Cruise

Guide To Planning A Holiday Cruise Destination

Have you been considering resuming cruise travel in 2023? Holiday cruises have returned around the globe with a splash, and if you’re looking to see multiple destinations in one trip, cruise travel is the answer you’re looking for. Offering resort-style cruises, themed experiences, high-thrill adventures and even once-in-a-lifetime worldwide tours, cruise holidays are the perfect way to open up a whole new world of exciting destinations and experiences. Rest and rejuvenate in the resort-style facilities on board, delight your taste buds with a wealth of world-wide dining experiences and laugh until your belly hurts with world-class entertainment at your doorstep.  Whether it’s your first time booking a cruise or you’re ready to resume travel, check out our guide to planning a holiday cruise vacation for all the tips you need to make it a success.   How To Book A Cruise Trip 1. Book with a Cruise Travel Agent When it comes to booking your next expedition at sea, there’s really no better way to do it than by booking through a cruise travel agent, such as the team at Pulse Travel. Bringing over 40 years of knowledge to the table they will have the experience and expertise to book the right package for you, as well as take you through all the extra options you can enjoy on board, such as fine dining experiences and the various day tours available at your stops. If you’re travelling to a destination you’re not familiar with or travelling with a cruise company you haven’t used before, these hot tips are a must-have. There can be a range of different factors coming into play when booking cruise travel, so enlist an agent to guide you. They may even be able to arrange a discount on activities or perks like an upgraded cabin to make your trip extra special. After all, who doesn’t love free stuff!   2. Organise Pre- and Post-Cruise Transport In Advance While once you’re on board the cruise ship all of your travel plans will (generally) be taken care of for you, before you board the ship for the first time it’s up to you to arrange your transport to and from the cruise port. As the day you set sail and the day you return are likely to be chaotic, this is best organised well in advance! If you’ve never travelled on a cruise ship before, think of it like planning for a flight – it pays to be prepared and ensure you have plenty of time to spare in case last-minute issues arise. If you’re not sailing from and returning to a port near your home, we’d recommend discussing and booking this in with your cruise travel agent while confirming other details of your trip. Your agent can book a private transfer from the airport to the cruise terminal to ensure you make your boarding time, or help to book accommodation in the area if you want to arrive the night before. Again, you want to ensure you have plenty of time between connections for last-minute problems – but your cruise travel agent can advise you with all of that!   3. Pre-book Your On-board & Off-board Activities Apart from the opportunity to disconnect from the world and spend your days reading, swimming, eating and sleeping, one of the best parts of cruising are all of the on- and off-board activities available! When you first book your trip, you’ll be introduced to a whole new world of dining, entertainment, relaxation and off-board adventures that you can take part in while on holiday. The most popular activities tend to fill up fast, so if you see something you like it’s best to reserve your place early. You may even get the opportunity to take advantage of any “early bird” specials available! Booking activities early will help structure your day on and off the ship. The best vacations offer the perfect balance of activity and relaxation. Plan your days early so you can sail the ocean without getting bored or stressed as you try to do things last minute, and don’t miss out on all of the activities that you really want to do!   4. Budget for your time on board While many cruise vacation packages offer deals that include everything from food and beverages to entertainment and excursions, there may be some activities that aren’t included. While these extras aren’t off-limits, it’s important to make sure you’ve got some extra spending money for things you may want to do last-minute. Keep in mind that most cruises operate a cashless system on board, so anything extra you want to do will be charged straight to a nominated card at the end of your time! It can be easy to overspend, so keep track of outgoings and ensure you have enough funds to cover your expenses. Some cruise liners may also allow gratuities for the staff, so you’ll want to factor this in.   How To Pack For A Cruise Holiday 1. Have your documents at the ready You’ll need to have all your travel documents ready at the port, just like you would when you’re going for a flight. Check with your cruise company before travel for what’s required, and gather all relevant documentation together in a single folder when you pack. If you’re heading off into international waters, you will need your passport, visa, and vaccination certificates. Even if you’re going on a domestic cruise, you’ll still need ID and, most likely, those vaccination certificates. Don’t forget your travel insurance policy to prepare yourself for any unexpected circumstances.   2. Ensure your baggage is within the required weight limits While cruise ships don’t generally have baggage weight limits, if you’re flying to or from a cruise port, it’s important to make sure your baggage fits within the required limits. The total baggage allowance that you can bring will depend on your carrier, and whether you’re flying domestically or internationally. While you can generally expect between 20 - 32KG in your checked baggage, your carry-on is also likely to be subject to a limit around the 10KG mark. Your cruise travel agent can advise you of all this information. When packing for your trip, don’t forget to leave extra room for trinkets as well so that you can enjoy shopping while on holiday!   Make memories to cherish forever Make memories to cherish forever by choosing a cruise for your next vacation. Contact our friendly and knowledgeable advisors at Pulse Travel to start planning your dream cruise vacation. We also offer business travel options, so we’re here for all your travel and vacation needs!

