Travel Places

One of the oddest shaped islands in the world, Sulawesi seems to be made of spindly arms and legs. On the map it looks like a half built spider, but on the land it is a very beautiful part of Indonesia. Occasionally wracked by ethnic tension, the island has been calm for some time now, and North Sulawesi has generally been without incidents.

Here are some of our recommendations of where to go and what to do once you get there.

Pulau Bunaken:
Believed by many to be the world’s best diving area, this small island has over 300 species of coral and 3000 types of fish on view for the avid diver and snorkeler.  This mariner’s paradise is easily accessible from the town of Manado, where you have flights coming in from Singapore.

Tana Toraja:
The elaborate funeral ceremonies of this island, have become something of a tourist attraction. A fascinating cultural hub, it is a combination of unspoilt villages, some unique architecture and also the cultural traditions of a proud tribe.

Togean Islands:
Indonesia has some fabulous beaches, and this is one of the most beautiful ones there. They are not easy to reach, but once you get there, time just seems to come to standstill. The facilities are simple, but adequate for a laidback holiday.

Marine National Park:
This park extends up to 170 km of the coast of over 42 islands, many of them encompassed by coral reefs. Take a slow boat ride around this area, and once again, just let time slip by, and sail around some of Indonesia’s most beautiful islands.

There are lots of different accommodation options for anyone planning a holiday in Lanzarote. Encompassing everything from a Mongolian Yurt on an eco farm in the north of the island through to luxury five star hotel accommodation in the south. With plenty of other interesting choices in-between.

Anyone seeking to really get away from it all should book themselves a week stay at Finca de Arrieta, which located right by the beach in this unspoiled small scale seaside resort located in the north of the island. This former farm covers some 30,000 square metres and is powered by solar and wind energy. Which are ideal sources on a sunny island such as Lanzarote.

Guests here can choose from conventional villa accommodation through to luxury Yurts – a type of tent favoured by Mongolian yak herders. But with a thoroughly modern twist as these versions enjoy hard wood floors and boast all mod cons. Whilst anyone staying here can also pick their own organic fruit and veg from the garden and enjoy rides on Mollie the resident donkey!

Fancy something with a bit more sophistication? Then head for the Gran Melia in nearby Costa Teguise – widely regarded as the one of the best hotels in Lanzarote. And boasting an interesting heritage as it was constructed under the aegis of the famous local artist called César Manrique. Who was also responsible for the design of the interior central garden – the main focal point of this establishment.

The Gran Melia boasts impressive public spaces and a breathtaking swimming pool, bearing all the hallmarks of Manrique´s hand. Whilst also enjoying a great location right on the beach at Playa Cucharas. The hotel is also home to a number of exclusive self contained units in the grounds – which are regarded as the finest Lanzarote holiday villas available.

Alternatively enjoy a room with a view – by staying in Lanzarote´s only high rise building – now home to the Arrecife Gran Hotel. For years this construction was a real eyesore as it stood as burnt out shell for decades. As local planners worked out what to do with this illegally constructed edifice – which was built in contravention of Lanzarote´s strict planning laws.

Pragmatism eventually won out and the shell was transformed into a five star hotel replete with rooftop restauarant, swimming pool and luxury spa. Just like the Gran Melia the Arrecife Gran is also located right on a beach – in this case the Playa del Reducto in the heart of the islands capital city.

Kenya is where safaris originated, when “the white man” thronged this area to see the myriad animals which seem to roam this country in large numbers.

Safaris are now better organised, provide much better facilities, and still manage to give the viewer a thrill when they have their first look at a giraffe or a zebra in the wild. They have among the best game reserves in the world, specially the Masai Mara and Amboseli.

When to go there:
The really spectacular annual wildebeest migration takes place in August and September. If you can manage to get any bookings, go during these months. They move from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti in Tanzania, and it is one of the most amazing sights in the world. The other good months are the dry months of May till September and January and February.

