A five-minute guide to Hong Kong

Posted May 20, 2012 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

Bustling and vibrant, Hong Kong is one of the most notorious cities in the Asian world. The city offers visitors a spectacular mix of Cantonese Chinese and British influence in the way of food, entertainment, and shopping not to mention history and architecture. This unique luxury holiday choice is incomparable when it comes to other cities in Asia.

Self-proclaimed as being Asia’s World City, Hong Kong holidays are the place to head to for those wanting an exotic dip in diversity. The crowded city streets and impassable roadways will strike visitors as odd when you look around to see rocky islands and beautiful mountains surround the city.

Hong Kong is officially a bi-lingual city consisting of English and Cantonese. Its western-style freedoms and influences make this city vastly different from any other city in the Orient. The best time to visit Hong Kong is between the months of October and December when the weather is dry and sunny. The coolest months, however, can be had from January to March when the tropical humidity is at its lowest.

No matter when you visit Hong Kong, it is unlikely you will have to look very far to find an elaborate festival taking place. Famous for more than the Chinese New Year, the local culture also embraces their International Film Festival, Man Literary Festival, Arts Festival and numerous sporting events.

The annual Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is a highly popular event with sports fans. This weekend event is intended for those who are looking for a great party as visitors from around the world come to celebrate the IRS Seven Series that is held each year at the end of March.

For those heading to Hong Kong to help celebrate the Chinese New Year, which lasts three full days and consists of endless food and drinks, parades, lion dance and fireworks, try and make your way to Victoria Harbour where you can take in some of the best views of the city.

Categories: Air Travel, Travel Destinations, Travel Tips

Tips for tourists in the Philippines

Posted May 13, 2012 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

Any tourist wishing to visit the Philippines should do a little research first. Here are several tips for anyone contemplating a trip to this colourful destination.

There are three main seasons in the Philippines, hot and wet, hot and dry and cool and dry. The dry season is from March to May, when visitors are advised to bring plenty of changes of lightweight clothes. Between June and October, is the rainy season. The time of year many tourists enjoy most is the cool and dry season, between November and February. The islands are in a part of the world that is prone to typhoons, but you can avoid them if you visit between mid-December and mid-May.

Whatever time of year you visit the Philippines, there will be a fiesta happening somewhere nearby. These celebrations are held to honour the patron saint of a particular town or region or to celebrate the passing from one season to another. Every household prepares its own delicacies during a fiesta and doors are open to both locals and tourists.

Categories: Travel Destinations, Travel Tips

Exotic views of Thailand

Posted May 9, 2012 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

Thailand offers the most eclectic mix of natural beauty and metropolitan chaos in the same breath.  The country is a mystical experience of ancient and modern cultures all blending seamlessly.

While Bangkok, with its bejewelled Grand Palace and the Wat Po, which has a huge statue of Buddha reclining, is charmingly chaotic, the floating market on the Damnion Saduak Canal is contrastingly exotic, with its many flavours and scents.    

To experience clear turquoise and sandy white beaches you must head to the Koh Samui and Koh Phangan islands.  Located on the east side of Thailand they are the venue for the now world-famous full moon parties and some very bohemian-style cafes and bars.

For a spiritual experience, the city of Chiang Mai offers a peaceful and calm getaway.  The locally organised treks to the mountains can be a great way to unwind and de-stress.  Hot springs that are over 100 degrees and have wonderful restorative properties can be found at San Kamhaeng, a small district that is just 36 km from Chiang Mai.  There is also 40 acres of landscaped parkland that has been beautifully designed to incorporate the natural beauty of the location.

Categories: Air Travel, Travel Destinations, Travel Tips

Dreaming of a world cruise

Posted May 6, 2012 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

World cruises are a dream holiday for many people, and have been for generations.  The idea of endless days on the wide open seas, non-stop partying, exotic ports, and being waited on and pampered is one that appeals to almost everyone.  A world cruise – as the name suggests – is one that circumnavigates most of the globe and has stops at many major ports of call.  World cruises typically last for about three months, although shorter and longer cruises can be booked.  Most of the major international travel agents and cruise lines offer attractive cruise deals on world cruises.

Keep the following points in mind when you think about booking your world cruise, and then pick the cruise holiday that best fits your needs.

•    Calculate the number of sea days between each port.  While the ports of call may be exotic and impressive, people often forget the fact that far-flung destinations involve long stretches at sea.  World cruise fatigue can soon set in.  If you would prefer shorter stretches on the water between ports, select voyages that have more ports of call and fewer days between each stop.

