France isn’t a country that has incredible cities and towns in short supply. In fact, it’s almost unheard of for anyone to come back from France, especially Northern France, without being well and truly blown away!
But there’s a lot to be gained from straying a little further than the usual tourist trail. Paris is fantastic and Bordeaux is incredibly beautiful, but it’s not until you discover a hidden gem that you understand just how quaint and picturesque the north of France can really be.
Being such a short distance from the UK, and with regular cross channel ferry services from Brittany Ferries, it’s easy to see the attraction of Northern France. So whether you’re considering a short break or an extended holiday, consider one of the following towns; you may not have realized this side of France even existed!
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It is a city unlike any other. Cut in half by the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe from Asia, Istanbul is unlike any other city in the world; a city where two continents collide.
Throughout history it has been one of the world’s most major cultural, political, and commercial centers. It has seen occupation by the Greeks, Romans and Venetians, and was the heart of the Ottoman empire; physical reminders of each empire still stand to this day.
But its location as a meeting place between the East and West also saw it as the final stop “on the legendary Silk Road linking Asia with Europe, and many merchants who came here liked it so much that they, too, decided to stay. In so doing, they gave the city a cultural diversity that it retains.”
Istanbul ranks as one of the Top 10 most visited cities by tourists and for good reason. Visitors could spend a lifetime getting lost in the city’s cultural sights, sounds, and smells. But the big question is, do you visit Europe, or Asia?
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It’s Turkey’s fastest growing city, and one which has really made a splash onto the tourism scene. Antalya, the largest Mediterranean coastal city in Turkey, was once viewed as just a gateway to get to the Turkish Riviera, but has since morphed into a flourishing international sea resort.
Situated right on the Gulf of Antalya, it’s here on the Turquoise Coast where “sandy sweeps of shore hug a coastline lapped by jade waters and backed by forest-blanketed slopes.”
This is one of the most staggeringly beautiful coastlines in the Mediterranean, but beyond the beaches is an incredible landscape of canyons, waterfalls, and a classically beautiful city, with ancient Roman ruins, finely restored Ottoman houses, and a Roman-era harbour with clifftop views over the sea.
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One of the most faraway destinations in India, you may not have heard of the Andaman Islands, or be aware of the vast landscapes and magnificent ocean which awaits you. But this archipelago in the Bay of Bengal is one destination which you don’t want to miss.
Located in the middle of Andaman Sea, these islands have much in common with such famous places as Maldives or Bali, but at quite a lower price. Coral reefs supporting marine life such as sharks and rays make for popular diving and snorkeling sites.
With roughly 300 islands known for their palm-lined, white-sand beaches, mangroves and tropical rainforests, it’s here that you can can swim with the elephants, get lost in the ancient jungles, explore the underwater world, and swim in the cleanest and the most transparent water in the world.
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Ask any international wine buff about Australian wine and you’ll probably see them cringe. Which is usually because when people think of wine and Australia they conjure up images of the cute little “critters” that often find their way onto our bottle stickers.
But there is much more to Australian wine than the cute yellow kangaroo and wombat labels will have you believe, and a visit to Australia’s wine growing regions will open your mind and your taste buds to new adventures.
While Australia’s largest wine regions can be found in South Australia (Barossa Valley) and Victoria (Yarra Valley), if you journey just 2.5 hours North of Sydney you will arrive in the beautiful Hunter Valley.
This region is unique, not only for its hot climate, but can also lay claim to the title of Australia’s oldest wine producing region. Vineyards that were planted in the 1860s still produce wine today with vines as old as 60 years still producing fruit. Put simply, the Hunter Valley is the birthplace of Australian wine.
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In October 2010 I traveled to Tanzania with the goal of conquering a mountain. And at 5,895 metres (19,341 ft), it was really, really tall. The highest mountain in Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa, and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, if we’re keeping score.
I trekked through some truly incredible landscapes, transformed as a person along the way, and battled through one of the world’s most challenging journeys over 7 days.
Kilimanjaro is powerful, awe-inspiring, and an experience which inspires transformation. But if you don’t know what to pack it’s going to make your life a hell of a lot harder than it has to be.
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One of the top ranked tourist sites in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a dramatic sight; some 40,000 massive black columns jutting out of the sea at the foot of basalt cliffs along the edge of the Antrim plateau.
This natural wonder has inspired local legends for centuries; of giants who built it to stride over the sea to Scotland. Though geological studies show that this striking landscape was caused by volcanic activity during the Tertiary, some 50–60 million years ago.
Now supervised by the National Trust, the Giant’s Causeway is a well preserved historic site, incredibly popular among tourists. Many bus tour companies like Allen’s Tours bring in visitors daily, so to help you decide whether you want to join a bus tour, or independently explore, we have put together the following guide.
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It was the crack of dawn but Peter and Jeanie Kelly from Murray Offroad Adventures were on time and ridiculously chirpy. All it took, however, was a dash down the Mallee Highway and a quick pit stop at the Hattah General store (Jeanie phoned our coffee order ahead, the star) for those early-morning dozy feels to disappear as the day started to brighten and the temperature began to rise.
