Off To Zanzibar

Costa Rica is the land of rich, dense jungle, cliffs and mountains, and vast beautiful views that stretch for miles. More than all that, though, Costa Rica is also in many ways known for its incredible beaches and coastlines. Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to go for a beach vacation, as the many thousands of beach visitors a year will agree, because of the clear blue waters and wonderful beach flora.
There’s nothing like a stay in one of the many Costa Rica villas to make a good vacation a great one. These villas make enjoying the Costa Rican beaches an enhanced pleasure, because after you’re tired out form a day of fun, you have a luxurious temporary home to go to.

Villa Features

While not all of the villas are the same, many of them boast at least a few significant features. Firstly, there are many beachfront rentals that offer direct access to the beautiful Costa Rican beaches without more than a 1 minute walk. Some are even situated directly on the beach itself.

Most Costa Rica villas also offer their visitors pool access. In beach areas, a swimming pool is basically a standard affair, as a pool is a refreshing alternative to the salt waters of the sea. Almost any luxury villa you rent will list a swimming pool as a bonus feature.

Some beachfront rentals also offer generous amenities and services like all-included food and drinks, a full time chef, staff, and maid service, safe storage areas, and access to private local clubs. You will often be able to get access to tennis courts, golf courses, gym equipment, game rooms and more. And, of course, when you want to escape the heat of the Costa Rican beach climate, there will usually be air conditioning.

Renting the Villas

Villa rental is simple and straightforward, and most rental places allow you to pay on a plan or with a simple down payment. A good tip when you are planning to visit Costa Rica villas is to always rent far in advance, as then not only will you be sure to get a place in the high-demand villas, you’ll also get a reduced price.
It won’t be cheap, but it’ll be worth every penny you spend. Costa Rica truly does have some of the best beaches in the world, and the rest of the country is just as beautiful.

Can’t wait to set your foot on Zanzibar? Before you make your airline and booking reservations for your planned trip to Zanzibar, it would be smart to research some important facts about the place to ensure that you won’t encounter difficulties during your actual vacation in the area. Since Zanzibar is blessed with a tropical climate, weather in the area is expected to be hot and humid all year round. So, if you happen to come from a country that is also blessed with a temperate and humid climate, then it would be ideal to travel to Zanzibar during the cooler months, anywhere from August to October.

Travelers who do not want to spoil their trip in Zanzibar should veer away from scheduling their trip during the rainy season (around March to May). It would also not be a good idea to travel to Zanzibar during the fasting months because you won’t be able to make the most out of your trip. Around this time, eating, drinking, and smoking in public is prohibited.

If you want to have a smooth trip to Zanzibar, it is highly recommended that you book a package tour or hire a tour guide to show you around the area. Take time to conduct your research, like what you will do when buying a duvet covet set, to help you find a reliable tour operator in Zanzibar offering an affordable travel package.

Indeed, Zanzibar is an amazing place to visit and you surely will not regret coming here. Zanzibar is perfect for travelers who are looking for a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of city living.

Tags: vacation tips to zanzibar, Zanzibar vacation

Zanzibar, also referred as the ‘Spice Island’, is home not only to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but also to sumptuous restaurants offering delectable local and international cuisines. Visitors come to the island not just for its historic attractions and spectacular views but also to taste some great food. Guests can indulge themselves in an ultimate gastronomic feast since foods served in the island feature a fusion of Chinese, Indian, Goan, Arab and African specialties. This goes to show how multi-faceted the culture in the island is.

With the Spice Plantations as one of the main attractions in Zanzibar, expect that spices will surely play an important role in the menus served in the restaurants serving it. However, those craving for international dishes, like Thai, Italian and others, need not worry since international food establishments also abound in the area.

Majority of the bars and restaurants in Zanzibar are found in the Stone Town, one of the focal attractions in the island. Some great and popular restaurants in the area that you must check out include the following:

Dhow Restaurant

It is a floating restaurant situated in the harbour of Stone Town which offer guests with a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Great food is complemented by the amazing view of the harbour as well as an elegant ambiance. The restaurant serves a buffet of sumptuous Swahili dishes, made from the freshest catch and the best spices found on the island. Make sure to have a taste of their specialties, such as the grilled lobster and succulent prawns. The traditional luxury and old world charm offered by this magnificent restaurant makes it a perfect spot for a romantic moonlight dinner accented by the captivating charm of the waterfront.

