How to choose your Canadian ski resort...

Canada is famous for its winter holidays, including those at its legendary ski resorts, such as Whistler and Banff.  While these two are considered amongst the best, with good reason, there are also many other ski resorts offering great deals, and with less traffic more skiing fun can be had.  It is up to you whether you go in for the big resorts or want more room on the slopes for yourself.

Whistler, situated in Vancouver, offers something for every skier, with terrain ranging from mild to wild.  Many other winter activities are to be had here, and there is a range of accommodation from small budget to large.

Big White Ski Resort, Sun Peaks and Silver Star are all very family friendly resorts with terrain to suit early beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers.  The more family friendly holiday spots have little, however, for the avid professional.

Kicking Horse, near the town of Golden, and Revelstoke Mountain Resort, east of Silver Star and close to Revelstoke on the other hand, are every snowboarder and expert skier’s dream, with mighty slopes and offering cat and heli skiing facilities.

With a great currency exchange, particularly for those from the US, UK and Europe, Canadian skiing holidays are cheaper than ever, offering budget friendly accommodation in all areas.  Banff and Whistler provide relatively expensive lodges. Big White, Sun Peaks and Silver Star offer great value for money, while Kicking Horse and Revelstoke offer even better value.

Picture: ines saraiva

Thailand: the land of sunshine smiles...

Thailand should be on any discerning tourist’s list of countries to visit.  The people are friendly, the food is terrific and the beaches are second to none.  Thailand is an enigma: you will love and hate some things at the same time, but you will find yourself constantly being drawn back to the land of sunshine smiles.

The majority of visitors arrive at Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi International Airport.  From there, downtown Bangkok is easily accessible.  Ensure that the taxi driver has his meter turned on before he heads off: some of them are notorious for trying to con money out of unsuspecting tourists, and be aware that driving in Thailand tends to be a little more reckless than it is in the UK! 

Places of Interest

Tourists flock to the old town area of Bangkok to see the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and to take a boat trip down the Chao Phraya River to visit the Temple of Dawn and the floating market.

Siam-Ratchadamri is one of the biggest shopping districts in the city and visitors can buy all their souvenirs as well as many useful gadgets or clothes for themselves.  There are a number of top hotels in this area too, which means that tourists do not have to tackle the Bangkok traffic each time they venture out to shop.

Phuket

After a few days in Thailand, why not take a short plane ride to Phuket?  It only takes one hour, and flights are frequent.  Spend a few days on the beach soaking up the sun before trying any of the myriad activities on offer.  The nightlife is extremely hedonistic, but the friendliness of the locals will keep you wanting to go back.

Although the completely different culture in Thailand may seem strange initially, you are sure to fall in love with the place – and be bowled over by the friendliness of the Thai people.

Picture: Shelby PDX

Beach holidays in Tasmania...

Tasmania has some of the finest beaches in the world. Though there are stunning stretches of sand all over the state, some of the best are located down the east coast of the island.

Attractions

Wineglass Bay, in Freycinet National Park, is listed as one of the top ten beaches in the world. With the whitest sand you can imagine and pink granite mountains rising straight up from the sea, there is little wonder it is such a popular beach holiday destination.

The beaches of Bicheno are awash with wildlife. Look out for the large groups of fairy penguins that come ashore every night. They can best be seen by taking an organised tour.

For visitors looking for a more extreme and adventurous holiday, Tasmania offers some of the best and biggest waves to be found anywhere on the planet. Travelling to Shipstern Bluff, in the south, will see you carrying your surf board on a 7km bush walk in a World Heritage area, before emerging onto one of the state’s most dangerous and famous surfing beaches.

Places to stay

Many of the coastal towns in Tasmania offer quaint bed and breakfasts, chain hotels and caravan parks. There are also numerous holiday homes to rent; ranging from small lodgings for two to larger properties, perfect for families or groups of friends.

Climate

Tasmania is famed for its changeable climate, so visitors should be prepared to pack light layers. The average maximum temperature on the coast, in summer, is 21°C, while the winter months average a maximum of 12°C.

Picture: p medved

The Greek Island of Kos...

For an affordable Greek getaway, you can’t beat the island of Kos, made up of a beautiful coastline small little coves and quaint fishing villages. Holidays in Kos have something to offer every traveller, whether you’re looking for a quiet relaxing getaway or a lively break away. The typical white wash villages aren’t a sight to miss, hidden in the hills. You should also try and explore the countryside here and not just the beaches; there really are some beautiful views to enjoy.

Why not look at the Cleopatra hotel Kos, in the lively town of Kardamena on the Eastern coast of the Island. There is plenty to enjoy in this resort and the Cleopatra hotel is just a ten minute walk from the harbour and beach. Self-catering is affordable and there are a number of eating options in this resort, which won’t break the bank.  If you like more amenities the Alexandra Hotel in Kos Town might be better suited. Kos Town is another lively resort and popular with many British tourists. And the Alexandra hotel is centrally located, with bed and breakfast options.

