Travelling Companions

Experience exotic Tunisia

Alan — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:05:04 +0000

Life is hard for most of us at the moment. Working hard to earn money to pay the bills and seemingly never enough left over to do the things we’d like to do. Everyone would love to be able to go one of those dream holidays to an exotic destination, but for most people they stay just that; a dream.

However, if you look closer to home you might find that there are some truly exotic and unique destinations practically on your doorstep – much cheaper than travelling to the Far East.

Tunisia is one of those destinations. On the north coast of Africa with a shoreline on the Mediterranean Sea, the country benefits from a hot and sunny climate most of the year. Despite being a mainly Muslim nation, there are plenty of bars and alcohol is freely available in most resorts and hotels. Tunisia is a very liberal country and women wearing skimpy summer outfits should experience no problems.

The beaches here would be at home on tropical islands; sparkling white sand and turquoise-blue waters. Although the best beaches get very crowded in the summer there are always a few out-of-the-way destinations where you can enjoy the scenery and some much needed peace and quiet. Many of the bigger beaches are backed by a promenade and a collection of restaurants serving North African cuisine, Tunisian specialities and fresh seafood. And all while you sit back and enjoy the stunning sea view.

There are even attractions that will appeal to children and teenagers in Tunisia, such as water sports and animal parks. If you can afford to splash out and stay in one of the top resorts, such as Riu Bellevue Park and Imperial Marahaba, older children will be perfectly happy making friends in the pool or at the other family facilities – leaving Mum and Dad to enjoy their dream, budget break.

Better chance than ever to see the Northern Lights

Alan — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 10:41:13 +0000

The Northern Lights are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most travellers; but with no guarantee that the spectacular phenomenon will put in an appearance many tourists have been left disappointed.

However, an unusual cosmic event, called a solar maximum, means that chances of getting lucky with the Aurora Borealis are better than ever at the moment.

Many tourists have reported waiting patiently for days at a time for the Northern Lights, only to be met by never-ending darkness, but those holidaymakers who booked their trips to Norway, Iceland or Canada weeks or months ago have really struck it lucky to be in the area at this particular time.

The Northern Lights themselves have been described in so many different ways over the centuries, in language almost as colourful as the phenomenon itself, but there is no written description that can possibly compare with seeing the sky come to life with wisps, streaks and whole swathes of bright, vibrant colours.

In the past, the Aurora Borealis was feared by natives, who assumed that the lights were a message from the gods and who imagined they could see warriors with swords and monstrous creatures within the patterns created by nature.

One of the most comfortable ways to see the Northern Lights is from the deck of a Hurtigruten ferry, the Norwegian company which runs day trips throughout the southern fjords and longer journeys to the Arctic Circle. Rather than spending hours camped on the frozen tundra waiting for the Northern Lights to show themselves, passengers on a Hurtigruten ship can wait in the warmth of the bar until word comes down that it’s time to enjoy the show.

The solar maximum that creates the optimum conditions for an appearance by the Northern Lights isn’t going to be over any time soon either, with some experts optimistically predicting that the effect will last throughout 2012 and 2013 and perhaps into 2014. Although there is still no guarantee that visitors will catch a glimpse of the Aurora, the impact of the solar maximum does mean that when the lights do appear they will be much brighter and visible from further away.

In fact, this most recent solar maximum has lead to reported sightings of the Northern Lights in England, as far south as Yorkshire and Humberside. The furthest south the Aurora has ever been seen was in the 1950s when a previous solar maximum allowed residents in Mexico their one and only glimpse of the spectacular natural phenomenon.

Residents in England and Scotland should continue to keep their eyes peeled, while travellers to the far north can expect much more dramatic colours and patterns if they are lucky enough to catch the Aurora Borealis in action.

Dr John Mason, an astronomer and lecturer at the South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre in Chichester and an occasional guest lecturer on Hurtigruten’s northern voyages believes the Northern Lights displays he has seen so far in late-2011 and early-2012 are the best he has ever witnessed. Mason added that on a short trip to Norway last month, he spent two nights watching the Aurora Borealis sweep across the sky from dusk until dawn.

Unsurprisingly, travel agents are reporting an increase in the number of people booking trips to destinations in Scandinavia and Iceland for winter 2012, when the solar maximum should still be in effect.

Oslo a winter wonderland

Alan — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:10:17 +0000

Oslo may not be everyone’s idea of an ideal holiday destination; as most Brits prefer to head somewhere warm and sunny. However, for a fascinating weekend break, our neighbour to the north is an obvious destination, with dozens of museums, stunning natural scenery and a vibrant cultural scene.

Norway often has pleasant warm temperatures in the spring and summer, so visitors at this time of year should take advantage of any sunny days they get to explore the city’s parks and gardens or to take a boat trip along the beautiful Norwegian coastline. There are even ferries which will take holidaymakers to Denmark for a day trip with a difference.

