Categories
Activities Jamaica Snorkeling Sun Winter Sun

Jamaican Beaches

This is the perfect time of year to be thinking of a wonderful holiday on the beautiful island of Jamaica.

Jamaica has so much to offer it’s visitors and that’s why according to the Jamaican Ministry of Tourism 40% of tourists are repeat visitors. Over 4 million visitors a year can’t be wrong. The beaches are a magnet, the golden sand and the clear blue sea, but once there, there is so much more to do and see. Jamaica is the cultural capital of the Caribbean there’s never a dull moment.

Ocho Rios Bay Beach Courtesy of Jamaican Tourist Board
Ocho Rios Bay Beach

In recent years Jamaica has become an increasingly popular destinations for weddings and honeymoons.

Not getting married then you want to know which is the best beach?

1. Seven Mile Beach (Negril)

The island’s most famous beach. Expect miles of soft white sand, calm turquoise water, beach bars, water sports, and spectacular sunsets. It’s ideal if you want a classic Caribbean beach experience with plenty of restaurants and nightlife nearby. This is probably the best beach overall.

Negril Coastline
2. Frenchman’s Cove (Portland)

Often considered Jamaica’s most beautiful beach and certainly some of the best scenery overall. A freshwater river flows into the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. It’s quieter and more scenic than the popular resort beaches.

3. Boston Beach (Portland)

One of the best surfing beaches in Jamaica and famous for nearby authentic jerk food. Great if you want a more local vibe and some waves.

4. Winnifred Beach (Near Port Antonio)

A beloved public beach popular with locals. Less developed, more authentic, and excellent for snorkeling and relaxing away from the resort crowds.

5. Treasure Beach (South Coast)

Not one beach but a series of bays and coves. Think laid-back fishing-village atmosphere, fewer tourists, and a slower pace of life. Great for couples and travellers seeking a quieter Jamaica.

6. Doctor’s Cave Beach (Montego Bay)

Known for exceptionally clear, calm water and excellent swimming and one of the best places to snorkel. Located on Montego Bay’s Hip Strip, it’s easy to combine with shopping, dining, and nightlife.

Montego Bay
7. Hellshire Beach (Near Kingston)

Famous for its local seafood shacks and authentic Jamaican atmosphere. Less postcard-perfect than Negril, but fantastic for culture and food.

Categories
Activities Europe Finland Lapland Winter

Northern Lights – Finland

The Northern Lights or to give them their technical name, the “Aurora Borealis” are a natural light display, which are the result of disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by the solar wind. They occur when charged particles from the Sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere, creating glowing curtains of green, pink, purple, and occasionally red light across the night sky. The Northern Lights are so high up in the atmosphere that they don’t pose any threat to people watching them from the ground but they provide the most amazing sites.

Northern Lights over Finland

One of the places to head this winter to see the Northern Lights is Finland. Not only can you see the lights but you can experience all that Lapland has to offer with moose, reindeer, husky and snowmobile safaris and that once in lifetime trip for that little ones that will make this time of year so special.

Santa Claus - Rovaniemi - Xavier Turpain
Santa Claus – Rovaniemi

An ideal destination is Rovaniemi which is the official home of Santa Claus. Just 8km north on the Arctic Circle is Santa Claus Village where you can find Santa at home every day of the year.

Snowland Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is not the only Finnish destination to head to experience the Northern Lights, you might also consider Ivalo, Saariselkä, Levi, Yllä and Kilpisjärvi. These areas have dark skies and very little light pollution, which greatly improves viewing conditions.

The Northern Lights Marko Junttila

An ideal destination is Rovaniemi which is the official home of Santa Claus. Just 8km north on the Arctic Circle is Santa Claus Village where you can find Santa at home every day of the year.

The aurora season in Finland generally runs from late August to early April, when the nights are dark enough to see the lights. However the most active periods are often September to October and February to March. Even then there is no guarantee that you will be able to see the lights so if you are going specifically for the lights, find a company with a “light guarantee”.

The lights are however generally visible for 200 nights of the year and the best times to see them are between 9pm and 2am. Its the weather that will be the main determinant of whether the lights are visible.

Winter Scene Marko Junttila

Our advice, mix your trip with other activities just in case. Ideas of other activities included Many travellers combine aurora hunting with: husky safaris, snowmobile excursions, reindeer sleigh rides etc and of course that visit to Santa Claus Village.

Categories
City Europe Slovakia Vienna

The 72 Hour City

Slovakia is sometimes forgotten as a tourist destination.  For nearly 1000 years it did not have much control over its own destiny.  Even during the period of the First Slovak Republic 1939 – 1945 it was a client state of Nazi Germany.  Around the year 1000 it became part of the Kingdom of Hungary and today over 9% of the population state their mother tongue is Hungarian.

Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, stands on the banks of the Danube and as such borders both Hungary and Austria.  Bratislava markets itself as a 72 hour city as that’s the average length of time tourists spend in the city.  In those 72 hours there are plenty to keep you occupied.

Bratislava Castle - Slovakia
Bratislava Castle – Slovakia

Due to its geographical position and history a good starting point is Bratislava castle. Not only does it house the Museum of History but affords tremendous views across the city.  Down in the town, the Michael’s Gate which is the only preserved gate of the city fortification system dates back to the 14th century gives you a great view back across the Old Town and the castle.  The tower at the gate houses the Museum of Arms.

Bratislava houses the largest war memorial in Central Europe. It rises over 50 metres and dominates the city skyline.  It is the burial ground of 6845 soldiers of the Soviet army who died during the liberation of Bratislava in World War II.

St Elizabeth’s Church (The Blue Church) - Bratislava - Slovakia
St Elizabeth’s Church (The Blue Church) – Bratislava – Slovakia

On a religious note, don’t miss out on a visit the 15th Century St Marin’s Cathedral, the Art Nouveau style St Elizabeth’s Church, also known as the blue church and cubist style synagogue built between 1923 and 1926.

You will be spoilt for choice with a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars and for those of you with a sweet tooth, patisseries something they do so well in Central Europe. Whilst in the city look out for the amazing sculptures.

Čumil Statue - Bratislava - Slovakia
Čumil Statue- Bratislava – Slovakia

The Čumil Statue can be found in the old town area, Čumil means watcher and was created the the sculptor Victor Hulik. Many tourists rub his head in the hope of gaining good luck.

Bratislava can easily be reached from Vienna by train, the journey time as little as 46 minutes. Making a Vienna / Bratislava a very doable combined visit.

Categories
Art City City Break Cuisine Food Historical Madrid Spain Walking

One Simply Reason (Madrid)

If food be the reason to travel then book now. It’s a bit of a twist on Shakespeare’s famous words from Twelfth Night, but one of the reasons many of us travel is to the variety of food to try in the world. Sometimes the dish can be something that we have never experienced before but on other occasions it can be just an added dash of something that completely transforms the meal. Other times it might be the setting or ambience of the restaurant.

Empanadas
Empanadas

Food offers a unique insight to the history and culture of a region or country.  The empanadas pictured above were first documented in Galicia in North West Spain 100 years before Twelfth Night was written, but today they are a part of everyday cuisine in places as far apart as Argentina, the Philippines and the Cape Verde Islands.  They are even creeping into you local supermarket.

The empanadas pictured above were photographed at the San Miguel food market in Madrid. We were fortunate enough to visit Madrid recently and gave stopped by once again on our visit.

These fellows were keeping an eye out for us.

The market has been here for over a hundred years and approximately 7 million visitors pass through its doors. In this historical building you can experience a wide variety of Spanish specialities, from fresh seafood (as above) and Iberian ham to delicious tapas, cheeses, desserts, and drinks from over 20 different vendors. Expect it to be busy, but be patient a table will always present itself.

Interior of BiBo Dani Garcia – the lights are a nod to the lights of the Marbella fair.

Dani Garcia is an internationally renowned Spanish chef from Marbella, Spain, known for combining traditional Andalusian ingredients and flavours with modern cooking techniques. After earning three Michelin stars for his restaurant in Marbella, García chose to focus on bringing Spanish cuisine to a wider audience. One of his ventures is the BiBo Dani Garcia brand which has more of a fusion feel to it.

