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Out and about in Cape Town

May 8, 2012 //
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Situated on the Southern tip of Africa, the beautiful city of Cape Town has grown to become one of the best cities in the world to visit. With its crystal clear waters on one side and the stunning Table Mountain encasing it on the other, the city really does have something to offer someone visiting.

There are a huge range of activities and trips for tourists to do during their stay in the city, giving you the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of South Africa. One of the biggest attractions is the trip to the top of the iconic table mountain via cable car. Once at the top you will have a panoramic view of the city and in indeed the whole Cape Peninsular.

Robben Island

If you are looking for something that will teach you some of the history of the country then the boat trip to Robben Island is a must. It was at this prison island that Nelson Mandela was incarcerated and is now a world heritage site visited by a huge number of visitors every year. Whilst here you will learn about the struggles that occurred throughout South Africa during the apartheid era. This trip leaves from the developed Victoria and Albert Waterfront which in itself is a huge attraction, with its multitude of shops, craft markets and a wide range of restaurants making it one of the country’s most popular attractions.

Robben Island

Robben Island

The vineyards on the wine route

If you are looking to leave the hustle and bustle of the city then just a short drive away are the vineyards on the wine route. Here you will get some terrific views of the scenery over the plains with the imposing Table Mountain in the background. It is also an opportunity to take a tour and sample some of the delicious wines from estates around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. There are also a number of award winning restaurants on the ‘Wine Route’, including some of the finest chefs in the country.

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Categories Culture

Luxor Temple – Best attractions, Egypt

January 17, 2012 //
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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.

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Categories Culture, Egypt, Historical

Touring the West Indies

November 14, 2011 //
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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

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.

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Categories Culture, Dance, Festivals, Food and Wine

10 Sights to see before you die

June 9, 2011 //
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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

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.

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Categories Adventure, Culture, Outdoors, Travel, Travel Writing

Famous Film Scene Locations

April 7, 2011 //
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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

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.

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Categories Culture, New York, NYC, Travel, USA

6 Great Camping locations to try in France

February 8, 2011 //
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Camping is one of the most exciting ways to travel as you can take your own accommodation with you anywhere and get in touch with nature. By taking yourself away from nature you will find yourself indulging in traditional activities to entertain yourself. You can also enjoy all of the wonders of wildlife including marvellous views of the countryside. Below are some of the best places to do this in France:

Camping France

Camping France

Les Tilleuls – A fabulous location for the traveller who likes to escape the built up cities and enjoy some peaceful time in beautiful surroundings. Located in the Pyrenees in in Gedre, the views of the mountains and the charismatic old building which are scattered around are simply marvellous.

Domaine Le Poteau – This campsite is set right out in the countryside of Castlenau d’Auza meaning that you will be able to enjoy agricultural France at its best. The site is in close proximity to local vine yards. Read more about Domaine Le Poteau.

Camping la Vendette – In order to reach this location on an island just to the south of Brittany you will have to travel by boat. The journey is worth it though to enjoy the gorgeous greenery which has been a haven for artists for centuries.

Le Clapas – Located close to the sea, this location is ideal for the adventurer as there are plenty of sea sports available. The landscape around the coast is simply perfect for camping and enjoying the scenery.

Cap d’Agde camping – If you are brave, naturist camping in Agde in the South of France is a good option, with a wonderful mile long beach running parallel to the camp site. The resort has everything and the camp site includes several food outlets, a laundery room, wireless internet soverage and a lot more. More on Cap d’Agde Camping in France and via Agde sales.

Mas de la Fargassa – The exclusive location of this campsite is its main draw. The difficult roads on the way to this haven in amongst the local fruit fields ensure that only the most devoted campers travel here.

Find more France travel ideas with the free France guides.

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Categories Adventure, Culture, France, Outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized

Writing to Travel

March 16, 2010 //
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Most avid travellers have, at one time or another, dreamt of becoming a full time travel writer. What could better than travelling for a living? Well not much, if you don’t mind living in a state of perpetual motion.

