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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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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
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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
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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.