I try to visit Egypt once a year these days and I tend to fly straight into Luxor so that I can get checked in as soon as possible to my favourite hotel and then to tuck straight into some local cuisine.
Of all the attractions in Luxor, the temples are my favourite and no matter how many times I visit, I am always in awe of these stunning sites.
Australia is a vast island which has offers much to the visitor, from its modern and built up cities to the miles upon miles of outback which is exciting to explore and contains some of the best wildlife in the world. One of the best known features of the Australian countryside is Ayres Rock, an enormous sandstone rock.
Ayres Rock is one of the iconic images of Australia and is listed as a world heritage site. One of the main reasons that Ayres Rock has such significance is that the local indigenous tribes consider it to be sacred and often come here to celebrate life. One might wonder why it is worth going to visit a large rock, but when you arrive and experience the rock standing 350 metres high and the aura which goes with it, it soon
Uluru
becomes clear why so many people who visit Australia have it so high on their to do list. As well as the rock itself there are also other interesting features to explore in the surrounding area. There are beautiful springs, a series of caves to investigate and ancient paintings etched into the walls.
A large part of experience of visiting Ayres Rock is actually getting to it. The nearest town, Alice Springs, is around 210 miles away, so by travelling to the rock you can experience much of the Northern Territory.
The Islands which make up the West Indies each has so much
to offer, so when toured as an entire package, they provide a simply fantastic
experience. The islands are in close proximity to each other which makes
travelling from island to island extremely easy, with many companies offering
boats and ferries, with air travel also being an option.
West Indies holiday
The main islands of the West Indies are the Cuban Dominican
Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico, although there are also a number of
smaller islands. Each of these main islands has a significant population which
means that there is a distinct culture to explore, with each island having a
number of visitor attractions and services for visitors.
Many people will visit one of the islands for entire week or
two week period, but with the islands so close together it seems to be a wasted
opportunity not to visit two or more of the islands, even if only on a day trip.
It should not concern you that one or two days will not be enough to fully
explore the island, as the small proximity, the long days and the good
transport mean that you can easily see most if not all of the main attractions
in this amount of time.
The feature which is perhaps most commonly associated with
the West Indies is the stunning beaches and clear waters. Regardless of which
island you are on there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy these features.
The Canary Islands are a truly luxurious set of islands off the coast of Morocco. These Spanish islands each offer something different to the visitor, as described below.
Lanzarote
The island of Lanzarote is an island also offers nice beaches and great weather and is also a good family resort, although should probably be avoided by any party animals. The landscape and history are perhaps the best features.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is the second most populous of the Canary Islands and offers perhaps the most diversity in its attractions. The capital of the island is the largest city in the Canaries and boasts some picturesque and charming architecture, as do many of the villages on the island. There are also stunning beaches and sand dunes and a very popular nightlife. The island is touted as a gay capital, but in reality it is not noticeable.
Fuerteventura
This is the second largest of the Canary Islands and is one of the sleepiest. The island is a popular resort for the older generations but also appeals to couples and families who seek a quit island on which to relax. The island boasts some beautiful landscape which is fun to explore.
Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and has the highest visitor numbers. This island has various different faces, including the notorious nightlife. Indeed, of all the Canary Islands Tenerife is perhaps the best known for its partying opportunities, with thousands of people flocking here each year to enjoy the famous veronicas strip. The island is also a great family destination as it has a number of beaches and family activities to enjoy.
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Canary Islands
Whales are one of the most fascinating creatures on the planet and viewing them in their natural environment is a truly inspiring experience. There are various locations in the world where you can enjoy this experience, and below is a brief guide to some.
Alaska
I would rank this as the most romantic place to view whales, with the reason being that the surroundings are just so different and beautiful. Humpbacks and Orcas can often be sees in these parts, and whilst you can sometimes spot them from the land, the best way to maximise your experience is to take a boat trip. Whales only visit these parts during certain parts of the year so be sure to check before you book your trip.
