Posts Tagged ‘holidays’
Monday, February 28th, 2011
Matlock Bath, at the south east tip of the Peak District is a perfectly located pretty village, popular with tourists and families. The scenery here is stunning and because the village is a designated conservation area a great deal has being done to conserve and protect the buildings from decline. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and a deep gorge, the village shares many superb attractions with nearby Matlock. Often described as the ‘Switzerland of England’, the area is home to cable cars, caves and even a theme park.
History of the village – The development of Matlock Bath really began in 1698 with the discovery of the possible attraction of thermal water at a constant 68 degrees. The first ‘bath’ was built by local entrepreneurs to attract people to the village. Matlock Bath so fashionable that Princess Victoria even visited in 1831. Lord Byron likened the valley to ‘ an Alpine Switzerland’ hence the nickname Little Switzerland.
Matlock Bath has always attracted tourism because of its natural beauty. The Parish Council, while encouraging tourism, will always lobby to ensure that the natural beauty of the area is not compromised. Once a society spa town now developed its inland ’seaside’ resort image that it still carries today. Perfect for families looking for an English holiday village in lovely surroundings.
Matlock Bath is blessed with natural beauty and incredible scenery. Perfect for rock climbers is the tall High Tor which overlooks the community. The River Derwent is another popular natural feature which is certainly great for lazy afternoons and boating. If you’re interested in history or trains then also try the charming stream train which runs between Matlock Riverside and Rowsley South.
Riber Castle, set on a hill between Matlock and Matlock Bath is a 19th century listed country house in the gothic style, and has seen a colourful past. It has been a family home, an MoD storage site, and most recently a zoo. The zoo had a less than desirable track record on animal welfare and closed in 2000. Now the castle is abandoned and falling into disrepair, but still makes for eerie sight.
There are plenty of attractions to visit in the area too, including a textile museum, the Life in a Lens Museum of Photography, and a lead mining museum. Check out the aquarium in the old Victorian Baths, as well as the Whistlestop Countryside Centre, with its wildlife garden and learning and play areas. Gulliver’s Kingdom is Matlock Bath’s popular children’s theme park, and features rides and play ares for the whole family. Also try Abraham Heights which is reached by a fun cable car ride.
To find out more great places in the Peak District see Inspire Breaks Peak District website www.inspirebreakspeakdistrict.co.uk for area guides, information and accommodation including places near Alton Towers
Tags: Breaks, Derbyshire, england, family, holidays, leisure, Matlock, Matlock Bath, Peak District, photo, travel, united kingdom, vacations, wildlife
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Monday, February 28th, 2011
Grand Cayman is a beautiful Caribbean island which is known as a tax havan and also for its tropical beauty. Its the largest of the three islands in the Cayman Islands, a rich territory of the United Kingdom George Town. Grand Cayman is a very popular hot spot and here is a guide to making the most out of your stay:
Places to Eat – The Cayman islander’s are very into their food and you’ll find an abundance of restaurants, bars and cafes. Seafood features a lot in the restaurants and you can be ensured it’s very fresh! The Cracked Conch restaurant is very popular because of the incredible views over the ocean.
Shopping-Georgetown is the capital of Grand Cayman and the best shopping location it’s mostly made up of local art and craft stores. The Cayman Craft Market is open almost daily and affords visitors the opportunity to pick up unique souvenir from their trip to the island.
The Tortuga Rum Company located in Georgetown sells most of the islands rum, coffee and delicious rum cakes, and this should be your first port of call. You should also take advantage of the islands duty-free status in one of the numerous jewellery shops (including Cartier). Also try visiting the farmers market where you can pick up jars of local chutneys, spices and sauces to bring a Caymanian flair to your own home cooked meals.
Places to See- If you like history then include the The Pedro St. James Castle – it’s the oldest structure on Grand Cayman. The Turtle Farm is also a popular attraction. Here they breed the endangered Green Sea Turtles to repopulate the Caribbean
There is also some interesting scenery which is amusingly named Hell! On the West side of the island is an area where millions of years of erosion have left the landscape with a barren and blackened look. It’s an extraordinary place and well worth the trip.