Top UNESCO Heritage Listed Sites To Visit On Your Next Trip

Lost cities. Ancient ruins. Towering pyramids. Architectural marvels. Since its inception in 1978 over 1000 ancient marvels have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Listed sites, and for those who love all things historical, seeing them all can be a daunting task. Attracting millions of tourists every year from all around the globe, UNESCO World Heritage Listed sites continue to astound and impress all who gaze upon them. Whether you’re a fan of learning the history behind our planet or just want to see some of the world’s most popular attractions, these seven UNESCO Heritage Listed sites are all must-sees during your lifetime.   Pyramids of Giza | Egypt Built over 4000 years ago and the last standing wonder from the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are a sight to behold for anyone journeying to the desert nation. Primarily located on the outskirts of Cairo, the Pyramids make an impressive silhouette against the skyline – towering up out of the flat desert landscape and just metres from the bustling city, they need to be seen to be believed. Flanked by the incredible Egyptian Sphinx, there are a few ways to visit these ancient structures. Choose to book a guided Egypt tour through our experienced leisure team and learn all about these ancient structures as you journey through the area, or stay in one of the many hotels within Cairo and walk through the Pyramids on your own time with your personal Egyptologist Guide.   Angkor & Angkor Wat | Cambodia Just outside Siem Reap lies the Angkor Region, hidden within the jungles of Cambodia and home to one of the largest and most incredible religious structures in the world, Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century, the ancient city of Angkor was originally one of the world’s largest cities – made up of several kilometres of ancient temples, carved stone faces and steep stone staircases, it was home to nearly one million people at its peak in the 13th century, now attracting millions of visitors to the lands each year. Now a globally-recognized UNESCO Heritage Listed site, the Angkor Region attracts visitors for several reasons – home to the famous temple of Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm Temple and so much more, there is plenty to see and photograph when visiting this vast ancient city, and it’s recommended you dedicate at least a full day to exploring the area!   Great Wall of China | China Built in the 7th century BC and spanning almost 6,000 kilometres long, the Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most well-known and famous UNESCO World Heritage Listed sites, and for good reason. Initially built to protect China’s territories from invading countries, today the Wall stands as one of China’s most important and iconic tourist landmarks – attracting over 10 million visitors each year, guests to the wall can walk along the top of its cobbled streets or haggle for souvenirs at the base, with plenty of deals available for those who are smart enough. There are several ways to make the most of your time visiting this iconic Chinese landmark – pack your hiking boots and trek along the half restored and half-wild portion at Jinshanling, enjoy a night tour at the Simatai section, or plan a camping trip at the scenic Huanghuacheng section (complete with lake views)! The best part is, it’s said that the Great Wall of China can be seen from space – although our travel team hasn’t been up to confirm this yet!   Machu Picchu | Peru  If you’re looking for a breathtaking, mind-blowing site to visit that’s complete with spectacular views, you really don’t need to look much further than Machu Picchu. Built into the mountains of Peru high above the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu is by far one of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Originally built by and occupied by the Incas around the 15th century, this ancient site provides almost as many questions as it answers – how did civilisation thrive up there, why did it fall and how was the whole city built in the first place? For those looking to visit this UNESCO Heritage Listed site, there are a few ways you can go about it. Booking a tour through Pulse Travel and allowing your experienced tour guide to show you the best parts is by far the best way to do it, otherwise you can stay at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge and head up early in the morning to explore in your own time.    Stonehenge | England Have you ever wondered how these near-mythical stones came to stand upright in the way that they do? Located about 1.5 hours south-west of London, Stonehenge has long baffled historians, and for good reason. Built between 3000 to 1500 BC and made up of roughly 100 stones, this UNESCO Heritage Listed Site has left historians with many questions since its discovery. With little to no idea why the monument was used, nor any idea how it was erected in the first place, this ancient place has drawn people from all over the globe. Drawing over one million visitors each year, there are several things to do while visiting Stonehenge. You can enter some of the rebuilt Neolithic houses nearby and understand how people lived 4,500 years ago, spend time taking in the sunset or combine your trip out to Stonehenge with a trip to Bath and some of the nearby historical towns.   If you’re going to visit Stonehenge, we recommend visiting the site either early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenery as the sun's rays shoot between the stones. Our team of experienced travel agents are professionals at planning your ideal vacation and providing plenty of tips on making your experience incredible, so next time you’re planning a trip get in touch with our team!

