First and foremost lets start off by saying that if you are taking her to Sydney for the weekend, you’re already as romantic as they come in her books. But how do you maintain the love without spending all your cash? From booking your accommodation in the best apartments Sydney has to offer, to knowing where the very best spots are for a romantic stroll at dusk, we’ve got all the tips you don’t want to miss:

Plan the weekend in advance

While you don’t want to pack too many things in to the weekend, it’s a good idea to plan the weekend in advance so that you don’t end up incurring unnecessary fees. If you know she wants to go to a specific place such as the zoo or aquarium, look online for booking over the net or holiday specials you might be able to buy before you leave.

Your Sydney friends will know the best hot spots

If you are lucky enough to have a few mates living in Sydney, ask them about the best picnic spots and places to go for great cheap eats. Locals always know the best places that aren’t always advertised and taking her to one of these places is sure to impress her no end. Find out what are the best places to view the bridge at sunset and pack a picnic to share as the sun goes down.

Bring the essentials

You don’t want to be looking for a great place to buy chocolates at 10pm on a Friday night. Bring everything you think you’ll need that will add that little extra something to the trip. Whether it be her favourite bubble bath or bottle of her favourite wine, these are things that you can organise before your trip so not only will you not have to be frantically searching when you arrive, but you also won’t pay extra.

Booking the right accommodation

Let’s be honest, you want to book nice accommodation, because that’s probably where you will be spending most of your time. Staying in one of the centrally located serviced apartments Sydney has to offer not only means that you are close to everything, so you can walk to all of the major sites, but it also means that you will have a kitchen and other facilities, so you can eat in and enjoy each other’s company in private whilst saving money on lavish dinners out. Cooking her a candlelight dinner in your apartment while she sips champagne is much more romantic and intimate than taking her out for a large meal that could cost you hundreds.

The more you cook for her, the less you will spend during the day, so serving her breakfast in bed is not only a romantic gesture but a money saver too.

Taking someone special on a romantic weekend to Sydney doesn’t have to cost you the earth. If you know where to take her, and how to indulge her for less, you’ll not only both thoroughly enjoy the weekend, but you won’t go over budget either.

Romantic Weekend in Sydney on a Shoestring is a post from: The York Apartments Articles

Sydney is such a magnificent city. And fortunately, there is plenty to see and do, that won’t necessarily cost you the earth either. Here, we’ve created a great list of tips for enjoying your trip to Sydney, no matter what your budget is. From the benefits of staying in the best apartments Sydney has to offer, to knowing where to find free entertainment, we’ve got some great tips no traveller should miss:

Taking in the major sites

You can see all of Sydney’s major sites, for free. The Opera House and Harbour Bridge are two of Sydney’s world renowned landmarks and you can take them by walking across the harbour on the bridge and exploring the inside and surrounds of the opera house. There are so many great vantage points to view them from as well, great for those who want to get that perfect shot to take home.

Meal deals at major restaurants

With a huge influx of meal deals and special offers in some of the cities major restaurants, it’s just a matter of knowing where to buy these deals online to be able to use on your trip. Start looking a few weeks before and purchase a few coupons before your trip. That way, you’ll be able to still treat yourself to enjoying some of the cities finest culinary delights for half the price or more!

Cultural hubs offering free entertainment

Many of Sydney’s major art galleries, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, have a number of free exhibitions running throughout the year. During holiday periods, they even offer free entertainment for both kids and adults. The program of events for each gallery can be found on their websites. Take a look to see what you can enjoy during your stay. Sydney’s museums and major libraries also run a number of free programs which you can find out more information on by looking at their website.

Staying in self-contained accommodation

This is something that is a good idea wherever you go and are travelling on a budget. By staying in the best serviced apartments Sydney has to offer you will save money in a number of ways. Firstly, by having a room with a kitchen and laundry, you can cook your own meals which will save you from eating out constantly.

You also have the convenience of having laundry facilities at your disposal, so you can do your washing in your apartment for no extra cost. Plus, if you’re centrally located, you will be saving money on buses and taxi fares, because you’ll be able to walk to all of the city’s major sites.

Sydney is often see as one of the most expensive cities in the world, but the fact is that there are plenty of great ways to enjoy it, without blowing your budget. I hope our list of tips has given you some useful ideas for enjoying everything Sydney has to offer, on even the most minimal of budgets.