Grand Cayman has some of the best beaches in the world, easily the best one is the Seven Mile Beach where the stretch of Golden sand seems to go on forever.
If you want to see a lot of marine wildlife or just take advantage of the amazing blue waters then Grand Cayman offers a variety of activities including diving, snorkelling, boating or water skiing. Try Rum Head (a former smugglers cove) for great bars, places to eat and lots of places to start your adventures.
For more great tips on global travel visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes advice on London places to visit
Tags: caribbean, Grand Cayman, Holiday Guides, holidays, island, Lesiure, photo, photography, sport, travel, vacations
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Thursday, February 24th, 2011
In addition to its famed southern hospitality, the Texas Gulf Coast also has some of the most precious beaches in the country; you can include Port Aransas among these. Cascading from Mustang Island, Port Aransas is a petit offering of isolation and relaxation (residents comprise less than 5000), thus this may explain why Port Aransas passionate breaks are among the preferred trips in the Lone Star State. Bargain-priced beach vacation rentals throughout the off-season is one other good reason to select this delightful little community for your next holiday by the sea.
A key feature, which is sure to impress the youngsters of the family is that Port Aransas was a favorite haunt for the notorious 19th-Century pirate Jean Lafitte; according to local legend, treasure is tucked away under some tree on the island. Who can be sure? Possibly one of the Texas vacation rentals you select for your holiday is built right over a pirate’s treasure chest!
With its sub-tropical climate, Port Aransas provides a variety of accommodations from intimate romantic getaways bed & breakfast facilities found in historic homes, individually owned beachfront bungalows or luxurious hotel suites and luxurious condos. The town’s Chamber of Commerce offers an “Accommodations Guide” which you can download free at http://www.PortAransas/org/download/Stay&Play09.pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader required). A useful summary that will demonstrate itself as an invaluable resource in terms of exploring the Port Aransas beachfront accommodation that abound at different points of the year. Since “Port A” (referring to its local denomination) is a favorable destination among visitors, you’d be smartly advised to book your accommodations well in advance and avoid the college spring break period (mid-March to early April). The best deals on lodging are available during the fall and winter months, and the town is likely to be far less crowded (Port Aransas’ population often swells to 60,000 or more during the summer months).
And in case you are worried about not getting the best of possible experience by scheduling your visit during the off-season, don’t be. For a small coastal town, Port Aransas is rich in activities and attractions during every month of the year, starting from avian activities to the local wetlands and protected reserves to exploring vineyards and garage sales to live theater. Port A offers sightseeing tours from air and water not to mention a fresh golf course and a thriving night scene; partners looking for evening fun will find numerous venues in the area.
Another little secret about Port Aransas is that the beaches offer a few of the finest waves to surf this side of Southern California. Bring your board and plan on catching some waves!
Obviously, seafood fans should be delighted by the scrumptious fish streaming in from the coast; nearby four-star restaurants staffed by world-class chefs provide freshly prepared local cuisine – plus they are happy to cook up whatever you’ve caught that afternoon.
James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on cabin rentals and things to do.
Tags: beach vacations, Beaches, coast lines, family, food and drinks, holidays, massage, port aransas, recreation and sports, relaxation, scuba, scuba diving, snorkeling, spas
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Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011
Barcelona is the capital and the most populous city of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, after Madrid. It’s also one of the most popular destinations in Europe, especially for spring and summer city breaks. The city went through a major transformation in the early 1990’s and now it includes a man made but attractive beach, lots of palm trees and a lively cosmopolitan port. The city has a lot to offer the visitor, here is a guide to the best attractions in town:
* The Picasso Museum has one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th century Spanish artist and is a must see attraction.
*Park Guell is a charming garden complex with architecture on display is perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll.
* The famous La Sagrada Familia the massive catholic church still under construction from 1882! It’s still impressive although not finished.
* The incredible Batllo House is sometimes called the House of Bones and indeed it does have a visceral, skeletal organic quality. It was originally designed for a middle-class family and situated in a prosperous district of Barcelona.
* Camp Nou is the city’s football stadium. World famous and impressive consider the tour on offer even if you aren’t especially a football fan.
