Hoot Holidays Blog

Grab Vanuatu Holiday Packages and Feast on Roast Pork and Papaya Chicken

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Hoot Holidays

According to a noted personality, the best way to know another culture is to blend with it through food. More often than not, tourists looking for affordable Vanuatu holiday packages want to experience the magic of a quintessential Melanesian feast. However, there are more reasons than one why Vanuatu ranks at the top when it comes to choosing South Asian holiday destinations.

Yasur Volcano in Tanna Island

Although primarily known for the iconic Yasur volcano, Tanna Island is speckled with wild country horses and pristine villages. The island is known for its peculiar blend of the natural and the cultural. According to tourism experts, staying overnight is recommended to soak in the beauty of the surroundings. The Island is no more than a day’s length away from Port Vila.

Espiritu Santo Island

Another major holiday attraction is Espiritu Santo Island. The island is primarily known for its Champagne and Lonnoc Beaches that are abundant with breathtaking coral reefs.

Perhaps the fascinating attraction of the Island is the Blue Holes. These are naturally occurring swimming pools caused by freshwater springs. Speaking of Blue Holes, do not miss the highly famous Nanda Blue Hole, nicknamed Jacquie’s Blue Hole.

An appealing attraction of the Island is the free coconut drink that comes along with the entry fee.

Iarofa Cultural Village

If you browse through the various Vanuatu holiday packages, you are bound to come across the mention of Iarofa Cultural Village, a place known for some of the exquisite remnants of the past. For instance, the village museum houses the skull of one of the last victims of cannibalism on the island.

Apart from that, you can learn to catch fish with a spider’s web and linger around the deep roots of an ancient banyan tree. The Iarofa Cultural Village is one of the most appealing tourist destinations in Vanuatu.

Conclusion

What is travel if one never got to know the contours of a foreign culture? Vanuatu is the perfect example of a place imbued with a rich historical significance.

Why Is It Crucial to Find and Eat at Family-Friendly Restaurants on Your Family Holiday to Bali?

Posted on November 15, 2019 by Hoot Holidays

Visiting a family-friendly restaurant is not only exciting but sometimes necessary. Hence, it is only fitting if you try to understand the importance of such a place. The information and practice will help you or anyone during Bali family holidays considerably. It will also help you to find the sites which will fulfil the holiday requirements perfectly.

Knowing about the reasons

There are various reasons due to which family-friendly restaurants should be chosen over specific eateries. One of them is the fact that in a foreign country and culture, you may not understand a lot of practices and some of them may end up making you feel uncomfortable. Seeing and experiencing some of them is common at certain kinds of eateries, but family-friendly places will be free from them. In short, you will be able to enjoy the meal perfectly.

Ensuring proper food for the kid

Moreover, it is possible that your child has a very particular taste or diet, and he/she cannot go beyond that. The country you are visiting is bound to have food which your child cannot eat comfortably. If your child does not like hot food, and you go to a place which is famous for only hot food, the whole experience will be ruined. The place may be unable to serve a dish of food your child can eat.

Avoiding certain practices

Smoking in public is banned in several countries, but there are still places where you have to deal with that. If you want to keep your child safe from such a practice, a family-friendly restaurant will be the best. In such a setting, you won’t have to worry about inhaling cigarette or tobacco smoke.

Knowing the country through food

It is crucial for each of the Bali family holidays that the child gets to enjoy the trip. It is not just a vacation for him/her; rather, it is a learning experience as well. The enjoyment is not only limited by the sights you are seeing and the places you are visiting. It is dependent on the food you are eating as well. So you need to ensure that the food you are eating is nutritious and adequately prepared for your kid. A family-friendly establishment will be perfect for that.

By choosing an eatery which can be visited with the whole family will give you a different perspective of the entire trip, and that is an experience which cannot be replicated in any other way. Hence, such places are quite crucial for every vacation.

Did You Know That Those on Cook Islands Holidays Never Saw a Traffic Light?

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Hoot Holidays

And there are more such fascinating factoids. While the Cook Islands represent a somewhat peculiar strip of history, it is at large loaded with amazing cultural snippets. If you are planning to stretch your purse for Cook Islands holidays, get acquainted with the following thrilling facts to make your stay all the richer and more memorable.

No Building Can Be Taller Than a Coconut Tree

The Cook Islands continue to host a sweeping range of coconut heads throughout the place. However, did you know that no building on the Islands can be taller than a coconut tree?

