Channel : Helping you explore the world!

Andorra, nestled in the Pyrenees, is one of the smallest countries in Europe.  Despite its diminutive size it has a thriving tourist industry.

Arguably the biggest attraction in Andorra is its wonderful scenery.  Its mountains and lakes are breath-taking.  Andorra has quaint towns and villages, and is popular among those who prefer quiet holidays consisting of walking and sightseeing.

Additionally, though, because of its location Andorra is very popular with skiers.  Skiing has spearheaded the development of Andorran tourism.  But whether a skier or not, this tiny country is a delight to visit.

Andorra’s geographical location puts it within easy driving distance of France and Spain.  This allows you to travel to Perpignan in France and Barcelona in Spain – both popular holiday destinations – and be back for the evening.  Andorra has no airport, so holidaymakers have to fly into Spain or France, landing at airports in Barcelona or Perpignan.

Andorra is something of a driver’s dream, with petrol much cheaper than in Spain or France.  You therefore won’t feel guilty for exploring the country in your car.  For those who prefer to use public transport bus timetables are available for free from Andorran tourist offices.

One of the advantages of visiting Andorra is the cheap goods on sale in the country’s many shops.  For example, Tobacco is particularly cheap.  However, it should be remembered that the country is not part of the EU, so stricter customs apply when the goods are brought back to the UK.

read comments (0)

Whether it is a group of friends or a corporate getaway, group skiing holidays can be lots of fun. They can also be a complete nightmare to plan. With so many cheap ski deals out there for groups, choosing the right one takes a lot of consideration. Pleasing an entire group of adults can seem an impossible task, but with forward thinking and a little compromise it is an achievable objective.

First things first, talk money. Find out how much each person is willing to spend and what your total budget is. This in itself is a big job, you may have to get some people to spend a little more than they would like to.  Once you have a rough estimate of your budget you can start looking for a ski deal. When you are booking the flights make sure you know where each person will be travelling from. If your group is spread out you will need to arrange multiple flights.

Choosing your destination will need to be a group decision. Put together a list of possibilities based on preferences, skill levels and how important après ski is to your group. Once you have a number of realistic options, present these to your group and discuss the pros and cons of each. If needs be, put it down to a vote.

If it all becomes too much to handle, enlist the help of a professional. There are lots of cheap ski deals for groups out there and a travel agent can help find the right one for all your requirements.

read comments (0)

For holidaymakers looking for a getaway during the autumn months, a good option is a visit the New England region of the United States. This region includes the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Visitors can easily plan a travel route and stay at charming inns along the way, or rent a caravan and stay at campsites.

Timing is very important when travelling to see foliage in New England. The months of September and early October are usually best. The further north a location is, the sooner the leaves will be gone for the season. It is also helpful to try to book an inn or hotel in advance. If using a caravan, find out how late in the season campsites are open.

Several drives are ideal. One takes place in the Cape Cod area of Massachusetts, along Route 6A. It may also be marked on some maps as the Old King’s Highway. This drive starts in Sandwich and ends in Orleans. Several beautiful historic homes are located along the route. During the drive, stop at the Scargo Hill Observatory in Dennis. This observation platform has an outstanding panoramic view.

For travellers visiting New Hampshire, the White Mountains area offers some beautiful foliage. Travel onto Route 3 from Interstate Highway 93. A state park is located at Franconia Notch, and visitors will be able to see why autumn in New England is so popular. Upon reaching Route 302, it is possible to travel through some other favourite areas, such as Bretton Woods, Hart’s Location, and North Conway.

read comments (0)

If you are one of the millions of people who were awed by the film locations used in the Lord of the Rings movies, then you were likely stunned New Zealand’s South Island.  This impossibly beautiful, sparsely populated island will ‘wow’ you at every turn.

Not to dismiss the gorgeous North Island, but the South Island really does contain some of the most beautiful natural landscapes on Earth.  The minute you arrive in pretty Picton you are greeted by the lush green Marlborough Sounds; little islands that dot the channel that separates the North and South islands, and offer perfect walking trips for all abilities.  On the west coast, you can get lost in ancient karst forests and limestone arches in the Oparara Basin.  Further inland, you will marvel at the strange Pancake Rocks – a unique mix of erosion and geology, resulting in some amazing and noisy displays of the forces of nature.