•    Check that the crucial aspects of the cruise such as dining, onboard entertainment, and the scheduled shore activities are in line with your preferences and requirements.

•    If you would like to spend a longer time at some ports of call, check the number of hours a cruise allows at the important destinations – this will vary from cruise to cruise.  Also check whether your cruise package includes overnight stays at some destinations, as some cruises do.

•    It is also advisable to try and get an idea of the age groups of your co-passengers.  If you are a young couple or travelling with children, being at sea for two or three months with people who are significantly older or younger than you are can get tiresome.  Most world cruises attract a large number of older travellers and seniors as they are typically the demographic who have the time for an extended holiday.

Categories: Cruise Holidays, Travel Tips

A city break in Sofia, Bulgaria

Posted May 1, 2012 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, has a plethora of cultural influences, making it one of the most interesting and vibrant cities in Europe.  With Serbia a few miles west, Macedonia just below that, Greece to the south, Turkey to the east and Romania to the north, these multiple borders also mean it is ideal for backpackers to access various different Eastern European countries in just a few hours by coach or train.

Sofia itself is a bustling city nestled below the grand Vistosha Mountain range, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions.  A car lift from Sofia will take you to the top of the mountains, where you can admire the views, stop for a bite to eat in a taverna, or if you are brave enough, ski back down again.

In the city of Sofia itself there are plenty of things for culture vultures to explore.  The natural Roman springs found throughout the city spout fresh water, and recent restoration efforts have made this building-block of Bulgaria’s capital a real feature.  In addition to this, the city’s history can be traced by the various monuments around the main areas, such as the Soviet Army Monument and the monument to Vasil Levski to commemorate Bulgaria’s liberation.

There are also a wealth of museums, including the Bulgarian Ethnographic Museum, which houses folk art; the National Archaeological Museum; the National Museum of Military History; and the somewhat eerie Natural History Museum and its quirkily taxidermied animals.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is just one of many religious monuments in the city, which also include the Russian Church, and the Banya Bashi Mosque, demonstrating the multiculturalism of the city. 

Beyond all the cultural sights, there are plenty of opportunities for retail lovers too.  Not only are there two huge shopping malls selling a range of branded clothes, jewellery and electronics, but there are also markets dotted around the city where you can buy locally-made lace, pottery and trinkets.

Categories: Air Travel, City Guides, Travel Destinations

Le Brasillia Review

Posted April 29, 2012 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

Le Brasillia is a camping and static caravan resort located along Canet Plage, France. The resort has been highly successful for a number of years and is available through a variety of camping companies.

The resort is wonderful, it is extremely family friendly and is suitable for any length of stay, although most people usually stay for around 2 weeks. As well as the multi-lingual and helpful staff, the resort itself is wonderful, too.

On the resort, there are a variety of campsites. There are also shower and toilet blocks located on each of these campsites, for anyone to use if they wish. The shower and toilet blocks are always extremely clean and also have facilities to plug in electricals, such as a hair dryer.

There is a main square within the campsite which consists of a variety of stores and shops such as: a mini supermarket, a news agents, a hair dressers, a laundrette and beach shop, a fresh green grocers and a fresh bakery- a personal favourite.

As well as the main block of shops, there are a number of other facilities available such as the private beach right on the doorstep of the campsite, a private pool, (which has been recently renovated) volleyball and football pitches, bars, night entertainment and a disco on a night for the kids.

Brasillia is such a warm welcoming place full of welcoming staff and a wide diversity of people.

The beach has to be a personal favourite of the resort as it is lovely and sandy, with a lovely clear ocean and high waves. It is the perfect place to catch a tan! As well as this, water sports are also available at the beach sometimes, including jet skiing. Be sure to try it for a fun-filled and exciting experience!

Categories: Travel Destinations, Travel Tips

Holiday hikes – Canada’s East Coast Trail

Posted April 25, 2012 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

Canada is renowned for its infinite mountainous hiking trails; however, there are other areas of the country to visit that are just as beautiful, but without mountains. For your next holiday, schedule your destination for Newfoundland, along Canada’s east coast.  

Trekking through vast grassland in rolling countryside will take visitors along one of Canada’s most beautiful trails. Known as the East Coast Trail, it is located along the eastern most part of Newfoundland. With more than 135 miles of trails, tourists to the area will see an entirely different side to Canada.  

Starting at Fort Amherst, enthusiastic trekkers can head towards Petty Harbour Maddox Cove where, along the way, the trail will introduce you to headlands with ocean views, deep fjords, icebergs and sea stacks. You will also encounter more than 30 historic communities along the island’s edge, so there should be no concerns about losing your way.  

