Archive for » February, 2012 «

Five Things You Should See in Egypt
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012 /

A full list of everything to see during a visit to Egypt would have to assume that the traveller was going there for months rather than a week or two as there is simply so much to see. The magnificence of the structures you will discover can only be matched by the limitless questions raised as to how they were actually built in the first place. However, the man made destinations are not the entire story of what to see in Egypt, so here are five things that really must be experienced during a trip to this remarkable destination.

The Abu Simbel Temples

Built by Ramesses II, this historic site contains the magnificent Great Temple alongside a tiny village. What makes this site even more remarkable is that it was moved in the 1960s from its original site to avoid being lost to the flooding of Lake Nasser by the Aswan Dam.

The Temples of Luxor

Divided by the Nile, here you can visit the ancient capital of both the middle and the new pharaohs. The East Bank side contains the Luxor Temple and the Temple of Karnac, while on the West bank the incredible Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens reveal to you their ancient splendour and magnificence.

The Temples of Luxor

Pyramids of Giza

Outside the city of Cairo are the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx which must surely top most people’s "to do" list for a holiday in Egypt. This is where Egyptian royalty constructed their imperious burial shrines with hundreds of "mastaba" alongside as the final resting place for relatives and favoured servants.

Cairo

As well as being the obvious place to experience all the flavours of the Egyptian culture, the capital is also the home of the world famous Cairo Museum. Here you can view some of the most famous artefacts ever discovered from the ancient world. These include the contents from the tomb of Tutankhamun and the "cache" of mummies that were first discovered in the 1870s.

Cairo

The Red Sea

The Red Sea can be as relaxing or as energetic as you want to make it. Whether you choose the ancient town of Hurghada or the purpose built tourist destination of Sharm el Sheikh, water sports, especially scuba diving and snorkelling, are the order of the day. Without doubt, the Red Sea offers some of the best scuba diving in the world due to the crystal clear waters that abound with coral reefs and all the marine life that they attract.

Egypt is a remarkable place with something to offer for everyone. From culture, architecture and history, to beaches, cruises and water sports, Egypt really is somewhere not to be missed.

Photo © archer10 (Dennis) SLOW

Guest post provided by Sunshine easily search and find hotels and holidays in Sharm el Sheikh as well as other great holiday destinations.

Category: Egypt  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment
Eyre Peninsula–A Completely Different Vacation
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 /

What do you think of when you dream of a vacation at a coastal resort? You probably think of lying in the sun and relaxing, don’t you? Then you remember the last time you went to a popular beach resort and are reminded of all the crowds and hassles. A holiday on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia is a completely different experience.

Nullarbor Plain

You can sit back and just relax on the Eyre Peninsula, but if you do, you’ll miss out on some of its biggest attractions. You will be too excited to relax when you get your first glimpse of the Nullarbor Plain. What will you find there? Well, it won’t be trees. The word Nullarbor literally means "devoid of trees" when translated from the Latin. If that’s the case, what’s so exciting about it?

Like Broken Hill and other outback areas, the Nullarbor Plain is a place of timeless beauty. Unlike other outback locations, though, it is unique in that it is on the coast. The sheer cliffs that plunge into the sea are thought to have originally raised from beneath the surface of the ocean some 25 million years ago and have remained largely unchanged since then.

Port Lincoln

From Port Lincoln, you can take a plane flight over the Nullarbor and you’re sure to love it, but you have to explore it on the ground to really appreciate it. From land, you can get a close up look at the landscape and the wildlife, which includes indigenous species like wombats and emus in abundance. Beneath the surface of the sea, you are given the opportunity to get up close and personal with other forms of untamed wildlife. If you’re up to it, you can even view Great Whites from a shark cage!

For the truly adventurous, caving expeditions in the Nullarbor are available. Because of the extreme depth of the caves and the genuine dangers associated with them, most of these can only be explored under the supervision of National Parks and Wildlife Officers. A few of them, though, including Murrawijinie Caves (not far from the Nullarbor Roadhouse) and Koonalda Cave are viewable without prior permission.

If it’s beginning to sound like the Nullarbor is too much adventure for your family, don’t worry. There is more to the Eyre Peninsula than high adventure. Port Lincoln, one of the largest naturally protected harbours in the world, is a great place to relax and enjoy the bounty of the sea. You can cook up a fresh catch on your own or enjoy a delicious meal at a harbour side restaurant.

The whole family will love Glen-Forest Tourist Park. With 60 acres of vineyards and 70 acres of animal park to explore, it is one of the most popular Eyre Peninsula attractions. Both wine lovers and nature lovers love Glen-Forest Tourist Park.

