Moving Stress – 10 Ways To Make Moving Easy For Your Family

BY  Sibashree Dec 27, 2023

For many Londoners, Brighton is a regular weekend getaway destination.   But the city also has some of the greatest hotels in the country when a quick Airbnb isn’t enough.   There are smart addresses opening to serve weekend crowds and a growing number of digital nomads.   The seaside city is currently experiencing a thriving restaurant and hotel scene.  In addition to the typical hostels and business hotels, co-living spaces, eateries with rooms, and boutique accommodations are now available.   They have well-planned interiors and lively common areas that create a party atmosphere.   So now is the perfect time for a seaside getaway if you have not had one in a while.  Are you looking for hotels in Brighton?   Here are some of the best hotels that will ensure you get a good rest. You will also have a sneak peek of the quintessential Brighton life and culture.  What Are The Best Boutique Hotels In Brighton? Come rain or shine, Brighton is a great place for a seaside getaway where anything goes. A visit here is now even more enticing because of the city's growing restaurant scene. It is even attracting Londoners to relocate south. Here are the best hotels in Brighton to help you unwind: Best Hotels In Brighton: A Quick Summary   Hotel Name Ideal For / Vibe Accommodation Types Standout and Unique Features Selina • Digital nomads • Solo travelers • Millennial & communal vibe • Two Suites • Private Rooms • Shared Dorms • Co-working desks & artisan coffee • Activities: Yoga at Old Pier, beach clean-ups, craft workshops • Staffed by students and international frequent flyers The Ginger Pig • Astute locals & foodies • Travelers seeking an exclusive, sedate neighborhood feel • Boutique hotel rooms • Small double rooms (featuring separate tubs) • Acclaimed restaurant with Sussex-sourced produce and great vegetarian choices • Dog-friendly bar area with velvet chairs and brass hardware • Separate visitor entrance and pre-made cocktails in the room fridge Artist Residence • Art lovers & couples • Creative, stylish, and relaxed boutique stay • Converted townhouse rooms • Room 21: King-size bed, sea views, and a massive copper tub with a TV over it • Decor featuring curated antiques, neon art, and collage murals • Wallpapers and prints co-created with artist/activist Fox Fisher since 2008 • Permissive atmosphere (wear pajamas to breakfast or take martinis to bed) Harbour Hotel • Multigenerational family vacations • School break trips • Roomy bedrooms • Room 102: Best ocean views, bathtub, and ideal privacy for solo/couple travelers • Unrivaled seafront location steps away from the Brighton Lanes • Secret underground spa and a swimming pool • Highly walkable layout eliminating the need for a rental car  Selina A generation of wannabe backpacking travelers has become digital nomads thanks to co-living ideas like Selina.   It offers reasonably priced lodging that crosses the boundaries between hostel and hotel.   It also has co-working desks that are utilized for purposes other than beer pong competitions.   There are three options for accommodations at the Brighton outpost.   Two Suites  Private Rooms  And Shared Dorms  Many of the staff members are also students or frequent visitors from abroad.  It is as millennial as it gets, in the best way possible.   A typical day might include yoga at the Old Pier in the morning and coffee from Brighton’s artisan roastery Pelicano.   It could also have a power hour surrounded by pink-haired entrepreneurs and potted plants, a beach clean-up in the afternoon, and a cocktail-paired craft workshop.   Whether you refer to it as hot-desking or co-working, this space has a lovely communal vibe that makes it ideal for socializing with others or traveling alone.  The Ginger Pig Just 15 minutes by bus from Brighton’s downtown, in a more sedate and affluent neighborhood, the Ginger Pig’s restaurant is a favorite among astute locals.   They are spotting Sussex-sourced produce, spirits, and sex appeal away from the crowds.   With its glossy velvet chairs, brass hardware, and dark teal and sage color scheme, the bar exudes an air of exclusivity without being unachievable.   Your four-legged friends are welcome to join you at the bar.   Vegetarians, too, have a lot of choices despite the name and the Gingerman group’s reputation for obtaining the best cuts.  For example, baked celeriac paired with some glazed chicory and crispy wild mushroom arancini replaces the tired risotto.   The Ginger Pig is a restaurant, but it is more than that.  Thoughtful touches like a separate entrance for visitors and pre-made cocktails in the refrigerator lend credibility to its status as a boutique hotel.   Size does not matter when it comes to bedrooms.  