Posts Tagged ‘holidays’

The Very Best of Thailand

Wednesday, April 6th, 2011

Thailand is well-known for its tropical beaches. You could say there is a beach for each day of the year and a palm tree for every minute of the day. The scenery is simply breath taking but the question is, “What are the best beach in Thailand”. Unfortunately with so much to choose from this can be a daunting task. However we have managed to put together a summary of what we consider is the best of Thailand.

Patong Beach in Phuket: This is very first tourist location in Thailand and as a result is today’s most developed resort. The beach area is about 3 kilometres long of white sands and turquoise waters with plenty of tropical palm trees. Water sports are readily available and at night you can enjoys the liveliest clubs in the whole of Thailand.

Railay Beach in Krabi: This is the place where you will find stunning white sand beaches, towering limestone cliffs, lookout points, caves, caverns and hidden lagoons. But the best thing is it s all walking distance. Raylay is located in Phra Nang peninsula separated from mainland Thailand.

Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Ley: This madly imposing setting beats all others in Thailand and is fair to say in the whole world. In case you did not know it, this beach was made famous by the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo di Caprio. If you have not seen this movie yet let us just says that Phi Phi Leh will make you feel really proud of planet Earth.

White Sand Beach, Koh Chang: White Sand Beach (Haad Sai Kao) is a beautiful sandy beach at the northern end of Koh Changs west coast. It is about 2.5 kilometres long and lined by rocks, over-hanging palms and broad-leaved trees.

Lamai Beach in Samui: Here is yet another animated night destination, where vivid lights, bars and entertainment await you. During the day, enjoy the sound of waves crashing on the shore and charming views of long tail vessels constantly cruising the beach.

Kata Beach in Phuket: Due to its fairly small size, Kata has a cozy feel about it and is great for families. There are quite a few shops, restaurants and bars around Kata Centre and between Kata Yai and Kata Noi. Kata is perhaps the best compromise between the hectic pace of Patong and some of the quieter beaches on Phuket.

If you requiere further information about the best beaches in the world please click on the links provided for an up to date list of the best beaches in Thailand.

Travel photography: An introduction

Sunday, April 3rd, 2011

Travel photography has really picked up in the last decade or so. Since the rise in affordable entry level digital SLR and compact cameras it has never been easier to get high quality images of the beautiful places you visit. Many people just take photos to prove they have been somewhere, or as prompts to remember their travels by, but travel photography to some is an art and a way of earning a living. To do it as a living you need a lot more than a nice camera and this article will give an indication of the skill you need.

Buying and understanding a decent camera and lens is perhaps the most important thing. Digital SLRs are what all of the professionals use now, not only because of the ability to review photographs as you take them, but also because film is now seen as an unnecessary expense. Cameras generally come with entry level fixed focal length lenses which will only really permit you to take photos in very specific circumstances, so it is necessary to buy a nice lens as well.

Understanding the equipment is as important as owning them. Take a long time reading the manual and taking photos with varying settings to get a feel for the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and ISO (or film speed), taking note of the effect it has on the picture.

Now you have your equipment and you have a good understanding of how it works, you can go on to just getting out there and snapping as much as you can. Learning by doing is always preferable than reading, but there are some things you should know just to get you started. For example, midday is not a good time for taking photographs because it makes photographs look shallow when compared with the long interesting shadows that come with late afternoon and early morning. Remember that your surroundings can aid you substantially too. Solid objects like walls or trees can help to steady your hand, and don’t be afraid of embarrassing yourself to get a photograph from an interesting vantage point.

Practice makes perfect with this, like with many things. The more you photograph in different conditions the faster you will learn and the better you will become at improvising. At some point along the line you will start seeing everything through a lens.

Practise your photography skills and soak up the culture whilst staying at one of these hotels in Nice.

Top Beaches in Australia

Friday, March 25th, 2011

If you will you would find hundreds of excellent beaches in Australia and most of them rank top in the list of best beaches in the world. In this article we have picked the top 5 or 6 beaches and hopefully it will help you make up your mind as to where to go in Australia.

