Hoot Holidays Blog

Giving Your Creative Side a Chance to Flourish With Cooking Classes During Vietnam Holidays

Posted on April 19, 2020 by Hoot Holidays

When going for a vacation, people look for opportunities to explore, see and try new things and relax. Getting into a class to learn something new or hone an existing skill does not seem conducive towards the idea. If your opinion is also similar, then it is time to consider additional aspects of such a holiday. It will also give you an excellent opening to learn more about the culture and people during one or multiple of your Vietnam holidays.

Knowing people and their culture through food

Cooking is not only a skill you learn to keep yourself fed, but it is also an effective way to relax for people who are interested in the activity. Moreover, a lot of people are genuinely excited to know more about the culture, practices and people of the country they are visiting. Food is one of the best ways of doing so, and a cooking class will be perfect for that.

The unique nature of joining a cooking class

While eating at a local food joint, you may ask a lot of questions, but the answers may not always be forthcoming because of the language barrier. When a cooking class is designed for visiting tourists, the regular issues are kept in mind. As a result, the course becomes quite capable of resolving the problem and gives you an in-depth view into the life of the locals. The experience will be memorable and open up a new aspect of life for you.

Doing something other than a regular tourist

Whenever anyone goes for a vacation, they do all the things a tourist does, including but not limited to exploring the area, the food and culture. Only a few are interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of the country and the people they are visiting. Even if you are not interested in this part, going for a specially designed cooking class during your Vietnam holidays will be exciting, interesting and illuminating.

The experience will be worth the effort

Along with getting to know about the people and what they eat, you will get to know about the history and importance of the dish you will be cooking. Moreover, the experience of getting to cook something native to the country with all the native ingredients is a novelty in itself. You won’t have to look for something similar to replace the original element because the item in question is not readily available. In short, the experience will be unique in every sense of the term.

Wondering Why Holidays Are More Exciting in Philippines? Read On to Find Out

Posted on April 18, 2020 by Hoot Holidays

While the world warms up for Christmas around December, Philippines kicks off Yuletide celebrations as early as September. Why? Because the Philippines is a fun-loving country! If you planned to rock it on your Philippines holidays, here are some of the ways you can make it extra magical.

Feast on a Versatile Range of Cuisines

Filipino cuisine is widely known for its breathtaking versatility. However, it is vital to note that the best of Filipino cuisine is on display during the major festivals. Nevertheless, during the holiday season, you need not starve for want of enough gastronomic experiences in the country.

Explore the Major Filipino Diving Sites

Did you know that the Philippines has been officially recognised as the centre of marine biodiversity? According to surveys conducted by the International Union for Conservation and Nature, around 1736 marine species are thriving across the ten-kilometre swathe of the phenomenal Verde Passage. It is where you will find the highest concentration of marine life in the world.

Explore the Robinson Crusoe Lifestyle

You can jazz it up like Robinson Crusoe on your next Philippines holidays by exploring mojo of island-living. Did you know that the country is packed with around 7600 islands? You can hop from one island to the next and relive the magic of privacy in the unflattering lap of the elements. Explore a wide range of delights, from surfing wells and lagoons to organic pools and virgin nature treks.

Conclusion

Filipino culture and cuisine make for memorable vacationing. One of the intriguing aspects of the Philippines lies in the fact that it flaunts an unassuming blend of nature and culture. So while you surf or trek, you can grab the fruits of community yoga classes, veganism and local art cultures.

Things to keep in mind while selecting holiday destinations

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Hoot Holidays

Planning a holiday with friends and family is a much-needed break from your daily life. After a long period of daily work life, responsibilities and tensions, you need to engulf yourself in some quality time. By planning your travel to some of the most sought after holiday destinations, you can create some of your most refreshing memories.

But deciding a holiday destination is a tough job given the fact that you have to keep in mind a lot of things. Here is a quick list of some of the important points you need to keep in mind while choosing your holiday destinations:

Set your budget

It is impossible to plan anything unless you know your budget. Your budget will only decide which are the places you can travel to, what are the facilities you can look for, etc. Therefore, decide your expenditure and set a limit. Always keep an extra back-up fund at hand for uncertain circumstances. For example, it’s your budget that will decide whether you can book a 5 star Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa Merlin Beach or opt for Le Meridien Khao Lak located in the serene beaches of Phuket.

