Advice and Information for the World Traveller on Many Destinations

Archive for the ‘Travel Destinations’ Category

The premier ski resort in south-western Bulgaria, located in the heart of the Pirin Mountains, Bansko is not only one of the best ski resorts in the country but also one of the best places to enjoy a holiday during the winter or summer months and experience a culture that is both heart-warming and adventurous. While the city itself was mostly a farming and travelling merchant community before the advent of ski tourism, it has transformed over the last few decades into one of the ski capitals of the country, and a major tourist point for both winter and summer recreational activities. The combination of mountains, lakes and forests make this the ultimate stopping point for the mountain lover.

After a day on the slopes above Bansko, there’s nothing more relaxing than a massage and a soak in hot mineral springs.  The village of Banya is just five kilometres out from Bansko, offering visitors the perfect finishing touch to their ski holiday. Above and beyond the ski slopes and the hot springs, however, Bansko is also known for its variety of restaurants featuring a range of national cuisine as well as several Irish and British pubs and restaurants catering to the U.K. traveller. In addition to the winter and summer festivities, the town also features an annual women’s race in the Alpine Skiing World Cup and the annual Bansko Jazz Festival. And to finish off the perfect winter or summer holiday in Bansko there is also a scenic train ride on the route from Septemvri to Dobrinishte, two villages in the surrounding mountains.

The Canary Islands are one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. With popular locations such as Tenerife, Linarite and Gran Canaria to explore, a Canary Islands cruise is the perfect choice for those looking for a holiday that is sure to be memorable.

Tenerife is a popular tourist destination and the largest of the Canary Islands. As well as a rich Spanish history, the island also offers many stunning attractions, including the breathtaking Anaga Massif and gorgeous valleys such as Valle de Güímar, known for its wines. Also worth visiting is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital, which offers a thriving nightlife and the famous Santa Cruz Carnival.

For those who love nature, Lanzarote is worth exploring. The fourth largest of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is known for its wide selection of plants and wildlife. There are a variety of fascinating locations to explore, including Timanfaya National Park, which is known for its rare plants. Also worth visiting is the Lanzarote Aquarium, which houses many fascinating creatures.

Gran Canaria is worth a visit for those looking for an idyllic location. Famous for its sandy beaches and stunning villages, Gran Caneria has much to offer. The second largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Caneria’s many attractions have made it one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. The island also has a large shopping centre and a bird park as well as an archaeological park and a botanical garden.

The beautiful views and attractions offered by the Canary Islands are sure to make your holiday cruise a memorable experience. 

There is no doubt that the Caribbean is a beautiful and tempting area of the world to visit.  And what better way could there be to arrive in style than to take one of the many Caribbean cruises that are available?

You will find you have lots of options to choose from as well, so you may want to consider taking a two week cruise (or longer if you can) to really make the most of it.  Imagine an itinerary which benefits from stops in San Juan, Grenada, Dominica and many more exotic and exciting locations.  These are the kinds of destinations that regularly pop up on Caribbean cruises, so if you can afford to go on one you should definitely make a booking.

Of course there are other more familiar destinations on offer as well.  If you like the sound of visiting St Lucia or Jamaica, for example, you can make these dreams come true on board Caribbean cruises as well.  The best way of visiting such places is to approach them from the sea, because you can sit back and watch as your next stop gradually comes into view as you sail towards it.

There is no doubt that Caribbean cruises offer an amazing degree of luxury, both in their destinations and the surroundings on the cruise ship.  All the cruise ships that visit this part of the world offer sensational facilities to enjoy as you prepare to see your first slice of the Caribbean.  Which port will you call into first?

Antarctica may not be the most obvious destination for a cruise and getting to Antarctica is not easy, but an increasing number of people are choosing to take a holiday cruise to this fascinating region of the world.  Cruises mainly take place during the Antarctic summer which runs from November to March. In high summer there are over 20 hours of daylight.

Antarctica is one of the last great wildernesses on Earth and because of the extreme climate and dangerous terrain holidaymakers can only go as part of an organised cruise. Experts in the wildlife of the area, who are also very experienced in travelling through and surviving in such an extreme environment, always accompany these cruises.  The ships’ crews are also very experienced in navigating these waters.