Enjoying Sydney on a Budget is a post from: The York Apartments Articles

Whether you are staying in the best serviced apartments Sydney has to offer, or are roughing it by taking your family on a camping trip to a local nature reserve, there are a few things that are a must for your last minute shopping list:

Antibacterial wipes/gel

It’s always a good idea to carry a small handy packet of antibacterial wipes with you wherever you go. This will ensure that if you get something to eat while you’re taking in the sights, you don’t necessarily have to find a bathroom to wash your hands. And if it’s summer time ice cream is more than likely going to be on the menu and these wipes will come in handy after eating as well.

If you are camping, these wipes are invaluable for so many reasons too, especially when you aren’t near a running tap you can use to clean hands and faces.

Snacks

No matter what kind of holiday you are taking the family on, keeping the kids from breaking point by making sure you always have some snacks on hand is a very good idea. If you are camping, you will most likely be doing lots of fun outdoor activities, so you and your kids will need to keep energy levels up with things like muesli bars. If you’re seeing the sights in a major city, grabbing a snack from a convenience store, when you eventually find one can end up being very expensive. Keep at least a few items in your handbag or backpack each day to keep the whole gang happy.

Water bottles

While bottled water is great, it’s not recommended that you refill the bottles, which can be rather inconvenient and a waste of plastic. Instead, opt for purchasing a quality drink bottle for everyone so that it can be refilled at any time. Whether you are hiking mountains or spending the day on tour buses, you’ll need to stay well hydrated. Making sure every one’s drink bottle is full before you leave each morning is better than having to constantly look for places to purchase bottled water from.

Sunscreen

Sometimes we don’t even realise when we are exposing our skin to the sun. Moreover, a lot of people don’t realise that it’s important to reapply sunscreen every few hours, especially if you are spending the entire day outside. A bad sunburn can mean a holiday has to be cut short, or someone might even miss out on the rest of the trip because they’re too sore. If you have really young children, you can buy sunscreen specifically designed for children’s skin. You’d be surprised how much sunscreen you’ll go through each day so make sure you buy a large bottle or a few for good measure. Better to have too much, than not enough.

Whether you are staying in the most luxurious apartments Sydney has to offer, or are taking your family bush for the week, there are some important things to pack, regardless of your holiday destination. I hope our list of tips has given you some useful suggestions for some important additions to your last minute shopping list, before you embark on your family holiday.

Your Family Holiday Shopping List is a post from: The York Apartments Articles

If your last holiday didn’t quite turn out how you had wanted, you may simply want to look at some helpful tips for planning your next trip. You want to plan a stress free holiday the whole family can enjoy and after all, you deserve a break that will leave you feeling rested and recharged. Here, we’ve listed our top tips for planning a wonderful holiday. From choosing the right serviced apartments Sydney has to offer, to booking activities for your escape well in advance, we’ve got the must read tips for a perfect escape:

Do Your Research

No matter where you are going for your holiday, you should start the planning process by doing some research and finding out about the tourist attractions, restaurants and other places you may want to go on your trip.

Book in Advance

As soon as you know that you will be booking your holiday during a certain time period, make the arrangements. Forward planning and being organised is one of the main tips for ensuring a stress-free escape.

Plan Your Activities

Like with your accommodation, you should book your tickets to events and shows as soon as you can. Find out what everyone you are taking with you wants to do on your holiday. Book everything in, especially if you are travelling during school holidays when things can get sold out very quickly.

Choose Appropriate Accommodation

The accommodation you book can have a major impact on how much everyone enjoys their holiday. For one, you want to look for places that are close to everything you want to be doing. There’s no point in staying 40 minutes out from the city centre. Also keep in mind:

• How many rooms will you need? There are plenty of apartments Sydney has to offer visitors that are perfect for families. Staying in a hotel can often mean having a number of rooms or asking your teens to sleep on a pull out in the lounge room which certainly won’t go down well. An apartment however means more space and a choice of how many rooms, so everyone gets their own space.
• Will you want to be eating in for some meals? If you will want to make some of your meals rather than eating out all the time which can add up very quickly, a serviced apartment with a kitchen is a great option.
• On-site facilities- Will you want to be using gym facilities on your holiday or perhaps your kids will want to be able to swim in a pool? Staying somewhere that has a number of on-sight facilities including babysitting might be something you want to ensure before finalising your booking.