CROQUETAS DE JAMÓN (Creamy Ham Croquettes)

The main purpose of our visit was to revisit the Museo Nacional Del Prado. This is one of Madrid’s most popular attractions. It was opened in 1819 and houses an impressive collection of paintings by such artists such as Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens and Bosch. Unfortunately photos are not permitted but visit the museum website here for a flavour of what to expect.

In the meantime enjoy this piece from outside the museum.

Part of the Thirteen Laughing at Each Other sculpture installation by Juan Muñoz.

This installation started life in 2001 and was installed in Porto, Portugal, over the years they have been previously to Madrid and to Chicago. They were designed by the sculptor Juan Muñoz to make people feel both welcome and uneasy as they walk past the statutes. The installation will remain at the Prado to 2028.

Whilst you are in the area, don’t forget to visit the Museo Reina Sofia where you will find an excellent exhibition of contemporary art including Picasso’s Guernica, one of the outstanding anti-war paintings of all time. At 3.5m high x 7.8 metres long, the sheer scale of it will impress you. Rather than depict a single battle scene, he expresses the horror of war and the impact on ordinary people using abstract and Cubist forms. At the time of writing there is an exhibition entitled “Rethinking Guernica”. An online version can be found here.

Categories
Canada Halifax Montreal Ottawa Quebec Train Vancover Winnipeg

Travelling the Canadian Dream

Since 1990, Rocky Mountaineer, the world’s largest privately owned luxury tourist train, has welcomed more than 2 million guests to inhale the mountain air and let nature take their breath away. So to celebrate 30 wonderful years of service on board and experience historic storytelling, world-class cuisine, a first-hand look at the vast and untouched wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and an opportunity to share memorable moments and make lasting friendships with fellow travellers.

Rocky Mountaineer Western Canada Pacific Northwest Train
Rocky Mountaineer

You will not miss a single moment as the Rocky Moutaineer offers the only all daylight journey to travel the historic routes from Vancover through the Rockies.

There are 4 routes to choose from.

Banff to Jasper: Journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, passing Stoney Creek Bridge and Mount Robson, en route to Jasper.

Vancover to Banff: This is the Vmost popular route through the Canadian Rockies, famous for uniting Canada’s East and West.

Vancover to Jasper: This journey allows you to view the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies.

Vancover to Casper via Whistler: Option No 4 allows you to carve through extreme landscapes like BC’s coastal rainforest, the rugged Fraser Canyon, and the historic Cariboo gold rush region on your way to the Canadian Rockies.

VIA Rail offers a service from Toronto in the east to Vancover in the west, via Winnipeg, Edmonton and Jasper. The main journey is 4,466 kms. Journeys of various combinations can be taken along the route. From Toronto you leave the big city centre behind and glide through Northern Ontario, here you will get a chance to marvel at the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield. The shield cover the area from the Arctic down to the USA and consists of some of the oldest bedrock on earth.

VIA Rail Travel by train across Canada, image copyright of viarail.ca
VIA Rail – Journey Across Canada.

Then travel across the Prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, its here that you will get through expansive window views. Entering Alberta you will pass through Edmonton and then onto the mountain town of Jasper. You end your journey through the snowy peaks of the majestic Rockies, cross the Fraser River and descent into your journey’s end, Vancover.

There are options to travel to Churchill (the Polar Bear capital of the world) from Winnipeg and Prince Rupert from Jasper (the Jasper National Park is listed among UNESCO’s world heritage sites).

The trains feature the classic glass ceilinged cars, offering 360 degress panoramic view of the changing landscapes. For those passengers travelling “Sleeper Plus” you get chef-prepared meals in purpose dining cars.

VIA Rail. Copyright viarail.ca
VIA Rail – It’s all about the view. viarail.ca

If you want to explore the eastern Canadian provinces of Québec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, VIA Rail can offer you a train journey from Montreal to Halifax.

The Montreal-to-Halifax train journey on VIA Rail‘s The Ocean is a 1,346 km journey that last 22 hours. This route has been running since 1904 and is one of the longest running passenger rail routes in North America. The line hugs the southern shore of the St Lawrence River as the sun starts to set. In the morning you will cross the Quebec-New Brunswick border, with super coastal views. Your journey continues on around the Bedford Basin to your end station Halifax.

Other special routes include one that cover the Quebec and Southern Ontario. This would enable you to take in Quebec City, Montreal, Niagara Falls and Windsor with the opportunity to divert to Senneterre and Jonquiere.

Categories
City City Break Europe Historical Poland Walking Warsaw

Warsaw II

In 1945 85% of Warsaw had been destroyed but walking around the old town today you would have no idea. It has been reconstructed with alleys, houses and churches so faithfully that the area has earned UNESCO World Heritage Status. The plan was to recreate the city’s late 18th century appearance, you can judge for yourself how successful they have been. Old drawings, plans and even paintings by the famous Italian landscape artist Bernardo Bellotto were used to aid the reconstruction. You can find more details on the UNESCO site. The majority of the work was completed by the mid 1960s but the final piece was finished in 1984 with the opening of the Royal Palace.

It is clear the extent of the devastation from this view of the city.

The most historic part of the Old Town is the old market square. Here you can dine out and watch the world go by surrounded by magificent Renaissance and Baroque buildings where in years gone by the town’s merchants would have lived. Whilst visiting the Old Town do not miss out on a visit to the Royal Palace which is now a museum and the Castle Square where Bill Clinton welcomed Poland to NATO in 1997.

Warsaw Old Town Copyright Jacqueline Maco
Warsaw Old Town

If you have a fascination for architecture from the Communist era then you must not miss the 237 meter tall Palace of Culture and Science. The building was a gift from the Soviet Union to the people of Poland in 1955 and today houses four theatres, two museums and a multi-plex cinema amongst its offerings. Take a trip up to the 30th floor observation tower for a great view of the city.

The Palace of Culture and Science.

Other notable stopping points on your visit to Warsaw might include the Warsaw Uprising Museum where you can discover the story of the August to October 1944 uprising that led to much of the destruction of the city by the Germans, with many before and after images. A relatively recent addition to the museums in the city is the Museum of the History of Polish Jews (POLIN) that was fully opened in 2014 and documents the lives of Jews over the thousand years during which Poland became home to the largest Jewish community in Europe.

Regular readers of this site will know that we do like to travel by a variety of transport methods. Whilst in Warsaw do not forget to head underground and have a ride on the Metro.

Enjoy your trip to Warsaw.

Categories
City City Break Europe Gibraltar Sun Winter Sun

Gibraltar

If you have a look at the current travel corridors, Gibraltar is one place that you can travel to at the time of writing without having a Covid test prior or on entry and there is no need to quarantine on your return.  Daytime temperatures are average around 16oC in January and can get into the low 20s.  It is pleasant enough to sit out and eat lunch during the day, but gets a bit chilly for dinner in the evening.

Although Gibraltar is relatively small, there is still plenty to do.  Scenery wise there is a little bit of everything. There are beaches which during the winter you might not want to sit on but they are great places to walk, take in the sea air and the views. There is plenty of history on Gibraltar due to its geography at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea which has been a highly valued possession.   You will find a mixture of influences and reminders of the Romans, the Moors, the Spanish and the British all over the island.

St Micheal's Cave, Gibraltar - visitgibraltar.gi
St Micheal’s Cave – Gibraltar – visitgibraltar.gi

St Michael’s Cave is one of the many wonders of Gibraltar, and has enticed visitors for hundreds of years. While staying in Gibraltar it’s well worth paying a visit.  The cave is actually a series of caves that are 300m above sea level.  They are Gibraltar’s main tourist attraction with over 1,000,000 visitors a year.  One of the largest caves serves as an auditorium and during WW2 the caves served as a hospital.

You cannot visit Gibraltar without seeing the Barbary Macaques, these monkey inhabitants of the rock are the only monkeys on the continent of Europe.  They are well looked after in the Gibraltar nature reserve that covers 40% of the country. 

Barbary Macaque - African coastline of Morocco in the background.
Barbary Macaque – African coastline of Morocco in the background.

Two other attractions I wouldn’t want to miss out on if I were going on a short break. One would be the 11th century Moorish castle complex.  In its heyday it was much larger that it is today.  Look out for The Tower of Homage and the Gate House. In 1704 the British flag was placed on top of the castle and it still files today. The other would be the Great Siege Tunnels which were built at the end of the 18th century during the Great Siege of Gibraltar when France and Spain attempted to capture Gibraltar.  The tunnels dug out by hand mainly using sledgehammers and crowbars with the occasional gunpowder blast are impressive.