You can sleep under the stars on the Nullarbor or sleep in a comfortable Port Lincoln accommodation  at the water’s edge. Then there are all the other accommodations that are available in the towns and villages that dot the peninsula landscape. For a coastal holiday like no other, visit the Eyre Peninsula.

Category: Australia  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment
Five Must-Do Activities While Staying in the French Alps
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 /

Situated in the southeastern part of France, the French Alps play host to a variety of people and activities.  Jutting upwards from the European continent, these peaks give spectacular views while offering an array of different winter sports and getaway locations for the individual and family alike.  While staying in the French Alps, we recommend visiting the places on our list in order to get a well-rounded experience of all this area has to offer.

Mont Blanc Guided Walk

This in itself is a rather large excursion, but one that will help you connect to the natural environment of the area and have an experience like no other.  With a guide, you can spend one week traversing the Alps and enjoying spectacular views of lakes, valleys, snow-capped peaks and glaciers.  Along the way, you will be able to enjoy fine eateries, shopping and all the extras without being bagged down (mules carry your luggage for you).  This guided tour is one of the most popular in the French Alps and it is easy to understand why once you have experienced all the beauty it has to offer.

L’Impossible

Originally a barn that dates back to the mid-1700s, L’Impossible is a modern French restaurant near Mont Blanc that specializes in serving all the delicacies that you come to expect with French cuisine.  Enjoy a variety of dishes – including garlic-butter snails, foie gras with quail and pineapple carpaccio – in a beautiful ambiance that features wood, warm candle lighting, gold accentuation and wicker furniture.  You will leave here feeling full, satisfied and even closer to the French experience in the Alps.

Natural History Museum

Located in downtown Grenoble, the Natural History Museum plays host to the showcasing of all the natural flora and fauna in the area. Included in the museum’s tour are exhibits that highlight the native insect population and an aquarium that shows the natural freshwater fish that dwell in many of the lakes and reservoirs in the mountains and valleys.  There is also the piece de resistance: a botanical garden that spans a large area, giving you first-hand access to all the area’s beautiful foliage.

Fort de la Bastille

After leaving the museum, you can cross the highway to visit Fort de la Bastille, an ancient fortification that once safeguarded the city but now showcases breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.  In order to get to this fort, you will need to ride the ascent lifts (Telepherique Grenoble Bastille) that rise approximately 750 feet (260 m) over the rushing Isere River to the top of the fort.  There are also hiking trails that descend the mountain; they can be accessed from the fort thanks to a series of maps and indicators.

Fort de la Bastille

Chambre Neuf

By far the best party bar in the area, Chambre Neuf is located near Mont Blanc (in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc) and gives tourists the ability to kick back and have fun in a lively environment.  You will find some of the best cover bands in the area here, as well as plenty of fun in the form of pre-ski drinking sessions and blondes dancing on tables.  The conversation in the bar normally turns into ski-related talk, but that doesn’t mean non-skiers won’t have fun here.

Photo courtesy of Cherishing the Mundane

The French Alps is a wonderful place to visit so make sure you make your stay extra special by staying in a well equipped holiday rental France.  The Owner’s Direct website has a wide selection of holiday rentals and everything from Morzine accommodation to guesthouses in the mountains can be found.

Category: France  Tags:  Leave a Comment
Exploring Ancient Ruins in Croatia and Italy
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 /

The dynamic and often conflicted history of Europe has left many beautiful artifacts scattered across the continent, each with their own story to tell about the life and times of a certain era.  As various civilizations conquered and built their own cities and structures, permanent reminders of these civilizations were left dotted across the European continent.  Anyone who loves exploring ancient ruins and structures will have the time of their life seeking out these edifices throughout various countries.  Throughout my travels, I have seen many ruins and forgotten settlements and am here to guide you in the right direction on where to look for the most intriguing relics of yesteryear.

Croatia

When you think of Croatia, the idea of ancient Roman ruins and other more modern ruins may not come to mind at first.  However, Croatia is one of the best places in Europe to explore the constructions of past societies and for those who love walls and fortresses, Croatia is the place to be.  Surrounding the city of Dubrovnik are the Walls of Dubrovnik, which run approximately two kilometers around the city and measure four to six meters thick.  Known as the “European Great Wall of China”, the Walls of Ston are just a short drive from Dubrovnik and link the towns of Ston and Mali Ston, measuring approximately 6 kilometers in length.  These walls were built in the 14th & 15th centuries by the Republic of Ragusa.

There are also standalone structures that are impressive to see in Croatia.  Diocletian’s Palace was commissioned by none other than the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the early 4th Century AD and was built to house him in his “retirement”.  The palace enclave has since been re-occupied and many shops and stores can be found within the palace gates.  Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and situated just 30 kilometers north of the Walls of Ston, all three of these ruins can be visited in under half a day.