It is no cultural hearsay but a government mandate. The somewhat quirky idea amply hints at the extent to which environmental conservation, if genuinely meant, can be carried out. And the Cook Islands is already known for its ecological vigilance. The authorities aim to use cent per cent of renewable energy by the next year.

Sprawl Your Legs Across an Entire Island

That is no myth. You may indeed use Rarotonga as a resort. With over thirty kilometres of circumference, the island may be traversed in less than half a day. The ambience is brimful with the untouched intimacies of nature, lush floral extravaganza and much more. You may also swim or snorkel in the lagoon, then head off to the Nautilus Resort for a 5-star dinner.

Gulp Down a Glass of Craft Beer

The Matutu Brewery, one of the finest breweries on the island, has come up with their particular rendition of craft beers. A visit to the nearby brewery should be enough to fill your senses with the drugged aroma of the ambrosial fluid. Or, you can easily order a glass anywhere across the numerous cafes and bars.

The craft beer is one of the more jovial attractions of Cook Islands Holidays. From lagers to pale ales, the choices are numerous, each better than the other.

Spare Yourself a Weekend Without Spiders

If creepy crawlies disgust you, head to the Cook Islands. Did you know that the islands are entirely devoid of spiders and snakes? That makes the destination one of the most sought-after holiday spots across the world. It is just plain, clean floral and faunal abundance with nothing creepy or venomous around.

Conclusion

And there is much more to swear by, speaking of Cook Islands. It is a blend of peculiar traditions and natural abundance. Where else could you find man and nature live so conveniently?

Some Special Reasons to Influence You for Visiting Philippines

Posted on October 17, 2019 by Hoot Holidays

South-East Asia is one of the most popular holiday destinations for the rest of the world. Hence, backpacking around these countries during college years and indulging in the luxuries as a family has become a trend. This is why people talk about Philippines holidays.

The influences to know about

If you are considering this country for the next vacation and looking for reasons to help you decide, then the following points can provide excellent assistance. They are:

The friendly nature of the local people

The natives of South East Asia usually are quite friendly, but you will find out that the Pilipino people are amazing. Their warm and welcoming nature is something you will always treasure. The local people will also be one of the most significant contributors to making your holiday memorable and enjoyable.

It has something different to offer

Unlike most of the countries of South-East Asia, the Philippines has something unique and different to offer. It has mainly been a Spanish colony; hence, instead of temples and Buddhism, you will find churches galore. The local transportation is also different from the neighbouring countries. In short, this place will give you a South-American feeling while visiting Asia. The experience will be peerless.

Meeting the Tarsier

The Philippines is the native place to one of the smallest primates in the world, named Tarsier. It is also one of the cutest animals you will ever encounter. There are sanctuaries where you can observe these animals up close.

Visiting the chocolate hills

If you are feeling excited after hearing the name and already planning numerous Philippines holidays, it’s time to gain a clear idea on the subject. This is one of the most wonderful landscapes you will ever see. The scene has many hills without any kind of vegetation other than grass. They got their name because, during the dry seasons, the grass becomes brown, which gives these hills the appearance of being made from chocolate.

Beaches and diving opportunities

This country comes with some gorgeous beaches and diving spots in the world. So while visiting, you will have the chance to enjoy some of the best diving and snorkelling experiences. Make the most of them but at your own pace. Do not jump into something just because it is the norm.

Knowing about the right reasons will be influencing enough for deciding about a Philippines holiday. They will also help to plan the itinerary for the vacation.

Why Holiday Packages to Such Destinations as Vanuatu Remain Relevant

Posted on October 16, 2019 by Hoot Holidays

Indeed, planning a holiday is no rocket science. However, the real test is when one must implement it. In the time of execution, one is invariably plagued by doubt and indecision. It is particularly annoying against the backdrop of meticulous planning. Enter holiday packages. Whether you go for Vanuatu holiday packages or somewhere else, a package vacation is highly beneficial in more ways than one. It is for nothing that the demand for the same continues high.

Considerable Savings

The immediate benefit is considerable savings. If you book each aspect of the travel on your own, you will end up bleeding yourself dry. If you include airfare, hotel room, food and local tours, the expenses will be inevitably high.

However, if you go for a holiday package, each aspect is conveniently taken care of. The total amount would be far lesser too. Keep in mind that the concerned service provider is actively aware of the best airfare and hotel rates. Consequently, it is best left to business-houses to bring a lucrative deal on the table.