We would rather do away with the trend of bathrooms in bedrooms in favor of small double rooms with separate tubs. Artist Residence The boutique brand Artist Residence started in Regency Square and later expanded to Oxfordshire, Penzance, Pimlico, and Bristol.   Thoughtfully chosen antiques, clever prints, and vibrant canvases created by local artists adorn each property, but Brighton’s has an extra special touch.  Owner Justin invited the city’s creatives to contribute to the hotel’s artistic scene in exchange for lodging.  They transformed it into a true, contemporary artist’s residence that is as stylish as Brighton itself.   You could take your martini to bed and wear your pajamas to breakfast in this converted townhouse.   The bar is home to couples who spend whole weekends holed up in their rooms and remote workers.  I adore the collage murals throughout the restaurant by Maria Rivans.   I also love the neon washing line by Andy Doig, whose studio is located along the waterfront.   The main attraction is Room 21, which features a copper bathtub that is nearly as large as the king-size bed.  It offers views of the sea, champagne glasses for guests, and a widescreen TV suspended over the bathtub.  Overall, it is an unusual but delightful luxury.   There are numerous artworks of artist and activist Fox Fisher all over the city.   The two have collaborated with the hotel on screen-printed wallpaper and unique prints since 2008.  Harbour Hotel Many of the hotels on Brighton’s seafront have remained intact since the British seaside holiday boom of the post-war era.  These hotels lean more corporate than hip.   Therefore, after the success of its first hotel of the same name in Salcombe, Harbour Hotel faced great anticipation from both locals and tourists when it announced a major refurbishment of the property back in 2015.   Its unrivaled location, right on the seafront, just steps from the renowned Brighton Lanes.  combined with its It also has a secret underground spa and roomy bedrooms that have made it a popular destination for multigenerational vacations, especially during school breaks.  Kids play in the open-plan restaurant while parents chat in the social spa.   Are you going alone or with a companion?   If you want to get your lengths in without kids jumping into the pool, book room 102 for more privacy.  It offers the best view of the ocean and a bathtub (the other rooms are more family-oriented).   You can also get to the pool early.   Don’t bother renting a car, as even small legs will have no trouble getting to all the key locations on foot. Getting To Brighton And Timing Your Stay Booking one of these hotels is the easy part.  You have to get down to the coast, and pick the right weekend is what actually shapes how the trip feels.   Brighton's proximity to London is exactly what makes it such a popular short break, but that same proximity means timing matters more than you'd think.  How To Get There From London  Brighton's biggest advantage over most seaside towns is how effortless it is to reach.   Direct trains run from London Victoria and London Bridge roughly every few minutes at peak times, with the fastest services covering the 47-mile route in under an hour.   Advance tickets can be found for as little as £8, though anytime fares run closer to £35.  So, booking ahead pays off if your dates are fixed. Driving down the A23/M23 corridor takes about the same time door-to-door once you account for parking.  Also, several of the hotels above, Selina and Artist Residence especially, sit in the pedestrian-friendly Lanes and North Laine areas.  So, a car can end up being more hassle than help once you have arrived.   Option   Journey Time  Typical Cost  Best For  Southern/Thameslink (Standard)   1 Hour from London Bridge or Victoria  Advance from £8 Off-Peak  Around £20–28 Return   The default choice as it is frequent, direct, and there is no booking hassle.  Gatwick Express-Linked service   Fastest Option and Takes Less than an Hour.  From £15+ Advance  Travellers connecting via Gatwick Airport  Driving (A23/M23)  Around 1 Hour and 15 Minutes to 1 Hour and 30 Minutes from Central London   £15–20 Fuel £15–25  for City Parking  Groups, or if you want a car once you're there  National Express Coach   About 2 Hours and 30 Minutes  From £6  The budget option if time is not tight  When To Book Your Room  Brighton runs on a weekend rhythm more than a seasonal one.   Friday and Saturday nights command a premium at all four hotels year-round, since the city pulls in day-trippers and weekenders from London in roughly equal measure.   Summer (June through August) is the busiest and priciest stretch, driven by the beach, the Pier, and Brighton's packed festival calendar.  Especially the Brighton Festival in May and Pride in early August boost the crowd.  