Italy

Just a hop, skip and a jump to the west of Croatia, Italy is well-known for having some of the most remarkable ancient Roman structures in the world.  Rome plays host to many of these incredible structures and it makes sense as Rome was the center of the world in ancient times.  Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of ancient Rome and is the only one to remain untouched by increasing urbanization.  The 500 year-old Farnese Gardens are a sight to behold, situated directed on top of the hill.

The Coliseum

One of the most famous ruins of all time, the Coliseum, is also one of the most well-preserved ruins from the time of Rome.  Located directly in the middle of a very busy city, the Coliseum features designs of all three major column structures: Ionic, Doric and Corinthian. While once an amphitheater for public entertainment and violence, the Coliseum now sits as a reminder of the excesses of Rome. While there are many other ruins located throughout the city, the Coliseum is the biggest and most impressive ruin to examine.

Photo courtesy of Melolou

Holidays in Croatia and holidays in Italy are sure to be absolutely fantastic!  Visit the Owner’s Direct website to browse through a wide range of accommodation and find something perfect before you travel.

Category: Europe  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment
Tips for a Winter Holiday in the Off-season
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 /

Perhaps you are planning to escape the snow and cold and head to the Algarve region of Portugal, but you are not quite sure what there is to do in this destination during the winter months? Although the winter weather will be a bit cooler than the peak tourist season in the summertime, winter is still an excellent opportunity to visit the Algarve. You might even be able to take advantage of some off-season deals on accommodation and tours!

Algarve

What is the weather like?

Winter in the Algarve might not be scorching hot enough to work on your tan, but it is still pleasant. The cooler temperatures are perfect for exploring historical sites and ancient ruins and going hiking. Although winter will seem cold in comparison to the amazing temperatures here during the rest of the year, it will still likely be one of the warmest places in Europe during the winter season.

During the winter months of December, January and February the Algarve experiences its coldest weather. However, the temperature rarely dips below 10 degrees Celsius and is often in the low 20s. During the night the temperatures can drop to only a few degrees before freezing but snow is unheard of. It will rain more frequently during the winter months, but overall the weather is pleasant, fresh, and spring-like. By the end of February the trees will have started to blossom and the wild flowers will begin to appear.

What can I do when I am there?

There  are lots of things to see and do in the winter in the Algarve, and since there will be less crowds you will find that exploring is a lot easier and less hectic. During the summer months the resorts will be overflowing with families but during the winter when children are at school there is a much quieter atmosphere. Certain attractions, such as water parks, might be closed for the season but there are many other things that you can do.

Algarve Golf Resort

Golf resorts such as Monte da Quinta Club offer excellent golfing facilities since the weather is warm enough to tee-off all year round. If hiking is your favourite pastime, there are many beautiful places to explore in the area. The Ria Formosa is a protected wetland and one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Europe, and it has several guided walking trails that you can explore. There are also many breathtaking coastal cliff walks along the Algarve coast, but these can be dangerous so take care and be sure that you know your path.

You could also take a boat cruise, which are offered in the marinas of the main coastal cities throughout the Algarve. If the sun is shining you can enjoy several blissful hours sailing off the coast and getting a great view of the stunning cliffs and beaches. 

If you are visiting during Christmas, many ex-pat pubs in the popular resort areas will offer a Christmas dinner which is a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends. There are also plenty of celebrations on New Year’s Eve such as fireworks and free outdoor concerts.

There is certainly a lot to keep you busy when visiting the Algarve in the wintertime and with less crowds and cheaper prices this beautiful destination is certainly an enticing escape!

Are you planning to visit the Algarve region of Portugal this winter? Check out Select Resorts for more information about the very best places to stay, such as the elegant Monte da Quinta Club.

Category: Portugal  Tags:  Leave a Comment
Whale watching in Victor Harbor
Tuesday, February 07th, 2012 /

Located just 52 miles (84km) from Adelaide, Victor Harbor, on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, was originally a whaling station. While the whaling days have finished, Victor Harbor’s whale watching days are in full swing. Every winter, tens of thousands of visitors flock to the Bluff to view the southern right whales from the rocks. While they often come first to view the whales, they stay on to see everything else Victor Harbor and the Fleurieu Peninsula have to offer.

From 1837 to the mid-1860s, Southern Right Whales were so extensively hunted, their numbers dwindled from an estimated 200,000 to just a handful. They got their unusual name because these slow moving whales, who feed close to shore, were the "right" whales to kill. Their numbers were decimated so quickly, whaling was no longer a viable industry and the few remaining whales migrated to safer waters to breed and feed.