Comprehensive Tour

Another significant advantage of package holidays is that they provide a comprehensive tour. Consider, for instance, Vanuatu. How would it be if you enjoyed Port Vila but somehow gave Tanna Island a miss? With a holiday package, such mishaps are rarely, if ever, possible.

Time is a major determinant. If you plan on your own, you might not be able to wrap up the star attractions of a place in a short period. Either you will have surplus time or surplus spots to cover. Neither is viable. Would you pay for Vanuatu holiday packages to dally in the hotel room with another day to spare?

Safety and Security

Security is another major advantage of a holiday package. The same is all the more beneficial if it is a family vacation. Companies that provide package holidays are wholly aware of the risk factors and safety criteria indispensable to a particular location. Moreover, if you have old members in your group, you need not be overanxious and thereby spoil your vacation. Comprehensive care is a major tenet inhering in holiday packages.

Holidays are times to unwind. With so many benefits of holiday packages, it is only natural to witness such a growing global interest in the same. It is economical, holistic and safe. Plus, most significantly, it has done away with the once-exclusive participation in holidaying.

How to Plan the Perfect Vietnam Holiday Itinerary

Posted on September 18, 2019 by Hoot Holidays

Vietnam reserves an intriguing place in world history. The Land of the Blue Dragon, as it is affectionately called, is a land of natural mysticism, vibrant culture and cuisine that you cannot have enough of. A Vietnam holiday is a perfect opportunity to experience adventure, wonder and tranquillity; also, lots of pho! If you are venturing out on your Vietnam holidays or planning to do so sooner than later, then it may help you to prepare an itinerary beforehand.

How to plan your Vietnam itinerary?

The country has so much to offer that it is easy to get overwhelmed by the fascinating and contrasting elements that come together to paint the Vietnamese landscape.

Pastorally picturesque Sapa

The idyllic town of Sapa lies in the lap of the Lao Cai Province. It is an excellent 350 km away from Hanoi city and is close to the border between Vietnam and China. It has an apparent influence on the cuisine available here. Sapa is the centre-piece of a panorama, with the Hoang Lien Son range of Mountains looming over on one side. One can also enjoy long, windy walks on mountain trails through paddy fields and indigenous hamlets. Sapa is also responsible for many forest treks.

Serpentine Bai Tu Long

Another immersive experience to indulge in northern Vietnam is the Bai Tu Long Bay. Adjacent to the bay is its namesake national park. The Bai Tu Long Bay runs for approximately 100 km, up to the border of China. The mini-cruise vessels dot the entire stretch of the bay. Bai Tu Long Bay attracts fewer tourists, as most pick its neighbour Ha Long Bay as the primary choice for a cruise. The lack of a crowd makes cruising past the uninhabited islands dotting the bay, all the more enchanting.

Going Saigon

Saigon, as the locals call it or Ho Chi Minh, as the current generation of Vietnamese residents and tourists call it, is Vietnam’s most commercial city. Exploring this city consumes time as the geographic extent of it can be measured from the Mekong Delta to the border with Cambodia. However, if you are looking to pamper your taste buds with the flavours of Vietnam, then this is the place to visit. There is also a lot of old Vietnamese heritage architecture to visit here.

Crossing Hoi An

The town of Hoi An is situated in Central Vietnam and is a welcome change after visiting Ho Ching Minh. The stark contrast is apparent from the absence of congestion, pollution and western commerce. Hoi An also boasts of a lot of Vietnamese heritage architecture. A visit to the Japanese Covered Bridge of Hoi An is a must on your Vietnam holidays; it is over 400 years old.

Hanoi Rocks

The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi should be kept for last. Hanoi’s historic civil architecture heritage speaks of its occupation by the French and Chinese. The city paints a very different experience than Ho Chi Minh. There are congestion and pollution here too, but it is different. The many temples of Hanoi welcome tourists looking for a drop of spiritualism on their traveller soul.

So if you are planning to absorb the gist of Vietnam in a condensed trip, then make sure you follow this itinerary.

How to Make Your Family Holiday in Bali Interesting by Staying With the Locals?

Posted on September 17, 2019 by Hoot Holidays

Are you planning for a holiday in Bali for the first time or is it is the umpteenth time? Whatever time it is, planning for Bali family holidays is always exciting. If you want to explore something during your first visit or want to try something new for the latest tour, staying with the locals is an excellent choice.