*Family attractions include Tibidabo Amusement Park, the IMAX cinema and the lovely Magic Fountain of Montjuic.
* You also must take a stroll down the lively Las Ramblas filled with wonderful street performers and a great atmosphere at all times of the day.
*The Olympic port is the place to visit for a great selection of good bars, places to eat and even a casino. The beach is also located here.
Tips for getting around – The city can be a little sprawling but it also has a very good public transport system (both buses and trains). Taxis are also not too expensive. Hope you enjoy your stay!
For more great tips on top travel destinations visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes advice on the best of Thailand
Tags: Barcelona, Barcelona Attractions, Breaks, City Break, couples, europe, family, holidays, leisure, photo, spain, travel, vacations
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Tuesday, February 15th, 2011
Siam Reap was a once quaint village in Cambodia which has now become a tourist hot spot. It is quite laid-back and a pleasant place to stay while touring the amazing Angkor Wat temples. Cambodia has an extremely dark history but is now considered a safe place to visit. Its an exotic, mysterious country which has a lot to offer the visitor. Here is how to make the most out of your stay:
Accommodation and getting around – You will be spoilt for choice for accommodation in Siam Reap, thanks to a tourism boom, the town offers everything from hostels to more luxurious hotels. Do your research before you go to ensure a comfortable stay. Thank to the cute Tuk Tuks (motorized carts) Siam Reap is very easy to travel around. They are cheap, fun and available pretty much everywhere.
Attractions – Angkor Wat – Obviously the main attraction in Siem Reap are the temples at Angkor Wat. You can buy tickets for a day, three days or a week. Visiting hours are 5am -5:30pm and the ticket booth is approx. 2 km from Angkor Wat. Your ticket allows you to come and go freely during opening hours. Many visitors start early to catch the sunrise from the top of a temple and finish their long day heading back up the temples to view the sunset.
Landmine Museum – The Cambodia Landmine Museum was opened in 1999 to promote mine awareness and education for both tourists and Cambodian people. It’s an interesting and worthwhile day out and only one dollar to get in.
The markets – A shoppers paradise awaits the traveller in Cambodia, markets offering an array of goods from silk to fresh seasonal fruits and clothes and trinkets. The oldest is the bustling Phsar Chas but there are also many other good markets in Siam Reap.
Floating Village – Chong Khneas is the floating village at the edge of the lake closest and most accessible to Siem Reap. It’s a fascinating place which is definitely worth a visit and here you can meet some of the locals and see how they go about their everyday lives.
For more great tips on top holiday destinations visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes advice on the most beautiful places in United Kingdom
Tags: Angkor Wat, asia, Cambodia, destinations, holidays, leisure, photo, photography, Siem Reap, Temples, travel, vacations
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Monday, February 7th, 2011
The beautiful country of Mexico is a top global travel destination and draws tourists all year round. Cancun is one of the most popular areas of Mexico and many go there for the beautiful beaches, fantastic weather and vibrant nightlife. Although if you want to explore a little further a field and see a truly unique part of the country then follow our guide.
The Cenotes are actually sinkholes with exposed rocky edges containing groundwater and the term is derived from a word used by the Maya. They are also found in the Caribbean but the ones located in Mexico are particularly impressive. If you head just south of Cancun you will find the Yucatan peninsula which is home to this amazing destination. Unsurprisingly these curious series of underground water-filled caverns are extremely popular with visitors, swimmers, snorkelers, divers and photographers.
There are four types of these sinkholes – those completely underground, semi-underground, land-level and those that are similar to open wells. The ones in Mexico were formed after a long period of time. An ocean lied underneath the limestone floor which eventually gave way in places leaving large water-filled holes.
Incredible Diving – The diving here is extra special. The water is mostly rain water which enables the diver to see over five hundred feet. The surroundings are also superb – there are thousands stalagmites and stalactites, some of which are over 65 million years old. Another interesting part of the experience is the many beams of sunlight blasting through the darkness from many small holes above.
Not all the sinkholes are suitable for diving but many of them are. Some of the best include Chac Mool, Kukulcan and Chickin-Ha. They also considered to be one of the best cavern diving spots in the world although you will need to be an experienced and certified diver. As you can imagine with cavern diving comes with a certain amount of danger. For the less experienced swimming or snorkelling is a good option.