Despite its inhospitable climate Antarctica is a beautiful place to visit with its majestic icebergs and unique wildlife including colonies of penguins and seals, seabirds and whales.  Most cruises head to the Antarctica Peninsula region, which may also include South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. There are also cruises that go to the Weddell Sea, the Ross Sea region and East Antarctica. These cruises generally include visits to historical settlements, emperor penguin colonies, the Dry Valleys and other remote areas.

As Antarctica is a protected area there is a limit on the number of people who can go ashore at any one time. Some people will take a cruise to Antarctica and never leave the cruise ship. However, a number of cruises do offer zodiac cruising in small boats which gives tourists the opportunity to see the icebergs up close and to spot Humpback whales or Minke whales. Trips to one of the research stations located in Antarctica are also possible and give an interesting insight into life on a modern research station.

There is certainly something quaint and special about the colourful capital city of the Netherlands. With around three-quarters of Amsterdam’s annual 3.7 million visitors being European, it holds a particular appeal for students and young couples who want to enjoy the laidback culture and fascinating history that Amsterdam has to offer. There are four campsites located around the city, which attract the cash-strapped backpacker and are a good option for any traveller on a budget.

Perhaps best known for its controversial Sex Museum, red light district and mellow coffee shops, Amsterdam has much more to offer than pornography, peep shows and pot. Top tourist attractions include the Anne Frank House, Dam Square, Oude Kerk, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum (modern art) and the Tropenmuseum (anthropology). There are also numerous windmills and parks. Two of its prominent top-end hotels are the Krasnapolsky and the Okura.

Amsterdam has good shopping facilities, from luxury department stores (e.g., Maison de Bonneterie) to speciality and curiosity shops arranged along most of the cobbled side streets. A plethora of cafes generally stay open at all hours; if you work up an appetite, you are never far away from a decent restaurant. At night, the atmosphere in Amsterdam becomes noticeably more intimate, and certainly during the summer months, the outside terraces will be filled with wine-drinkers getting acquainted by candlelight, and chilled-out couples relaxing in the moonlight. Nightlife centres around the Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein, where tourists who want to dance and socialise can find a good choice of discos, bars and clubs.

Amsterdam is characterised by its numerous canals, intersected by pathways, side streets and bridges. Cycling is the most popular and encouraged mode of transport. Trains, buses and trams also operate on a regular basis – and additionally there are even water taxis to take travellers across the canals. Amsterdam loves music and parties, and plays host to over 100 festivals a year, including Gay Pride and the Holland Festival. The main airport serving Amsterdam is Schiphol, around 10km from the city centre.

A quick search of the internet can produce many good results when searching for ski deals. For those looking for skiing holidays, France is an ideal place to go. This is particularly true for those located in the UK or mainland Europe as it is centrally located, which makes it easily accessible.

Low cost budget airlines are now making air travel extremely affordable and making the skiing holidays – once just thought of for the elite – more appealing to people from all walks of life.

For both experts and those who have never skied before but who are interested in trying a ski holiday, France has everything you need — from low budget resorts suitable for families and friends looking for fun to high class, cosmopolitan resorts where people go more to be seen and less to ski.

It is even possible to hire all the equipment whilst there. This saves money on buying expensive equipment when you may find that skiing is not a favourite hobby.  Ski schools with fully trained instructors also help to make the holiday more enjoyable for those who have never done it before as a few lessons help build a little of the confidence needed to tackle the slopes alone.

Choosing the correct resort is imperative.  A beginner does not want to be in a resort full of black runs, and an expert skier does not want to be stuck with only beginner or intermediate runs. Many resorts offer a wide range of slopes, but a little research beforehand will go a long way in ensuring that your ski holiday is spent at a resort that is right for you.

South Africa is a country rich with natural wonders, from the diverse wildlife to the natural heritage sites and wild parklands and expansive gardens. For example, Kruger National Park in South Africa has two million hectares of land, and here you can spot lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, rhinos and buffalos. Family lodgings, self-catering camping options and even luxury honeymoon accommodation are available all year round, with guided or self-drive jeep tours. You can even trek on horse or take in the majestic landscape from a hot air balloon!

There are hundreds of stunning nature reserves all over this beautiful country. South Africa is also home to the largest baobab tree in the world – at six thousand years old, it is 22 metres high and 47 metres in circumference! With both mountainous and desert landscapes to thrill and inspire visitors, South Africa has the Drakensberg Mountains of KwaZulu-Natal, the magnificent Palace of the Lost City at Rustenburg, the bustling port of Durban, the Table Mountain backdrop of eclectic Cape Town (the most popular international tourist destination) and the buzzing vibe of Johannesburg (the largest and wealthiest city, but not the country’s capital).