California
There are many great sea creatures which can be found off the coast of California, with dolphins and whales being the most common. The whales in this area often seem to revel in human contact and will often approach the tour boats to provide a simply stunning view of them. The most common type of whale to see here is the grey whale.
Scotland
For those from the UK, there is no need to travel across the world in order to see marine life, you can see some intriguing species off the northern coasts of Scotland. Near to the Isle of Skye you will often see minke whales as well as dolphins and basking sharks.
Skiing - Europe
It may be easy to list down various popular ski resorts in the US, but what about the best ski resorts in Europe? Below are some of the popular ski resorts you can explore in European destinations.
Galtur, Austria
This is one of the best resorts not due to extensive resources and fashionable bars, but due to the fact that it is quite the opposite. The resort has an abundance of snow and allows one to really open up and enjoy the space which comes as a result of many visitors to the area seeking the more conventional resources available elsewhere in the area.
St Anton, Austria
At this resort you can find some of the most challenging slopes in the country and is great for those who want to push their skills that little bit further. There are also easier slopes for those who have a less advanced skill set.
Tignes, France
This resort boasts some of the best high altitude slopes in Europe and has a great network of cars to take you around to the different sections. The snow is vast and there is plenty of space, so the beginners can spread out away from those who have more experience.
Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy
One of the reasons that this resort is so fantastic is the glorious scenery which surrounds it. The slopes are very spread out meaning that there is plenty of space to hone your skills. The views of the landscape from the bars and restaurants are amazing.
You can also find amazing alternatives by going skiing in Sicily, Italy where you won’t get your typical skiing adventure but one with a unique twist for those looking for more than just the usual stuff.
African Safari
To go on safari is one of the most fulfilling experiences you can ever have and there is a whole array of great African safaris you can choose from.
The opportunity to experience the wonder of wildlife in its natural environment is one that is hard to match. Below are some of the best African safari experiences that the continent has to offer.
Tanzania
Tanzania Safari
Some of the greatest African safaris in the world can be found in Tanzania which includes the Serengeti, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro. The wildebeest migration which takes place each year in the Serengeti is genuinely remarkable and should definitely put this location towards the top of your travel list.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Safari
Hwangi National Park, which is located in Zimbabwe, is one of the most popular safari locations in Africa.
Visiting Zimbabwe on safari includes other interesting sites, whereby you can also take in the Victoria Falls, one of nature’s breath-taking masterpieces that’s sure to “take you by storm”…
Kenya
Kenya Safari
Kenya is famous for its game viewing opportunities and the glorious scenery which compliments and confounds the safari experience. Kenya is often regarded as the home of the safari and the place to go to get the original experience.
The knowledge and passion of the local tour guides here is inspiring and they offer great insights into many of Africa’s great safari destinations.
South Africa
South Africa Safari
For viewing prides of lions and walking safaris Kruger National Park is hard to match. The same park is also famous for its kids activities and the way that you can really interact with the nature as opposed to passing straight through it.
Eastern Cape Safari Park is also great and represents a great opportunity to view elephants in their natural environment.
So when it comes to finding great African safaris, one thing’s for sure, you’ll be spoilt for choice—and in many ways!
Your time on this earth is very short and paid leave is even shorter ! We have looked at some of the best available holiday deals 2011 and compiled a list of our 10 favourite sights to see before you die, so what are you waiting for ?
Always a great subject for debate as we all want something different in life, here are our top 10 suggestions.
See a Space Shuttle Launch in Florida – With the space program being shelved this is an “I was there” moment that should be near the top because it is an awesome sight and a very limited opportunity before it becomes history.
Great Wall of China
See the Northern Lights in Norway – A great adventure awaits you in Norway and there is very little to compare in nature that is more spectacular to behold in the skies than the Northern Lights
The Great Wall of China – One of the great myths of our time about seeing the wall from space, well if you can’t get on the space shuttle to check out the theory why not trek the Great Wall and see it for yourself.