So, the room rates go up well in advance.  For a quieter, cheaper version of the same hotels, a midweek stay in late spring or early autumn gets you the seafront views and boutique interiors without the weekend rate hike.  Also, restaurants like the Ginger Pig are far easier to book on short notice outside peak season.  Enjoy A Trip To Brighton With The Best Hotels  Of course, a trip to Brighton wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the pier and getting lost in the famed Lanes.   Independent stores, eateries, pubs, and art galleries, or climbing the 450-foot-tall i360 observation tower dot the area for incredible panoramic views.   When you combine this with the exciting nightlife, it’s obvious that a trip to this beach location offers far more than just a simple vacation.  Once you’ve seen everything Brighton has to offer, where should you stay?   See the sparkling sea? Check. A trendy bar with rooms above it? Not an issue.  If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about hotels in Brighton, please leave a comment below.   We would love to hear from you!  Read Also: Eternal Elegance: A Guide To The Best Hotels In Rome Top Hotels With Jacuzzi In Room In Las Vegas – Travel Guide Here Are The 25+ Best Hotels In Mexico City That You Must Visit!

BY  Ankita Oct 16, 2023

Pigeon Forge may be a modest town with a population of 6,500, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in any way. When it comes to shopping in particular, there are more than 300 stores spread across the town that offer gifts, handmade items, souvenirs, and a wide variety of other items. You come to Pigeon Forge, and there is no chance that you will go back empty-handed. Here are some of the best shopping tips when you are out on a spree in Pigeon Forge: Here Are Some Famous Gift Shops In Pigeon Forge While out on vacation, most people either buy gifts to take back for their loved ones or get souvenirs that can serve as a reminder of their trip. If you are looking for either of these purchases, Pigeon Forge has a plethora of gift shops that you can hit up and find the ideal items to give to almost any person, regardless of their age or gender. Here are some of the most famous local gift shops for you to explore: a. Three Bears General Store Three Bears General Store in Pigeon Forge is the ideal place to go if you want to buy something that keeps reminding you of your travels. This enormous store, which is just off the Parkway, contains whatever you can think of. Numerous products with a Smoky Mountain motif are available, including clothes, blankets, and figurines. Additionally, this business offers jewelry, snacks, accessories, and a lot more. It is by far one of the most famous Pigeon Forge gift shops to explore. b. Mountain Mile General Store Another prominent and often-visited local gift shop is the Mountain Mile General Store. Located on Teaster Lane, this shop is one that offers almost everything that you could possibly imagine as a gift. There are home décor items, magnets, buttons, Smokies-themed apparel, and a lot more besides. Whether you are looking for a birthday gift or just something to carry as memorabilia, this store has it all, making it a must-visit spot in Pigeon Forge. The Best Local Stores It’s not just Pigeon Forge, but anywhere you visit, it is important that you take a trip to some of the famous local stores. It gives you an idea of what the area is known for, what residents make and sell that is not available anywhere else in the country, as well as to get a glimpse of cultures and traditions that are upheld in the city. When talking about Pigeon Forge, some of the renowned local stores include: a. Goats On The Roof Yes, that is the actual name of a general store in Pigeon Forge, and it is exactly what the name indicates. In fact, the store is part of a larger attraction with the same name where real goats are kept on the top of the building. The location also has a mountain coaster for families to enjoy. The store has a lot of items that are related to goats, but there are local clothing, home décor, and edible items available, too. b. The Old Mill General Store The Old Mill is one of the most iconic locations in Pigeon Forge, and this store is a famous attraction within it. The 200-year-old Mill is still operational as it grinds fresh wheat and corn. You can buy a wide variety of freshly ground flours at the store. And that’s not all. You can pick up homemade pickles, jellies, and jams, all freshly produced. Then there is also the available range of toys, souvenirs, candies, and a lot more besides. Some General Shopping Tips While Traveling Shopping is naturally an essential part of every vacation. However, all that stuff you buy definitely increases your luggage, which may not be a problem if you travel to Pigeon Forge in an RV