The pink lakes of Murray Sunset National Park are truly breathtaking. Endlessly blue skies sit against bright pink waters and sparkling salt deposits; this is one phenomenon you have to see to believe.
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Spain is one of the richest countries in the world from a cultural perspective. Its history runs from as far back as the period of the Roman Empire, the inquisitions among other eras that shaped world history.
This makes it an interesting country to visit, at least once in a lifetime. However, there are things you need to know before visiting Spain to make your stay an enjoyable one.
The following are 5 important things to know about traveling to Spain.
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Since I started travelling four years ago, I have been lucky enough to experience truly varied cultures and places, many of which I hold dear. Sri Lanka, however, has always had a special place in my heart and I’ve made it my mission to convince everyone else of its merits.
Despite a troubled past, Sri Lanka and its people are well on their way to a full recovery. More than that, they are very welcoming to people who wish to experience the beauty of their country and perhaps contribute a bit to stimulating the local economy.
I had such a great experience in Sri Lanka that I even decided to start my own blog about the country and inspire as many people as possible to visit! You can find the blog at takemetosrilanka.com.
With friendly people, incredible food, and stunning locations throughout the country, there are plenty of reasons to choose Sri Lanka as your holiday destination. You’ll love Sri Lanka for the following reasons, and it’s for these reasons that the country will inspire a second trip!
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Bali has become one of the world’s premier travel destinations and for good reason. The popular Indonesian island is constantly ranked as one of the best islands to visit, enticing tourists from across the globe to experience its treasures.
Whether you come to seek nightlife that never ends, a relaxing eco-retreat, exciting outdoor recreation, delicious cuisine, or the hospitality of its inviting residents, Bali is sure to cater to the holiday you desire.
For those who desire a luxury villa retreat, with a private pool, beachfront seafood restaurants and laidback vibes, Luxury Escapes are offering 69% off stays at The Leaf Jimbaran for a limited time.
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A 3 to 4 hour drive from Mumbai, Sula Vineyards is the oldest winery in India. It is a fabulous way to unwind from the hectic bustle of city life, where you can discover the place where Indians first experienced wine.
In 1996, Rajeev Samant planted the first wine grapes in Nashik and today this region is India’s premier wine-growing region, producing 80% of the country’s total wine.
Spread over a total of over 3000 acres, Sula’s vineyards are home to some of India’s finest grapes, so if you’re looking for a place for your next wine tour, you should visit Nashik, in Maharashtra state.
This is India’s Napa Valley; after Sula Vineyards was established in 1999, 35 other wineries followed suit in the region over the next decade. It’s quite incredible how one man paved the way for the emergence of India’s Wine Capital.
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Are you looking for an extreme trekking challenge? Then you’ll love Nepal’s epic 62-kilometer trek to Everest Base Camp which lies 5,365 meters above sea level.
The Mount Everest base camp trek will take you through tiny mountain villages and pine forests, alongside topaz rivers and across staggeringly-high suspension bridges to the foot of the world’s highest mountain. However, with sub-zero temperatures and altitude sickness to contend with this isn’t a challenge for the faint-hearted.
Having completed the trek myself, here are some important tips on how to survive the journey to Everest Base Camp.
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Thanks to appearances in countless Hollywood movies, Las Vegas has been widely regarded as the gambling capital of the world, with the bright lights of Sin City drawing visitors from around the globe for many decades.
However, the famous Nevada city can no longer claim to be the king of casino culture, and, in truth, hasn’t been for just over a decade now.
Rising to park itself firmly on that particular throne is Macau, which has transformed itself remarkably from what was once a sleepy fishing port to a booming Asian tourist destination at the top of many ‘must visit’ lists. Move over Las Vegas, because Macau is where the action is!
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As your ferry approaches the port of Santorini and you watch the island getting closer and closer, it’s easy to believe that you’re sailing into the view of one of Alfred Sislay’s idyllic paintings.
On the southernmost border of the Aegean archipelago, Santorini is not only considered to be one of the most beautiful islands of Greece, but one of the most stunning in the world.
Once you set foot on the island, Santorini will take you on a trip into its past: it’s here you’ll come face to face with the ancient Minoan civilization and the magnificent frescoes it left behind, the grand and fearsome eruption of its volcano and the huge caldera that’s still marveled at by thousands of tourists each year, and of course, its beautiful re-birth as one of the most picturesque places of this Earth.
These are the four top places to visit while you’re there.
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Yes, Munich is home to Oktoberfest, offers tours to Neuschwanstein Castle, has the BMW Museum, and numerous beer gardens, and it’s for these attractions the city is most famously known.
But what if you are looking for something new and exciting to do in Munich. This Bavarian city offers many secret activities and adventures that are sure to add some excitement to your next German holiday, and some will most definitely push you outside of your comfort zone!
So once you’re tired of listening to the sounds of a glockenspiel and are done playing dress-up with lederhosen and dirndls, why not try these adventures on for size. Put down that bratwurst or schnitzel, book a Munich taxi, and head to one of these quirky off the beaten path attractions.