See the Grand Canyon – An amazing spectacle and the scale of the region can only be witnessed to be believed. Even better, you can combine your trip with a visit to Sin City aka Las Vegas and maybe even win back the cost of you holiday in the casino, or maybe not !
Rio Carnival – Brazil
You probably won’t see more sights of outstanding natural beauty in one place anywhere else in the world than in Rio di Janeiro ! This is Notting Hill with sun and a lot more atmosphere and the sight of the carnival in full flow and the chance to join in makes this a must do adventure.
Everest Mountain – Nepal
How cool would it be to say that you have been to and seen the fabled mountain region. Okay we are not suggesting you scale the summit but the south base camp is certainly achievable and the views of the mountains and the Khumbu Icefall will make you forget any aching limbs.
See a live Volcano – Costa Rica
Okay this once in a lifetime experience is not for the faint hearted but this active volcano spews molten lava and makes the earth tremble with alarming regularity ! Take a guided tour through Arenal National Park and enjoy the spectacle.
See Orang-Utans in the wild – Borneo
Almost everyone loves these magnificent beasts and to see them in their natural habitat is a magnificent sight. There are now some cracking holiday deals to Borneo which plays host to an amazing array of wildlife.
Stay in an Ice Hotel – Sweden
Excuse the pun, but this a very cool thing to see and do. Each winter, sculptors create a new hotel using ice from the Torne River in Sweden and to take in the view of this unique ice palace and even stay a night, is a must for the list.
See the sunset over Uluru – Australia
Otherwise known as Ayers Rock this iconic landmark just has to be seen in person as the sun sets over the Australian outback – Enjoy these sights while you can !
Extra Idea: You might also love the idea of a whale sighting holiday for a truly unique experience.
The city of Cardiff in Wales is one of the most popular cities in the UK for tourists. One of the best features of the city is the number of parks spread around the city which are stunning at any time of the year, and especially in summer. Below is a brief guide to some of the best parks in Cardiff.
Cardiff Parks
Roath Park – Roath Park is a short drive from the city centre, or about a 20 minute walk. This is a luscious space of grass which, whilst not the biggest park in Cardiff, is pleasurable due to the uninterrupted space and pleasant surrounding trees. The close proximity to shops, bars and restaurants is conducive to a day long stay.
Heath Field – In the foreground of the main city hospital, located in one of the more desirable sections of Cardiff, can be found this enormous park. There are a number of sports pitches here which make it attractive to sporty visitors, but there is also plenty of other greenery and woodland to attract all types of people.
Bute Park – This is the closest park to the city centre, something which is a large factor in its popularity. There are approximately 55 acres of greenery as well as the opportunity to explore the river Taff and to experience exquisite views of Cardiff Castle in Wales.
Everybody enjoys a good film, regardless of which genre we prefer or who our favourite actors are, there are very few people who don’t enjoy the chance to sit and watch a well produced creation which allows us to live our fantasies through someone else. For most people, there will be a favourite movies scene or sequence, and the setting for this scene becomes embedded with the associations with it. Below are some of the best places to visit in the US which have been the host to some of the movies we grew up watching.
Back to the Future – The scientist’s house from this film which was a teen favourite and launched the career of Michael J Fox is
Movie scenes
actually open to the public. So visit Pasadena and explore the setting for this classic.
Nightmare on Elm Street – The house which was the centre point for this famous horror/fantasy film shot in the 1980s is in fact in a quiet suburb in Hollywood, so if you grew up watching this you could easily include it in a trip to the popular city.
Dances with Wolves – Much of this iconic film, which was a mixture between western and a tear jerking drama and starred Kevin Costner, was shot around the area of the Triple U Standing Butte Ranch in Dakota. The area is great to visit not only to see where scenes from this film were shot but also due to the beauty of the area.