For more great advice on top holiday destinations visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes advice on the best of Thailand
Tags: Cenotesv, destinations, diving, Geography, holidays, leisure, Mexico, snorkelling, sport, travel, vacations
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Saturday, February 5th, 2011
To celebrate their ten year anniversary, The Ethos Group have just announced the launch of a brand new Syndicate Programme to promote luxury holiday villas and apartments on the south west Turkish Riviera. Following the massive success story of their eye drops that dissolve cataracts http://bodyrepairshop.info back in December 2003 when they were featured on The Richard & Judy Show in the UK, they went on to build an affiliate network of 10,000 people in 87 countries around the world.
The new programme is the brainchild of the Ethos CEO Peter Aldred who describes how he came up with the idea in the first place, “It was quite simple really, I just looked at a new way to harness the power of numbers and put them to work to help benefit our members in a new and very exciting way.
This programme isn’t actually a lottery, sweepstake or prize draw as it is a Private Members Syndicate and is governed by UK gifting laws. The law states that you can give and receive gifts of up to 10,000 a year tax free and by purchasing a ticket you are effectively giving that money as a gift to another syndicate member and expect nothing whatsoever back in return.
Peter also commented, “If someone becomes a Syndicate Promoter for 100 and keeps all ten tickets for them self, that then greatly increases their odds of winning to just 1,000 to 1.” It has to be one of the simplest home business opportunities that we have ever reviewed and it looks set to be a massive success this coming year.
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Want to find out more about Dalyan – Dalyan holidays – dalyan hotels, then visit Oksana Pryshnivska’s site on how to choose the best You Could be the Winner of Dalyan Villa Worth 100,000 for your needs.
Tags: coupons, diving, europe, gambling, games, holidays, house, mediteranean, MLM, real estate, villas, vouchers
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Friday, February 4th, 2011
You may or may not know about whale sharks. They are slow filter feeding sharks but much more gentle and kinder than the average sharks. Because they gorge on plankton and smaller marine wildlife they are considered safe. Although they are actually very large (some can grow up to twelve meters long) they pose no threat at all to humans and many love the idea of swimming with them. Photogenic, friendly and with a definite ‘wow’ factor they make great diving buddies! If you’re into global travel and want to try to see whale sharks for yourselves then here are some tips:-
Whale Sharks migrate every spring to the continental shelf of the central west coast of Australia. The Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia provides the whale shark with plenty of plankton and are often spotted here regularly at this time. Although there is also whale shark activity around the coast of South Africa, Yucaton, Mexico, Indonesia, Tofo Reef in Mozambique, Tanzania, Thailand, Maldives and the Red Sea. Whale sharks have an inquisitive nature so if you get your timings right there is a fair to good chance of seeing them.
Always remember safety is your priority. Never try to find these lovey creatures on your own, the best option by far is to research a good diving tour group in the country you are planning to visit. Ask around for reliable recommendations or do some research on trusted internet travel forums.
It’s definitely worth the hassle, despite their size, the whale shark does not pose significant danger to divers. They are gentle and docile creatures and sometimes allow swimmers to hitch a ride. They can be very playful and often a real joy to swim with. The only risk is the odd unintentional blow from the shark’s large tail fin.
Some people don’t like the idea of diving, if this is the case then you can also use snorkelling to see whale sharks. Dive or snorkelling tours will usually give you a couple of practice swims in shallow waters before taking you out. When heading out to the reefs you will normally be in groups of about 10-20 accompanied by experienced divers. The dive master will spot the whale sharks and tell you when to get into the water. This truly can be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.
For more advice on great places to travel visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes advice on London places to visit
Tags: australia, boating, destinations, diving, holidays, leisure, sea, sharks, sport, travel, vacations, whale sharks, wildlife
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011
When it comes to Spanish beaches most people automatically go for the Mediterranean Coastline. However is in the Atlantic coast of Spain, north of Portugal, where one of the top beaches in the world can be found in the least spoiled, astonishing Atlantic coastline of Galicia.