Kos Town is one of the most popular destinations; the Capital of the island has a rather lively party reputation.  It caters for every taste. With fantastic waterfront bars and restaurant’s to a typical taverna. There are also a number of bars and clubs to go to for a cheap drink as well. But Kos Town isn’t all about partying; there is a beautiful 15th century Knights castle to explore or, Venetian buildings, Roman baths and the Plane Tree of Hippocrates. Kos is actually pretty close to turkey, so as well as enjoying what this beautiful island has to offer, you can also enjoy a day long excursion to the popular Turkish resort of Bodrum.

Greece is a great choice for a summer holiday destination, favourable weather, scorching temperatures, beautiful beaches and warm turquoise waters, make for the perfect mix and there are a wide range of great deals available now for summer 2013.

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Playa del Carmen – a perfect family holiday dest...

Playa del Carmen is not only a beautiful coastal resort town in Mexico, but also one of the best holiday destinations for families with children.  Located in Quintana Roo, on the well-known Yucatan Peninsula, this small town is especially famous for its varied activities, golden beaches and blue waters, as well as its hotel culture and vibrant nightlife.

Things to do and see 

If you are holidaying with your family, Playa del Carmen offers a plethora of activities for families with children. There are ecological parks that tourists can explore in their own time; a small zoo with monkeys, giraffes, lions, reptiles and many other animals; water parks that are ready to test the adventurous skills of children and adults alike; as well as parks with playgrounds and gardens where small children can play all day long.

Besides these activities, you can enjoy different water sports, from fishing to scuba diving and snorkelling. Nature lovers can also choose to swim with dolphins – a wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should try. 

You can also enjoy an assortment of restaurants, clubs, bars and shopping opportunities in Playa del Carmen.  Additionally, the street food should not be missed.  For the tourist who wants to have even more fun, this incredible holiday destination keeps its clubs open through most of the night.

Climate

Typically hot throughout the year, Playa del Carmen features temperatures between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius.  Although the high humidity level can make the atmosphere stifling at times, you can visit this location at any time of year without worrying about low temperatures or too much rain. 

Getting in and around

Playa del Carmen can be reached by plane from London in 11 hours. To get around the town, you can choose any of the available transport alternatives, including buses, taxis and rental cars.  Upon arriving in this coastal town, you will find various lodging options, ranging from apartments, villas and small boutique lodgings to inns, hostels and hotels.

Picture: davidgordillo

Holidays in Benidorm – Exploring the Cultural Sp...

You can explore so much of Spain when on holiday in Benidorm. Benefitting from cheap accommodation in the popular resort town such as the Fiesta Park Hotel Benidorm, you can easily get out and about and explore the magnificent sites of Spain without having to worry about expensive costs.

Many places can be easily reached from Benidorm using Spain’s efficient public transport; there also are a number of tour operators in Benidorm who offer day excursions to many of the popular sites. The Costa Blanca’s most Vibrant City is Valencia and it’s a popular day trip for many.

Valencia

When you take a full day trip to Valencia, be prepared to be packed full of sights, sounds and tastes of Spain. Valencia is the Capital city of the province and it easily mixes it rich history with modern touches. The city dates back to 138BC and has been both a Muslim city and more recently a Christian City, both of which have shaped it.

A must visit on your day trip is the museum of “Marqués de dos Aguas” and the museum of “Fallas”, both celebrate the unique Fallas fiesta held in Valencia which is the largest in the Costas. For children and teenagers the City of the Arts and Sciences will keep them interested. The museum was designed by Santiago Calatrava, a native of Valencia and offers a wide range of activities. The building houses an Opera House, an IMAX theatre as well as a science building and aquarium.

A bus tour of the city is advisable if it’s your first trip to Valencia. Join the red hop on, hop off buses as they take you around this fascinating city with routes around the Historical areas of Valencia, or its Maritime route. Another popular route is the Albufera bus route, out of the city to the Albufera nature reserve. For those who like some history with their trips, must see sights include Valencia Cathedral, Chapel of the Holy Grail and the neighbourhood of Casco Antiguo.

A day trip to Valencia will no doubt inspire you to come back to this fantastic region again, holidays in Costa Blanca are affordable and there is so much to explore you can guarantee you won’t be bored on your holiday.

Picture: atlai

Singapore: Sling some cocktails...

Singapore is located just north of the equator and on more than a few days of the year it certainly feels like it. However, July and August see some of the cooler days, if you can call 30 degrees cool.  Being equatorial, of course, means that the climate rarely fluctuates beyond a few degrees. 