The pleasure cruises leave from in front of the City Hall and last for around an hour, taking passengers the length of the stunning Oslo fjord. Some of the boats simply take you on a round trip, while others make stops at some of the area’s most popular tourist attractions. These include the Viking Ship Museum, with its historic artefacts from Norway’s distant maritime past, and the Folk Museum which picks up from Viking times and takes visitors forward through centuries of Norwegian history.

The famous Kon-Tiki raft, used by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl to cross the Pacific Ocean in 1947, can be seen on the Bygdoy Peninsula, alongside the Viking Ship Museum, while the Ski Museum tells the story of this most Scandinavian of sports from its ancient beginnings to modern times. The Ski Museum is attached to the spectacular Holmenkollen Ski Jump, which is still used for many sporting competitions today.

Final stop for many of the pleasure boats on the Oslo fjord is the Vigeland Sculpture Park; a landscaped garden which also features over 200 metal and stone sculptures by Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. Other enjoyable parks in the city centre include the St. Hanshaugen Park and Toyen Park. St. Hanshaugen is popular with families and hosts live music concerts in the summer, while plant lovers should head to Toyen Park to visit Oslo University’s botanical gardens.

Oslo city centre is packed with cultural and historical attractions such as the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisk museum) which is actually several museums in one and is home to Norway’s Geology Museum, Zoological Museum and Palaeontological Museum.

Art lovers will enjoy spending a few hours in the National Gallery (Nasjonalgalleriet) featuring works from all over the world and the Munch Museum (Munch-Museet) dedicated to the Norwegian artists Edvard Munch. He is most famous for his painting “The Scream” which is on display in Oslo.

If you can, try and visit Oslo on May 17 when the city celebrates Norway’s national day with a series of cultural events, outdoor concerts and performances and the annual parade featuring members of the Norwegian royal family.

May is also a good time of the year to spend some time outside the city; Oslo is surrounded by mountains and forests which are ideal for serious walkers, mountain bikers and even climbers. In the winter months, these mountains become ski resorts which are packed with locals on weekends and holidays.

Oslo is not just a beautiful city surrounded by some of the best scenery in Europe; it also has a wide variety of attractions to keep visitors of all ages entertained, no matter what their interests are. From world-famous art to fascinating historical artefacts, Oslo has it all.

Berlin in the 21st century

Alan — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:45:51 +0000

The German capital, Berlin, is packed with iconic sights and has been home to some of the most significant events of the 20th century. It is not just a city for history lovers, however, as there are several excellent cultural attractions too, along with a lively and vibrant night-life.

The most obvious place to start is the Brandenburg Gate. Familiar to millions from the reunification celebrations, the neoclassical arch pre-dates the Cold War, even though it became the most famous crossing point between East and West after the Second World War.

A short walk away is the spectacular German parliament building, also known as the Reichstag. Topped by a huge glass dome, visitors can actually climb to the base of the roof space and watch the politicians at work below and the city outside; a view that is well worth the effort.

Unter den Linden is now one of the best shopping streets in Berlin, but ignore the boutiques and make your way to Bebel Platz just off the famous boulevard. Located here is a memorial to the first Nazi book burning which took place in 1933; a glass pane in the pavement allows visitors to look down below street level where the are rows and rows of empty shelves to mark the books that were destroyed.

An impromptu book market has sprung up in the square, as if Berliners are trying to do their bit to replace the volumes burned by their ancestors. No visit to Berlin would be complete without seeing the Berlin Wall. Little now remains of the most infamous 20th century construction, but there are two places, at Berliner Mauer Dokumentationszentrum and at the East Side Gallery, where original stretches of the wall can be seen and photographed.

For a better idea of what the Wall looked like and represented at its peak, head to the Checkpoint Charlie museum, which features exhibits on some of the daring plans that Berliners attempted to get into the west as well as the original guardhouse and barrier that marked the end of American Berlin.

The Holocaust Memorial is a relatively new attraction in Berlin, a simple and beautiful monument to the millions of Jews who lost their life in concentration camps; the city’s Jewish Museum too focuses on the effect that the holocaust had on Germany and the rest of Europe.

Also relating to the Second World War, as do so many of Berlin’s most popular attractions, is Kaiser-Wilhelm church. The building was heavily bombed by Allied planes but has been left in ruin as a reminder of the destruction that rained down on all nations between 1939 and 1945.

Finally, Berlin is also home to several excellent cultural museums and art galleries. One of the best is the Pergamonmuseum on Museum Island. Home to dozens of relics, statues and pieces of art – as well as entire temples that were transported from Greece and the Middle East – this is a wonderful opportunity to see some of the lesser wonders of the ancient world.

Encounters Travel offer Top Turkey Tours

Alan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:29:01 +0000

Due to its unique geographical location which straddles the continents of Europe and Asia, Turkey offers a thrilling melting pot of cultural diversity, which creates an inspirational and exciting travel destination. For those who want to experience the best that Turkey has to offer, Encounters Travel have a great choice of excellent value, small group adventure tours tthat take in the vibrant cities of Turkey, the ancient and rich history and, of course, the gorgeous Mediterranean coastline.