How to go there:
Take the help of a tour operator to organise your tour. Since a lot of travelling is involved, let them make the arrangements. They organise everything including the safaris, the lodges, the flights from one game reserve to another.

Where to stay there:
All the game reserves have a variety of resorts and places to stay in. There are five star hotels, villas to stay in and campsites to pitch your tent in. You can also opt for homestay places which are now becoming very popular.

What to watch out for:
Mosquitoes – like other flora and fauna, they thrive here. Just carry an insect repellent with you and wherever possible wear long sleeves. Watch out for muggers in cities like Mombasa and Nairobi, try not to carry too much money on yourself when you move out.

115 islands scattered in the Indian Ocean form the network of this very beautiful part of the world. Often called a honeymooners paradise, Seychelles is much more than just that. The Gods above have been very generous towards this enchanting country, it has some superb beaches, and when you want to venture beyond the coastal region, there are some lush hills which are the venues of great jungle trails.

Where to go in Seychelles:

The best places to visit in Seychelles are the three main islands, Praslin, LeDegue and Male’. There are no crowds in sight, the beaches are a dreamlike setting, and birds and giant tortoises abound in their natural habitat. Water sports such as scuba diving are very popular, given the abundance of marine life all around you.

What to see in Seychelles:

After the amazingly beautiful beaches, Morne Seychellois  National Park in Mahe is one of their main attractions. It can only be accessed by walking, and guided walking tours are the most popular way to go through the park.

Where to stay:

Seychelles has some exquisite villas and luxurious hotels which provide you with the ultimate in luxury. A special effort is now being made to provide some economy options for the average tourist, in order to take away the tag of being a millionaire’s destination.

Which currency to use in Seychelles:

The currency used here is the Seychelles Rupee, but visitors must pay for everything with foreign currency, the most popular one being the Euro. Prices everywhere will be quoted for you in Euros.

Playa Blanca is the fastest growing resort on the holiday island of Lanzarote.  Offering great weather, fantastic beaches and loads for visitors to do and see.  As well as plenty of good value, high quality holiday accommodation.

Playa Blanca is located at the southern foot of Lanzarote.  Which is one of the seven Spanish islands that make up the Canaries.  These are one of the most popular winter sun destinations in the world – thanks to their close proximity to key markets such as the UK and Germany. 

Whilst other winter sun destinations such as the Caribbean or the Far East require the best part of a day spent on board a plane the Canaries are just a four hour flight from all major UK airports.  With services to Lanzarote provided by low cost airlines such as Monarch and Ryanair.

Until twenty years or so ago Playa Blanca really was a sleepy little village – with little going on beyond the local fishermen pulling in their nets and boats at the end of another hard day at sea.  Today that’s all changed – as Playa Blanca has grown quickly to become the second biggest resort on the island and welcomes hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers every year.

The twin keys to its success are weather and beaches.  The resort has a great climate and usually enjoys the best weather Lanzarote has to offer.  Enabling visitors to enjoy beautiful stretches of sand such as Playa Flamingo and Playa Dorada all year round.

The resort evolved around the harbour – from where it is possible to hop onto ferries across to the next door island of Fuerteventura.  And the main seafront promenade – which as is where the bulk of the best restaurants in the resort are located.

There are plenty of good quality places to stay in Playa Blanca.  As the resort is home to the largest range of hotels and holiday villas in Lanzarote. 

The five star Gran Melia Volcan is located just above the relatively new Marina Rubicon – where tourists can enjoy gazing at some seriously expensive yachts.  Whilst the best holiday villas in Playa Blanca can be found in and around areas such as Faro Park and Costa Papagayo.

A vacation here doesn’t mean breaking the bank either.  With rental rates starting at around £400 per week for a villa with private pool and two bedrooms.  Capable of accommodating up to four people.

Many people believe that the most beautiful and scenic part of California is the Napa Valley. It is recognized all over the world as the Wine County of the US. But it is much more than that.

Vineyards abound in this area, they are a part of the breathtaking natural beauty of the county, The wineries invite you to come and partake of their “Drinks for the Gods” and the balmy weather beckons you all the year round.