One of the gems of this coastline is on Las Islas Cies. Once a pirate’s haunt, you can only access Las Islas Cies by boat, a distant cry from other Mediterranean sandy destinations. Instead of returning to your hotel after a day’s snorkelling and sun worshiping, camp out in the idyllic site provided.
Galegos ,as the locals are known by, come here to spend lengthy, lazy summer holidays on the Praia das Rodas, a perfect cove of fine, white sand backed by small dunes sheltering a calm sea of crystal-clear waters. Spanish refer to it as their “Caribbean beach”. The sand is white enough and the water is turquoise enough to stand up to its Caribbean rivals. Perhaps the only noticeable difference is the chilling temperature of the water.
Where to Stay:
To stay overnight you must book at Camping Islas Cies (www.campingislascies.com). The average cost is 7 Euros per person. The camping ground with a capacity of 800 people is wheelchair friendly and has a restaurant and a supermarket.
How to get there:
Islas Cies are a 45 minute ferry ride from the city of Vigo, sitting just 15 kilometres offshore. Naviera Mar de Ons runs boats to and from the island. Only up to 8 return trips a days are schedule to/from Vigo at an average cost of 17 Euros per adult and children under 12 years are free.
Rodas Beach:
The main beach that people come to is Rodas Beach or Praia das Rodas on Las Islas Cies which means “Wheels Beach” in Galician. Backed by small dunes sheltering a calm lagoon of crystal-clear water, with it’s pine forests, white sands and turquoise blue waters, it is easy to see why. One thing to mention though is that the water can be cold, remember that this is not the Mediterranean.
If you requiere further information about beautiful beaches please click on the links provided for an up to date list of the top 10 beaches.
Tags: Beaches, caribbean, Cruises, family holidays, holidays, leisure, outdoors, scuba, scuba diving, spain, tourism, travel, vacations
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Thursday, January 27th, 2011
There are a few reasons why Beechworth photographers are used by families. They can provide many different photos and memories of families and people. These pictures could be staged and posed, or may be taken as candid and natural pictures. Most services who provide photography will make arrangements to take photos anywhere their clients need. There are many events and stages of child development that families enjoy taking pictures of.
When photos are taken at the photographers place of business, there will be an actual room where the pictures are taken. This room will be free from any distractions and it will offer the best possible lighting. With many back drops for customers to choose, there is a great environment and setting for any family size and need. This quiet atmosphere will provide a nice spot for family photos or couple pictures.
Some families enjoy it when the picture taker can come into the home for private photos. The homeowner may enjoy their cozy set up and want the pictures to take place inside or outside of their home. The props can be bought in by the professional photo taker, or can be provided by the customers. Often there will be a collection of pictures taken. Some will be in a set pose, while others will be more candid and natural.
There are also shots that may be taken in public places. There may be a local garden, park or city core, where photos may look good. This could be arranged by the photographer or the family. A spot can be arranged on and everyone can meet in the one location at a certain time. When the weather cooperates, it could be a great idea for the perfect shots.
Weddings may be a great reasons to contact a professional picture taker. Most services will have a package of wedding material available for any bride and groom who is interested. The package may include certain time frames, options and prices. A couple may pick a package based on its features and its cost.
There are many special functions where a professional photo taker can be useful. They can create a great looking family photo with all of the needed tools and camera accessories. Most photo services employ staff who have experience and training in the art of photo taking.
Shots can be taken in black and white picture form or in color. When a variety of picture color choices are picked, it can create a nice package. Black and white photos look nice under a black frame. Colored photos can be ordered in bulk numbers to give out to family and friends.
Finding Beechworth photographers will ensure that any day or experience is done right. Pictures are used to hold memories forever, and many families enjoy paying someone to make the shots as beautiful as can be. These services can be hired for individual shots, couple pictures and family portraits.
Jasmine Zahara is a respectable copy writer with a home office in Beechworth and is well educated on this general vicinity of Australia. Jasmine is currently writing on virtually all regional Victorian subjects and acknowledges Beechworth as among the most pleasant country Australia destinations.
Tags: Art, beechworth, holidays, Images, photo, photographers, photography, photos, professionals, travel, vacations, victoria, weddings
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