that all those travelling within malarial zones take with them a mosuqito net impregnated with a strong insecticide. Long Lasting Impregnation (LLI) kills mosquitoes as soon as they land on the net. The LLI lasts for 2 years, after which it can be reimpregnated with commercially available anti-mosquito treatments. You simply mix a solution of the anti-mosquito treatment to the right level of concentration and then draw the net through. Once dry, the net will be reimpregnated with LLI.

Mosquitoes are active between dusk and dawn; hence the importance of mosquito nets. As well as a net, it’s important to keep yourself covered if you are out and about at night, during the early morning or evening. You may be up and moving, but that won’t stop them trying to bite. Head nets are made of a fine mesh that offers you clear vision while also keeping the mosquitoes off your face.

Of course, mosquitoes can be a pest even if they are not carrying dangerous diseases. For that reason, some mosquito nets are available in non LLI versions which are suitable for using in the UK and other non malarial areas.

When travelling in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia or the Americas, it’s vital you take a mosquito net with you. Whether you’re staying in a double bed in a single hotel or hiking through the foothills, sleeping beneath the stars every night, there is a net suitable for your requirements. Malaria is a horrible problem, but there are straightforward steps you can take to avoid the worst of it.

Travel on a Healthy Stomach

What are the best methods for treating drinking water abroad? This is a very common question amongst travellers who may not have access to clean drinking or bottled water. Boiling water is a great method, but not always practical. Here we look at alternatives to boiling water.

Chlorine dioxide tablets are among the safest and most effective chemical water disinfectants around. They kill bacteria, viruses and cysts in water (including giardia and cryptosporidium). As well as drinking water, it is important to treat any water which may enter your body, e.g. water used for brushing your teeth or preparing food. There’s no need for additional neutralising tablets as chlorine dioxide tablets don’t have any taste. The tablets can be used to treat up to 30 litres of water and are safe for long term use.

Until recently, iodine was the most commonly known and commonly employed water purification treatments. However, iodine is not being supported under the EU Biocides Directive and so most manufacturers have discontinued supplying iodine products since 2009. We now recommend using chlorine dioxide tablets; a great alternative.

If you are not limited with space, try the handy Aquapure Traveller portable water purifier bottle. It utilises new M.A.D. (Mechanically Advanced Disinfection) Technology, a chemical free system that not only does a better job than the original product, but also has a faster flow rate: all without chemicals. The bottle is designed to provide safe drinking water that tastes fantastic. Its filter cap will purify an average of 350 litres during its lifetime, and is the sole portable water purifier endorsed by the Hospital of Tropical Diseases London. It is eco-friendly; by using the Aquapure Traveller, you are helping the environment by not disposing of 700 plastic bottles per filter. It is simple to use. There aren’t any chemicals or complicated produces; you just fill it and drink. Aquapure Traveller removes bacteria and viruses such as E. Coli, polio, hepatitis A and others. It removes waterborne pathogens, such as giardia, cryptosporidium, etc. It removes toxic chemicals and heavy metals, as well as bad tastes, odours and sediment. It’s the perfect solution for holiday makers, backpackers, trekkers, business travellers and, , anyone who requires access to pure, fresh water anywhere in the world. Replacement filters can be bought and can be replaced by simply taking off the old cap and screwing on a brand new one.

Bimuno Travelaid helps keep your tummy healthy while overseas. This truly exceptional patented formula has been specifically developed for travellers by global specialists in digestive health. Research show that the unique second generation prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide formulation of Bimuno Travelaid helps to encourage and sustain a normal level of your gut’s “good” bacteria (bifidobacteria) helping to prevent “bad bacteria” from becoming established. Furthermore, unlike other prebiotics, or indeed probiotics, it also has unique anti-adhesive properties, which help your body to drive out “bad” bacteria you might have consumed. By this combined effect of maintaining a favourable balance of “good” bacteria and preventing bad bacteria from finding a home you can help to keep your tummy healthy. Since the protective benefits of Travelaid build over time, it is recommended that you take the product for seven days before your departure and each day whilst you are on your travels. Because of its effectiveness, Travelaid is recommended by a large number of travel clinicians and Bimuno is an approved travel industry partner of ABTA. I hope you found this article about chlorine tablets for water purification interesting and informative.

Stay in a Luxury House in Kenya to See the African Wildlife

Luxury Holiday Kenya

Kenya is among the major countries of Africa and an immensely popular tourist destination of the world. To have the chance to explore the wilderness, why not go and stay in one of the luxury houses in Kenya?

As peace returns to Kenya there has never been a better time to go and visit this magnificent country. Kenya is one of the major countries of Africa and an immensely popular tourist destination of the world. Kenya has a large diversity of landscapes, namely mountains, beaches and desert areas. But majority of the country is covered by an open, grassy plain called savannah. The savannas are home to a multitude of animals, including lions, giraffes, leopards, antelopes, zebras, elephants, rhinoceros and many more.

Traditionally the summer months of July and August are the most popular times of year to visit. One need not worry about accommodation in Kenya as there are various luxury houses, camps and stone cottages. To avoid the wave of tourists staying in hotels, and to have the chance to explore the wilderness, why not go and stay in one of the Safari lodges in Kenya?

If you choose to stay in a luxury house in Kenya, tourist attractions include tours of Mount Kenya, splendid beaches, and vast savannah lands. Therefore a luxury house in Kenya will allow anyone to explore their interests: tall peaks, deep canyons, waving grasslands and sandy beaches cover the land, with each region having its own landscape, climate and wildlife.

You have the opportunity to go and see some of the worlds most endangered animal species, including black rhinos, five hundred of which live in the Laikipia District. If you stay in a luxury house in Kenya you will almost certainly see and get close to game that protected and undisturbed by human contact. You will almost certainly view elephant, giraffe, leopard, lion, hyena, common zebra, and the rare Grevy’s zebra, even more endangered than the black rhino. Luxury houses in Kenya, especially in this district (one of the most favoured tourist destinations in Kenya), allow you to explore the vast plateau bordering the central Kenya highlands and the north west of Mount Kenya. Vacationing in a luxury house in this part of Kenya could be the most memorable experience of a lifetime.

The Lewa wildlife conservancy in the Laikipia district also promises elephants, leopards, zebras and gazelles. For the more adventurous individuals, camel safaris will come in handy. If you are looking for a romantic retreat, bringing the family on vacation, or travelling alone, a Laikipia adventure awaits you, and stay in a luxury house in one of Kenya’s wildlife ranches. Game Drives, bush breakfasts, escorted walks, night game drives, sundowners, hideouts all feature at houses in Kenya.

The staff that work in Kenyas luxury houses are always pleasant and friendly. And, as many of Kenya’s inhabitants speak English there will not be any sort of language barrier. The local people have always been extremely helpful, courteous and gladly welcome foreigners to their country. At night you may return to a dusk swim, watching perhaps a herd of Elephant arriving at the waterhole, and experience some absolutely memorable cuisine at your luxury house in Kenya. Luxury houses in Kenya are sometimes visited as part of organised safaris, and you’ll pay much more if you just turn up and ask for a room. So its best to book a luxury house in Kenya in advance to avoid the higher prices.

Without apparent effort, staying in Safari lodge Kenya will allow you to move in Africa time, totally controlled by sunrise and sunset. It will be as if the real world doesn’t exist anymore, and you may find yourself viewing the abundant game from much closer than a safari vehicle. Exploring the country either high on a camel, on horseback, or on a mountain bike, Kenya awaits you.