Stick to Your Budget

Work out how much you have to spend on your trip and stick to it. There’s nothing more stressful than spending more than you can afford and dreading the arrival of your credit card statement when you get home.

Planning a stress free holiday simply requires you to get started as soon as possible and getting everything organised to ensure that everyone knows what’s going on and is happy with the plan. If you follow the above tips you are sure to find that your holiday will be everything you want it to be and more.

5 Holiday Planning Tips is a post from: The York Apartments Articles

Having a baby is so exciting. But it also means that for at least the first three months it will be nothing but nappy changing and late night feeds. Feeling a little overwhelmed and tired during your pregnancy and are in some desperate need of some R and R with your partner? This is where a babymoon comes in. Whether you like the sound of indulging in one of the best luxury apartments Sydney has to offer and taking in some sights or you prefer the thought of laying on a white sandy beach, we’ve got some of the important reasons why a babymoon could be just what you need before the big day arrives:

Some time for you and your partner to enjoy each other

Having children is a wonderful thing, let’s not forget that. But it’s also a huge life change, and after you have your baby things won’t be the same again for both of you. Especially if this is your first child, you may want to consider a babymoon for the simple fact that it’s a great way to get some time in just you and your partner before your little bundle of joy arrives and you won’t have as much time for each other as you used to.

If you’re feeling tired, stressed or over-emotional

Some women may be reading this and think, ‘i’m all three are you kidding me?!’ But while hormones can play havoc on our bodies during pregnancy, it doesn’t mean that we can’t take some time out to try to rest and reduce our stress levels. This is not only good for you, but it’s good for baby too.

If you’re having a rough pregnancy

If you’re having a rough pregnancy then it’s all the more reason to drive up or down the coast a few hours and get in some much needed rest and pampering time. As long as you have clearance from your doctor to travel. Looking after your well being is also looking after your baby.

Package deals

There are some great package deals available for people who are heading off on their babymoon. These can include everything from spa treatments to health and nutritional classes.

A no-fuss weekend for two

But if that sounds all a little too much for you, then why not book one of the premium serviced apartments Sydney has right in its CBD and enjoy a weekend with your partner being pampered and spoilt with spa treatments, massages and some great food.

Taking a babymoon is a great option for many couples. It’s an opportunity to get in some R and R before months of late nights and endless nappy changes. It also means that when your little one arrives, you’ll be all the more relaxed and rejuvenated and ready to care for them.

Babymoon- Why One Just Might be in Order is a post from: The York Apartments Articles

If you’re traveling to Sydney, you’re likely looking for accommodations for your stay. Sydney is a wonderful city, and there are all sorts of accommodations available. One type of accommodation that many people don’t consider, however, is the serviced apartment. Or, if they think of serviced apartments, they assume that they’re terribly costly and only suited for business travelers on large corporate budgets. But, in reality, serviced apartments are suited for many different types of travelers.

In order to determine if a serviced apartment is right for you, there are some things you need to consider:

Would you prefer a kitchen? Traditional hotels aren’t equipped with full kitchens, which can be inconvenient for many travelers. Even if you plan to take full advantage of all of Sydney’s great restaurants while you’re in town, it can be very convenient to have a kitchen for when you need it. Serviced apartments offer full kitchens equipped with appliances, dinnerware and cookware. Even if you don’t cook, you can keep refrigerated drinks and snacks handy for use at your apartment.

Will you need to do laundry? Traditional hotels often make laundry inconvenient, with the only option available being sending your clothes out for cleaning, which can get expensive. Serviced apartments typically offer on site laundry facilities, and some even have washers and dryers in the apartments themselves. But, if you still prefer to send your laundry out, their staff can help you with that, too.

Will you be entertaining? Entertaining guests in a traditional hotel room can be cramped and uncomfortable. But, furnished apartments offer living rooms to provide comfort and space, even enough for visitors.