Fortunately, efforts have been made to protect the species and today, their numbers are up to around 7000 and growing. Since the 1990s, they have been coming back to Victor Harbor on their migratory circuit from the sub-Antarctic. They have been coming in ever increasing numbers, too and with each passing year they can be seen more frequently from the same place on the Bluff where the old whalers used to raise a red flag to alert the ships in harbour of their arrival.

Another "Must See" Victor Harbor attraction is the horse drawn tram that runs across a long wooden causeway out to nearby Granite Island.  Many people think this colourful tram is just a tourist attraction, but in fact it has a proud place in Victor Harbor history as part of the first public railway line in Australia. Originally, the railway ran from the Murray River port of Goolwa and Port Eliot, 11 kilometres (6 miles) away. Horses were used instead of coal because they were more cost effective. The line was extended to Victor Harbor and from there out to Granite Island.

The horse-drawn tram today is used for pleasure purposes only, but it is such a big attraction that there is a causeway crossing every 20 minutes. The ride out to Granite Island across the wooden causeway is just part of the attraction. Granite Island is also home to a colony of the world’s smallest penguins. The penguins are best viewed at night and the best way to see them is on a guided tour. Strict rules apply in order to protect the little penguins and their environment.

Southern Right Whales can be viewed best during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean you can miss taking a walk out on the Bluff in the summertime. The views from the Bluff are breathtaking. Close you eyes and imagine what it was like for discoverer Mathew Flinders when he encountered Nicolas Baudin, the French "interloper" in 1802.

As the Fleurieu Peninsula’s  largest centre and an increasingly popular tourist destination, there is no shortage of Victor Harbor accommodation options. It’s easy to get to, too, with regular bus and air services from Adelaide. Put Victor Harbor on your "Must See" list of South Australian destinations. You’ll love it.

Category: South Australia  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment
Three Thrilling Treetop-Traversing Destinations
Wednesday, February 01st, 2012 /

One of the most innovative trends in outdoor entertainment is participation in zip line tours. These Eco-friendly adventures allow guests to experience nature at its finest. In addition to securely flying through the air at awe-inspiring heights and speeds, these experiences offer great opportunities to learn a bit about a particular region’s geology, natural features, and wildlife.

Rocking the Lines in Rockbridge, Ohio

Travelers will not want to miss their chance to explore the natural beauty of Ohio by experiencing an extensive zip line excursion with Hocking Hills Canopy Tours. One of the most popular packages they offer lasts around three hours and begins with a short nature walk. Guides will discuss some of the region’s unusual flora and fauna, while pointing out some of their more interesting characteristics. This tour is suitable for adventure-seekers of most ages and experience levels.

Hocking Hills Canopy Tours

For those with some experience within this hobby, this facility’s Super Zip line will afford riders the chance to fly splayed flat, in superhero style, at speeds that reach up to 50 miles per hour. Not for the faint at heart, this line traverses several canopy sections and flies along a segment of the Hocking River. Thrill seekers should inquire about the company’s amazing night flight package, which is the ultimate in zip lining.

Experience the Beauty of Vail Valley from the Air

The family owned and operated enterprise, Zip Adventures, is conveniently located just outside of Vail in the vibrant community of Wolcott, Colorado. The facility features six amazing zip lines that cross rushing river waters at thrilling speeds. Visitors that desire a birds-eye view of the majestic scenery need look no further. Designed with adventure in mind, the canopy tour lines are arranged to allow races between friends and rivals alike.

Tours reach heights of 200 feet, and some lines boast more than 1000 feet of free-flight distance. The guides bring along snacks and bottled water for the clients. Be ready to make a short hike up the terrain for almost a quarter mile before the tour begins.

View the Texas Hill Country from Above

Near Lake LBJ and just west of the capital city of Austin, a dynamic zip line experience awaits guests at Cypress Valley Canopy Tours. This provider offers canopy tours on a standard six-line course, and the boldest participants can take a stab at the Canopy Challenge with faster runs and longer lines. Reasonable prices and extremely nice owners make this place special.

Birding enthusiasts are invited to come in the wee hours of dawn to hike through the property with intent to lay eyes on some fascinating species that frequent the area. The golden-cheeked warbler and the turkey vulture are often spotted, as well as dozens of others. Guests may stay on the property to enjoy lunch or swim in the private lake and take turns on the zip line that runs into the cooling water.

Lynn lives near Lake LBJ, and she’s a bit of an adventure junky.  She likes to write about the fun things to do around the Highland Lakes in Central Texas.

Category: General Travel  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment