Travel

Buying a boat for the family is a major expense and one you’ll have to deal with for years to come. For many people, this might be a lifelong dream, and they might overlook some details just so they can realize it. However, if you go in uninformed or ignore a few important things and rush your decision, it could rapidly turn into a nightmare. Smart buyers are informed and have a clear checklist of things they should be looking for before making any purchase. Here are some of the most important points to consider when buying a boat.

Pre-Owned or New?

When buying a boat, you have the choice between a brand-new boat and a pre-owned one. Just like a car, both have their set of pros and cons.

If you have the money for it, and it’s really not an issue, then it’s always better to go with a new one. The main reason why going for a new one is usually a better decision is because of the warranty. Repairs on a boat can get pretty expensive and knowing that you’ll be covered will give you some extra peace of mind.

However, note that new boats lose a lot of their value after their first year and many people prefer buying a pre-owned boat for this reason. Pre-owned boats are considerably cheaper, and they don’t always have a lot of wear and tear on them, so some used boats are just as good as new.

What Size would be the Best?

When choosing a size for the boat, there are a lot of things you’ll have to take into consideration. First thing you should think about is where you’ll be using it and how. If you’re going to be using it on lakes or rivers, anything between 18ft and 40ft should have everything you need for a day on the water. However, if you were thinking of using the boat as a sort of second summer home where you can spend the night, you might need something a bit bigger with more amenities, like a cabin and a galley among other things.

You also have to consider how many people will be on the boat at any given time. Do you expect to have friends over in addition to your family? Do you want an extra room if you plan to entertain? Or do you simply need something simple where you’ll be able to get some quiet time?

Your budget will also dictate how big a boat you can actually afford. And we’re not only talking about the price of the boat. There are tons of other things you’ll have to consider like moorage, cleaning, drydocking, maintenance, gasoline, boat insurance, cleaning and winter storage, all things that will be affected by the boat’s size.

Sail or Motor?

The choice here usually boils down to preference. However, sailboats will have more of a learning curve and are dependent on the wind. But a sailboat might be perfect if all you need is a boat for gentle cruising or quiet fishing. But if you want to do some water-skiing with the kids, then you’ll have to go with a boat with either an outboard or inboard engine.

What will the Boat be Used for?

If you still can’t figure out which type of boat would be the best for you, there are a few questions you can ask to make the choice easier. Do you want to put it on a trailer? How much experience do you have? Do you want to impress people coming over or business contacts? Is it going to have multiple purposes? How much money can you actually afford? This should give you a clearer view of what boat you should go for.

Financing

There are tons of different options available if you’re looking for financing for a boat. Loans on boats will usually have longer terms, and you’ll be able to repay within 10 to 20 years in most cases. Some lenders will only work on bigger, more expensive boats, and others with boats costing $30,000 or less.

However, if you have poor or no credit, your options might be a bit more limited. In these cases, you’ll often have to offer the boat as collateral for the loan. So, if you can’t repay on time, the lender will be able to seize the boat. You could also use your home equity to get a loan. Or you could look for a personal bad credit boat loan.

Services like Bonsai Finance can connect you to hundreds of different bad credit boat loan providers, so you can pick the right one for you. These people will be less concerned with your credit score, but more with your ability to actually repay the loan. However, if you’re concerned about getting rejected, you could ask a friend or relative to endorse you. However, know that they’ll bear some of the responsibility as well.

Insurance

Insurance is also very important when buying a boat, and it will need to be insured first if you intend to finance it or buy it with cash. While most people will start looking around, it’s always better to work with a reputable agent who works with underwriters who are familiar with boats. Agents will usually have access to much better deals than the average buyer since they already have long-standing relationships with many insurance companies.

The size, value, and age of the boat will all have an influence on how much you can expect to pay. In the case of a used boat, a survey will have to be performed first to assess its condition.

Conclusion

Buying a boat can be a dream come true, but make sure that you take the steps necessary to make sure that you buy the right one. Also, make sure that you’re aware of the responsibilities of owning a boat before you make your decision.

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If you are planning to visit England in 2019, you would be smart to look beyond its capital city of London. If you love the idea of viewing rolling green hills, exploring quaint villages, and snapping photographs of historic architecture, you need to look beyond the big cities and immerse yourself in rural England.

To breathe in picturesque views, charming buildings, and diverse landscapes, here are the prettiest places to visit in England. Such locations are filled with English charm and unwavering beauty.

The Lake District, Cumbria

The Lake District has recently been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status due to its natural beauty. It is the ultimate destination for those wanting to experience the beautiful countryside that is so synonymous with England, as it is home to many tranquil bodies of water, tiny villages, charming country pubs, and breathtaking mountain ranges.