Five Christmas Holiday Destinations To Visit In Australia

When it comes to summer vacations, Australia is full of idyllic destinations perfect for your Christmas holidays. Think sparkling white beaches, ancient rainforests, unique wildlife and a vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment scene that comes alive during the summer months. Whether you’re looking for a holiday full of adventure or would prefer to spend your holidays lying under the sun, Australia has endless opportunities for adventures of every kind.  Our experienced leisure agents always have their finger on the pulse finding the best holiday deals, but if you’re brainstorming ideas and to know where to go, here are five Australian destinations perfect for your next Christmas holiday! 1. The Whitsundays The Whitsundays is a popular holiday spot for both Australians and tourists all year round, and for good reason – globally famous for its unbelievably white beaches combined with crystal clear tropical waters, it’s an ideal tropical destination to visit while in the country. Located within the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the Whitsundays is full of family-friendly activities to keep the kids entertained. Book in for a snorkelling day trip, sail past the many sparkling beaches or get up and close with wildlife at Daydream Island’s Living Reef. While summer is the busiest time of year for the area, there are still plenty of family-friendly beachside areas to stay in. Stay on the Airlie Beach Marina at The Boathouse Apartments, or stay at the Big4 Holiday Park just outside the town. If you have the extra cash to splash, a stay at Daydream Island Resort is a must!   2. Sydney CBD If you’d prefer to swap your lazy beachside holiday for a jam-packed city adventure, there’s really no better place to visit during the Christmas holidays than the Sydney CBD. From the moment the clock strikes midnight on December 1st, Sydney CBD comes alive with holiday activities – the lights go up on the Martin Place Christmas Tree, the Christmas stalls pop up in The Rocks and Darling Harbour comes alive with spectacular Christmas displays. Combine all of that with the Sydney Opera House, Aquarium, Botanical Gardens and the dining opportunities of Circular Quay, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an incredible Christmas adventure. What more could you possibly want! There are dozens of hotels littered throughout Sydney CBD to suit every sort of budget, but here are a couple of choices we’d recommend.   For a budget Sydney hotel option: Travelodge Hotel Martin Place or ParkRoyal Darling Harbour For a mid-range Sydney hotel option: Ovolo 1888 or Ibis Darling Harbour For a high-end Sydney hotel option: Park Hyatt The Rocks or Shangri-La Hotel   3. Tasmania Tasmania may not be the first place you think of when planning a Christmas holiday destination, but summer is actually the best time to go! Heating up to a comfortable 23 degrees during the height of summer, Tasmania’s swathes of untouched wilderness is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a spot of adventure. Think snow-capped peaks, glistening blue bays and showstopping natural formations such as the Blowhole and Tasman’s Arch. While there are plenty of cool things to do and places to see in Tasmania, there are a few sights we recommend putting at the top of your list during a Christmas trip. Hike through Freycinet National Park and swim at Wineglass Bay in Tasmania’s oldest nature reserves, head to the Tasman National Park and see the wealth of famous natural formations and birdlife, or head 80 kilometres out of Hobart and visit the show stopping Mount Field National Park. If you're up for a more unique summer adventure, you can also walk the Three Capes Track, a 48 kilometre track that runs through the Tasman National Park! Tasmania is full of adventures both great and small, so we’d recommend speaking to our leisure travel agents to create your ideal trip. You can get in touch with us HERE or email at leisure@pulsetravel.com.au.   4. Gold Coast The Gold Coast is a popular Christmas destination for millions of holidaymakers all around the world, and for good reason – Want a holiday that combines sparkling beaches, unique Australian animals, family-friendly entertainment and plenty of shopping and dining opportunities? Look no further! Home to SeaWorld, Dreamworld, Movieworld and Wet ‘n’ Wild, a trip to the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks is a must-do. Boasting plenty of rides, slides and entertainment, a trip to the Theme Parks is suitable for kids big and small, perfect for creating unforgettable memories and tiring kids out for a good night's sleep. If you want to keep to the cheaper (or free) activities, there are still plenty of things you can do – spend the day sunbathing and swimming at Burleigh Heads or Surfers Paradise Beach, take a hike and see the waterfalls in Springbrook National Park, or drive up north and spend the day in Brisbane.    5. Margaret River Christmas is all about enjoying the finer things in life – good food, great company and even better wine – so where else is more appropriate to spend the Christmas holidays than in the Margaret River region. Surrounded by ocean on three sides and home to over 90 cellar doors, the Margaret River region is ideal for wine-soaked afternoons, long lunches and lazy days walking among the wineries and learning the secrets behind making the perfect drop. When visiting the Margaret River, there are two ways to make the most of your stay – stay at one of the wineries themselves (we recommend staying at Cullen Wines) or stay at one of the local resorts and book yourself onto a winery tour to explore the region.   Whether you’re after a high-thrill adventure, a sun-soaked vacation, a family holiday or a romantic getaway, Australia has a wealth of opportunities to suit every holidaymaker's style and budget. The Christmas and summer period is by far Australia’s most popular holiday season, so if you’re ready to plan your next Christmas vacation, get in touch with our team of leisure consultants to plan your trip today.