Moorish Castle and view over Gibraltar. visitgibraltar.gi
Moorish Castle and view over Gibraltar. visitgibraltar.gi
Categories
Activities Antalya Hiking Turkey Walking

Antalya, Turkey

So today we are off to one of Turkey’s main tourist destinations the Antalya region.  The area is famous historically as the centre of the Lycian Empire and was the last region on the Mediterranean Sea to become part of the Roman Empire.  You cannot go far without coming across reminders of its past.  If visiting the area you must take some time out to see Hadrian’s Gate located in Antalya city centre and the rock tombs in Myra. 

Rock Tombs

The main resort of Antalya offers a wide range of hotel accommodation from luxury hotels to small boutique hotels and there are a range of beaches to suit everyone’s’ needs whether its small and quite or big and noisy. The best months to visit weather wise are May to October. Daytime highs during these months are 26°C and above, with only a slight chance of rain.

Beaches – Antalya

Çıralı, one of Antalya’s most beautiful quieter beaches. Here you will find the ancient Lycian city of Olympos. You can walk among the ruins after a day of lying on the beach. For more serious walkers there is the “Lycian Trail”.  This is a marked walking trail that takes approximately 29 days to trek, taking in 25 historical sights over a distance of more than 500 kilometers.

Categories
California City City Break Driving Los Angeles Surfing USA

L.A. CA. USA.

It might seem strange to suggest that you visit LA because of the beaches, but it actually has some of the best beaches in the US. The names of them are easily recalled by most of us due to their locations being used in numerous US films and TV series. Venice Beach is one of LA’s most known beaches, with its numerous galleries, quirky shops, street performers, what is less well known are the Venice canals. Whilst in the area dont’t miss out on Muscle Beach. The perfect place for people watching.

Guitar Player – Venice Beach LA

Many people prefer Santa Monica Beach to Venice, I will leave that up to you to decide. Santa Monica attracts more than 7 million visitors a year who come primarily for the beach connection. It is also close to other Los Angeles attractions. Santa Monica is very attractive as a walkable and bike friendly destination. Don’t miss a trip to the world famous Santa Monica Pier, yes they have them in the States as well.

Santa Monica Beach, LA, CA
Santa Monica Beach, LA

For the kids and young wizards at heart. Los Angeles is home to the brand new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Hollywood. Complete with its own Hogwarts Castle and Harry Potter themed rides. Of course you can not really visit Los Angeles without doing something celebrity / entertainment based. You can make your own tour if you plan ahead or book yourself onto many of the themed tours. Fully recommended are the tours of Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures or Sony Pictures. Finally we can not do justice to all LA has to offer so we will be back.

Categories
Activities Beach Camping Driving Dubai Middle East Safari UAE Uncategorized

Dubai, UAE

One night is Dubai is not enough to do justice to this fantasic holiday destination. The Burj Al Arab hotel is an experience in itself. It was constructed using cutting-edge engineering and was built to resemble the billowing spinnaker sail of a J-class yacht. Being one of the tallest hotels in the world it is hard to miss on the skyline. Despite its size, in terms of rooms there are just 202 bedroom suites. The smallest suite occupies an area of 169 m2 so not that small being bigger than the average 3 bedroomed UK home.

Burj Al Arab – Dubai

What you wont find in Dubai are great museums and heritage sites, though you will find some culture. Visit the Al Fahidi Neighbourhood to see what Old Dubai was like in the 19th century. Here you will find small museums, galleries and food events. Don’t miss the Jumeirah Mosque. Adopting an ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ policy, the mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths and their are daily tours with a guide.

Fountains - Dubai
Fountains – Dubai

Dubai is a city of modern wonders. A must see are the Dubai Fountains, the fountain jets up to 22,000 gallons of water as high as 140m in the air at any one time. The Mall of the Emirates is the ultimate shopping experience with over 500 shops, cinema complex and snow slope.

Camel desert safari - Dubai.
Camel desert safari – Dubai.

Away from the city, there are plenty of opportunities to get your adrenaline rush. Sky-diving, desert safaris, desert dune buggy experiences, diving with sharks, bungee jumping, drive a McLaren Sprint and Audi R8 V10 on track and the extreme rides at one of the water parks.

Categories
Activities Aspen Colorado Paragliding Skiing USA Winter

Aspen, Colorado

There are many reasons to choose to live in Aspen, but for most of us, we will visit to take advantage of the many recreational opportunities on offer all year round as an excuse to travel there.

Top of the list has to be the skiing. Aspen boasts four mountains that are a paradise for both skiers and snowboarders. It is the perfect place for skiers of all standards from the beginner right through to the most experienced, offering a wide array of slopes, as well as plenty of runs through expert-only terrain. In fact Aspen has hosted the Winter X games on numerous occasions.

Skiing - Aspen, Colorado
Skiing – Aspen, Colorado

For fans of other winter activities you will be able to ice skate, and cross-country ski. In the summer Aspen attracts many hikers and cyclists. However there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, golf, horseback riding, and rock climbing. If you are into aerial sports then paragliding in one of the most beautiful parts of the world has got to be a major attraction.

Maroon Bells - RyanFSpack
Maroon Bells

Top of the list of sites are the Maroon Bells, a combination of a reflective lake, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak. Located 10 miles west of Aspen in a glacial valley the 14,000 foot peaks provide a dramatic backdrop to your hike or drive in the area.

Finally in Summer Aspen is home to the Aspen Music Festival. Founded in 1949, the Aspen Music Festival and School is regarded as one of the top classical music festivals in the United States, noted both for its concert programming and its musical training of mostly young-adult music students. In fact, the John Denver video above was filmed at the festival in 1980. Over an 8 week period during July and August upwards of 400 music events take place.

Categories
Beach Cancun Central America Mexico Sun Winter Sun

Cancun, Mexico

Looking ahead until later in the year, plenty of us will be considering a trip to Cancun and we will be able to make it to Mexico. Trips to Cancun have it all. On top of the 13+ miles of beaches, there is plenty of nightlife, modern shopping malls and Mayan ruins a short trip away.

For sun lovers the sun shines for 250 days a year in Cancun. The driest part of the year is from January to May and day time temperatures average between 28°C and 34°C depending on the season. Sea temperatures average 27°C. The northern beaches are sheltered by a small island and have calmer waters whilst the eastern beaches have more waves. Take your pick depending on what you are looking for from a day at the beach.

Beach - Cancun - Mexico
Beach – Cancun – Mexico

Just a 90 minute drive away at Tulum, perched above 40 ft cliffs you will find one of Mexico’s best preserved Mayan coastal sites. Here you will find a walled city that was a bustling metropolis from the 13th to 15th centuries. Don’t miss out on the Temple of the Frescoes and its numerous murals, the Temple of the Descending God which is a single room accessed via a narrow staircase on top of another temple that served as its base, and finally the pyramid shaped El Castillo. The photo below does it more justice that words.

Tulum - Cancun - Mexico
Tulum – Cancun – Mexico

Back in Cancun there are a wide range of hotels to suit every pocket and in the evenings there is everything from sports bars to ballet and everything inbetween.

Sunset - Cancun - Mexico
Sunset – Cancun – Mexico
Categories
Activities Ayia Napa Beach Cyprus Historical Paphos Uncategorized

Cyprus

Cyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean and is less than 5 hours flight from London.  Stepping out of the plane at either Paphos or Larnaca airports you will have been transported to the crossroads of 3 continents. Europe, Africa and Asia. Cyprus has been inhabited since the 10th century BC and boasts a rich cultural history due to its geographical position.

Situated at the crossroads of three continents – as a result, its cuisine is a mixture and refinement of a variety of Southern European, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian influences. “Meze” is the most traditional meal on the island, though exactly what you will be served will depend on the preferences of the chef in charge. Consisting of up to 30 hot and cold dishes. They will give a good idea of the rich variety of Cypriot foods.