Bells Beach: Located 100 km south-west of Melbourne in the locality of Victoria this beach is simply heaven for enthusiastic pro and amateur surfers. This beach is considered by many connoisseurs as the capital of the surfing world. This beach was also featured in the final scene of the film Point Break with Patrick Swayze.

Bondi Beach: Bondi beach is highly regarded for its great sandy beach, as well as its surfing sports. It is a modern and trendy coastal resort located only 7 kilometres from Sidney. The resort is backed by beautiful parklands, where you can relax, play games or take a walk.

Cable Beach: With 10 miles of immaculate white sands bordering tropical turquoise waters, Cable Beach is celebrated as one of the best in the world. The sunsets are breath taking as the sky sets alight when the sun touches the horizon. Cable Beach is located Broome western Australia.

Whitehaven Beach: Whitehaven Beach is a definite “must-see” in the Whitsundays. The crystal clear aqua waters and pristine silica sand of Whitehaven stretch over seven kilometres along Whitsunday Island , the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. It defines nature at its best and provides the greatest sense of relaxation and escape.

Palm Beach: Television viewers especially in Australia and the UK will be very familiar with Palm Beach, location for the mythical village of Summer Bay where the hit TV series Home and Away is located. The waters are tranquil with a small shallow beach ideal for a quick dip. Palm Beach is the perfect spot for a picnic.

If you requiere further information about the best beaches in Australia please click on the links provided for an up to date list of the World best beaches

Best Beaches In United Kingdom

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

UK’s clearest beaches and the best locations for swimming in the ocean are exposed in this article, with 150 destinations awarded special status. Read through a list of the top beaches in Great Britain.

Blackpool Sands, Devon: Just around the corner from Dartmouth, Blackpool Sands is known for its clear waters. Backed by heavily wooded cliffs, this crescent-shaped beach is one of the prettiest in the area.

Llanbedrog, Gwynedd: This 16km walk from Llanbedrog to Chwilog forms part of the Llyn Coastal Path in north Wales, a 146km route from Caernarfon to Porthmadog. The path, which opened last year, is Britain’s newest long distance path, and 75 per cent of the walk is beach.

St Bees, Cumbria: The ancient village of St Bees has one of Cumbria’s most popular rural beaches. It is also the start of the scenic coast-to-coast walk, a challenging but very popular 300km route linking St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay on the Yorkshire coast.

Bournemouth, Dorset: Bournemouth’s seafront is among the busiest and best resort beaches in the country and has a Quality Coast Award. The central stretch of beach, around the pier, attracts thousands of visitors every day in peak season. Go-ahead management has made it one of the safest, cleanest, most enjoyable beaches on which to lay your bucket and spade.

New Quay, Wales: Set at the southern end of Cardigan Bay, New Quay is a small picturesque but popular seaside destination for the whole family. The village and surrounding area features, expansive safe sandy beaches, coastal walks and also its family of Bottlenose Dolphins, that remain here throughout the year.

Sennen Cove, Cornwall: Sennen Cove is a small hamlet with a few small shops and caf?s, a pub and some galleries. The scenery is beautiful and there are several very enjoyable cliff walks from the cove including one of about a mile to Land’s End. Whitesands Beach is one of the cleanest in Europe with plenty of space for both swimming and surfing.

West Sands, Scotland: The West Sands has gained world fame from the movie “Chariots of Fire”. In the opening scene, as the British Olympic team is training, they run along the West Sands. Sadly the movie wrongly credits the scene to Broad Stairs, Kent.

If you requiere further information about the best beaches in the world please click on the links provided for an up to date list of the World best beaches.

Global Travel – Five of the Best Towns to Visit in New Zealand

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

New Zealand is one of the word’s top global travel destinations has some incredible places of interest from naturally beautiful areas to laid back but interesting towns. From a tourist’s point of view, here are five towns in New Zealand you really shouldn’t miss:

1. Christchurch – Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and for those who don’t start your journey in Auckland then you’re likely to land here. It’s a beautiful and friendly city, as you walk around the streets you’ll be amazed how peaceful the city is. Christchurch is known as the “Garden City” because of it’s natural and photogenic beauty. One place that should be visited is the Botanical Gardens which was founded in 1863. There are lots of activities and attractions available here including museums and a thriving art and cultural scene.