Travel writing is one of the hardest areas of journalism to break into, simply because it’s appealing to so many people. Many successful travel writers starting out working on guide books, if not providing original content then doing a revision for the book’s next edition. Increasingly, editors and publishers prefer to use

Travel Writing competition

Travel Writing competition

English-speaking writers that are living in the destination, or at least have visited it several times. Here is where you language skills and local knowledge really come into play, and the more exotic the better!

The web provides many opportunities to break into travel writing, though very few to actually make enough to earn a living from it. That said, a good blog is your best asset and your calling card: these days it’s not unusual for editors to only consider writers with a solid blog following. Your blog is also your brand, and it could help you land assignments, press trips or even a book deal.

Another way of opening a door is entering Travel Writing Competitions, such as this one organised by Holiday Velvet.

This will not only give you exposure on a busy website, but you could even win a weekend in Barcelona!

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Categories Culture, Travel, Travel Writing

The Spice Girls play on stage in London

February 3, 2010 //
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London is famous for its West End musicals, and over the past years their subject matter or theme has become more and more left-of- centre. We have seen ones based on spelling bees (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), one on a chat show host (Jerry Springer: The Opera), the only American ever to be convicted of cannibalism (Cannibal! The Musical) and another with nuns in drag (Nunsense A-Men!).

So it shouldn’t come as a surprise then that The Spice Girls, the all-girl, super-group of the nineties will also feature in a

London threatre

London threatre

musical. The show is being created by Mamma Mia! producer Judy Craymer who hopes to do the same with the Spice Girl’s catchy tunes as she did with those of ABBA; concoct a plot and put it to their music. You can see it working.

The West End theatre district of London is one of the city’s biggest attractions, and I would recommend booking well ahead for one of the newer shows. Saturday and Sunday matinees can often be cheaper and many restaurants in buzzing Soho, the neighborhood next to the theatre district, offer early, pre-theatre meals at great prices. Websites such as lastminute.com and www.discounttheatre.com are also a good resource for tickets. Whatever you do, never buy them from the ticket touts that often huddle outside the main entrance of the theatres.

Heading to London. Find London travel insurance to make your trip smooth.

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Categories Culture, Dance, London, Travel

Celebrate Buddha’s Birthday in Koh Samui Thailand

April 20, 2009 //
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Buddha’s Birthday is a major annual event which is held in Koh Samui Thailand. This festival is celebrated in more Buddhist countries such as Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea. It is an annual event which is held in May. This birthday is very important for the Thai people and is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Buddha.

 

This massive birthday festival is also known as Vesak or Visakah Puja and is named after a month in the calendar of India. The Thai people celebrate this day on the first full moon in May. Besides the

Buddha attractions in Thailand.

Buddha attractions in Thailand.

commemoration of his birth, also the enlightenment and the death of this great saint will be celebrated. People make a lot of preparations to be able to celebrate this gala event. The Buddhist monasteries will be decorated with colorful flowers and bright lights. There are also special prayers and sermons where people discuss the life and teaching of saint Buddha.

 

Buddha’s Birthday is observed on the 15th of May. This day is used for processions which are held all over the island. These processions are mainly held at and around local temples. During this procession, people carry three incense sticks, flowers and a lighted candle. One person is required to walk in a clockwise direction around the temple. After that, the sermons will begin. Offices and schools are closed on this day because it is a major public holiday.

 

Tourists can participate this festival, so if you are planning to visit Koh Samui in May, this festival is a recommendation! There is no entrance price for this event!

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Categories Culture, Festivals, Thailand, Travel

Tuk Tuk Barcelona

February 28, 2009 //
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In Thailand you see them everywhere, these three wheel scooters but now they are also in Barcelona. The Dutch Joey Buter recently imported the Tuk Tuks straight from Thailand and finally got an approval from the Catalonian Government to drive around in these vehicles and transport tourists from one place to another.

So besides the traditional forms of transportation for tourists, like the tourist bus or the taxi, you can now also go by Tuk Tuk. For now the company only offers a city tour, Gaudi tour and a return to Tibidabo. If you are in Barcelona in March and decide to take the Tuk Tuk, there is a 15% discount for a ride.

You can learn more online from Tuk-Tuk.

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Categories Barcelona, Budget Travel, Culture, Spain, Travel
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