Souvlaki - poulasohn
Souvlaki

When not eating and drinking, Cyprus provides you with so much choice. The default option for many is one of the wonderful beaches on the island. The number 1 beach destination is Nissi Beach, a particular favourite of younger travellers. The beach of white sand has shallow crystal clear water and a wide selection of watersports are on offer. In the evening you can head into Ayia Napa, famous for its night life.

Ayia Napa - Dimitris Vetsikas
Ayia Napa

Fancy somewhere more family friendly then head to Coral Bay. Cliffs protect the beach and ensure that the water remains calm. The beach is also popular for those who like snorkelling and diving. Want somewhere a bit more grown up then head for Blue Lagoon Beach. You won’t find many facilities here but you will find a beautiful location to relax and unwind and maybe understand why David Bowie wrote “Cyprus is my island”.

Kykkos Monastery - Dimitris Vetsikas
Kykkos Monastery

If you want a day away from the beach then head up to Kykkos Monastery. It dates back to the 11th century and is located 1318 meters up on the on the North West face of Troodos Mountains.  There is a museum at the centre of the monastery that contains many artefacts relating to the pre-Christian history of the island.  The monastery produces Zivania spirit and other alcoholic drinks.  That in itself must be a reason to visit.

Tomb of the Kings - Paphos - Dimitris Vetsikas
Tomb of the Kings – Paphos

One of the most important archaeological sites on the island are the famous ‘Tombs of the Kings’.  The tombs for high ranking officials rather than Kings have been carved out of solid rock and date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. They are similar to tombs found in Alexandria, Egypt.  The tombs can be found in The Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos alongside a number of other important sites from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages.

Categories
City City Break Europe Italy

Venice, Italy

Venice or Italy for that matter can be visited any time, not just the summertime. In fact you could say that the Spring or Autumn were preferable for city tourists as the day time temperatures are better suited for wandering around.

Looking for a weekend or half term break then Italy should be your destination.  Italy offers so many beautiful attractions for visitors, whether it’s the cities, the lakes or the coast.  In fact we visited Milan in August here on Travellogs.

Canal Grande, Venice, Italy
Canal Grande, Venice, Italy

If you are looking for a single city destination then why not head for Venice.  With tourist numbers down this year, a trip to Venice at this time just makes so much sense.  Imagine not having to queue for restaurants, museums and other attractions, taking leisurely walks around the main thoroughfares, plenty of space on the water taxis and being able to book a hotel at a reasonable price right in the middle of hundreds of years of history.

Direct flights to Venice from London take around 2 hours and 15 minutes.  The transfer from the airport to the centre of Venice is around 20 minutes.

For those of you who have been to Venice before, you will not need convincing to return.  For first timers then this is what you have missed so far.  Venice comprises of over 100 islands, separated by canals but connected by over 400 bridges.  As capital of the Republic of Venice from 697 until 1797 Venice became the financial centre of the world and was at the cross roads of international trade between east and west.  This gave the city to wealth to build a city that rises out of the lagoon, with its domes and spires.

Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy
Piazza San Marco – Venice, Italy

Try to get to the Piazza San Marco at least once during your visit.  It is the most famous square of Venice and probably the most photographer destination within the city.  It is here that you will find the Basilica San Marco. Entrance is free to this stunningly beautiful church.  Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to make the most or your time in Venice.

And whilst you are in the Piazza San Marco make sure you visit the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace).  The palace is worth a visit in its own right because of the architecture, but today it also houses many important art works. It’s a good idea to book your museum tickets in advance, thereby making the most of your time in the fantastic city.

Venice at Night, Italy
Venice at Night, Italy

One to save for the evening is a walk across the Ponte Rialto where you experience a stunning view of the bridge and the city lit up at night. Remember that gondola rides have fixed prices. Standard gondola rides in Venice have cost 80 euros for a private 25-30 minutes tour in the day and 120 euros at night. Gondolas normally take up to 6 passengers.

Categories
Antigua Beach Caribbean Cruise Sun Winter Sun

Antigua

In Antigua, as there are 54 miles of coastline, to walk along. There are in fact 365 beaches along the coast, that’s one for every day of the year.

Of those beaches, amongst the most famous are Galley Bay Beach for surfing, Half Moon Bay for relaxing and Dickenson Bay which is the most popular, with a number of hotels and restaurants.  For example it is here that you can find the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and the Siboney Beach Club.

Dickenson Bay - Antigua
Dickenson Bay – Antigua

Many of the hotels on the island are built along the beaches so that you can literally step out of your room straight on to the beach.  In fact you could be on the beach within 10 hours of taking off from London with flight times of around 8 and a half hours.

Should you want to tear yourself away from the beach, then head up to Shirley Heights from where you can obtain the best view on the island.  At a height of 490 feet, you get superb views of English and Falmouth Harbours and is best visited at sunset and the early evening.

View from Shirley Heights - Antigua
View from Shirley Heights – Antigua

Today, Nelson’s Dockyard provides many sites and activities for the modern day visitor to enjoy.  It was built back in the early eighteenth century, when the British realised the value of having a dockyard to harbour ships in bad weather and keeping an eye on the French. The dockyard is named after Lord Nelson, who as Captain of the HMS Boreas, was sent to Antigua to enforce British laws in the colonies.

Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua
Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua
Categories
Beach Caribbean St Lucia Sun Winter Sun

St Lucia

Lucia was a 4th century Saint who brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the Roman Catacombs. Her deeds are celebrated on 13th December, which on the old Julian calendar was the date of the winter solstice.  To light her way and leave her hands to carry as much as possible she wore a candlelit wreath on her head.

St Lucia
St Lucia

So this winter and spring why not head for the light and warmth of the Caribbean winter sun to the island of St Lucia, the only sovereign nation named after a woman. The average daily temperature even during the less warm months (there are no cold ones) is 26C.  The period from January to May is also the driest part of the year. There are numerous sandy beaches and all of them are public so you can take your pick.  The most popular is Reduit Beach where you will find lively beach bars, restaurants and a wide variety of water sports.  Alternatively at the opposite end of Rodney Bay you will find the quieter beaches of Pigeon Island beach, which are located with a National Park.

Rodney Beach - St Lucia
Rodney Beach – St Lucia

The attraction of St Lucia as a holiday destination is that it is not just about the beaches. Due to its size and varied landscape, it is so easy to connect with nature and the outdoors.  The island is home to the Piton mountains. They are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, a trek up will take you around 4 hours with a local guide.  From a height over almost 800m there is surely not a comparable view in the Caribbean.

Piton Mountains - St Lucia
Piton Mountains – St Lucia

Before you departure from St Lucia, take some time to visit the “world’s only drive in volcano” located in the southwest of the island near the town of Soufriere which in French means “from which sulfur is produced”. Nearby you can also experience the sulphur springs where you can experience a mud bath. The baths are believed to have medicinal properties and helps heal sun burns, eczema, arthritis, sore joints, and more.

Sulphur Springs – St Lucia
Categories
City Europe Historical Lisbon Portugal Uncategorized

Lisbon, Portugal

Despite a history of earthquakes, Lisbon has always been an important city through the ages. The Romans, the Berbers, the Moors and then Reconquista knights have all taken a interest in Lisbon due to its position of the River Targus. The Torre de Belém is the most iconic building in the region, dominating the entrance to Lisboa harbour on the north bank of the river. Originally built in the 16th century and subsequently improved over the years, it would have been the last part of the country that sailors who sailed west to discover and visit the new world across the Atlantic Ocean would have seen.

Torre de Belém - Julius Silver
Torre de Belém

An absolute must when visiting Lisbon is a ride on the trams. There are two types of tram, the historic “Remodelado” trams or the modern Siemens “Articulado” trams. In fact the best way to get to the Torre de Belém is by the modern No 15 tram. However you must travel on the historic No 28 tram that will work its way up the steep, cobbled roads and into the old Alfama district. The Alfama district is one of the top destinations for tourists in Lisbon. It is the oldest part of the city dating back to the time of the Moors. It survived the 1755 earthquake as its built on dense bedrock. Up here you will step back in time. Wander through its narrow streets, tiny squares, visit it’s churches and wonder about the history that has taken place inside those whitewashed houses. In the evening you will find many great restaurants to eat in or out and you will are bound to hear Fado music, dates back to the 1820s.