The Cotswolds

It is hard to believe the Cotswolds is as little as two hours’ drive away from bustling London. It was declared as an Area of Outstanding Beauty half a century ago, and it will be easy to see why once you arrive, as it features honey-colored towns and villages that will make you fall in love with England. You easily could spend many a week here, too, as the Cotswolds covers approximately 800 square miles across the following five counties:

• Wiltshire
• Gloucestershire
• Warwickshire
• Oxfordshire
• Worcestershire

Highlights include the Highgrove Estate, the private residence of the Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, which is open to the public. You also shouldn’t miss Corsham Court, which is a former royal manor that offers stunning gardens that were designed by Capability Brown, a notable English landscape architect.

Surrey

Offering beautiful landscaped gardens, ruined medieval monasteries, and historic Tudor properties, you would be hard pressed to find a better county to visit than Surrey, which is full to the brim with picture-perfect market towns, such as Godalming, Farnham, and Guildford.

There are also many superb attractions you will not want to miss in the county. For example, top of your to-do list should be the town of Weybridge. Not only does it offer superb views of the River Thames, but it is also home to Thorpe Park Resort, Brooklands Museum, and the beautiful Bushy Park. Plus, those looking for a great British pub should drop into The Flintgate, which allows visitors to sample a variety of real ales, real ciders and keg beers from some of the best independent breweries in the UK.

Cambridge

One beautiful destination you will not want to overlook during a visit to England is Cambridge, which dates back to 1209. Once you arrive in the university city, you should climb the tower at the Church of St Mary the Great, which will offer spectacular vistas over the city.

Every tourist must also explore Kings College and its beautiful chapel, which still features graffiti from Oliver Cromwell’s army. You also can view a large wooden screen, which was a gift from Henry VIII to his second wife, Anne Boleyn.

Whether you want to enjoy the busy city life or rest in the serenity of nature, Georgia can offer you both. While the majestic mountains and the sandy coastline set the beautiful outline of the country, the urban nature of the country will bring all the facilities to you. Besides natural beauty and modern amenities, the historic importance of the country is something that attracts tourists throughout the year. Try to book the Georgia tour package to get amazing deals. So, if you are planning for a vacation in Georgia, here are the places which must be on the top of your bucket list. Read on to know more

1. Tallulah Gorge

This amazing gorge is 1000 feet deep and it is also 2 miles long. Visiting Tallulah Gorge can be an exciting experience as there is 2700 acre Georgia State Park is located near the gorge. The breathtaking beauty of the place is remarkable as there are six waterfalls to visit. If you want to hike, here you can get the best experience. For the bikers, this is the best ground to roam around. For hiking and biking, you will need special permission.

2. Kazbegi

Don’t you have much time to explore the scenic beauty and the city of Georgia? Then, you can go to Kazbegi which is a famous high altitude retreat for the tourists and not very far from the city. Once you are here, you will be mesmerized by the snow-capped Great Caucasus Range that surrounds Kazbegi. Don’t forget to visit the Gergeti Trinity Church here that is 2000 m above sea level. You can also go hiking to experience the beauty of the mountains and glaciers at the Russian border.

3. Tbilisi

This is the town of Georgia where the traditional and old Georgia has beautifully amalgamated with the modern one. Located on the bank of Mtkvari River, this town has its historical importance. In the heart, there is old Tbilisi where you can visit the age-old Byzantine churches, traditional architecture of houses, timber balconies and so on.

4. Lullwater Park

Though the park is located in the middle of the city, you can enjoy complete serenity over there. The sound you can hear is only the rustling of trees and the blowing of the wind through the leaves. This nature park has everything in it. From the hiking trails to the hills, the open fields and the running water, the fish ponds and the bright sun have made the place perfect for spending a day and having a picnic.

5. Vardzia

If you are a history buff, Georgia won’t disappoint you at all. Being located at the gateway between Asia and Europe, Georgia has seen lots of invasions. To protect the country from the Mongols, Vardzia was built. It was a ‘cave village’ with 6000 separate grotto apartments, a church, irrigation system and special room for the queen. The stone structure has been destroyed by an earthquake. Still, visitors can see the ruins and several stone architectures and praise it.

So, these are only a few places in Georgia that will appeal to your traveler’s mind. Pack your bag now and have a great holiday in Georgia.

There are points in our lives when everything seems perfect as usual but all you want to do is pack up and leave for some faraway place, away from all the hubbub of the city. But because of our jobs and daily duties, it isn’t always possible to just pack up and go somewhere. It doesn’t mean that you cannot get away to have a lovely time with your partner, though, because North California is full of the odd, the charming and the majestic. Merely a drive away from the bustling city of San Francisco are getaways where you can let your worries slip away and relax with a wine in hand. Or, if you are one of those power couples that enjoy adventuring together, you may take long meandering hikes among the tall redwoods or go surfing in the Pacific.

And if you want to make it an extended family affair, renting a minibus or mini coach bus out of San Francisco is the perfect way to make sure that everyone arrives on time, and no one gets lost along the way.

