Archive for the ‘Destinations’ Category
Host to the world’s wildest parties and a premium holiday destination, Cancun, Mexico is the playground of the world’s party elite. Come spring, the world’s best DJs make Cancun their home base with millions turning up at some of the biggest parties in the world including the Dayglow Paint Party – a celebration of colour, music and dance featuring traditional Mayan musical performances. Cancun draws holidaymakers from all over the world, especially from the United States.
The party never stops
The streets of Cancun present a remarkably quiet and restful picture by day but the beaches are pulsating with the sound of trance and dub. Some of the world’s best DJs premiere their new albums here; so do not be surprised if you hear the latest tracks on the air in Cancun. A popular spring break destination, the city has established itself as one of the world’s great party venues alongside Ibiza, Tel Aviv and Rio de Janeiro. ‘The Parque las Palapas’ is the unofficial city centre for culture and relaxed entertainment with open- air food and artists.
Cancun’s premier nightclubs are host to some of the most outrageous parties where the stars of film and stage rub shoulders with some of the world’s most travelled partygoers. Some of the most visited clubs include Senor Frogs, The City, Cats, Dady’O, Terrasta Bar and Basic. Almost every party venue has themed nights and comes alive for the full-moon beach party.
The Tranquillity of Natural Beauty
While Cancun is on the world map for its parties, little is seen of the city’s tranquil, natural getaways. These include Isla Mujeres, a turtle farm that’s about 30 minutes by boat from the city’s jetty. They are famous for their turtle conservation program. Río Semonument creto is an underground river complex that has spectacular stalagmite formations. Isla Holbox is a nature preserve and a quiet fishing and birding island a short distance from Cancun. Chichén Itzá and its iconic El Castillo monument make this UNESCO heritage site a destination that should be part of every travel itinerary.
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France is a popular holiday destination, not least for its rich culture, fine foods and beautiful landscapes. It’s also very close to Britain but at the same time, a world away in language, culture and landscape. If you’ve never been to France before, choosing a destination can be a headache because there is so much to choose from. Here is a flavour of the central regions of France.
Dordogne
Home to rich woodlands, lavish vineyards and rugged limestone hills, the region is named after the river that flows through it and visitors can take in its majesty on one of the many boat trips on offer. Towns of the Dordogne are remarkably unspoilt and made up of a labyrinth of narrow streets. The region is bursting with ancient and beautifully preserved history. The cave paintings at Lascaux are the best in Europe.
Jura
Jura is home to the French Alps and exhibits a rugged landscape of ragged hills, sweeping gorges, expansive lakes and powerful waterfalls better than any of the other regions in France. Imagine a view that draws the eye down an ice-blue river, sweeping through a lush pine forest, towards snow capped mountains beyond; such is the beauty of Jura. The towns and villages magically blend the old and new without losing the atmosphere or charm. Visit Chablis and Dijon for the best in Jura gastronomy – and don’t forget your walking boots!
Champagne
Champagne is a region of contrasts: to the north is the Ardennes forest with its forests of ancient oak, while to the south lie lakes and water meadows. Between it all is the one thing that makes this most celebrated of regions famous: the triangle that joins Remes, Eperney and Chalons-sur-Marne. This is champagne country and it’s teeming with restaurants eager to serve food that lives up to the region’s reputation along with glasses of fantastic local wines.
Burgundy
Burgundy is the home of many famous vintages. It’s also the home of Franche-Comte, or Burgundy’s “Free Country”, an area loved by outdoor enthusiasts. Its hills and rivers are enjoyed by hikers and canoeists. The area is packed with vineyards and the cuisine is as robust as its rouge.
The city that never sleeps is more than just casinos and restaurants, and although most people head to the most popular place in Nevada to get away from their families, it is actually a wonderful place to take your kids. Most of the larger hotels on the strip have plenty of activities that you and your family will enjoy.
Circus Circus is home to the Adventuredome and will give your kids a day of fun that they will remember forever. Set beneath a glass encasement, it houses some of the most thrilling rides in the whole city. Roller coasters, extreme rides and the Fun House Express are just a sampling of the attractions that Circus Circus has to offer.
Gameworks was created by Steven Spielberg and is located on the Las Vegas Strip. Inside the Showcase Mall it spreads out over 55,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 3,000 people. The mega arcade has something for the entire family and includes racing games like The Fast and The Furious and WaveRunners. Virtual Bowling is extremely popular and is sure to arouse some competitive spirit between you and your kids. If you do not feel like participating, enjoy a delicious martini at The Glacier Bar.
Pry yourself away from the tables and take the family to Mirage. Enjoy the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat and see the wildest part of the city. Watch the panthers, leopards, tigers and dolphins as they play and interact in their natural habitat. If you really want to get involved became a dolphin trainer for the day.