Tram - Lisbon - Walkerssk
Tram – Lisbon

There are many more places to visit in Lisbon and now it’s off the UK quarantine list, it makes a great destination for a short break or the starting point for a tour of the country. Don’t miss out on visiting the solid looking and imposing Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa, known locally as simply the Sé. Finally you must not miss out on the Pasteis de Nata, deliciously soft, sweet, custard tarts, that are a cult in Lisbon.

Pasteis de Nata - Portuguese Custard Tart -CarolinaP
Pasteis de Nata – Portuguese Custard Tart
Categories
Beach City Latvia Riga Uncategorized

Riga, Latvia

Riga stands at the centre of the Baltic States, Estonia to the north and Lithuanian to the south. Both are easily reached from Riga. Hire a car and get to Tallin the capital of Estonia in 4 hours and Kaunas the capital of Lithuania is 3 hours, 30 minutes away. Currently UK citizens can freely travel to and return from the Baltic States.

Riga, Latvia, Germans Alenins
Riga, Latvia

Besides being the largest of the Baltic capitala it is a very beautiful city full of gothic and medieval architecture. Unlike other European capitals that are heaving with tourists in the summer months, Riga is full of Latvians. Not being on the top ten list of most city break fans even pre-Covid it was a good option and now its even better.

For travellers on a budget staying and eating out in Riga represents great value for money. Prices are in line with destinations in Poland, Hungary and Romania. Restaurant prices are about half of those in most UK cities.

Riga, Latvia, AG-Pics
Riga, Latvia

Well what is there to do in Riga? First stop would be the St Peter’s Church. The church dates back to 1209 and has undergone various transformations over the years. The most recent due to damage caused by artillery fire in 1941. Head up to the viewing platform to experience superb views across the rooftops.

Like many towns and cities across Eastern Europe, Riga has reminders of its time under the influence of the Soviet Union. A trip to the Latvia Academy of Sciences, a mini Empire State building, head up to the 17th floor of this 1950’s building for an alternative outlook on the city.

Maybe we have too much of an interest in the macabre. Head off to the “Corner House”, the former headquarters of the KGB which is very emotional. Not a fun way to spend a day, certainly sobering and puts into perspective Latvia’s recent history.

Baltic Sea Riga Latvia Edgars Koronevskis
Baltic Sea Riga Latvia

On a happier note, there are plenty of back streets, markets, restaurants etc to visit to keep you busy but if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle then visit Ķīpsala Beach right in the centre of Riga on the River Daugava. A little further afield there are several beaches within easy reach of Riga. With 500km of coastline there is bound to be a beach to suit you.

Categories
City Europe Historical Italy Milan Uncategorized

Milan, Italy

The Cathedral in Milan took nearly 600 hundred years to complete. Work started in 1386 and was deemed completed in 1965. The cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete: construction began in 1386, and the final details were completed in 1965. It is the largest church in Italy, the second largest in Europe, the largest being St Peter’s in the Vatican City.

Milan Cathredral - Madonnina Photo: Eric Delgrange
Milan Cathedral – Madonnina

Mark Twain wrote these words about the Cathedral when he visited in 1867: “What a wonder it is! So grand, so solemn, so vast! And yet so delicate, so airy, so graceful!” I wonder what you will think. In fact he dedicated chapter 18 of Innocents Abroad to the Cathedral, which includes descriptions and historical details. You can read it here.

There is plenty else to see and do in Milan and a long weekend or mid-week break is not enough to do it justice. One trip that you are advised to book well in advance is that to see “The Last Supper” by Leonarno Di Vinci” which is one of the most recognisable painitngs in the world.

The Last Supper - Leonardo Di Vinci
The Last Supper – Leonardo Di Vinci

As a traveller you pass through a wide variety of transport hubs. However few are grander than the Central Station. It is the largest railway station by volume in Europe. From here there are high speed links to Turin, Venice and south to Rome and Naples which makes Milan a great travel base.

Concourse Milan Central Station
Concourse Milan Central Station

Finished in 1931, the building which has no definitive architectural style has been described as one of the most beautiful stations in the world. Again see for yourself. It certainly is impressive.

What a lot of visitors to Milan are not aware of is the canal network. Originally the canals were built to connect the city with the local area and the marble for the Cathedral was brought in via the canal network.

The Navigli - Milan
The Navigli – Milan

Although part of the canal system was covered in the city centre there is plenty of canal side activities to engage in. You can cycle or walk the tow paths during the day and by night you can enjoy the nightlife, with a wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from.

There are plenty more highlights of your trip to Milan including the La Scala de Milan – one of the most famous opera houses in the world, La Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade next to the Cathedral and the Sforza Castle which houses the main museums.

Categories
Activities Cycling Driving Uncategorized

Scotland

Starting and ending at Inverness Castle the North 500, is a 516 mile route that takes in some of the more remote parts of Northern Scotland. The route works its way along the west coast to Applecross and then northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. From there, you’ll embark on a drive to some of the most northerly coastal points of mainland Scotland, including Caithness. From John o’ Groats you head south through Dingwall back to Inverness.

The North 500

How could you not be tempted to drive the North 500 yourself? In fact you could even cycle or walk the route. If driving allow yourself the best part of a week and you are advised to book your accommodation in advance particularly during the summer season. This is where Maggie can help you out. She will help you find those less popular little gems along the route and suggest stopping off points to make the most of your journey.

Ackegill Tower

Not only will you find superb accommodation but fantastic scenery, exquisite beaches, fine food and the best distilleries in the world.

Categories
Beach City Europe France La Rochelle Uncategorized

La Rochelle, France

If you like to combine the sun and sand with a bit of history and military history in particular then La Rochelle on the French west coast could be just the destination for you. If you have been following the Sky TV series “Das Boot” based on the German novel and film about  U-boats during the Battle of the Atlantic you will know that many of them sailed from La Rochelle.

La Rochelle’s history is strongly linked to the sea.  Originally a small fishing village it grew and became so significant that the English fought and lost Battle of La Rochelle in 1372 which three months later led to the French conquering the town and saw the beginning of the end of English control of Aquitaine. 

La Rochelle Towers - Chris Bromley
La Rochelle Towers – Chris Bromley

The pens for the U boats were constructed in secret at night and could hold 13 submarines.  Some of the most important missions set sail from here.  Unfortunately they are not open to the public as they are used by the French navy. The U-boat complexes in St. Nazaire, Lorient and Bordeaux are open to the public. 

Despite being heavily used by the Germans during the Second World War, the city itself suffered very little damage and was the last city in France to be liberated from the Germans.

La Rochelle - Karlo Kolumno
La Rochelle – Karlo Kolumno

For us it means that the “Vieux Port” (“Old Harbour”), and the old town are well preserved, with it’s churches, market square and passageways.

In town you can also visit the Bunker of La Rochelle built to protect the submarine commanders from bombs and learn about what life was like for the citizens of La Rochelle from 1939 to 1945.

Île de Ré - Christoph Maurer
Île de Ré – Christoph Maurer

For the beach you can have a choice of the beautiful Ile de Ré or the small resort at Chatetlaillon Plage, a short distance south of La Rochelle.

Categories
City Poland Warsaw

Warsaw, Poland

n 1945 85% of Warsaw had been destroyed but walking around the old town today you would have no idea. It has been reconstructed with alleys, houses and churches so faithfully that the area has earned UNESCO World Heritage Status. The plan was to recreate the city’s late 18th century appearance, you can judge for yourself how successful they have been. Old drawings, plans and even paintings by the famous Italian landscape artist Bernardo Bellotto were used to aid the reconstruction. You can find more details on the UNESCO site. The majority of the work was completed by the mid 1960s but the final piece was finished in 1984 with the opening of the Royal Palace.

The most historic part of the Old Town is the old market square. Here you can dine out and watch the world go by surrounded by magificent Renaissance and Baroque buildings where in years gone by the town’s merchants would have lived. Whilst visiting the Old Town do not miss out on a visit to the Royal Palace which is now a museum and the Castle Square where Bill Clinton welcomed Poland to NATO in 1997.

Warsaw Old Town Copyright Jacqueline Maco
Warsaw Old Town

If you have a fascination for architecture from the Communist era then you must not miss the 237 meter tall Palace of Culture and Science. The building was a gift from the Soviet Union to the people of Poland in 1955 and today houses four theatres, two museums and a multi-plex cinema amongst its offerings. Take a trip up to the 30th floor observation tower for a great view of the city.