Look for destinations that fall under your budget

Once you determine the budget part, look for places to which you can travel. Look for the best holiday destinations that will suit your budget. Get an idea of the tourist attractions at the place and what facilities you can opt for. You also need to decide whether you want to opt for a beachside holiday destination or a hill station or some ‘me’ time in the wilderness of a cottage located near a forest.

Schedule your trip accordingly

Check all the information about the place, and schedule your trip according to the dates you are planning to take a break from your work. Plan your trip accordingly, including all the travel, stay and return duration.

Make your bookings fast

Once you have considered all the above aspects for your holiday, it’s time to book the tickets. Depending on the location of the destination you have planned to visit, look for the most convenient way to commute. It is always best to book the tickets as early as possible so that there is no delay or last-minute hurry.

Consult travel trip advisors or consultants

In order to be worriless at every step of your travel planning, you can seek advice from travel consultants or advisors. They can help you plan as per your need with customised holiday and travel packages that will suit your taste.

Travel Alerts & Updates

COVID-19. What you need to know

If you have booked your travel with Hoot Holidays or looking to book but would like to discuss your options please feel free to contact your Hoot Holidays Specialist on 1300 797 035 or cs@hootholidays.com.au.

Thailand Is Looking to Newer Markets for Higher Numbers of Tourists on Holidays

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Hoot Holidays

The tourism industry is not something which stays alike over the years. The contours in the behavioural and preferential patterns of tourists change in more ways than one. Lately, Thailand’s government has come up with proposals to extend Thailand holidays to newer markets. It includes an extensive focus on the emerging sectors across the globe. Let’s venture a more detailed look.

A Rise in the Number of Australian and Indian Tourists

It is vital to note that American and Chinese tourists have made up the base of Thailand tourism. However, with Australian and Indian visitors on the rise, these countries could prove a huge market.

According to recent observations, the number of Indian travellers shot up 22 per cent to 1.9 million. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has said that Indians alone generated $2.8 billion in revenue.

The Ever-Rising Incomes to Boost Travel to Thailand

Another factor which has been playing a vital role in boosting travel to Thailand is the rise in incomes. Significantly, what transpires today among Indian tourists is similar to Chinese tourists a decade ago. It is vital to keep in mind that Chinese visitors have contributed the lion’s share to the economy with their Thailand holidays. In 2018 alone, their numbers shot up to ten million!

Demands for a Greater Focus on National Infrastructure

According to experts, with the ever-rising number of tourists, Thailand must work more to enhance the quality of its existing airports and hotels. The number of carriers needs to be increased too.

It is part of the challenges that come with expanding one’s market base. Lately, new routes such as Munich to Phuket, Doha to Chiang Mai and Sendai to Bangkok have been opened. However, with opening up to newer markets, Thailand must ensure low-cost carriers for tourists.

Should You Be Backpacking or Go for One of the Bali Holiday Packages?

Posted on February 18, 2020 by Hoot Holidays

Backpacking is one of the most popular choices for people when they are exploring Asia and Europe, especially specific areas of these continents. If you are also of the same mentality and want to explore the beautiful country of Bali this way, you can. Yes, you can go for a tour of Bali for a few weeks and discover a beautiful world. It will save you the hassle of choosing and booking one of the available Bali holiday packages.

The scenarios you should look through

Along with getting this information, it will be better to know that there are other options available as well. For instance, you can go backpacking with your friends or alone when you are young and full of energy. The same course of action will seem foolish and completely unnecessary if you try to do the same thing in your mid-thirties or mid-forties along with the family. The potential is there, but you can think about the practical side of things as well.

Thinking about your family is necessary

When you are travelling with your family, it is not always possible to settle for any option you get; there are multiple options and factors to consider. Only after getting the green light from every possible aspect, it will be possible for you to make a decision. It is also essential to think about the comfort and security of the other members of the group. It won’t be tough, but you have to think about them carefully. This is when the Bali holiday packages will start to feel tempting.

Your choice should depend on several factors

Therefore, to answer the question posed above, the decision of whether to backpack through Bali or choose to go for one of the holiday packages should depend on multiple factors. Adventure and its allure are tempting, but that should not ever influence you to make a decision which won’t be conducive towards the health and well-being of a family member. So consider everything carefully, ask for everyone’s opinion on the subject and then make the most suitable decision possible.