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Cruising has become one of the biggest trends in travel recently, though have you ever considered going on a canal barge cruise?
Canal barging is a unique form of slow travel popular throughout Europe, especially in France, Italy, Scotland and Ireland. The size of the canal dictates the size of the barge, but the maximum number of guests on board usually ranges from 4-12 passengers.
On board the barge are a handful of crew members who will help make your journey an effortless one, and while the options for barge cruises are vast, a luxury, all-inclusive barge cruise is definitely way to go.
While there are many reasons to take a canal barge cruise, here are the 6 most compelling.
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The Aegean Sea has been characterized by many as the heart of the Mediterranean and has been commonly linked to colorful mythology, tales of pirates and fishermen, and, in recent years, as the hot-spot of cosmopolitan summer party life for island-hoppers.
Among the family of the Aegean islands however, stands one in particular which is perhaps its most precious jewel: Mykonos beams effervescently due west and it’s certainly not shy at showing it.
Being the favourite destination of vacationists worldwide, Mykonos has become synonymous to beautiful, luxurious and vibrant vacations. But Mykonos is so much more than what the eye meets: it’s actually the ideal place where you can lose yourself on its surface and also find it in its depth.
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A trip to Stockholm isn’t complete without a trip to Gamla Stan. The city’s Old Town, and one of the largest and best preserved medieval city centers in Europe, this is after all where Stockholm began, all the way back in 1252.
Made up of 4 islands, Gamla Stan is mainly focused on the largest of the group, historically known as Stadsholmen. Stockholm itself means “log island” and as the legend goes, Swedes looking for a new capital that was safe from armed gangs, had filled a log with gold and sent it adrift. When it landed on what is now Gamla Stan, they knew they had found their new capital city.
Gamla Stan is a living museum filled with beautiful churches, narrow winding cobblestone streets, colourful architecture, the finest restaurants, and accommodation to suit all tastes. This is the real Stockholm, and where every Stockholm adventure should begin.
Consider this your ultimate guide to staying, playing, and eating in Gamla Stan.
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Whoever coined the phrase “Life’s a Beach” most definitely came up with it while relaxing on the glistening white sands of the Dominican Republic. This paradise in the Caribbean is the quintessential post card beach shot that we all yearn to escape to.
The Dominican Republic not only shares its tropical island oasis of Hispaniola with Haiti, but also invites any and all who wish to come and experience its treasures. Your escape from reality begins in Punta Cana which lies at the island’s eastern tip. Here you will find your home away from home, albeit a much more luxurious version with a slightly better view.
Whether your aim is to simply relax away the days in pure bliss or experience adventures from sunrise to sunset, you just can’t go wrong with Punta Cana. All inclusive resorts in Punta Cana offer literally everything under the sun, and the sun itself! It’s no wonder why Punta Cana International is consistently one of the busiest Caribbean airports.
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If you could only ever explore one region of Japan, Kansai would be a good choice. The cultural heartland of the country, which includes the cities of Osaka, Sakai, Kobe, Nara and Kyoto, no other region offers as much cultural and historic significance into such a compact size.
This has been the cultural center of Japan for centuries, having given birth to traditional Japanese theatre styles, Japanese Buddhism, the tea ceremony, and hosted many Japanese capitols throughout time. It is a patchwork of intense urban life mixed with traditional sites; exciting modern architecture sits next to a diverse legacy of beautiful castles and temples from ancient times.
It is a hub of Japanese experiences in food, religion, and ancient tradition, and is the perfect region to sample Japan’s diversity. No other region of Japan offers as much variety as Kansai.
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Shanghai has long been the gateway to China. Located on the Yangtze River delta, it is known as the city above the sea, the Paris of the East.
It is the largest economic and trade center in China, and one of the country’s biggest cultural centers. Though despite the ancient cultures we find in Beijing and Xi’an, Shanghai is a relatively young city, with a unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.
As China’s largest and richest city, Shanghai is a mega-metropolis which oozes an atmosphere on par with New York and Paris in terms of modernity; a bustling international hub with something for everyone.
Whether you’re in Shanghai for architecture, cuisine, history, shopping, or entertainment, this is a town that’s tailored just for you. The following are things to do in Shanghai for every interest – great ideas for your itinerary no matter what you like to do!
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Go back in time to see the Roman Empire in a much more natural and untouched setting by visiting Tunisia. Tunisia in Northern Africa is home to some of the World’s most incredible Roman ruins including El Jem, Dougga, and much more. Best of all it’s just an hour flight from the tourist overrun city of Rome.
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Having decreased by nearly 30% over the past decades, the Bald Uakari has been sadly downgraded to vulnerable from near threatened due to the usual causes of rainforest animal declines, habitat destruction, hunting, and the pet trade.
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If you have ever wanted to actually hold a piece of a mammoth, there is no better place in the U.S. to do so than the Peace River in central Florida. In addition to holding the remains of fossilized mammoth teeth, bones, and ivory, the River is a treasure trove for countless other prehistoric beasts and native peoples.
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