Palace of Culture and Science Copyright Andrzej
Palace of Culture and Science

Other notable stopping points on your visit to Warsaw might include the Warsaw Uprising Museum where you can discover the story of the August to October 1944 uprising that led to much of the destruction of the city by the Germans, with many before and after images. A relatively recent addition to the museums in the city is the Museum of the History of Polish Jews (POLIN) that was fully opened in 2014 and documents the lives of Jews over the thousand years during which Poland became home to the largest Jewish community in Europe.

Categories
City Granada Spain

Granada, Spain

The number one destination in Granada has the be the magnificent Alhambra which was declared a World Hertiage site by UNESCO in 1984. The Alhambra stands on a small plateau and is visible for miles around. It’s orgins date back to the 11th century and the time of the Moorish dominance in the region. In the 13th century it became a royal palace. It wasn’t until 1492 that the Moors were expelled from the region and it became home to Queen Isabela I and King Ferdinand II.

Alhambra, Granada - Copyright Pablo Valerio
Alhambra, Granada

There are essentially 10 main structures within the Alhambra. The Royal sector, the Court of Myrtles, the Hall of Ambassadors, Court and Fountain of the Lions, the Hall of the Abencerrajes and Generalife are the most famous and the average visitor will spend at least 4 hours there, many spend the whole day. Normally you would have to book days in advance but due to the current situation it is possible to book a visit for 48 hours in advance. At the time of writing there are tickets available on everyday through the summer.

The Partal, Alhambra - Copyright Frank Nürnberger
The Partal, Alhambra

There is plenty more to see and do in Granada. Notable stops on your itinerary should include: Alcaiceria – the last remaining section of the Moorish, Grand Bazaar, Sacromonte – view houses built into the rock face and in the evening visit a traditional flaminco show, Carrera del Darro – this street follows the course of the Darro river and was the line of the old city walls. Granada is also an important university city and it offers plenty of entertainment in the evenings and for the young at heart.

Today we would just like to finish off with this version of Granada by Bruce Welch’s Shadows. Originally from an EP entitled “Los Shadows” recorded in Barcelona in 1963 the track was never played live until the version below.

Granada – Bruce Welch’s Shadows
Categories
Australasia Australia City Perth

Perth, Australia

Perth is Australia’s sunniest city and temperatures even average above 18°C even in winter. In summer, average temperatures are over 30°C with 11 hours of sunshine. In the Perth metropolitan area there are 19 unique beaches to choose from including the world famous Cottesloe (Cott) Beach with its picturesque pavilion, and experience a wonderful Indian Ocean sunset.

The Crawley Edge Boatshed Copyright tourism.wa.gov.au
The Crawley Edge Boatshed

Perth’s city sights are easily accessible with one of the free Central Area Transit (CAT) bus that connect all the cities main tourist attractions. Just because it’s remote does not mean that Perth lacks high culture, you can visit the ballet, opera or art gallery. Choose between the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts or the Aboriginal Art and Craft Gallery or take in all three. Established in 1899, visit the Perth Mint and watch a live gold pour and see the world’s largest collection of gold bars.

Watching the sunrise at Kings Park and Botanic Garden with the Perth Skyline in the background. Copyright tourism.wa.gov.au
Watching the sunrise at Kings Park and Botanic Garden
with the Perth Skyline in the background.

If you get as far down the coast as Freemantle then make a visit to the historic prison where convicts from the UK were incarcerated .

Corridor in Fremantle Prison, Fremantle Copyright tourism.wa.gov.au/
Corridor in Fremantle Prison, Fremantle

Other highlights would be to take a cruise up the the Swan River or make a tour of the wineries along the Swan Valley. Many people head off to the Caversham Wildlife Park, east of Perth where you can meet koalas, wombats, kangaroos and many other native wildlife. The absolute must see if you travel all that way is a trip out to Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve, home to the Quokka, a small wallaby-like marsupial.

Taking selfie with Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) on Rottnest Island. Copyright tourism.wa.gov.au
Taking a selfie with Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) on Rottnest Island.

Categories
Berlin City Germany

Berlin, Germany

East Side Gallery Copyright: visitberlin, Foto: Philip Koschel
Art on the Berlin Wall

This week we are in Berlin. In 2013 having not released any new material for 10 years David Bowie released his 24th album “The Next Day”. The first single to be released from that album was “Where are we now?” The song and the video below make references to places in Berlin that have a connection with Bowie.

Where Are We Now? – David Bowie

After 19 secs we see some of the graffiti art on the few remaining sections of the Berlin Wall. These are worth the time and effort to see on your trip to Berlin. Potsdamer Platz (0.28) was the place to be in the 1920s. Today you’ll find the Lego Discovery Centre nearby. A great option if its raining and you have children. The Fernsehturm (TV Tower) is Berlin’s tallest landmark and the view on a clear day is superb.

Copyright: visitBerlin, Foto: Sarah Lindemann
Fersehturm – Berlin

The back entrance to the German Parliament (Bundestag) is next on the route, followed by Nürnberger Strasse where Bowie played several times in The Dschungel nightclub. Although reference is made to the KaDeWe department store (1:10) is made we actually get to see the magnificent Cathredral (Dom). Berlin’s answer to Marble Arch is up next. The Brandenburg Gate (1:49) is one of the most recognised sites in the city.

Brandenburger Tor Copyright: visitberlin, Foto: Wolfgang Scholvien
Brandenburger Tor / Brandenburg Gate

Berlin makes a great destination for a short break. There is so much to see that you will want to go back again. Not be missed are the Wall Museum and Check Point Charlie, the Jewish museum, the largest in Europe, the very moving Holocaust Memorial and not too far from the city centre is the former concentration camp at Sachsenhausen.

Holocaust Memorial Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Copyright visitBerlin, Foto: Pierre Adenis
Holocaust Memorial

Categories
Argentina Buenos Aires City Food Latin America

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires has a curious blend of the European and the Latin. It is well known for its preserved colonial and neo-classical architecture as well as its rich cultural life including a tango show or a visit to a ranch. In more recent years ” meat loving” visitors will seek out traditional “asado” or a themed tour devoted to famous Argentines such as “Evita” (Eva Peron).

Buenos Aires is the most visited city in South America and the second most visited city in Latin America after Mexico City. Known as the “Paris of South America”. In a survey for Travel and Leisure Magazine, visitors voted it the second most desirable city to visit after Florence. According to the Tourism Board of Argentina nearly 6m tourists visited the country in 2018 a figure that more than doubled over a ten year period.

Cabildo of Buenos Aires - Copyright Welcome Argentina
Cabildo of Buenos Aires

The most popular tourist sites are found in the historic core of the city. Buenos Aires was conceived around the Plaza de Mayo. To the north of here is the Caefral Metroplitana and the Banco de Nacion Argentina. To the west is the Cabildo that was the seat of the town council in colonial times.

If you have the time then seek out the Café Tortoni. The café was opened in 1858 by a French immigrant who named it after a Parisian café bearing the same name. Café Tortoni was selected by UCityGuides as one of the ten most beautiful cafes in the world.

Café Tortoni - Copyright WelcomeArgentina.com
Café Tortoni
Categories
Asia City Food Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has to be on your list of places that you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Here on “GrippedbyTravel.co.uk” we visited Singpore and a trip to Asia would not be complete without a trip to Hong Kong. Why not combine the two?

Across its 263 islands not only does East meet West in terms of culture, but those islands provide mountains with their natural beauty in contrast with the man made beauty of its skyscraper skyline.

Market - Jardine's Crescent
Market – Jardine’s Crescent

Part of the fancination with Hong Kong is the opportunity to shop till you drop. As a free trade city there are bargains to be had in the numerous markets and shopping centres that the city has to offer. If shopping is not your thing, then there is the historical side of Hong Kong to discover. An excellent starting place is the Hong Kong Museum of History which is located next to the Hong Kong Science Museum. Whatever your reason for visiting Hong Kong you will not be disappointed.

Temple Street Night Market - Copyright Hong Kong Tourist Board.

Temple Street Night Market

At the end of the day however tired you might feel, a visit to a night market is a must. You just cannot travel halfway round and world and not experience the unique sight, sounds and smells of a Hong Kong night market. What are you waiting for?