1. Bodega Bay

A mere ninety minutes’ drive away from San Francisco lies Bodega Bay. A jewel in the shining crown that is Sonoma country, the place is bustling with gorgeously golden beaches, shops full of beautiful oddities and tastefully eclectic dishes that feature seafood at its centrepiece. Here in Bodega Bay you can while your time away simply with a book in hand and a wine and your lover by your side. But if lazing around is not your thing, head to the Chancellor Stables and take yourself for a ride. Literally. The guided tour that you may spend on the back of a gorgeous equine specimen will lead you through rolling dunes and soft meadows, sparkly beaches and around tall peaks.

And when that long yet breathtaking journey inevitably makes you hungry, you may ravenously eat yours through the deliciously comfortable food available at the Terrapin Creek Café. The place won a Michelin star for its delicious goodies and you will soon know why as you let the strangely familiar and mouth-wateringly new flavours take over your taste buds.  Or, if you are in the mood for less cheese burst and more organic green, head to the tasteful dining rooms inside Bay View restaurant. We promise it will not disappoint you either.

2. Big Sur 

Tucked right into the land that lies between southern and northern California, Big Sur will take you about three hours to get to. And every minute of that journey you might consider worth it once you let your eyes feast on what can easily qualify as one of the USA’s most breath-taking holiday destinations. Here you find the beaches slowly mingling with the towering majesty of the redwoods. But in case you cannot find a place to stay in Big Sur, which is somewhat unusual, you may also look for places you can rent in places nearby including, but not limited to, Carmel, Cambria and San Simeon.

If you are visiting with your lover, makes sure to head to the purplish and sandy expanse of the Pfeiffer beach. And once you are done letting your feet caress the soft sands, pamper yourself a little bit by heading to Sierra Mar, the slightly posh but amazingly elegant restaurant where you may dig into the delicacies on offer while enjoying the sight of the Pacific Ocean through the pristine floor to ceiling windows. But if you prefer to swap tale and ale with the locals, you might want to visit Nepenthe instead.

While the two places listed in this article definitely takes the cake, North California is teeming with way stranger yet wonderful options you might choose to visit with your loved ones. Santa Cruz is a fantastic place to take your family to, with the beaches and the food and amusement parks ready to take the breath away of everyone in the family. And the best part? You can do all this and more and yet return to the office on Monday, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and ready to take on the world.

Africa has for long been a favoured hotspot for tourists from all over the world owing to its rich wildlife, picture-perfect landscapes and diversity. The continent is much more than just a desert with an unbearably hot climate, and in fact, houses a multitude of tourist attractions ranging from Uganda safaris to beach-side fun in Seychelles.

Here are 5 reasons why Africa should top your list for your next vacation:

1. South Africa’s tourist attractions

South Africa is one of the few remaining places on Earth which has retained its culture after being touched by different people and remains a wholesome experience for all who visit this continent. It is a perfect balance of a modern destination with luxury resorts and facilities on one hand and a true wilderness experiences on the other. Africa’s outback is as pure and pristine as ever and one must visit Kruger, Sabi Sand, Madikwe and more while in the continent. South Africa is home to varying landscapes which is a photographer’s paradise and some of the main attractions include Cape Town, Johannesburg, Sodwana, Camp Bay and many more.

2. Botswana’s Untouched Treasures

Africa is storehouse of some of the most beautiful ecological gems in the country and Botswana leads in this segment. Also referred to as the Jewel of the Kalahari, the Okavango Delta is an idyllic oasis which is full of varieties of flora and fauna. Botswana gives you the freedom to travel on foot, by boat or in a mokoro amongst the winding paths of wild date palms, mangroves, acacias and other flora. Some of the most widely spotted creatures here include buffalos, elephants, reedbucks, impalas, zebras, warthogs, hippos and others.

3. Kenya’s Contrasting Wilderness

You cannot end your holiday in Africa without paying a visit to Kenya, which is a land where all your traveling dreams come true. Whether it is the sound of millions of wildebeest and zebra hooves or the swaying palm trees in a backdrop of clear blue skies, Kenya has everything that makes a vacation successful! The Great Migration is an amazing safari experience which makes even the most disinterested guest in wildlife fall in love with the country!

4. Namibia’s Striking Ecology

Namibia showcases the stunning beauty of its desert landscape which one can experience in the Kalahari desert and Namib desert. It dates back to approximately 80,000,000 years, and hence is one of the oldest deserts on Earth. It offers truly a great insight into various animal species at the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Namibia is a place of interesting landscapes, where vast expanses of sand dunes shine in the backdrop of magnificent mountains.

5. Seychelles’ 115 Island Hideaways

Seychelles has gained popularity in the last few years, especially as a glorious honeymoon destination. This archipelago of 115 islands boasts of sparkling water and fine sand beaches supplemented by awesome rock formations which creates an exceptional seaside destination.

Now that you have reasons enough to head to this beautiful continent, why not get down to planning your itinerary and making your bookings!