Mangpwani Restaurant and Watersports Center

This restaurant is located less than thirty minutes away from Stone Town. It is a popular dining location for guests who are looking to eat somewhere really special. Mangpwani Restaurant serves fresh seafood barbeques marinated to perfection by expert chefs. Offering an informal yet friendly atmosphere, the restaurant is strategically set into a scenic hillside overlooking the picturesque view of the beach. The restaurant also has a watersports center where guests can enjoy a variety of watersports activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, and catamaran riding.

Tradeswind Restaurant

Guests looking for diversified food menu should consider dining at Tradeswind Restaurant. Meals served here are seasoned with the best spices harvested from the spice plantation.

The Silk Route

Considered as a hidden gem in Zanzibar, tourists frequent the restaurant to have a taste of their spicy curry and tandoori dishes. The restaurant offers a very diverse menu so you might need some help when ordering. Never leave the restaurant without tasting some of their specialty like the Jumbo Shrimp in rich butter sauce or the lamb in creamy cashew sauce. The restaurant is also popular amongst vegetarian guests.

Aside from the ones stated in this article, there are a number of other great restaurants that guests, like you, should check out. It would help a lot if you do your own research before the actual date of your travel to Zanzibar to find the best places to eat in the island.

Tags: foods in Zanzibar, restaurants in Zanzibar, top restaurants in Zanzibar, Zanzibar delicacies

Are you looking for the ultimate Indian Ocean vacation experience? If so, then you should definitely put Zanzibar on top of your vacation list. Found 25 miles right along the coast of Tanzania and about six degrees from the Equator, the archipelago of Zanzibar is comprised of Pemba Island, the Zanzibar Island and other smaller islands. Referred locally as Unguja, it is twenty miles wide and sixty miles long, with a total land area of approximately around six hundred fifty square miles. Zanzibar is well-known for its historic attractions, the Stone Town, and mesmerizing sandy beaches as well as its magnificent coral reefs.

Like when deciding which doctor to perform blepharoplasty on you, it is important that you do your homework and find out what airlines offer flights to the area. There are a couple of flights coming in and out of Zanzibar and the rest of Africa, like Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines which offer regular flights to the area.

Finding a good place to stay in Zanzibar should also be one of your concerns. Be sure to make your reservations in advance to allow you to select the best accommodation that would fit your budget. Just like how you compare the doctor’s fee of Dr. Kapadia to other doctors, you should do the same when looking for the best hotel in Zanzibar. Compare the rates of the hotels operating in the area to allow you to locate the one offering a comfortable room at the most reasonable price. You will likely be out enjoying the alluring beaches and breathtaking scenery of Zanzibar therefore you do not have to spend that much on your accommodation. Save more by settling for a small hotel offering nice rooms equipped with the basic amenities.

Tags: travel tips to Zanzibar, zanzibar travel

There are different options to reach the island of Zanzibar. If traveling to the island from an international origin, finding direct flights to Zanzibar should be considered. There are several international airline carriers providing direct flights to Zanzibar which include Air Tanzania, South African Airlines and Kenya Airways. International visitors can also avail of budget airfares to the island by flying to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s capital city. There are numerous flights coming in and out Dar es Salaam which include international carriers like Precision Air, Zantar Air Services, Uganda Airways, Kili Air, Tanzanaair, Auric Air, Flightlink Air Charters, to name a few. If this is your first time to travel to Zanzibar, it would be a good idea to seek the assistance of an authorized and licensed travel agent that caters tour packages to the island.

If you took a flight to the capital city of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, you can take a ferry boat to get to the main island of Zanzibar. While there are also domestic flights flying from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, you will save more if you chose to travel by sea. Some of the nicest ferry boats transporting guests from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar include the Sepideh Megaspeed Liner, Sea Express, Azam Marine, Seagull Kilimanjaro and Sea Star. Boat fares are usually around $35 to $40 for non-residents, with an additional $5 for the port tax. Make sure to have your passport ready when entering Zanzibar since you will have to show it before you are granted entry to the island. Zanzibar maintains its own immigration and you need to show your passport even if you already have shown it when you landed to Dar es Salaam.