Visiting One of the Best Spa and Resorts Within Your Vanuatu Holiday Packages

Posted on February 18, 2020 by Hoot Holidays

As a travelling enthusiast and someone looking for exciting new places to explore, you will soon come across the name Vanuatu. Along with the beauty and location, the culture and people of the place will be quite interesting for anyone visiting. There are plenty of Vanuatu holiday packages, but you need to choose one which will ensure that you have access to one of the best accommodations, the Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa.

The amenities which will make your holiday that much special

By staying in this place, you will be entitled to several amenities and going through the list will be quite enough for influencing your decision further. The facilities you will get to enjoy here are:

The spa resort is situated at a beautiful and breathtaking location, the Erakor lagoon. The beauty of this place will mesmerise you.
It will give you access to some of the most fantastic snorkelling locations in the world.
The all-inclusive packages will ensure that you won’t have to spend any additional amount, which will make the holiday more enjoyable.
You can choose to stay in the bungalows and the rooms they are offering. Both the options will be beneficial, but the decision should be made according to your convenience.
The bar at the swimming pool is a perfect way to relax and recuperate after a long day of sightseeing and other activities.
As part of the Vanuatu holiday packages, you will have access to delicious and impressive food which comes in a myriad of flavours.
If you want to keep fit and need various kinds of activities to support the habit, there are options for tennis, golf and water sports.
Visiting the locals and nearest cities and towns is not an issue at all because they are within your reach after a short taxi or bus ride.
In a place like Vanuatu, where everyone will tell you that everything is quite expensive, the all-inclusive nature of the holiday package will take care of your monetary woes.

The spa service and inclusive environment within the resort will work like magic to restore your energy and show you a new side of life. You will be rejuvenated and find your lust for life once more. Hence, making this choice will be quite crucial.

Would You Commit a Week of Holidays in the Philippines to Farm Tourism?

Posted on February 17, 2020 by Hoot Holidays

Farm tourism, introduced in the year 2016, has emerged as one of the favourite modes of experiencing the Philippines. Today, more and more tourists on their Philippines holidays prefer touring through the farmlands of the country, volunteering and whatnot. Indeed, tourists have never before shown much keenness in regaining the severed connection with the elements.

The Influence of Global Climate Change

Much of the present fad for farm tourism may be attributed to the influence of climate change. It is vital to keep in mind that tourists traditionally contribute to a significant portion of foreign waste production. Farm tourism holds out a promising scope to reverse the vicious tradition.

Today, tourists visiting the Philippines invariably turn to recreation and learning in farmlands and in consequence, surrounding rural communities profit economically in more ways than one.

Developments to Boost Farm Tourism

According to reports published by the World Bank, about two-fifths of Philippine’s total land area is devoted to farming. Farming today engages around one-fourth of the country’s workforce.

The state of Filipino farming, therefore, provides ample scope to leverage the prospects of farm tourism. Consequently, the Government accredited 174 farm tourism sites across the country.

Moreover, the Department of Tourism has come up with additional planes. Those on their Philippines holidays are expected to benefit from proposed farm tourism camps in each province of the country. These camps shall involve both agricultural and fisheries affairs.

The Future of Philippines Farm Tourism

Today, more than thirty farm tourism sites are concentrated in such places as Calabarzon and Mindanao. More such sites are poised to come up. Moreover, the Government plans to boost promotions and encourage rural employment in the form of local tour guides, drivers, etc.

The same should prove particularly conducive to farmers who may earn more besides their harvests. Day farms and farm resorts, too, are expected to come up shortly, thereby boosting revenue-generation.

If the developments scattered throughout the write-up hint at anything, it is the exceedingly bright future of farm tourism in the Philippines. According to expert observations, the global market has rarely witnessed developments in tourism of such order – sustainable and commercially viable.

A Few Points to Help You Plan a Vietnam Holiday With Ease and for Most Enjoyment

Posted on January 16, 2020 by Hoot Holidays

Planning a holiday to anywhere requires research and planning. Researching means gather relevant data about the place and vacation. Planning is all about using that data to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible. So your Vietnam holidays need to follow the same logic. Before getting into the specific details, it will be best to know about the necessary points.