Categories
Barbados Beach Caribbean Sun

Barbados

This small Caribbean island is an eight and half hour flight from the UK and when you step off the plane at Grantley Adams International Airport you will have been transported to a different world but some elements of familiarity. Afternoon tea and cricket are just two of the examples.

The temperature rarely drops below 25°C, with daytime temperatures in August reaching around 30°C. The sea in Barbados is warm enough to swim all year round. The driest period is from December through to April. If soaking up the sun is for you then there are few prettier places in the world to do it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but it’s generally considered that Barbados has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.

There is more to Barbados than just beaches and due to its size its relatively easy to travel around the island. Buses travel all over the island and are super cheap! They are a great way to experience Barbadian (aka Bajan) life. Meet some locals and see life outside your hotel or villa.

Since 2011 Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Categories
Asia City Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has to be on your list of places that you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Here on “Grippedbytravel” we visited Singpore and a trip to Asia would not be complete without a trip to Hong Kong. Why not combine the two?

Across its 263 islands not only does East meet West in terms of culture, but those islands provide mountains with their natural beauty in contrast with the man made beauty of its skyscraper skyline.

Market - Jardine's Crescent
Market – Jardine’s Crescent

Part of the fancination with Hong Kong is the opportunity to shop till you drop. As a free trade city there are bargains to be had in the numerous markets and shopping centres that the city has to offer. If shopping is not your thing, then there is the historical side of Hong Kong to discover. An excellent starting place is the Hong Kong Museum of History which is located next to the Hong Kong Science Museum. Whatever your reason for visiting Hong Kong you will not be disappointed.

Temple Street Night Market - Copyright Hong Kong Tourist Board.

Temple Street Night Market

At the end of the day however tired you might feel, a visit to a night market is a must. You just cannot travel halfway round and world and not experience the unique sight, sounds and smells of a Hong Kong night market. What are you waiting for?

Categories
City Graceland Memphis Tennessee USA

Graceland

It was also a year ago, that Graceland started to reopen to the public after the first wave of the pandemic. At the time I commented elsewhere that it was probably a good time to go as it wouldn’t be so crowded.

A year later I would still say that same thing. Its a great time to visit Graceland right now because its not as crowded as it used to be. It will be soon but in the meantime take advantage of the situation.

Graceland isn’t just a house there is so much to experience. First and top of any visitors list is this is where Elvis lived. You feel like he could be just around the corner. See his wide range of costumes he wore on stage including the famous 68 comeback concert stagewear. Don’t miss out on seeing the famous pink Cadillac and wonder at his wall of gold records.

Categories
Austria City Europe Vienna

Vienna

Initially drawn to Vienna by the “Best Ever British Film” The Third Man and its memorising soundtrack by Anton Karas. Vienna is lost between the classic weekend break destinations of Paris, Rome and Barcelona and the newer ones of Prague, Budapest and Dubrovnik.

However it has so much to offer whether you are on a short weekend break or longer. Vienna was the capital of the Habsburgs for over 600 years from here the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire was ruled. The grand architecture from the 19th century in particular reflects the power and wealth of the country at that time.

View from City Hall. Copyright: © WienTourismus/Gregor Hofbauer
View from City Hall. Copyright: © WienTourismus/Gregor Hofbauer

Encircling the historic city centre is the Ringstrasse and a trip on the special Ring Tram is the perfect way to become aquainted with all the main glorious buildings and the features of Viennese life from your onboard guide. The Opera House, Parliament, the Art History Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Imperial Palace are just some of the sites you will see along the route.

Giant Ferris Wheel, Prater, Vienna. Copyright: © WienTourismus/Christian Stemper
Giant Ferris Wheel, Prater, Vienna. Copyright: © WienTourismus/Christian Stemper

Not to be missed in Vienna is the Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad) at the entrance to the Prater Amusement Park. Not only will you experience great views on your ride but when you watch “The Third Man” or the James Bond film “The Living Daylights” you’ll be able to say I was there.

Categories
City Dublin Ireland Sligo

Ireland

“Sometimes” is the last track from the excellent BBC series “Normal People” based on the book by Sally Rooney is a reminder that we don’t always have to travel halfway round the world to have a wonderful short break or a super holiday. Sometimes we don’t have far to go. Just a short flight or ferry ride across the Irish Sea is the Emerald Isle. There are great experiences to be had both north and south of the border.

The story of two teenage lovers from Sligo has developed a huge following not just because of the terrific soundtrack, the brilliant acting of the two main stars, the gripping storyline but the captivating locations.

Benbulben Mountain, https://www.irelandscontentpool.com/media/, Gareth McCormack
Benbulben Mountain

Sligo is one of Ireland’s hidden gems. Much of the landscape has links with the poet W.B. Yeats. His poetry constantly references the landscape and so much of the area today is know as “Yeates Country”. He is burried at Drumcliffe in the shadow of Benbulben Mountain. His final poem read

“Under bare Ben Bulben’s head
In Drumcliff churchyard Yeats is laid.”

Adventure Sligo, https://www.irelandscontentpool.com/media/ Josh McMichael
Adventure Sligo

For those of you more interested in the ocean than the land you can surf almost the entire western seaboard. But the section in County Sligo is renowned for drawing surfers from across the globe. International surfing events regularly take place here.

Any links with an * by them are affiliated, which means get a product via this link and a contribution may be made to us.

Categories
City Las Vegas Nevada USA

Las Vegas

And how I wish that there were more
Than twenty-four hours in the day.
But even if there were forty more,
I wouldn’t sleep a minute away.
Oh, there’s blackjack and poker and a roulette wheel.
A fortune won and lost on every deal.
All you need’s a strong heart and a nerve of steel.

“Viva Las Vegas” was the title song of the film of the same name, sung by Elvis Presley. Although Elvis first performed in Vegas in 1956, it was his twice a day, seven days a week, 636 sold out shows, from August 1969 on, at the International where his association with the city was firmly cemented.

Tourists takes photos with the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign on the Strip Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. CREDIT: Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign on the Strip Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016.
CREDIT: Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau

Next stop on our list of destinations to visit as soon as we start travelling again will be Las Vegas. It is so difficult in a short amount of space to describe the countless reasons to visit. This is just a start.

The image of countless casinos is one that many people still hold of Las Vegas, but as a holiday destination it is so much more than that. It can better be described as an entertainment destination. If you are looking to be entertained then you will find it here and you don’t have to place a bet to enjoy what it has to offer.

There is nothing to beat a walk down the Las Vegas Strip in the evening. It is the must do part of your visit. You will be transported to Venice, Paris and New York. Don’t miss out on the beautiful Bellagio Fountains as they dance to the music every 15 minutes in the evenings.

This is a view of the Strip as seen from the Eiffel Tower replica at Paris Las Vegas Saturday, August 19, 2017. Visible in the photo are Bellagio, Fountains of Bellagio, Caesars, Mirage, Bally's, Flamingo and Cromwell. CREDIT: Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
The Strip as seen from the replica of the Eiffel Tower, Las Vegas. Visible in the photo are Bellagio, Fountains of Bellagio, Caesars, Mirage, Bally’s, Flamingo and Cromwell. CREDIT: Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau

Once you have found your bearings you won’t have anywhere enough time to experience everything that the city has to offer.

Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley wedding at the Aladdin
Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley wedding at the Aladdin
Categories
Bahamas Caribbean Sun

Bahamas

The Bahamas - Courtesty of the Bahamian Ministry of Tourism
The Bahamas

If you are thinking of a getaway, it’s easy to understand why the Beach Boys would have wanted to take you to the Caribbean.

A holiday in the Bahamas makes great sense at this time of year.  Average daytime temperatures range from 25C in February to 28C in April, and your tourism pounds will help the country rebuild.

The Bahamas has beautiful clear waters which are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. Explore some of the world’s largest underwater cave systems and one of the largest barrier reefs. The Bahamas consists of 700 islands of which 14 are tourist destinations.

Categories
Arizona California Illinois Missouri New Mexico Oklahoma Texas USA

Route 66

“Just take my way that’s the highway that’s the best” Rolling Stones.

Route 66 Copyright Linnaea Mallette
Route 66

Planning a driving holiday this year, then there could be no better choice than driving down Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles linking hundreds of rural communities along the way.