How to Get Around Zanzibar Island

Going around Zanzibar is not as difficult as you may have thought it to be. Guests are encouraged to walk rather than ride a cab since alleyways, particularly those in Stone town, are quite narrow and will only fit in a bike. However, if you wish to tour outside Stone Town, then you are better off riding a cab or renting a car. The island provides other cheap transportation options like the dalla-dallas and small minivans. If you are the adventurous type, then you won’t have a problem embarking on a walking tour only armed with a reliable map and a phrase book to help you converse with the locals.

Hotels in Zanzibar will also be happy to help arrange taxi service for their guests. However, be wary that most hotels get commission from taxis so it is possible that the rate that will be presented to you will be much higher compared if you hail a cab out on the street. When booking a tour, be sure to only deal with an authorized travel agent or tour operator and steer clear of illegal sellers or street hawkers.

Where to Stay in Zanzibar

Unlike in other popular travel locations, guests are not advised to settle for cheap Zanzibar accommodations because this means compromising a good and convenient location and quality of hotel service, or both. Majority of the budget hotels operating in the island charges around $30 per night.  While Zanzibar is a generally safe place, visitors are still highly advised to wear minimal jewelry and carry only a small amount of cash when touring around the island.  Depending on your budget and preference, there are various types of accommodations for you to choose from, ranging from hotels, guesthouses, country houses and expensive beach resorts. Some of the establishments offering the best accommodation in the island include the Zanzibar Hotel, Africa House Hotel, Pearl Guest House, Botanic Country House, Tamarind Beach Hotel, and Fontaine Garden Village.

The island of Zanzibar is a Muslim community so guests are advised to dress accordingly. Both men and women are required to cover their arms and legs, and they should avoid displaying public affection since it is considered disrespectful in Islam.

Tags: car rentals in Zanzibar, flights to Zanzibar, staying at Zanzibar, Zanzibar hotels

If you travel with your taste buds in the pilot seat, you have probably hit all the traditional foodie hotspots, every region of the world offers a travel destination to tempt even the most cultivated of palates.

Perhaps, you have overlooked Park City, Utah as a foodie destination. While Michelin stars may not be twinkling in Park City, there are plenty of interesting options for those looking for a culinary destination.

This pretty resort town is an interesting mix of Olympic worthy athletes drawn to the world class skiing and snow boarding facilities in the 4000 skiable acres of Park City, celebrities and film makers lured by the Sundance Film Institute and Festival and tourists drawn to the resort area and historic district of the Old Town area. The easy, active lifestyle of the resort area ensures that you can burn off your meal with a day on the slopes or trails.

There are more than 100 restaurants in Park City offering cuisine from all over the globe.

If you are looking for Continental European Cuisine then you may find venues like Goldener Hirsch Restaurant with AAA Four Diamond rating it offers both American and Continental offerings in an Austrian ambiance. This highly rated restaurant is nestled in the Goldener Hirsch Inn that Conde Naste rated as the #2 Small Hotel in North America, and traditionally appears on luxury accommodation lists. The restaurant is open through ski season.

Jean Louis offers the French cuisine of Chef Jean Louis Montecot, a member of the elite Cordon Bleu Society of Chefs. This Zagat rated and Wine Spectator Award Winning restaurant has become very popular since it opened in 2006.

If you want more adventure in your dining, consider a Snow Cat sleigh ride to Viking Yurt for an 8000-foot elevation view and gourmet dining experience in this unique venue. Fans of this intimate setting comment on the stunning views, and Baby Grand Piano.

There are local brewpubs like Squatters Roadhouse and the Wasatch Brew Pub offering local beers brewed onsite. High West Distillery and Saloon offers house-distilled whisky.

In the Old Town area, lined with Victorian Style shops, diners can find Thai, Brazilian, Kosher, Saloon inspired, American, Après Ski Menus and Steak House offerings. Nearly any cuisine, with a range of price points and formality, many of the venues offer a ski in and ski out feature along with great wine lists.

If you want to dine among the stars, Park City shines in January with the Sundance Film Festival and celebrity and Film Industry arrivals.

This post brought to you by Rick, from Park City Vacation Rentals.