The residents of this country, which is made up of 63 islands, live in a society relatively free from crime.  Holidaymakers also testify to the cleanliness of the country where it is forbidden by law to chew gum, let alone spit it on the streets.

Travel

Due to its small size, visitors can easily navigate around the islands.  The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and LRS (Light Rail Transit) systems work tirelessly to convey passengers from one destination to another.  Private car ownership is expensive and discouraged by the government, so taxi prices are extremely cheap and tourists can opt for an over-ground rather than underground mode of transportation.

Sightseeing Spots

Little India and Chinatown are favourites, as are Orchard Road, Riverside, Marina Bay and Sentosa.  Orchard Road is the main shopping street; Riverside is the old colonial area and is filled with statues, theatres, restaurants and clubs.  Marina bay is the newest part of the main island and it features shopping malls as well as the Marina Bay Sands Hotel with its distinctive three towers and spectacular boat-like roof.  Sentosa is a separate island and is home to Universal Studios.

Accommodation

Although Marina Bay attracts visitors with a penchant for more luxurious surroundings, backpackers on a tight budget often head for the cheaper areas such as Balestier, Newton or Novena.  Wherever you decide to stay, you will surely enjoy your time in Singapore – especially if you ensure you leave some time at the end of the day for a refreshing cocktail.

Picture courtesy of Small

San Francisco City Guide...

San Francisco is a rolling metropolis of culture and history and is one of the most visited cities in America. The city grew up from the California gold rush that attracted a flood of treasure seekers and fuelled the city’s growth.

A big financial district was built due to the wealth of the gold rush in the mid 1800’s which also helped fund the Port of San Francisco and the Pacific Railroad making the city a centre for trade.

A devastating earthquake hit San Francisco in 1906 destroying nearly 75% of the city. Due to the financial wealth of the area rebuilding started straight away and was completed on a grand scale.

Visitors to San Francisco have a range of historic and modern sights to explore including the formidable Alcatraz Prison, historic tram lines and perhaps the most famous bridge in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge.

Travelling around the city is easy thanks to San Francisco’s public transportation systems, one of the most comprehensive networks in the United States including busses, metro’s, trams and trains.

Eating out is a real experience in San Francisco, must try foods include fresh sea food from the port and sourdough bread.

There are many ways to get to San Francisco including by plane into San Francisco International Airport, by train or bus and ferry, or you can always drive to the city via one of the four major highways.

Picture courtesy of davidyuweb

The West Highland Way...

To walk the West Highland Way is to experience some of the very many pleasures that Scotland has to offer.  The route connects the Central Lowlands of Scotland to the heart of the Highlands and it traverses a distance of around 95 miles.  Many people spend at least a week hiking the whole course as they like to stop off along the way at the many inns and hostels where entertainment can flow as freely as the drinks.

Access

Take a 20 minute train ride to Milngavie from Glasgow and you will find yourself at the starting point of the West Highland Way. You will walk past Loch Lomond, the Devil’s Staircase and conclude your adventure close to Fort William.

When to go

International popularity of the walk means that more than 70,000 walkers cover the distance annually.  This has made certain that the level of service provided along the way is world class and hikers can choose from hotels, B&BS, and hostels; some people even like to camp along the way.  Naturally, the summer months are the best time to go, unless you are in training for the SAS and take perverse delight in extreme weather.

I spent a day on the walk a few years ago and everyone I met was, without exception, extremely friendly and willing to chat.  I encountered walkers from Sweden, Australia, Israel and Germany and, I’m sure, most other nationalities were to be found somewhere along the route.

The path uses many roads and it is well marked so that there is no chance of getting lost.  The stunning natural surroundings provide the motivation for tired legs to ‘keep right on to the end of the road,’ as does the prospect of meeting fellow travellers at the day’s end and sharing experiences over a wee dram.

Picture courtesy of rojabro

Going on holiday to Moscow, Russia...

Moscow is the capital of Russia, a city with thousands of years of history. The exchange rate is very favourable in Russia and now more and more westerners are making their way to this amazing Russian city. From history to nightlife, Moscow has something to give every worldly traveller looking for the experience of a lifetime.

Visiting the Red Square

The Red Square is not as intimidating as it sounds, as it hosts a series of irresistibly interesting attractions. The Red Square has served as the centre of Russian government for centuries and is a must-see attraction on any trip to Russia. The Kremlin is also close by, which is the epitome of Russian architecture and art. At night the Kremlin is a beautiful sight to see, as it becomes illuminated with beautiful floodlights.

Of course no trip to Moscow would be complete without a trip to St. Basil’s Cathedral. Let its colourful spires inspire you as you take in all the culture and cuisine available in Russia’s cultural epicentre. There is never a bad time to visit Moscow.

Picture courtesy of Valerii9116