The information you need

The essential information you should know about Vietnam are:

This is one of the most popular of the Southeastern countries
The official language here is unsurprisingly Vietnamese
The name of the currency used in the country is Dong or Vietnamese Dong
If you are not carrying cash, there is nothing to worry about, and there are loads of ATMs
The big and main cities have easy access to ATMs, and the shops accept almost all credit cards
In most of the ATMs, you will find that Visa card is accepted, but other cards can face issues
The plugs used in this country are type A, C and F
Buying a universal adapter will be a wise investment for this vacation
The country is pretty safe, but taking special care of your valuables is always advisable
The best time to plan and book one of the Vietnam holidays is August to December
You can visit from May to October, but that will mean dealing with the monsoon season
Vietnam has opened up considerably over the years, but there are still certain restrictions
Photographing sensitive areas is not wise, it will be better to be careful and aware of this point
Petty crimes like theft and snatching can happen, and you have to be cautious
There are various kinds of scams going on, especially with taxi drivers, which you need to know about

In short, if you are thorough and put in some thought to the subject while enjoying the vacation, you will remain safe from most of the problems and complications. So it is advisable to keep these points in mind and accordingly behave while visiting Vietnam.

Add Sparks to Your Next Family Holidays Island-Hopping in Indonesia

Posted on January 14, 2020 by Hoot Holidays

When was the last time you went island-hopping? If you struggle to remember, here’s your chance to make the most of your next family holidays island-hopping in none other than Indonesia. Indeed, with over ten thousand islands huddled in the country, the very thought might seem overwhelming. However, here’s your guide to making the most of your upcoming vacation.

Explore the Charming Islands on Ferries

There could not be a chicer way to explore the islands but on a ferry.

For instance, if you wish to go to Bali, you may head to Ketapang Port and then enjoy a trip of around forty minutes from Gilimanuk Port to West Bali. Again, if you wish to catch a restful hour, you may consider checking in to one of the hundred luxury resorts scattered across Bali.

For instance, the Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Spa is one of the finest resorts in Bali. Or, you may consider the likes of Hilton Bali and Bali Mandira Resort and Spa.

Enjoy Roving Around the Smaller Islands

More often than not, tourists tend to avoid the smaller islands for spurious reasons. However, smaller islands, including Sumbawa, might be to the liking of those who prefer avoiding the hustle and bustle of mainland areas. Apart from that, you get to enjoy a wide range of fun sea activities.

Take Sumbawa, for instance. If you seek to sparkle up your next family holidays, why not catch up on a spell of windsurfing? The island is primarily known for surfing, among other activities.

Make Sure to Choose Islands in Advance

It is pointless to contend that choosing islands in advance would spoil the adventure feel. Instead, choosing your favourite locations in advance might help you in more ways than one.

According to popular suggestions, Lombok is great to begin with. Next, proceed to Bali and Gili Meno with stops at Komodo Island and, of course, Sumatra.

Conclusion

There is nothing like vacationing with your loved ones on the remote corners of the world. Indonesia matches up to the likes of London and Paris and is far more reasonable.

The Benefits of Choosing Tailor-Made Philippines Holidays in 2020

Posted on December 18, 2019 by Hoot Holidays

The emerging vacationing trends are already making it pretty clear that people are getting more and more interested in tailor-made holidays. Along with that, they are now choosing to opt for out of the beaten track tourist spots. For instance, during the Philippines holidays when everyone is staying in the big cities and visiting most crowded tourist spots, you are choosing to go for a place less known.

The trends are changing fast

Taking more interest in the not so visited places is one of the highlights of customised holidays. If you are choosing a packaged deal like everyone else, you will have the same experience as others. Indeed, you will need these experiences when visiting a country for the first time. When you are revisiting, though, it will be crucial to look for something else and different.

Planning yourself or seeking professional help

You can take up the responsibility of planning yourself and choose to make each of the Philippines holidays special. If you do not have the time and energy to devote to such a task, it will be better to trust a professional. There are loads of travel agents and such professionals in the market. Some are associated with well-known travel agencies. Others work as independent individuals. You can choose any of them and get the itinerary tailor-made.

Benefits you will have

By choosing to go for the customised options, you will get to enjoy the following benefits:

A better and unique travelling experience than the mass
Getting to see and experience things that the others are ignoring or haven’t got the chance
The price maybe a little more than average but the visit will be worth every penny
Exploring and discovering a completely different façade of the country you are visiting
Getting to make memories which will be special and unique in every sense of the way

If you want to know a country and its people and culture intimately, it is crucial to stray from the format of a regular travel package. You have to give time and take the chance of immersing into the experience. Only then can you have something truly exceptional.