The area is constantly being improved, with trail extensions and bridges that help visitors enjoy their trek all the more. Do not forget your camera, as you will pass waterfalls and picturesque lighthouses near St. Francis.  
Although the trails are best suited for day hikers, it is possible to take on a more challenging trek by hiking from town to town and staying at local inns and hotels along the way. For family holiday packages, both day trips and overnight hiking packages can be arranged, along with equipment rentals and maps.

Categories: Air Travel, Travel Destinations, Travel Tips

Cruises from the UK

Posted April 22, 2012 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

If you are looking for a holiday that involves lots of travel, sightseeing and luxurious accommodation, a cruise could be your next dream holiday. Cruises 2012 from the UK offer travellers a wide range of choices in pricing and destinations. You can plan your ideal holiday getaway, whether alone, with that special someone or with family.

Cruises from the UK leave from several ports. Southampton is known for its luxury cruises and is the departure point for some of the largest cruise ships in the world. Ports such as Dover, London and Liverpool are also popular locations for travellers departing on cruises or staying at hotels while waiting for their cruise ship to begin embarking passengers. Be sure to check where your cruise departs from and arrive early so you can get settled and make plans if your ship is delayed.

Travellers may wish to book a hotel room for several days before leaving on their cruise holiday. This provides time to explore a new city, a sort of mini-holiday before the main event. Whatever your itinerary, you will not come up short searching for that perfect cruise.

Categories: Cruise Holidays, Travel Tips

The Cape Winelands

Posted April 18, 2012 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

The winelands of the Western Cape in South Africa offer luxuriant green valleys, azure blue skies and sea, and ruggedly majestic mountains.  Visitors enjoy experiencing its viticulture, Cape Dutch homesteads with their thatched roofs and distinctive gables, and the imposing blue-grey mountains forming a spectacular backdrop to the scenery.  The winelands of the Cape are among the most picturesque throughout the world.  Wine tourism itself is a fast growing industry in South Africa.
 
The Cape Winelands used to refer to wine cellars around Franschoek, Wellington, Paarl and Stellenbosch, but the wine of South Africa has undergone an entirely new momentum.  The South African wine industry has entered the global arena.  Winemakers have shifted from farming grapes to growing wines.
 
The Cape wine routes include the Walker Bay, Darling, Durbanville and Constantia wine lands and are a pleasant drive from the city of Cape Town.  Most vineyards in South Africa are found near the coastline of the Western Cape.  The weather here is ideal for growing wine grapes.  A mild Mediterranean climate offers the perfect conditions for producing quality grapes.  There is about 40 inches of rainfall per year, and the soil is mostly rough and sandy.
 
The Cape Winelands extend from the coastline towards the Little Karoo plains, where grapes can be seen growing within the riverine valleys.  Currently there are 4,400 primary vineyard producers and about 560 wineries within the Cape.  These are divided into four main regions: the Olifants River, Coastal, Little Karoo and Breede River Valley.  The Wine Route can be enjoyed by car from Cape Town, and visitors will enjoy the spectacular scenery that this part of the world offers.  Day trips can be taken or alternatively a visitor can find numerous lodging options at any of the towns near the wine estates.  The closest international airport is the Cape Town International Airport.

Categories: Travel Destinations, Travel Tips

Save money on your next holiday by house swapping

Posted April 16, 2012 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

The concept of house swapping is quite simple, you and someone from a location you would like to visit on holiday agree to swap homes for a specified period of time. House swapping has multiple benefits and is definitely something you might like to consider for your next holiday. This is a great way to enjoy an inexpensive holiday in a city or area you have always dreamed of visiting. Instead of paying for a costly villa or hotel, you and your family can enjoy your holiday in the comfort of a real home. In addition to saving money on lodgings, it is likely you will also save on dining, because you can prepare a number of meals ‘at home’ as opposed to eating out in restaurants every day.

House swapping is also a great way of getting a free pet sitter or house sitter. Boarding your pet dog or cat, for example, while you go away on holiday can be costly and stressful. Instead of disrupting your pets’ lives, you can arrange for the person you swap homes with to care for them and in return you agree to care for their pets. Additionally, it is common for people who swap homes to agree to act as house sitters. Fulfilling the duties of a house sitter while on holiday is quite simple; generally, a house sitter brings in the mail, takes out the rubbish and makes the home appear lived in, which helps discourage burglars.

Categories: Travel Tips