Looking past the surprise and into the reality

It may come as a little surprise, but the Balinese people and their homes are always open for tourists who are interested in staying with them. There are websites through which you can book a tour and stay at a local’s home. You will be surprised and enriched by the experience.

Approaching the subject and the family

There will be the need for a little ice-breaker the first time and then it will seem like you have been part of the family for years. It will also be one of the most exciting opportunities to make new friends.

Experiences you will have from this arrangement

By staying at the home of a local, you will gain an excellent experience, and it will make each of your Bali family holidays unique:

Helping at a Balinese farm

Balinese people, especially the ones staying at a village, are mostly dependent on agriculture. So most of their day is devoted to the various tasks at the family farm. While staying with the family, you will get the chance to help at the farm.

Tasting the best and authentic Balinese food

You will eat every meal with the family, which will be another fascinating peek into the daily life and practice of the Balinese people. Getting to eat the food they are making for themselves will be way better than any authentic restaurant experience you can ever have.

Perfect opportunity to intermingle and learn

By staying with the family for a few days, you will have a chance to learn Balinese while teaching them English. It will break the language barrier, create the opportunity to know and explore more while enriching you further.

Your kids will have fun and learn

If you have kids, then staying with a local family will be one of the best gifts you can give them. Balinese people treasure children. So they will feel loved and welcome. Getting a chance to mix with children of their age from a different country and culture will be a learning experience.

After staying with a local family, you will get a taste of how life is under all the layers of touristy fun; it is one of the best and most exciting ways of learning about a country. Bali will surprise you every time.

Your Hawaii Holiday Maybe Incomplete Without These 5 Activities

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Hoot Holidays

The phrases ‘Hawaii’ and ‘paradise’ go hand in hand. When we think of Hawaii, we get a mental image of ourselves, relaxing on the beach under a gentle sun, cocktail in hand, with waves crashing periodically. However, Hawaii is more than just that. Hawaii presents tourists with a vibrant indigenous culture draped in exotic traditions, gourmet food, breath-taking landscapes and endless water activities. Purchasing Hawaii holiday packages gives one ready access to exciting vacation activities.

So you cannot think of visiting Hawaii without making space for these activities in your itinerary:

Visiting the Historic Pearl Harbour

Hawaii is not just a beach destination that has grown in prominence in recent times due to tourism. Hawaii occupies an essential section in American war heritage, having hosted the battle of Pearl Harbour which ushered in US intervention in the Second World War. Pearl Harbour is now an active military base and a National Historic Landmark. Visiting the ruins of the vessels, World War II Valor and the USS Arizona, is a must if you are enthusiastic about world history.

Explore the Volcanic territory

Hawaii also enjoys some attention for its topography and geographic attributes. The active volcanoes of Kilauea and Mauna Loa demand attention from every tourist who sets their foot on the island. An excursion of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must if you wish to be mesmerised by the steam vents scattered here inside the park. The Jaggar Museum inside the park houses volcanic memorabilia.

iii. Touring Honolulu

The capital city of Honolulu is home to the indigenous community of Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Lanai and Niihau islands. Today it houses a lot of citizens of Asian, European and Australian descent. Honolulu is a fantastic metropolitan destination within an island domain. You can enjoy diverse styles of cuisine, go souvenir hunting or soak in the nightlife on your Hawaii holidays.

Gazing at stars in Mauna Kea

One of the most underrated attractions of Hawaiian holiday packages is the chance to gaze upon the stars in the clear night sky of Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea or ‘White Mountain’ as the name suggests, stands tall at 13,796 ft. with several observatory domes housing some of the most capable telescopes in the world. So if you are a nature or astronomy aficionado, you cannot afford to give this location a miss.

Snorkelling in Maui

If you have not gone snorkelling in the waters surrounding Maui, then you are due for a second Hawaii vacation right away! The waters of Molokini, Maui are trendy for the snorkelling services that operate here. Your Hawaii holiday packages are worth every cent, once you put on your fins, arm yourself with an underwater camera, and head down to the marine ecosystems here!

Thus, Hawaii is rife with tourist activities you will not find anywhere else; and, missing anyone can render your vacation incomplete.