What’s your budget? While it’s true that serviced apartments can be a bit more expensive on a per night basis than traditional hotels, they often still are more cost effective overall than traditional hotels, particularly for longer stays. Travelers who stay in Sydney apartments are likely to spend less on food, laundry and other sundry expenses than those who stay in hotels. In addition, serviced apartment type hotels make it easier for business travelers to get work done, since they have enough room to set up some workspace right in their apartment, often eliminating the need for office space elsewhere in the city. And, serviced apartments make perfect sense for large families, who would otherwise need to rent more than one hotel room to accommodate their party.

Only you can decide if a serviced apartment is right for your stay in Sydney. But, rest assured, there are many such accommodations that can fit your needs and your budget. In addition, you’ll find serviced apartments available all over Sydney, so you can be located in exactly the best location for your visit, whether it’s downtown near the shopping and nightlife, or in the suburbs near a business location. As you’re exploring your visit to Sydney and evaluating accommodations for your stay, be certain to consider some of Sydney’s serviced apartments. You’re likely to find that they offer exactly what you need for your visit.

Is a Serviced Apartment Right for You? is a post from: The York Apartments Articles

Sydney is one of the world’s greatest cities. Sydney is full of culture, arts and amazing sights. People are friendly, the climate is near perfect and there’s so much to do you’ll never get bored. Professionals moving to Sydney or visiting here often opt for one of the city centre areas for urban living and exploration. In Sydney’s city centre, there are lots of wonderful apartments catering to the lifestyle of the urban professional and the business or pleasure traveler.

Neighborhoods near the city centre offer access to all that represents Sydney. Beautiful views of the Sydney Harbor await those who choose one of the many apartments in the heart of Sydney. In addition, they are right near all of Sydney’s culture. Can’t you envision yourself strolling to Sydney’s famed Opera House for an evening on the town? There are several times when choosing a serviced apartment right in the heart of Sydney is the perfect option.

• An apartment in the heart of Sydney is simply a must for those relocating to this beautiful city. Even if city centre isn’t where you’d want to live permanently, one of Sydney’s serviced apartments is a great alternative for temporary living while you explore the city and determine where you should make your permanent home. By renting a relocation apartment in Sydney’s city centre, you’ll have access to all the wonderful things there are to see and do in the city as you learn about the many suburbs that welcome new families. Check out all the nightlife, great restaurants and shopping that are within walking distance of Sydney’s great city apartments.
• Serviced apartments are perfect for the professional working in Sydney temporarily. Sydney apartments offer everything you need, just like at home. They are the perfect alternative for trying out a city for a possible move and for those who are working on a temporary project in the city. While you’re working here you’ll have all the convenience of a hotel and all the conveniences of home. Sydney’s city centre serviced apartments offer full kitchens, furnishing, linens and laundry facilities.
• Serviced apartments are great for anyone who wants to be comfortable and near all the action. In addition to the space and amenities found in an apartment, by choosing one of Sydney’s serviced apartments, you’ll have hotel like amenities. You’ll love the access to find swimming pools and other spa like amenities you’ll find in these apartments. They really do offer the best of both worlds.

Whether you’re traveling to Sydney for a long term work project, relocating to the city, or just visiting on vacation, serviced apartments right in the heart of the city are a great accommodation option. You’ll have room to relax and all the creature comforts of home, with all the amenities of a fine hotel. And, the best part is that all of this comfort and all these amenities are in the center of one of the world’s most exciting and beautiful cities.

City Living in Sydney’s City Apartments is a post from: The York Apartments Articles

There are plenty of reasons to visit Sydney, not the least of which is the fantastic shopping. Sydney is a multi-cultural city that offers plenty in culture, art and outdoor adventure to visitors. But, it’s also one of the best cities in the world for fabulous shopping. Whether you’re looking for fashion, home goods, art, antiques or interesting native Australian items, you can find it all right in Sydney’s city centre.

Most people consider Pitt Street Mall to be the premier shopping area in Sydney. It is home to plenty of stylish boutiques and galleries and is right in Sydney’s centre. In addition, this area is convenient to other great shopping areas such as Castlereagh Street and Centrepoint.

So, as you plan your Sydney shopping spree, you’ll want to look for accommodations right in this area, so you’re close to all the shopping action. You’ll find that this area is extremely convenient for other activities, too. After all, the stores are open in the evenings typically only on Thursday! With a city centre location, you’ll also find it easy to visit Sydney’s great restaurants and nightlife.