The original route was declassified many years ago but with careful planning its possible to drive along most of it.  There are some excellent Historic Route 66 Maps and Guides available to help you plan your journey.

Most people drive the Route 66 East to West, so all the rental cars end up in the West.  You can save up to 30% on the cost of your car rental by travelling from West to East plus you get the benefit of a shorter flight back to the UK.

Categories
Asia Japan

Olympic Year

Top of the list of places to visit after travel restrictions are lifted has to be Japan. For most of us visting Japan will take us as far out of our comfort zone as we can go in a society and culture that on the face of it looks very much like our own.

As the rescheduled Tokyo Olympic Games draws nearer, the government is working to put safety measures in place for overseas visitors, with a possible lifting of the current entry ban as early as April 2021. 

This would allow the Japanese authorities to fine tune the arrangements ahead of the July 23rd start date for the Olympics. Thats just five months away so it might be a good time to start making your travel arrangements.

In the meantime you might like to watch “James May: Our Man in Japan“*

Any links with an * by them are affiliated, which means get a product via this link and a contribution may be made to us.

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Beach Caribbean City Cuba Havana Sun

Cuba Calling

Cuba has to be close to the top of the list of places to visit once we can travel again.  Thanks to US sanctions it is caught in a partial time warp.  Cuba is one of the few places in the world that you still can’t buy a McDonalds, unless you are serving or detained at Guantanamo Bay!

Havana Cuba

So you need to visit before it all changes. Unlike former Communist Central and East European countries where almost all vestiges of socialist ideologies have disappeared there are plenty of reminders around.

Outside of Havana where you must visit UNESCO listed the Old town and its impressive colonial buildings, you can access some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with crystal clear waters and fine sandy beaches that are not overrun with tourists. 

And if you need any more reasons to visit, did we mention the old cars, the cheap beer and rum and world renowned cigars.

Old Cars Cuba
Old Cars Cuba
Categories
Asia City Singapore

Super Singapore

Written 100 years ago, many of us will know the song “On a Little Street in Singapore” from Glenn Miller, Bob Dylan or Manhattan Transfer. Today, it’s the attraction of those “Little Streets” that draw us to this Island State. Those “Little Streets” are the result of Singapore’s multi-cultural, colonial and wartime past and make it a destination in its own right rather than just a stopover. Being uniquely placed at the tip of the Malay peninsula, at the cross roads of trade routes it has been the meeting point for Asian and European cultures.  British influence is clearly evident as many of us are familiar with the Raffles Hotel named after Sir Thomas Raffles who brought the British to the island and the Anderson Bridge named after the Governor of the Region in 1910. 

Due to its size and history there is so much to see and do, it’s all very easy to access and so much can be packed into such a short space of time.  On the one hand you have traditional Chinatown and on the other the Sands Skypark and shopping in Orchard Street.  Singapore’s nickname is “City in a Garden” and it’s possible to get away from it all at the National Orchid Garden and the Jurong Bird Park which home to 400 species of birds.

Categories
Asia Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Penang

Made in Malaysia

Travelling around the world you suddenly hear or see things and you go I didnt know that. Well my daughter have a fascination with shoes and in particular Jimmy Choo. We always thought of Jimmy Choo being a British icon. However we discovered that Jimmy was actually born in Penang, Malaysia where his father, a shoemaker taught him the craft. He came to London to study in 1982 and the rest is history.

Penang, Malaysia
Penang, Malaysia

Most tourists to Malaysia spending their time in Kuala Lumpur, seeking out the city’s delicious local cusines, art galleries, shops and famous landmarks and then moving on to one of the beautiful penisular coastal resorts where you can rewind and unwind. However try and make time to visit Penang, it has a completely different feel to Kuala Lumpur, with a unique mixture of British, Chinese and Indian influences.

With all year round warm weather there’s always a good time to visit and outside the capital it is still relatively unvisited by western tourists so do yourself a favour and visit before the crowds arrive.

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Budapest City Europe Hungary

East meet West in Budapest

Many of us are familiar with the opening lyrics of the George Ezra song “Budapest”. Ironically he had not been to Budapest when he wrote the song, he got drunk and missed his train. However once you start to travel, you should not miss out on this “hidden treasure chest”. Commonly referred to as the “Paris of the East” Budapest is packed with everything that you would expect from a city break and more. Even if you have been before, there is so much more to see and experience that the main attractions of the Buda Castle, the Fistherman’s Bastion and the Heroes Square. The main sites can be viewed in this entertaining video by the popular Hungarian band “Kowalsky meg a Vega”. The title roughly translates as “Still not Eden”. No it might not be Eden but its a great place for a short break from London with flights from BA, Wizz Air and LOT.

Kowalsky meg a Vega – Még nem éden

There are plenty of hidden gems to discover in Budapest. Amongst our favourites are the Hospital in the Rock, the Café Gerbeaud and the Budapest Pinball Museum. All great attractions if you are taking the children. Finally if you are a “Columbo” fan then don’t forget to seek out the “Peter Falk” statue.

Categories
Africa Diving Egypt El Gouna Hurghada Marsa Alam Sharm El-Sheikh Taba

Walk Like an Egyptian

The Bangles might have like walked like an Egyptian. However with summer temperatures well up into the high 30s / low 40s I prefer not want to do much walking in Egypt, however maybe like me you will want to dive in the Red Sea.

Diving Egypt - Copyright Egypt.travel (Egypt Tourism Board).
Diving in the Red Sea.

With flights now resumed to Sharm El-Sheikh, all of the Red Sea resorts including Hurghada, Marsa Alam, El Gouna and Taba are bookable all year round for diving holidays. There is a dive school and dive destination to suit all standards of diver including beginners. I never fancied diving in a cold quarry in the UK! Red Sea from me every time.

I got drawn to this area of the world after reading my grandfather’s war records and discovered that he spent time on a hospital in Aden. Given the political situation, resorts on the Red Sea became the next best alternative to gain an understanding of the conditions that he faced at that time.

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Delphi Europe Greece

The birthplace of Western Civilisation

The birthplace of Western Civilisation, Greece has so much to offer. History and culture by the bucket loads, exquisite cuisine, 300 days of sun, beautiful beaches and much more. With 227 inhabited islands and the mainland to visit you will never be short on choice.

Delphi - Ampitheatre.
Delphi – Ampitheatre.

The ancient Greeks considered Delphi to be the center of the world and standing aat the top of the ampitheatre perched on the mountain of Parnassus it is easy to see why.

The area is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due to the fact that it had such a great influence on the ancient world. Not only is Delphi home to the ampitheatre but the Temple of Apollo, the Altar of Chians and the Hippodrome amongst others.

Delphi is less that two and a half hours travel time away from Athens and definitely well worth the journey.

Categories
Canary Islands Spain Sun Winter

Winter Sun

Who knows what the restrictions will be as we head towards Christmas and New Year.

Playa Barca
Playa Barca

There is plenty of winter sun to be had in destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Oman. 

However you don’t have to travel so far to sit on a beach and enjoy the warmth of the sun. Daytime temperatures on the island of Fuerteventura (the second largest of the Canary Islands) are 22 oC in December compared to 24 oC in Cancun and you will get there nearly 7 hours faster.

Prices for a week in Fuerteventura are a lot less than you might think at this time of the year and represent great value when compared to long haul destinations like Cancun.

Categories
Europe Finland Winter

Santa Claus

It is business as normal for Santa Claus this year in these Covid times. However your time to see him will be slightly different, but the but the Finnish authorities are doing everything they can to allow you to visit Santa.

Santa Claus - Rovaniemi - Finland
Santa Claus – Rovaniemi – Finland

An ideal destination is Rovaniemi which is the official home of Santa Claus. Just 8km north on the Arctic Circle is Santa Claus Village where you can find Santa at home every day of the year.

If you plan to travel to Finland for less than 72 hours you can enter without a COVID-19 test. Longer stays require two tests, read here for details. Finland itself has amongst the lowest rates of Covid in Europe and so Finland is on the UK government’s travel corridor list .

Snowland Rovaniemi - Finland
Snowland Rovaniemi

Finland is also one of the places to head this winter to see the Northern Lights. Not only can you see the lights but you can experience all that Lapland has to offer with moose, reindeer, husky and snowmobile safaris and that once in lifetime trip for that little ones that will make this time of year so special.