2. Kaikoura – Kaikoura is a small town on the east coast of the Southern Island, approximately two and a half hours north of Christchurch. Local tour operators offer the chance to watch whales, dolphins, sea-birds and many other species of marine life on a daily basis; by boat, flight and by land. With wetsuits provided, visitors can even join dolphins and seals in their ocean environment.

3. Nelson – Nelson (the geographical centre of New Zealand) is a region renowned for warm sunshine, fine beaches, lakes, mountains and native forests. Nelson is an intimate, welcoming and friendly city. It is New Zealand’s largest fishing port and the gateway to a major forestry and horticulture industry. Add to this the attraction of fine foods, superb wines, an innovative craft industry, spectacular scenery and friendly Kiwi hospitality and you can understand why Nelson is a place to which visitors flock all year round.

4. Queenstown – for true adrenalin seekers Queenstown will be their ultimate destination. Almost every extreme sport you can think of is available here and the international resort attracts people from all over the world who want to skydive, bungee jump or go snowboarding. The Shotover River in Queenstown is now home to the Shotover Jet an incredible and unique vehicle which skids along the river surface.

5. Dunedin – Situated on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin has a population of around 125,000 and is the main centre of Otago, region recognized for its spectacular scenery. Dunedin is definitely regarded as a beauty spot with dramatic bush-covered hills and valleys at the head of a long natural harbour which attracted Maori settlers to the site over four centuries ago.

For more great international travel tips visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes fun stuff such as quirky hotels Amsterdam

Global Travel: Top Five New Zealand Beauty Spots

Monday, March 7th, 2011

New Zealand is a fabulous country and one of the world’s top global travel destinations attracting many holiday makers and backpackers each year. Many visitors seek the natural beautiful areas that New Zealand is famous for. Here are five New Zealand Beauty spots you shouldn’t miss:

1. Rotorua – Rotorua is a stunning location found in the heart of the North Island, 230 kilometres (140 miles) southeast of Auckland. Rotorua is a great tourist attraction for two reasons; the first is for the city’s geothermal activity and the other is because it offers a chance to experience Maori culture. Here you will see steam rising from the ground which is an impressive sight. There are lots of geysers on view, most famously the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa.

2. The Bay of Plenty – The popularity of the Bay of Plenty region (located on the Northern Island) continues to soar as more people discover the region’s irresistible mix of coastal lifestyle, adventure activities and great dining experiences. The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbours, long white surf beaches and an easy going lifestyle. Everything you need for a perfect holiday is here-sun, sand, sea and a myriad of great places to eat and shop.

3. Milford Sound – The famous fjord located on New Zealand’s South Island is a spectacular sight. Here you will find waterfalls cascading from sheer rock faces rising 1,200 metres or more from the sea, lush rain forests clinging precariously to the cliffs, and the seals, penguins and dolphins that frequent the waters. Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in New Zealand however the rain creates gorgeous treats for visitors with dozens of temporary waterfalls created both at Milford Sound and along the Milford Road.

4. Punakaiki – Punakaiki is a small community on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, between Westport and Greymouth. The Pancake Rocks are a very popular tourist goal at Dolomite Point south of the main village. The Pancake Rocks are a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts though a number of vertical blowholes during high tides. An unusual and mysterious sight it’s also an unmissable stop on the country’s tourist trail.

5. Mount Cook – Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain standing at 3,754 metres. The more adventurous can climb the mountain or go on a guided trek which would take you very near the mountain. Another option is to witness the incredible Tasman Glacier on the east side and the Hooker Glacier to the west.

For more great international travel tips visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes fun stuff such as quirky hotels Amsterdam

Most Beautiful Beaches in Brazil

Friday, March 4th, 2011

In this article you will find the very best beaches in Brazil. A country with well over 8000 km of coast line surely counts most of the beaches that top the best ranked beaches in the world. White sand, warm turquoise seas and stunning landscapes are a treat for your eyes and soul and there is nowhere else in the world with so much abundance of natural beauty.

