Travel Places

How do we describe this very unique city?

Unlike any city in the United States, it has a character completely its own and totally impossible to replicate. Living on 43 hills and managing to survive despite living right above the San Andreas fault, Frisco lives a tenuous but fiercely independent existence. It is inhabited by flower children and free thinkers and a conglomerate of nationalities, and also with sea lions and clanging cable cars that seem to be a relic of bygone eras, but manage to get you to your destination  and streets that seem to be falling into the ocean, but just keep rolling up and down endlessly.

What should we do in San Francisco:

The possibilities are endless, but first to get an overall view of the city, take a cable car ride through this distinctive city. Try the F market line, which moves from the Market to the Fisherman’s Wharf, the best antique cable cars run on this line.

Take a trip to Alcatraz. A daunting prospect when you think of the residents of this rock, but it is a very interesting tour.

Take a walk on the Golden Gate Bridge. You may dispute whether it is the most stunning suspension bridge ever, but you cannot fail to enjoy the vistas that it presents.

Fisherman’s Wharf, highly overpriced and very touristy, it is at least worth a wander around. It is better to get to Pier 39, and eat there, the waterfront restaurant there serves better food.

Shop in the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market. Follow the locals, and specially on a Saturday go to this market, where farmers sell their special home grown, organic fresh produce and where you can pick up mouth watering cheeses, pastries and chocolates. Go for a picnic at the Breezy Baker Beach or the China Beach and enjoy all this fresh food.

What’s the weather like in San Francisco:

If you are looking for balmy “California” weather, you are in for a surprise. The evenings can be chilly, once the proverbial fog rolls in, and during the afternoon the temperatures can range between 55F and 70F. Be prepared with your layers of clothing, since the temperatures can drop very suddenly.

Where should we go to eat:

Now, this is where you will be really spoilt for choice. San Franciscans pride themselves on being gourmets and on the variety of cuisines available in their city. For Chinese food head to Chinatown, if you are looking for Italian food go to the North Beach, if Asian food is your choice head to Richmond and the best Latin food is available in the Mission District. As in any metropolis, the prices range from the luxurious to the economical, but you will enjoy every morsel of it.

How do we go around the city:

If you re adventurous and have the stamina for it, hire a bicycle. You will notice that for many residents it is their primary means of travel. The other less interesting options are the customary bus and trams and trains.

A region with a split personality, Lake Tahoe is situated with one foot in California and one in Nevada. It carries the traits of both regions. On one side we have the high voltage Reno, with its casinos and bargain hotels and big time entertainment, on the other side we have the tranquil lake, low key water sports in summer and winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding and ice skating.

Lake Tahoe is located 6225 feet above sea level in the Sierra Nevada. Renowned for its crystal clear waters, it is one of the most popular destinations in California and Nevada.

When to go to Lake Tahoe:
Actually that depends on what you are planning to do there. In winter the ski resorts offer all kind so winter sports. In summer you have the choice of boating, hiking and camping, and also the option of just sitting back and relaxing in the splendour of this beautiful area.

Where to go in Lake Tahoe:
As we have said earlier, it is totally up to your personal choices. Go up to Reno, and enjoy high voltage entertainment; drive along the 72 mile road that skirts the lake, takes you up into the mountains and also through the commercial areas; travel in the Gondola in Heavenly Valley, a great 12 minute ride.

The best reason to go there:
Dinner by the lake, you have a choice of multi cuisines and different budgets, or you can even carry a picnic basket with you. Peace and tranquillity, a good wine and some good food, what more do you need?

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.

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.

A world heritage site, Yosemite National park is located in East Central California, spanning the counties of Toulumne, Mariposa and Madera. A magnificent landscape that has been carved out by glaciers, it is visited by over 3.5 million visitors every year.

The joy of visiting this national park lies mainly in its awesome natural splendours. Everything seems to be large and majestic. Ranging from the breathtaking Glacier Point, where the views seem to encompass the entire state, to the swirling waters of the Merced River, every corner of this National Park spells grandeur.

How to get there:

Yosemite Park is 3 hours away from San Francisco by road. Most visitors tend to concentrate on the seven square miles of Yosemite Valley, where most of the popular sites are located.

Popular Sites:

El Capitain: A granite cliff that seems to tower over the valley, is one of the world’s most popular rock climbing sites. It offers year long accessibility, combined with different rock formations for a varied experience.

Mariposa and Merced and Toulumne Groves: The giant Sequoia trees of these groves can enthral you with just their size. But do look carefully and enjoy the beauty of these graves and the dignity they seem to exemplify.

Waterfalls: The granite cliffs and rock formations are great places for the waterfalls to be formed. In the months of April, May and June they can be observed in their abundance. You cannot miss the Yosemite falls – the highest in the United States.

Merced and Toulumne Rivers: These rivers have carved out deep canyons in the valley, and offer ample opportunities for rafting etc.

Activities around this region:

Backpack across the Toulumne Meadows, or at least walk across the 14 mile trail to Cloud’s Nest. If you feel that is too long for you, try the shorter trails to places like Elizabeth lake and Soda Springs.

Walk upto the Grizzly Giant, a 2,700 year old tree, which is as tall as a 20 storey tower. The hush of the forest and the splendour of these trees are enough to make this into a memorable walk.

Climb the El Capitain, there are about 80 routes to the top ranging from the doable to the impossible.

Take tour bus, along the scenic route of Tioga Road till the Glacier Point.

Adjoining regions:

Mariposa County : One of the few places left in this world where there are no permanent traffic lights, this country encloses much of the Yosemite National Park. It has no towns in its area, just three communities which live in census designated areas. 95% of the Yosemite Park has been designated as wilderness, hence enjoy the solitude and natures finest views.

Where to stay:

Camping – you can camp at the many campsites in this valley. Do check their opening and closing dates.

Lodging – there are many lodges such as Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp which provide lodging in the Park.

This park needs to be visited again and again in order to really be able to enjoy all that it offers. Every corner, every tree, every waterfall invites you to sit near it and enjoy the magnificence of God’s creations.