or your own car, but if you took a flight and intend to take one back, weight is something you will need to take into account. And that’s just one thing to take care of. Here are a few tips that make travel shopping significantly easier: a. Pack light There is a good probability that you will go shopping everywhere you go, whether you are traveling domestically or internationally. Since you are aware of this, it is best to bring minimal luggage. This is an important consideration if you are flying, but if you drive across the country and have room in your vehicle, you might not need to consider it. b. Browse Before You Pick There are a lot of different shops selling a wide variety of items across Pigeon Forge. At times, you may feel like buying almost everything in a store, but that’s not always practical. A great thing is that despite there being more than 300 stores, they are all located in relatively close vicinity. So, it is better to browse different places before buying anything. You can always come back to a store if you find something you like and can’t find it anywhere else. c. Be Careful With Edible Items In Pigeon Forge, the Old Mill store is not the only place where you’ll find edible items to buy. Almost every famous general store in the town offers some local delicacy that you would want to take back home. However, carrying edible items is tricky, irrespective of whether you are traveling by road or by car. Freshly ground flour, in particular, can be difficult to transport. Make sure that you get a plastic container for it, or else you run the risk of getting that white powder in various places that you’d have to clean up later on. Conclusion Pigeon Forge is a comprehensive travel destination that offers a lot in terms of entertainment and considerable shopping choices. From memorabilia to apparel, from edibles to décor products, you can find almost everything down here, but it is important not to go crazy and shop wisely. Read Also: Eight Outdoor Attractions In Pigeon Forge For Thrill-Seekers 8 Reasons To Spend Your Spring Vacation In Pigeon Forge Top Tips For A Terrific Vacation

BY  Arnab Oct 28, 2022

A lot of developments have again brought Italy tourism into the limelight. One of the best places to visit in Italy, Lake Como, now allows visitors to take home the most unique souvenirs. You can now carry back 100% pure canned air from this beautiful lake.  ItalyComunica, a communication company, has started this initiative. Their Lake Como Air Cans have 400 ml of pure air from Lake Como and are now available at $11.  "A luxurious souvenir, perfect for those who wish to rediscover the peace and elegance of this heavenly corner, sealed in a tin.." - ItalyComunica Further, as you take this can of pure air home, you can open it and experience the tranquility of Lake Como.  Along with Lake Como, there are many other places to visit in Italy. Of course, everyone knows about the capital city of Rome and the beautiful Venice. However, this time, I have curated some other hotspots in the country.  Here Are The Four Best Places To Visit In Italy A lot of people like to take themselves on Italy tours to try and see it all, but with so much to see, it’s not always possible in one trip. But if you’re planning a trip to Italy, keep reading and discover all the best places that you should visit!  1. Florence Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, and it is often said to be the home of some of the greatest art and architecture in the world. It’s often thought to be the birthplace of the Renaissance, so you can imagine just how glorious the art is. Florence proves this by having one of the most famous art galleries ever, housing the Uffizi Gallery which contains pieces from classic artists like da Vinci, Raphael, and even Michelangelo! Florence is also a little bit slower-paced than other historical cities like Rome, allowing you to really soak in your surroundings without all the hustle and bustle. If architecture is something you love to gaze at when visiting other countries, then Florence could be the answer to your dreams. With beautiful structures like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, you’ll be blown away by just how beautiful this city really is. So, if you want to visit a place with just as much historical significance as Rome but without the tourists, head down to Florence.  