Alter do Chao Beach: Located in the mouth of a river running from the heart of the Amazons, Alter do Chao Beach is one of the least known beaches in Brazil however experts agree on its beautifully stunning natural attributes. But be careful when you choose to go because if you arrive in between April and September you will find no beaches at all since the after the rainy season it will all be covered by the river.

Fernando de Noronha Beaches: Those who have been lucky enough to visit this very special place has described it a Heaven on Earth. 200 miles off the north-eastern coast of Brazil lies a mountainous archipelago made up of 21 islands, the National Marine Sanctuary of Fernando de Noronha. With its crystal-clear water and rich marine life, the archipelago is a heavenly retreat for underwater pleasures.

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: One cannot even think of a beach on Brazil without the world famous Copacabana first coming to mind. Located within the city confines of Rio de Janeiro, this four kilometre strip of beach serves up an animated menu of activities and sights as lengthy as its coastline.

Ipanema Beach: This beach is all about the beauty of the human body and it is mainly known for its song the Girl from Ipanema. This song was inspired by the beauty of a local girl. Today, most girls from Ipanema want to show how beautiful they are. This drives the hottest bodies of Rio de Janeiro and all around the world.

Santos Beach Gardens: Visiting the Santos Beach Garden is about experiencing the largest beach garden in the world. Where else would you find a beach that gives you access to seven kilometres of summer sand and wonderful landscape? You can find three-kilometre or even five-kilometre beach garden, but you won’t find anything as large as a seven-kilometre summer loving beach garden.

If you requiere further information about the best beaches in the world please click on the links provided for an up to date list of the World’s top beaches.

Take Time To Enjoy The Wildlife And The Nightlife In Rockport

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011

Located on the Texas Gulf Coast within Aransas County, Rockport is a tiny town of no more than 8,000 citizens that gives a different laid-back beach holiday for guests with children not to mention bargain-priced beach rentals as well as picturesque, Rockport romantic getaways like bed and breakfasts. In fact, Rockport beaches are recognized as being among our nation’s cleanest.

In addition to lower-priced Rockport beach cabin rental accommodations and vacation homes, the region is home to a variety of attractions as well as events over the year.

Begin with the Rockport Heritage District with its excellent samples of historic architecture dating back to the nineteenth century along with the neighboring Fulton Mansion. The latter is a fine illustration of the French Second Empire sort of homebuilding which was popular at the time of its construction around the 1870s. Built by George and Harriet Fulton, the mansion was remarkably modern for its time, featuring some of the latest in 19th Century machinery. Since 1976, the manner has been the property of the Texas Historical Commission, which keeps the mansion as a museum open to the community and supported by donations. Meanwhile, the Rockport Heritage District features distinctive shopping experiences located in equally unique retail shops housed in the town’s Victorian-era buildings.

The Allegro Harbor is an alternative popular draw for Rockport guests. Next to Rockport vacation rentals, it is where ship owners keep their ships tied up – and the spot to go if you are planning a deep-sea fishing excursion. During July, it is a base for two deep-sea fishing tournaments, one of which is geared toward women anglers; B.O.S.S, or the Babes OffShore Spectacular is held annually in early July. Then again, this is just one of two women’s deep-sea tournaments; another one takes place in mid-May, which is called Babes on the Bay, sponsored by the Aransas Bay Chapter of the CCA. Meanwhile, the area’s leading event, the Rockport Offshore Challenge, happens in early July. Learn more by following the links on the Key Allegro Marina Website at http://www.keyallegromarina.com/fishingtournaments.html.

Nature lovers along with birdwatching fans may want to see the close by Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Throughout the winter, this is home to a large population of whooping cranes; tours are offered by area operators. Further prime birdwatching grounds include the Connie Hagar Refuge and also the Aransas Woods, both of which are preserved through local non-profit groups just like the Aransas Bird and Nature Club.

These organizations also host a unique annual event, the Hummer and Birding Expo. It’s a tour of neighborhood homes whose owners provide feeders to attract migrating hummingbirds.