There are plenty of accommodations to choose from in Sydney, of course. Because of its size and popularity, Sydney offers everything from budget hotels to high end resorts on the water. But, many travelers find that Sydney apartments are great for shoppers because they combine the conveniences of home with those of a hotel.

Serviced apartments are already set up just like home, making them far more comfortable than traditional hotel rooms. Some of the amenities you’ll find at serviced apartments include:

• Furniture
• Small Appliances
• Dinnerware
• Linens
• Recreational Facilities
• Laundry facilities
• Full kitchen
• Separate living room

Serviced apartments give you far more space than a traditional hotel room, which is great for storing all those fabulous finds you’re sure to come home with! They are also great for those who like to cook. You’ll have the convenience of preparing your own meals whenever you choose, and you’ll be able to easily store refrigerated drinks and snacks. Cooking in is far more budget friendly and lower calorie, too. That gives you extra money to shop for fashion and a slimmer waistline for showing off that new fashion.

Serviced apartments in Sydney offer many of the same benefits you’ll find in a hotel, too. If you’d like maid service, it’s available in most serviced apartments. In addition, many of these apartments offer hotel amenities such as pools, health clubs and even day spas! And there will be plenty of staff on hand to help out if there’s anything you need, just like in a hotel.

There are few shopping destinations in the world that compare with Sydney. And, with all the other wonderful things to see and do in this vibrant city, even the most dedicated shop-a-holic could get distracted. It’s certain that regardless of the activity that brings you to Sydney, it will be one of your favorite destinations.

Apartments Near the Heart of Sydney’s Shopping is a post from: The York Apartments Articles

Hotels can be extremely convenient for travelers. They offer many of the comforts of home, along with some additional amenities that are welcome to the vacation or business traveler. However, there are some downsides to hotel stays, too. Space is tight and paying for all of the extras can get expensive. For these reasons, it is often more appealing to choose a serviced apartment for those away from home visits.

Serviced apartments can offer many of the same benefits as hotels without all the downsides of hotel living.

Serviced apartments offer more space and more of the comforts of home simply because they are more like homes, and include kitchens, increased storage room and separate bedrooms. The extra space gives you more room to spread out and allows you to store food and to cook your own meals if you so desire. In addition, you’ll also likely have laundry facilities to make your stay even more convenient and affordable.

There are several situations in which renting a serviced apartment can be very beneficial. Some of the travelers who are most likely to benefit from apartment rental include:

• Travelers with long stays – Those in the process of relocating or those who are on long term business assignments can certainly benefit from the extra space and home like qualities of an apartment. These travelers are likely carrying more belongings, requiring more storage space and laundry accommodation. In addition, over the long term stay, travelers can save a lot of money by preparing some of their own meals rather than being forced to visit restaurants or order room service for every meal.
• Travelers with children – Hotel life with children can be very frustrating. It’s difficult to store snacks and toys, and there simply isn’t enough room for everyone to get comfortable and to spread out. With a serviced apartment it’s easy to keep needed supplies at hand, and allow the little ones to nap peacefully in separate bedrooms while the adults watch television or relax privately.
• Travelers with special needs – Elderly travelers and others with special medical, dietary or equipment needs can also benefit from a serviced apartment. More space allows for needed equipment and full service kitchens make sticking to special diets much easier.

Many travelers assume they can’t afford serviced apartments. However, many apartments designed for short term rentals are actually quite affordable, particularly when you consider how much money you can save on food expenses by preparing simple meals yourself. In addition, with an apartment rental, you’re not paying for amenities like spa services that are often associated with finer hotels. Finally, serviced apartments come in several sizes, from studio to three bedroom, allowing travelers to pick exactly the right size apartment for their travel party.

Most serviced apartment rentals also feature many of the same services you’d find in hotels, such as daily linen service and maid service. Many offer swimming pools, fitness centers and recreational facilities, too. These sorts of apartments are able to combine the best features from traditional hotels with the best features from home, making them suitable for any type of traveler.

So, even if you’re traveling for a short holiday, without any special needs, serviced apartment accommodations may be both a comfortable and affordable hotel alternative. Your travel agent can help you find the right accommodations to suit your plans and your budget. You may find that your holiday is more relaxing, more enjoyable and easier on the wallet than you expected.

The Benefits of Renting a Serviced Apartment is a post from: The York Apartments Articles