2. Verona Fans of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” will have of course heard of the city of Verona, as it’s the setting for one of the greatest tragedies of all time. Verona itself may not be at the top of everyone’s list, but it definitely should be. It’s big enough that you can spend a whole day exploring, but it’s also small enough to feel like a walkable city. Verona may be a modern city with lots of stunning restaurants to visit, but it also pays homage to the star-crossed lovers with a museum in a building named “Juliet’s House”. There you’ll find different outfits from movies and plays that have been performed throughout history and all sorts of historical artefacts from the time period of the play. You can even get the perfect photo op on Juliet’s balcony and look longingly out onto the view of Verona and ask the question “Wherefore art thou Romeo?”. A little way down the road, there’s a small tomb that’s said to belong to Juliet as well, so you can pay your respects to the ill-fated lady. Travel-wise, Verona’s train station is right in the centre and has links to all the surrounding cities, allowing you to make it a simple day trip on your itinerary.  3. Praiano If you’re wanting that picturesque Italian experience, then Praiano could be your dream vacation. A small town situated on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, you can enjoy gorgeous beach views and breathtaking architecture. There’s the 15th-century church in the middle of the town called the Church of San Gennaro which showcases the best of the baroque architecture. The beach itself is absolutely amazing, with crystal blue waters and surrounded by rocky cliffs, you’ll be able to enjoy the sun and relax in the shade at the same time. If you like an active vacation, then you might want to check out the Sentiero Degli Dei, or the Footpath of the Gods. This trail is 7km long and goes all the way from Praiano and up to Nocelle near Positano city. However, you’ll need to be prepared for the staircase that awaits you at the start, as you’ll need to climb 1,900 steps! Praiano is one of the lesser-known areas of the Amalfi Coast, but that doesn’t mean it’s lesser than any of the other areas. So, make sure you add it to your holiday plans!  4. Padua  Finally, if you want to go somewhere that’s steeped in history and gives you a truly authentic Italian experience but without all the tourists of Venice, then Padua is the place for you. Padua, or Padova in Italian, is a small city that’s just outside of Venice. Padua has a train station right in the centre that has a direct line to Venice, and all sorts of other places like Florence and Rome. This makes it a great place to stay without having to fall into the tourist traps of Venice and enjoy some tranquillity at the same time. Padua has the second oldest university in the whole of Italy, which was founded in 1222! There’s also the Basilica of Saint Anthony who was a Portuguese Catholic Priest that passed away in 1231. The Basilica is visually stunning and has a museum that you can visit inside which is dedicated to the saint as well. There’s also a gorgeous outdoor area that’s brimming is history too.  The Prato Della Valle which is the biggest square in the whole of Italy and has statues of Italy’s most renowned intellectuals. If you’re an avid foodie, then you want to head on over to Piazza Dei Signori. There you’ll find all sorts of authentic restaurants and proper Italian gelato too. It’s also home to the Torre dell’Orologio or in English, the astronomical clock. This clock tower was built in 1430 and the clock face shows the different zodiac signs. It really is a magnificent sight to see, and it looks even better when you’re enjoying a plate of good food in the beautiful afternoon sun.   Italy has some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only place with beauty. In fact, there are plenty of other cities and towns within Italy that could offer you even more than places like Venice! This list just goes to show that you don’t have to only visit the tourist areas to get a real view of Italy. So, why not add some of these places to your list of places to visit? You’ll be blown away at how wonderful they all are, and you’ll find yourself wishing you were back there time and time again. 5. Lake Como Located in the Lombardy region of Italy, Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. It looks heavenly with the Bergamo Alps surrounding it, and you can see the reflections of snow-capped peaks in the water.  Further, Lake Como looks different with changing seasons. In summer, you will find the lake surrounded by greens. In winter, of course, it’s all snowy and white as far as you can see.  6. Pompeii, A UNESCO World Heritage Site The Roman architectural site Pompeii is one of the most interesting places to visit in Italy. Such is its appeal that now managing tourism here is a challenge for the management. The first Sunday of October in 2024 had around 36000 visitors to the park. However, from 15th November, the park authority is planning to limit the number of visitors to the park on a daily basis.  Now, only 20000 people can visit Pompeii in a day. Further, you will need to pay an entry fee of €18 to visit Pompeii.