5 Thai Street-Food Spots to Get the Best of Thailand Holiday Packages

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Hoot Holidays

If you are planning to visit Thailand, your holidays cannot be complete without the matchless relish of traditional Thai street food. While a majority of Thailand Holiday Packages tend to lure with starrier attractions and tourists tend to focus more on plush eat-outs, it is the bustling corners of smoking street-food stalls where Thailand can be felt pulsing. The following are the top five places to grab a slice of street-food in Thailand.

Chinatown

If you want to taste authentic Thai street food, you must visit the popular Chinatown in Bangkok. Freckled with hundreds of stalls, carts and tiny restaurants, Chinatown is a paradise for those pining to tickle their tastebuds. Night-time is when Chinatown flows at its fullest.

According to historians, it is Chinatown where Thai street food began over two centuries ago.

Silom Road

Another equally popular street-food hub is the Silom Road. Considered to be the business centre of the city, street-food on Silom Road thrives; thanks to innumerable hungry office-goers who must grab a quick meal between work-hours. Besides, it is also where you can hope to get some of the cheapest Thai food variants.

Soi Rambuttri

If you wish to escape the hustle-bustle of arterial Thailand, Soi Rambuttri should be your ideal choice – a street lined with a slew of Thai street-food malls. Interestingly, if you came a decade ago, you would have caught sight of countless dogs romping up and down the street; the chief reason why it was formerly known as the Dog Shit Valley.

Banglamphu

If you want to do justice to your Thailand holiday packages, Banglamphu is one of the most preferred places by tourists, to snack on quintessential Thai street food. Starting from iconic fish cakes to noodles, you will find carts ladling out steaming delicacies almost round the clock. Ideally, locals and tourists alike tend to prefer the place mostly for dinner.

Soi 38 Sukhumvit

Last but not least, the Soi 38 street-food experience is specially rated for its tongue-tickling delicacies, starting from authentic Thai food to mainland Chinese dishes. What makes the street popular is its sheer variety of indigenous dishes, which is meant to cater to a wide variety of tastes.

As mentioned at the outset, your Thai holiday would be virtually incomplete without its street-food experience. Moreover, a country’s street-food is where you get to hear the original pulse of its culture.

4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Vanuatu Holiday Packages

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Hoot Holidays

For a majority of Aussie vacationers, Vanuatu remains the first choice in more ways than one. While the major attractions are located around the capital city of Port Vila, Vanuatu holiday packages offer a lot more, starting from luxurious resorts to coconut crabs. The following are the top four ways to make the most out of your stay in Vanuatu.

Shopping in the Capital

The capital city of Port Vila remains the major tourist attraction, especially for its shopping outlets. A majority of Aussie tourists pine for the excellent shopping opportunities in the city, as the foremost means to acquaint with the local culture.

The best aspect of the local market is fresh fruits-and-vegetables stalls. Stalls loaded with raspberries, coconuts and yams, the spectacle is a delight in itself. Besides, you can go for the quintessential Vanuatu morning coffee tinged with French flavours.

The Secret Garden

An outdoor museum of sorts, The Secret Garden is one of the most sought-after spots in Vanuatu. Located in the Mele Village, the museum is an eye-opener on the fascinating aspects of the Melanesian culture.

You can take a peek into the fascinating history of Vanuatu, starting from cannibalism and volcanic activity to land driving traditions. Besides, the tour offers you ample scope to relish the dynamics of the quintessential South Pacific tropical gardens brimming with flying foxes and iguanas.

Luxurious Resorts

Vanuatu is known for its exquisite resorts scattered over Efate. What is more, the resorts are especially amenable for their cheap services. Consequently, you may enjoy luxury at highly competent prices – one of the best results of Vanuatu holiday packages.

One of the finest resort towns of Vanuatu is Warwick Le Lagon. Equipped with a 9-hole golf course, manicured gardens, pools and hot tubs, the resort town attracts a slew of tourists throughout the year.

Mele Cascades

One of the most ravishing waterfalls in Vanuatu, the Mele Cascades is a spectacular show in more ways than one. A paradise for photographers, the waterfall is surrounded by tropical gardens packed with sparkling hibiscus and bromeliads.

However, keep in mind to avoid the waterfall on Wednesdays and Fridays as that is when the cruise ships dock.

Conclusion

As mentioned at the outset, Vanuatu retains the top spot when it comes to tourist destinations for Aussies to enjoy. The place enjoys a steady stream of visitors from across the world, and throughout the year.