Of course, you simply can’t miss the glaciers here.  If you have got the cash, make sure you heli-hike onto either Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier to get up close and personal with these incredible natural wonders.  Similarly, you can arrange a trip where you can fly up to snow capped Mount Cook, the highest point in New Zealand.  You will also want to make time to get yourself to the fjord-like Milford Sounds and take a tranquil boat ride – or a shower at one of the waterfalls if you are brave enough.

There is simply too much to this outstandingly beautiful place to be able to do justice to here, so it is best you just get there and see for yourself!

read comments (0)

As you get more involved in skiing you will start to acquire all the equipment and take less and less time to plan your ski holidays. Once it is truly part of your life you may find yourself taking advantage of last minute ski deals and setting off at the drop a hat. Even so you will need to ensure you have all you need before leaving home. Here is brief checklist of all the things you will need, whether you are a first timer or a seasoned pro.

Documents:
•    Passports
•    Boarding passes
•    Booking confirmations
•    Insurance documents
•    Credit cards and currency

Luggage:
•    Apparel:
◦    Base layers
◦    Middle layers
◦    Insulating layer
◦    Goggles, Headgear, socks and gloves

•    A backpack to take up the mountain, containing:
◦    Sunblock, UV rays are reflected by the snow so go for a high SPF factor
◦    A water flask and snacks
◦    A first aid kit
◦    An emergency tool kit
•    Your ski or board bag – make sure you let your airline know you are taking these with you
•    You boot bag
•    Anything else you take with you when going away (toiletries, pyjamas, laptop etc.)

Miscellaneous Arrangements:
•    Get someone to collect your post, feed the cats, water the plants
•    Keep fit!  Staying in shape will mean you are always ready to get the most out your trips.

It seems like a lot but once you’ve run through it a few times you’ll be able to take advantage of any opportunities to hit the slopes no matter how short the notice. Keep an eye out for those last minute ski deals that can sometimes be as economical as planning a year in advance.

read comments (0)

The important Indian city of Mumbai, formerly called Bombay, is the capital of the state of Maharashtra.  With a population of more than 12 million inhabitants, it ranks as the fifth most populated city in the world.  Considered the entertainment capital of India, Mumbai is where the majority of Hindi films are made, giving it the designation of “Bollywood.”  The city also hosts a thriving television industry providing programming to the subcontinent.

Because Mumbai was once part of the thriving British Empire in India, it today features an eclectic mix of architectural styles.  Both the Victoria Terminus and the University of Bombay were constructed in the European style known as Gothic Revival and include features such as Dutch roofs, Roman arches, and German gables, as well as Tudor casements, yet these features co-exist alongside Indian styles also incorporated into the buildings.  The Gateway to India, another Mumbai landmark, features Indo-Saracenic architecture without European influence.

Interestingly enough, Mumbai is also a centre of Art Deco architecture and has more buildings in this style than any other city in the world except for Miami.  Tourists interested in seeing Art Deco buildings should proceed along Marine Drive, which heavily features the style.  Mumbai is also notable for its number of skyscrapers; there are already almost a thousand in the city with several hundred more currently under construction.

Some of the best times to visit Mumbai are in January and February each year when the Banbanga and Elephanta Festivals are underway.

read comments (0)

Since international travel became the new mode of having a luxuriously secluded retreat, British tourists have gone all out to go abroad and have a great holiday! However, as the economic crisis shows signs of very slow recovery and rates of foreign exchange become more unfavourable, staying within the UK for a holiday is getting to be an increasingly popular concept.
 
There are some who feel that if you’re not leaving the home shores, it’s not a ‘proper’ holiday. To be caught up in this mentality means to miss out on some of Britain’s hidden gems.  When travelling we do tend to visit places where we have family, so it is little wonder that we feel as though we’ve already seen everything our small island has to offer.

As an island, the United Kingdom is literally surrounded by a stunning natural coastline, which can offer a secluded experience for those who want one, at destinations such as the Wales’s Gower Peninsular.  If you’re looking for a more raucous seaside experience, Blackpool is the place to be. 

London and Edinburgh are the United Kingdom’s two most visited cities.  However, Liverpool is also lovely as the European Capital of Culture, as is Birmingham, with its lively arts and music scene.  To get away from the daily stress, the Scottish Highlands have become very popular for Brits staying in the United Kingdom, seeking a tranquillity not found in everyday life. 