Kids love to have fun, but they also like to spend time with their parents, and if you want a holiday that is fun for everyone, book your tickets to Las Vegas. With so many discount packages available you would be a fool not to.
Considered as an affordable hidden gem just waiting to be discovered, the small country of Slovenia has for some time been gaining a reputation as a beautiful must see European travel destination.
Travellers arriving by air fly in to Ljubljana, the fairy tale capital of Slovenia, filled with Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. The River Ljubljanica winds peacefully through the town, straddled by stone bridges and banked by restaurants and riverside bars. Most of the pinturesque Old Town is pedestrianised and ideal for exploring on foot.
UK flights from Gatwick and Stansted fly into the airport where an affordable shuttle bus can take you into the city. Modern and varied accommodation is available in the city, where there are even hotels literally fit for a Queen. Such luminaries as Queen Elizabeth II and Bill Clinton have been accommodated at The Grand Hotel Union. There are also elegant boutique hotels catering for the alternative party crowds, or if you fancy something different and unique you can even rent rooms in a converted prison.
About an hour to the north lies Slovenia’s most famous landmark. Lake Bled is a magical stretch of water nestling in the Julian Alps. A boat can take you into the centre of the mirrored lake where the tiny Church of the Assumption perches on an island. Here you can ring the sixteenth century ‘bell of wishes’ housed in the chapel.
Slovenia really is a wonderful secret just waiting to be discovered.
The town of Chamonix sits in a breathtaking location at the foot of Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc. Though the mountain remains capped in snow throughout the year, winter is undoubtedly the best time to visit and soak in the atmosphere of one of the world’s favourite skiing destinations.
Ski schools offering lessons in English for beginners and intermediates of all ages are to be found all around Chamonix. The ski season usually begins in mid-December and with most of the slopes above the 2,000ft mark it is what is known as a ‘guaranteed snow’ resort. The slopes and ski areas are connected by a fast and reliable shuttle bus service and a sightseeing train, which provides passengers with panoramic views of the inspirational mountains.
If skiing is not your thing, there are plenty of other wonderful activities to make winter in Chamonix a great holiday destination. Snowshoeing can bring you from the town centre to the Mer de Glace; a coiling glacier accessible by picturesque railway train.17kms of snowy footpaths will take you into the depths of the winter landscape. If a little sightseeing further afield is on your agenda, Chamonix is close to several beautiful cities, including the nearby French town of Annecy, Switzerland’s Geneva and Aosta in Italy.
Husky sledding may be one of the most memorable activities Chamonix has to offer. An adventure lasting around one and a half hours, this is a magical experience. After a long day in the cold snow, unwind with a relaxing pampering session in one of Chamonix’s spas. The local fitness centre offers saunas, Turkish baths and a solarium, while the hotels scattered within the town boast newly refurbished spa facilities.
Experience the true meaning of winter in Chamonix with a skiing holiday. Whether you have been hitting the slopes or not, the après ski atmosphere is well-worth experiencing. Relax with a glass of ‘vin chaud’ or a mug of ‘chocolat chaud’ in one of the town’s many cafes or restaurants. With world-class casinos and a cinema that often features films in their original languages, there is no end to the entertainment offered in this international French town.
What comes to mind when you think of Warwickshire? Rolling hills, Shakespeare, endless canals, quaint villages and pubs?
Warwickshire is all of these and more: the wonderful castles of Warwick and Kenilworth, the genteel town of Leamington Spa, and green and pleasant countryside.
The historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon with its black and white buildings and river is wonderful in its own right. It is a beautiful setting for the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre – arguably it is the best place in the country to see the great bard’s plays. Recently refurbished, it really is a dramatic experience. Visit Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare was baptised and buried. It has the accolade of being England’s most visited church and has many interesting features. The building dates from 1210 although there has been a church on the site for much longer.
The fascinatingly beautiful castle at Warwick, dating back to William the Conqueror, has seen some great historical events, and is now a major tourist attraction as well as being an impressive setting for re-enactments of jousting and falconry.
The canal system in Warwickshire is vast and yet you could be forgiven for almost not noticing it as it is hidden away from the main hub of activity. With many canalside walks, interspersed with pubs for refreshments, there is plenty of opportunity for slow, leisurely enjoyment. Hire a boat for a week and experience being afloat.
In many ways, Warwickshire epitomises English country life.