South Africa is also home to some of the oldest and most significant archaeological sites in the world. Cape Town has numerous attractions, from the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Two Oceans Aquarium and more than 25 beaches across False Bay, the West Coast and Atlantic Seaboard. Accommodation is plentiful across a range of regions and resorts, from rustic B&Bs and rental apartments to deluxe hotels.

Australia is the perfect holiday destination for those who love the great outdoors of course, but it is also a country that offers plenty for visitors interested in history, art and culture. With numerous museums and galleries, Australia provides its visitors with the opportunity to explore the country’s history. Melbourne, the country’s capital city, offers a great deal in the world of culture and is a popular tourist destination.

Australia is home to the Sydney Opera House, which is one of the most popular performing art centres in the world. The centre consists of several theatres, a studio, playhouse, a concert hall and rooms that are suitable for small and large events. The centre is worth a visit for those looking for an attraction that offers a variety of entertainment. Visitors can also enjoy a light snack or main meal in one of the centre’s cafes or restaurants. Those who are unable to attend one of the performances at the Sydney Opera House may wish to catch a glimpse of the centre’s stunning architecture, which looks particularly impressive at night.

For those looking for a place to relax, it is worth visiting Western Australia, which has wonderful sandy beaches. The area also offers stunning scenery and is home to Karijini National Park, which is known for its beautiful waterfalls. There are also a variety of restaurants and cafes located in the area.

Australia is also the perfect holiday destination for those who love wildlife. There are many opportunities to see the local wildlife in Western Australia, particularly in Albany. Albany is a popular tourist destination and is known for its stunning coastline, which has a variety of beautiful beaches that are ideal for those looking for a relaxing location in the area.

Berlin is a city with an interesting history; it is well worth a visit either for a short break or for a longer holiday. Flights to Berlin are easily booked online or through a travel agent. Cheap flights to Berlin can be found via a quick search of the internet. Online bookings often have added discounts, which can make an already cheap flight even kinder to the wallet.

Of all the things to do in Berlin, some are very touristy and some are slightly off the beaten track.  When you do visit the city there are several sites that are not to be missed. The Berlin Wall was famously demolished in 1990, a symbol of the end of the Cold War. The wall itself separated East from West Berlin, the East side being under communist control. A small portion of the wall still exists and there are various segments that have been restored for historical purposes. There is now a museum where the infamous Checkpoint Charlie once stood.

Panoramic views of the city can be found in several places, including Panoramapunkt in Potsdamer Platz where Europe’s fastest elevator will whisk you to the viewing platform above. Cross Hill in Victoriapark will also reveal the city sights and the architecture of both East and West Berlin, and is worth a leisurely stroll.

Make time for coffee and cake at one of Berlin’s many cafes, as this is one of the best-loved traditions in the city. Fresh pastries can be enjoyed on terraces and at street tables that allow you to watch the world go by in a lovely relaxing environment.

In the green heart of central Italy lies Umbria, the emerald jewel in Italy’s crown. This is a land of saints and painters; with 70% of Umbria still wooded and three quarters of the landscape classed as hills or mountains it is the perfect landscape for explorers. Villa rental in the area offers the ideal way to discover this magical part of Italy.

Developments and the property boom have led to a rediscovery of rural Umbria, a quiet tourist destination not over populated with the commercialism of other tourist centres around Italy. Many old farmhouses, tobacco towers, monasteries and barns have been converted for villa rental use. Travellers will discover an array of old stone buildings with exposed oak beams that look out across vast vineyards, olive groves and the Apennine Mountains available.

Umbria boosts some of Christianity’s big names when it comes to saints; Frances, Clare, Benedict and Rita were all born and lived here. Towns like Assisi and Perugia are synonymous with these preachers as are the artists who came to paint them.  The Renaissance is very much a part of Umbria; Raphael, Perugino, Giotto and della Francesco all worked in the cities and hill towns of the region and many of their frescoes are still evident.

Even around the small towns of Orvieto, Terni and Spolleto you will find plenty of villas to rent, lovely properties that make excellent bases from which to see the sights, sample the cuisine and taste the local wine. Natural wonders like Marmore Waterfall and Lake Trasimeno are excellent destinations and Umbria’s national parks are well laid out, protected areas of perfect beauty.