The only thing Britain can’t guarantee is a week where the sun always shines.  Nevertheless, as the number of people planning to stay within the United Kingdom continues to rise, it seems that even this is failing to dampen our enthusiasm to discover more about what is right on our doorstep!

read comments (0)

La Gomera is a less well-known island in the Canaries, but it is possibly the most amazing.

Getting There

Fly to Tenerife and then get the ferry from Los Cristianos. It takes time to get to the island but it is worth every moment of the trip.

The Island

The island is just 20 kilometres from north to south yet encompasses huge ecological variations and is a designated world heritage site. With a mountainous rainforest in the centre, the National Park of Garajonay, and beautiful coves and beaches around the coast, the landscape is stunning. The highest peak is 5000 feet above sea level.

The island was only really brought into the 20th century in the 1960s with the arrival of electricity, and subsequently tourism.

Some Gomerans still use their whistling ‘language’, which was once used to communicate to each other from one mountain to another across the valley. Called ‘silbo’, the whistle sounds imitate speech and denote syllables.

The cuisine here is delicious – Canarian potatoes served with salt (originating from the days when they would have been cooked in sea water), goats’ cheese, watercress soup, oil and paprika.

To make the most of your visit, rent a car and travel throughout the island, exploring its coastline and little side roads. Take a guided tour of the forest to discover its importance to conservation and a boat trip to spot dolphins and whales, and see the island from different angles.

With so much to see and do, and a wonderful climate all year round, you will want to come back again and again.

read comments (0)

The Maldives, or the Republic of Maldives, is a group of islands located in the Indian Ocean and a prime luxury holiday destination. 1,190 coral islands make up the Maldives, spread over 90,000 square kilometres making the country one of the most dispersed in the world. The population of the Maldives, around 400,000 people, inhabit just 200 of these islands, while 90 or so have been developed as luxurious holidays resorts. Popular as a destination for water sports the Maldives are also one of the prime scuba-diving destinations in the world. A huge number of tropical fish, turtles and friendly sharks can be seen while exploring the coral reefs. Maldives holidays offer an opportunity to explore this unique group of islands and enjoy everything this country has to offer.

With their idyllic location, the Maldives is also a very popular choice for honeymoons. Many resorts offer exclusive packages geared directly towards newlyweds, ensuring a perfect luxury holiday is experienced during their honeymoon. Although it is not possible for foreign nationals to get married in the Maldives, couples that are already married can renew their vows in the country with a romantic ceremony.

Often people who take their holidays in the Maldives choose to make their stay a part of a multi-centre holiday. While there is plenty on offer for visitors to the Maldives, it is also possible to split your holiday and visit destinations such as Sri Lanka, Dubai and Bangkok, all of which offer contrasting cultural and social experiences to those of the Maldives.

read comments (0)

Barcelona may not quite be the capital city of Spain, but it is the most cosmopolitan of all Spanish cities.  It is also home to the country’s busiest port.  The city boasts a lot of foot traffic, with tourists keen to visit and experience the sights and smells of this, the homeland of the most successful football club in the world!

Barcelona has a multitude of attractions designed to fascinate the most discerning of tourists. The city is brimming with amazing churches, historical monuments, fascinating art galleries, quaint high-end shopping boutiques and more.  It is also home to Spain’s most visited monument, la Sagrada Familia.  Built to look like it was designed in the 16th century, the cathedral is a work in progress after more than a hundred years.  Finally consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, the main nave is now open for daily mass. This interesting historic monument will leave you with many happy memories.

For visitors to Barcelona, shopping is definitely on the to-do list.  The city is known for its quaintly picturesque shops and boutiques lined up side by side with enormous malls. After a shopping spree, you can opt to rest your tired feet at one of the many cafés as you sip a cup of coffee. 

Barcelona is also known for its colourful and vibrant festivals.  When planning your visit to Barcelona, try to make your visit coincide with a fiesta to get the true feel of Spain!  This city also offers a host of sandy beaches on the outskirts of the city centre, so take a moment to pack your swimsuit!

Most major United Kingdom airports offer budget flights to Barcelona, making it easily accessible for a short weekend break for all British tourists.

read comments (0)