River Avon Stratford-upon-Avon
Picture courtesy of Nigel’s Europe
The West Coast Trail is located in the Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island, in Canada. It was created in 1907 as a trail to rescue sailors shipwrecked off the treacherous coast. Today, it is a 75km long gruelling hiking trail that passes through pristine rainforest and offers some of the most compelling views of the Juan de Fuca Strait, often called the Graveyard of the Pacific Ocean for its numerous shipwrecks.
West Coast Trail
Picture courtesy of Chris Breikss
Along the path, you will visit sandy beaches, rocky outcroppings, caves and ledges. The beaches offer tidal pools teeming with sea life, while the rainforest echoes to the sounds of wildlife. The spruce, hemlock and cedar trees are some of the oldest in the province and are so large you cannot see around them. You should be aware that the trail is isolated and physically challenging and is not designed for novice hikers. The trail itself is largely dirt, studded with roots and rocks, but also includes portions of stair climbing. It will take an average of five to seven days to complete the entire length of the trail. Hikers must receive a park permit before embarking on the trail, which is open from 1st May to 30th September only.
West Coast Trail
Picture courtesy of Chris Breikss
The climate in the area is considered marine temperate and is unpredictable and heavy rain may make certain parts of the trail impassable. Shuttles to the trailheads operate from Bamfield and Port Renfrew and both of these small villages offer holiday property rentals for hikers. Alternatively, the town of Port Alberni is 1½hours from Bamfield, while the city of Victoria is 2½hours from Port Renfrew.
West Coast Trail
Picture courtesy of Chris Breikss
The state of Florida is home to some of the top attractions in the United States, such as Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center, and The Everglades. Many tourists choose to visit the state while their children are on summer holiday. It is also a good winter destination, with most attractions remaining open.
The most important consideration will be the intended area in which to stay. It should be as close to the attractions as possible. This makes it convenient to travel to the attractions on the itinerary without having to spend a lot of time driving in heavy traffic. An ideal holiday rental should be no more than 20 minutes from intended destinations by car.
It is important to find out what the maximum sleeping capacity is for the rental. Usually, there will be at least one master bedroom intended for a couple, with additional bedrooms or sleeping facilities in the living area. There is also usually at least one full bath, with additional water closets.
These types of rentals are self-catering. However, individual amenities may vary somewhat. If the property is on a beach, it is a good idea to find out if beach gear is included. If not, beach towels, sand toys or other items can usually be purchased from nearby shops. You will also find full dinner sets with cutlery for meals. Some properties may provide food items for breakfast or other meals to help save guests a trip to the grocer.
Many cruise holidays to Australia include a flight there and the only way to take a cruise holiday to Australia without air travel would be to visit it as part of a world cruise. Although a flight from the UK to Australia can be long, an 8 – 14 night cruise after that will soon relax you, plus many include a stay in a 4* hotel as well.
Because Australia is quite far away it can be fairly expensive, well compared to your Mediterranean cruises, however they tend to be comparable to Caribbean cruises in price. If you are a savvy shopper you could probably find some good cruise deals online or from a travel agent, however for an experience like this you probably don’t want to scrimp on the price too much.
There is no better way to see all of what Australia has to offer than on a cruise holiday it’s such a vast country traveling by land can be exhausting. With cruise holidays you get to explore the best the country has to offer such as; Sydney, Darwin, Kakadu wilderness, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef without having to worry about getting around.
Other Australasia cruises also include visits to Tasmania, New Zealand and Hawaii, which means you can pack even more fantastic, tropical destinations into your holiday.
Sitting at the southern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia is the City of Gardens, Victoria. This city of 300,000 merges North American, British and Asian influences into a vibrant setting for a holiday.
If you enjoy exploring on foot, start with a tour of the Parliament buildings, an impressive collection of stone buildings that face the Inner Harbour. Next, take a short walk to the historic Empress Hotel, to enjoy high tea. You might next consider a walk along the Inner Harbour, which bustles with activity all day long. Tourists and locals mingle among the local artisans and buskers. View the aboriginal wood carvers, listen to a steel drum band or get your caricature drawn. If you are in need of a rest, hop aboard the ferry to explore the harbour.
Step back in history at the Maritime Museum and the Royal British Columbia Museum or visit the undersea gardens to explore the creatures living in the harbour. There are plenty of food stands along the Inner Harbour and restaurants abound throughout the downtown core, from sushi to steak, pasta to seafood and tapas to gelato. Stroll north along Government Street to stock up on souvenirs. Take a turn onto Fisgard Street and venture into Chinatown, the second oldest Chinatown in North America. If you are still feeling energetic, sneak down Fantang Alley, the narrowest street in Canada, which was once known for its opium dens. Turning back southeast, enjoy a brisk walk up Fort Street to admire the treasures on display on Antique Row.
Victoria offers many cultural activities to keep you busy during your holiday.