While the rest of the world is still cast down in the Middle Age period, Zanzibar is already a point of interest among Oriental traders from Persia, Arabia and China. It was revealed that the town has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, which was confirmed by the traces of microlithic tools estimated to be around 20,000 years old that were seen in a cave in the area.

First inhabitants in Zanzibar were referred to as Swahilis. They thrive in the island through trading various items across the Indian Ocean like ivory, gold and cloth. The Swahilis also constructed stone houses and organized a well-developed government system. Traders who frequented the island came from as far as Russia and Japan.

The Portuguese were the first European settlers to discover the island of Zanzibar. They arrived in the late fifteenth century, and their only interest is to keep Zanzibar from the prying eyes of their enemies. The arrival of Portuguese has a significant influence to the culture of the Swahilis. They introduced bullfighting to Pemba Island and they were also responsible for enriching the Swalihi language with a few Portuguese words, such as Meza (table), Pese (money), Mvinyo (wine). Up to this day, these words are still being used in the Kishwahili language which goes to show how far-reaching the influence of the Portuguese settlers to the early inhabitants of the island.

The Omani Arabs, meanwhile, were considered as the chief among trade visitors in Zanzibar. The Arabs successfully developed what is hailed as the strongest navy in the Indian Ocean, which later became the hub of a thriving sea-trading empire. The Oman sultans have amassed their wealth through slave trading expeditions, where slaves from Africa were sold either as plantation labourers or household servants in the Persian Gulf. Zanzibar became the trading point of slaves from the African interior who were trapped in the island as they wait for ships which will transport them to the North.

By 1828, Oman’s most influential and power ruler, Sultan Seyyid Said, arrived at the island. The moment he set foot on Zanzibar he was instantly captivated and mesmerized by its beauty. Said decided to move his household to the island in 1840 and consequently declared Zanzibar as his empire. After the sultan moved to Zanzibar, his associates and relatives followed suit. They began building country manors, bath houses, and numerous Arab palaces in the area. However, the reign of Sultan Said did not last that long because the Brits put an end to this great empire in 1890. British settlers successfully annihilated the African slave trading. The British Empire paved the way not only to the abolishment of the slave market but also to the construction of an Anglican cathedral on the island. Their reign lasted until 1963, and by then control over Zanzibar Island was returned back to the Omani Sultanate. In 1964, the new sultan was ousted through a violent revolution.

After the sultan has been ousted, the new government of Zanzibar finally amalgamated with Tanganyika post independent government to form an independent state that is now called as Tanzania. Since then, Zanzibar took financial aids from countries like Bulgaria, China, and East Germany to sustain their economy. However, when the first presidential election was held in 1980 the economy of Zanzibar became sluggish and lost control. Thankfully, the first half of 1990 introduced the rise of a multi-party government system as well as the development of the tourism industry in Zanzibar. Today, Zanzibar is now fast becoming a popular tourist destination that is internationally recognized around the world.

Tags: cultural influence in Zanzibar, historical facts about zanzibar, history of Zanzibar, Zanzibar culture

Known as one of the most enticing places in the coast of East Africa, Zanzibar continues to gain popularity as an ideal vacation destination. The town and island of Zanzibar boasts off its colorful past and well-preserved culture. It features some of the best and untouched beaches in the world, along with a wide range of recreational and beach activities that visiting guests can participate in.

Zanzibar is not just a great place to unwind after a tiring and dusty but rewarding tour to the Kenya or Tanzanian safari but it is also a great stand-alone vacation destination on its own. In fact, more and more international visitors are now coming to see the island. Though tourism in the area is still at its infancy, it is expected that the number of visitors frequenting the area will significantly increase in the coming years.

Zanzibar is an archipelago comprised of several islets and two primary islands – Pemba and Unguja (the informal name used to refer to the main Island, Zanzibar). Between the two islands, Unguja receives the most visitors, thanks to its miles-stretch of sandy, white beaches and the historic Stone Town. Though falling behind Unguja in terms of tourism, Pemba Island also has its own charm. It features the best diving opportunities in the area and considered as the ideal destinations for adventurous guests who like traversing off-beaten paths.