Where to go in the Napa valley:

Visit the wineries around Napa Valley, they offer guided tours and also wine tasting sessions. There are also some five star restaurants here – just watch your wallet.

What to do in Napa valley:

Food is an important part of this valley. Some of the finest restaurants such as French Laundry are located here. Fresh fruit, some great cheese, freshly baked bread and homemade jam – all the ingredients that you need for a picnic, and of course the all important cork-screw, after all you are sure to need it in this county.

Where to stay:

The lodgings range from the very fancy and luxurious to homesteads and wineries that offer places to stay. Keep in mind that fact that summer and fall are the main tourist seasons here, so accommodation may not be easy to find

What to do here:

Wine and more wine. Unless you are planning to just taste the wine and then spit it out, do try not to go to more than one or two wineries on one day!

Lanzarote is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. Welcoming millions of tourists very year from countries such as the UK, Eire and Germany. Many of these visitors will be spending their Lanzarote holidays in the resort of Puerto del Carmen. Which is the oldest and most popular on the island. Dating back to the 1960´s when it emerged from its former shell as a small fishing village called La Tiñosa.

Today most of the fishing boats have disappeared – to be replaced by luxury yachts and excursion vessels. And the once quiet and dusty streets are now filled with a selection of some of the best hotels, apartments and villas in Lanzarote. Many of which are arrayed around the harbour in the Old Town section of the resort.

Tourists first started visiting the Canaries as long ago as the 19th century. When intrepid Victorians would visit the islands for their curative properties. Enjoying the balmy year round weather that is often likened to an eternal spring. Mass market package tourism only started up in the 1970´s. As the then ruler General Franco sought to increase his foreign currency reserves by attracting foreign holiday makers to Spain. And today the Canaries have evolved to become the second most popular holiday region in the country – second only to Catalonia.

Much of the reason for their success as a tourist destination can be attributed to the fact that these seven islands all enjoy a great climate all year round, along with excellent beaches and good quality accommodation facilities. For example there are some truly luxurious villas for holidaymakers to select from. Boasting private pools, all mod cons and much more besides. Located both in the main resorts and across Lanzarote´s unique volcanic countryside.

There´s a fine choice of these villas in Puerto del Carmen. Which also provides tourists with an ideal base for touring and exploring the island thanks to its central location on Lanzarote. As a result most of the main attractions are within a twenty to thirty minute radius of the resort, such as the unique volcanic region – the most popular tourist hot spot on the island and one of Spain’s most visited national parks. Or the many varied works of a creative local artist called César Manrique. Who developed a number of unique sites on the island such as the Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Rio and the Cactus Garden.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing that can be seen from outer space and even from the sky. Most people do not realise this picturesque reef has been formed by literally billions of living organisms known as coral polyps. They combine together to form spectacular coral formations, and cover literally hundreds of tiny islands, off the eastern coast of Queens land in Australia.

The popularity of this amazing place lies in the abundance and variety of marine life, the charming islands, and above all the remarkable coral formations. The spectacular colours, and the immense variety of marine life here, make diving into the sea an unforgettable experience. There are over 1500m species of fish and over 400 varieties of coral which can be viewed here.

Most visitors take day trips on boats from the many towns located on the coast of Queensland. It is also possible to hire a yacht for your personal visit. Cairns is the most popular port of departure. The daily tour normally consists of a visit to one or two coral reefs, followed by lunch and a cruise back to the port of departure.

There are also many diving trips which are organised by many tour operators. The best way to really relish the beauty of this location is by diving into the water and observing underwater scenery at its finest.

You can also make it into an overnight trip by staying at the numerous resorts sprinkled along the many islands in this region. This will give you more time to see some of the less traversed areas and quieter reefs.

Snorkelling and diving are the main activities indulged in by the tourists. If you have never done this before, try the tours which are specifically for the first time divers. Or you can join air trips, which take you over some of the most spectacular areas.