Other events include the annual Festival of Wines, showcasing the very best of area vintages along with food and entertainment, the Seafair, a festival of the area’s maritime history, and the Fiesta de la Playa, or Celebration of the Beach, held on Labor Day Weekend. There’s a major, fun-filled event held every month of the year at Rockport, a treasure belonging to the Texas Gulf Coast.

Wesley Mathews is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on cabin rental accommodations and things to do.

The top beaches in Cuba

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

If you were given a map of the Caribbean and pointed your finger with your eyes blind folded you would probably end up pointing at a beautiful beach. But there are certain spots that are known for having the best beaches in the world. Below there is a list of the best beaches in Cuba.

Playa Sirena and Playa Para?so: These two beaches are located in Cayo Largo del Sur, a small island about 45 minute flying from Havana, Cuba. These beaches enjoy a vast stretch of glistening, fine white sand, bordering the clear Caribbean Sea. There’s a simple beachside restaurant on Playa Para?so, and not much else here — and that’s a large part of their charm.

Varadero: This location has one of the top beaches in the Caribbean. Crystal clear water and white sand beach makes Varadero top spot for tourists and domestic travellers. There are many resort ranging from 2 to 5 star plus properties so you have a choice for picking one that fits your needs and budget.

Playa Ensenachos and Playa Mgano: Located on the tiny islet of Cayo Ensenachos, these two awe-inspiring protected crescents of sand drop off very softly into the sheltered crystal clear turquoise water, allowing you to wade 200 m or more out into the calm, crystal clear waters without the water getting much above your waist.

Cayos Coco and Guillermo: These tiny cays off the north coast, separated from the Cuban mainland by a long man-made causeway, are tucked into shallow waters that flow into the Atlantic. There’s barely a sign of the ‘real Cuba’ but what you do get is stunning, unspoiled beaches, excellent diving, and a full contingent of watersports.

Guardalavaca: By anybody’s standard this is one of the prettiest resort areas in the Caribbean. Guardalavaca is located in Holguin province in the eastern side of Cuba. Guardalavaca is a hot spot, but not overheated like Varadero. The area is blessed with lush tropical vegetation, brilliant white sands, and clear turquoise waters.

If you requiere further information about the best Cuban beaches please click on the links provided for an up to date list of the world top beaches.

Five of the Best Places to Visit in Buenos Aires

Monday, February 28th, 2011

This interesting, energetic, and beautiful port city, which stretches south-to-north along the Rio de la Plata. It has long been the gateway to Argentina and makes a great holiday and travel destination. Here are five of the best places to visit:

La Boca – La Boca is a photogenic neighborhood (or barrio) of the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires. It retains a strong European flavour, with many of its early settlers being from the Italian city of Genoa. In fact the name has a strong assonance with the Genoese neighborhood of Boccadasse. It’s a great place to visit and full of colourful houses and tango clubs.

Recoleta Cemetery – La Recoleta Cemetery is a famous cemetery located in the exclusive Recoleta neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It contains the graves of some of the most important Argentines, including Eva Pern, Ral Alfonsn, and several presidents of Argentina.

Colonia del Sacramento -Colonia del Sacramento is a city in southwestern Uruguay, by the Ro de la Plata, facing Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is the oldest town in Uruguay and capital of the departamento of Colonia. It makes a great boat trip from Buenos Aires is known for it’s great classic cars, beautiful beach and great restaurants and cafes.

Plaza de Mayo – The most famous square is Plaza de Mayo. It was named after the revolution of May 1810 that led to independence in 1816. It is also the scene of many of Eva Pern’s famous speeches. Surrounding the square is the office of the President and the seat of government and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Obelisco – Avenida 9 de Julio is a huge road cutting right through the heart of Buenos Aires, at the centre of which stands el Obelisco, an impressive 70-metre monument which stands at the site where the Argentine flag was first raised in Buenos Aires. It is a popular spot for sports fans to celebrate victories, particularly those of the national football team, La Albiceleste.

For more great tips on travel inspiration visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes advice on the best places to visit in Thailand