Stone Town

One of the internationally-known destinations in Zanzibar is the Stone Town. The place was hailed by UNESCO as a World’s Heritage Site mainly because of its captivating charm, spell-bounding architectures, and multi-faceted culture. The town is made of fascinating street labyrinths and interconnecting alleyways exuding an old World feel which adds to the allure of Zanzibar’s dynamic town. Built during the nineteenth century, the Stone Town was an important trading point in the Indian Ocean back in the olden days. The reason why the town is called as such is because the old houses erected in the area were mostly made out of coralline rock. While this rock was considered as a really good building material, its use diminished over the years. The town is not only known for its fascinating architectural structures but also for its annual cultural celebrations showcasing the historical heritage of Zanzibar.

Prison Island 

Another must-see destination in Zanzibar is the Prison Island, which is currently home to a family of giant tortoises which were originally from Seychelles. Despite the island’s repugnant past serving as a jail to slaves, it is now very famous amongst professional divers as well as snorkeling enthusiasts. Day excursions are offered in the island and guests can also engage in a number of worthwhile beach activities which will keep them busy the whole day.

Spice Plantations

Guests traveling to Zanzibar to get some indigenous spices must definitely include the Spice Plantations on their travel itinerary. The place do not only serve as plantation for growing nutmeg, cloves, pepper and cinnamon but it is also a historical and cultural point of interest in town. The plantation is well-known for its belligerent past which is evident by the scars of battles fought to preserve its precious and rich resources. Make sure to tour the plantation because your trip won’t be complete without seeing its entirety.

Tags: Prison Island, Spice island, Spice Plantation, Stone town, Zanzibar Island

Unlike other popular vacation destinations, Zanzibar is a beautiful coral island paradise that is still waiting to be discovered. Few people know about the place hence why there are only quite a few visitors travelling to the island up to this day. However, with sufficient information highlighting the unspoilt beauty of Zanzibar, it won’t be long until it becomes a tourist hotspot.

Where is Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is an archipelago and unique coral island that is comprised of Pemba and Zanzibar Islands along with numerous islets. The island lies six degrees south of the equator and 25 miles of the Tanzania coast on the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is characterized by pristine sandy beaches, diverse culture, and untouched coral reefs. The mystery surrounding the island is now attracting the attention of international visitors worldwide.

How to Get to Zanzibar Island?

Those who wish to go to Zanzibar can get to the island via air and sea. Currently, Kenya and Ethiopia Airlines offer international flights to Zanzibar. Larger airline carriers meanwhile offer flights to Dar es Salaam, a nearby town which is only a short trip from the main island through sea or air. Some of the airline companies carrying international flights to Dar es Salaam include British Airways, Swiss, Qatar Airways and Emirate Airlines. For domestic travel, Ethiopian, Kenya, and Precision Air offers regular flights to the town of Zanzibar.

Guests who wish to get to the island by sea should book their ferry tickets through a licensed tour operator. Azam marine is the largest sea ferry that ply between the waters of Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Guests can also reach the island by riding a speedboat from Dar es Salaam, which is estimated to be a two hour trip.

Main Attractions

Zanzibar is famous for its picturesque white sandy beaches complemented by the Indian Ocean’s warm turquoise waters. The island features about 25 spectacular beaches some of which are set in a really remote area and the only noise that can be heard is the flowing ocean waves.

Visitors of Zanzibar can enjoy a great day of sightseeing trip to its several small offshore islands. One in particular is the Prison or Changu Island which is extremely popular amongst international and domestic visitors alike. Prison Island is only a few hours away from the famous Stone Town.

Considered as the cultural hub of Zanzibar, Stone Town is known as one of its most famous attractions. The place is teeming with extravagant Arab houses, imposing mosques, winding alleys and busy bazaars. Walking along the Stone town’s alleyways and astonishing labyrinth of narrow streets allow guests to delve into the colourful past and cultural heritage of Zanzibar. Other must-see spots in Zanzibar include the Spice Plantations, Jozani Forest and Kizimkazi Mosque.

Before scheduling your trip to Zanzibar, check with the nearest Tanzanian Embassy to know if you are required to acquire a visa. Some nationalities are permitted to enter the town without a visa while others will definitely need to obtain one to get entry permission. So to avoid encountering problems, be sure to have all your travel documents ready and do not forget to carry your passport with you.

Tags: travel tips to Zanzibar, travel to Zanzibar, Zanzibar Island, Zanzibar vacation