One such tour is the ANZAC Legends, where you can have 9 days from only £431 per person, which is a saving of £108. This special tour is available only once a year, and is timed to coincide with the memorial service for ANZAC day on the 25^th April. The tour starts in Istanbul, and there is plenty of time to take in this historic city before travelling to Gallipoli, the site of the WWI battle to join in the annual commemoration.

Also included in the tour is a trip to ANZAC Cove, giving you the opportunity to see the original tunnels and trenches that were used during the great war, before the trip ends with trips to some of the best known sites in Turkey. These include Troy’s archaeological site, the unique calcium terraces at Pamukkale and the ancient Roman site of Ephesus.

The price for the tour includes flights, transfers, 8 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels with breakfast and some other meal, a gift to commemorate your visit and the constant services of a local tour guide throughout your stay.

Flying Carpet – 10 Days – From £555 Per Person

Those wanting to discover where east meets west, can explore Turkey’s eclectic history with this tour, which incorporates both its Oriental and classic influences. Starting inIstanbul, the tour takes in the historic sites ofTroy,Pergamumand the Roman site ofEphesus- regarded as one of the best preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean, before following the ancient silk road to the unique region of Cappadocia andTurkey’s modern day capital city,Ankara. The package includes airport transfers, nine nights’ accommodation in four and five-star hotels with breakfast and some meals, entrance fees to sites and the services of a local tour leader throughout.

The Aegean Legacy – 12 Days – From £915 Per Person

A great way to make the most of the fabulous beaches and long summers of Turkey’s Marmara region, this tour explores cosmopolitan Istanbul and the ancient sites of Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus. Highlights also incorporate a three-night cruise on board a traditional Turkish gullet as well as a stay in a beachside tree house at the resort of Olympos. The package includes airport transfers plus an internal flight, 11 nights’ accommodation in total staying in four and five-star hotels, a boat and tree house, meals on a mixed-board basis, all entrance fees as well as a local tour leader during sightseeing and activities.

Prices do not include international flights. Contact Encounters Travel www.encounterstravel.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/encounterstravel/

Iso Syote exploring Finland

Alan — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:47:25 +0000

Finland is a country that is known for its lakes and saunas but that’s not all the country has to offer a visitor. There is an enormous amount of countryside as well as some spectacular cities. Located in one of the most beautiful national parks in the whole country is found around the village of Iso Syote.

Here you will find beautiful log cabins which are surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in all of Finland. The charm of the town is indescribable and visitors will have their breath taken away when they stay in this town. In the winter this part of Finland is blanketed in snow and at night you will be able to enjoy the stars as well as the famous Northern lights.

The winter is long in Finland and once the snow melts visitors coming in the warmer months will find a land full of colour and beautiful sites. There are numerous exciting activities to take part in Finland during the warmer months and in the northern part of the country the sun doesn’t set for several months.

Finnish culture is very diverse and wildlife safaris are an important part of it. Here you will be able to see some of the indigenous animals to Finland such as reindeer. Ranua Wildlife Park is one of the best to visit and has a diverse range of animals including polar bears, brown bears and foxes.

It is also a great location to come and fish, which is a very popular pastime in Finland. The clean rivers and lakes make it a perfect environment for providing a relaxing and peaceful fishing experience. If you are seeking something less rural then in the north of the country you will find fascinating city of Oulu.

Kyoto Japan for tourists

Alan — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:02:47 +0000

There are many people who visit Japan each year, and there is no reason that you shouldn’t be one of them. If you do decide to go, then Kyoto should be a destination that you make a priority. Once you’ve checked the flights and sorted the money out, then you can get down to the serious business of deciding what to visit. There is plenty to choose from, so take your time. There are beautiful buildings, gorgeous gardens and attention-grabbing galleries.

As one of the few major Japanese cities that wasn’t bombed by the allies there are still plenty of pre-war buildings that you can look at. These range from the simple townhouses (machiya) to the mighty palaces and castles that date back to when Kyoto was the capital of Japan up until 1868.

One of the most impressive buildings that you can see in Kyoto is the Imperial Palace. It is essential to book a ticket for entry, otherwise you risk being disappointed. It has been destroyed many times over the centuries but it has stood in its current appearance since 1855.

Another incredible building is the Nijo Castle, made in 1603 for the first shogun of the Edo Period, Tokugawa Ieyasu, to live in. Nearby there are other buildings from the same period surrounding a traditional garden, and together they form a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For the art lover, make sure you check out the Municipal Museum of Art. Housed here are more than 2000 works of art. There are breath-taking paintings, glorious sculptures and delicate calligraphy on show.

The gardens are most famous for their cherry blossoms in spring and autumn. Eastern Kyoto has some of the most popular gardens for seeing blossoms, such as at the garden of the Heian Shrine. If you’re visiting in Spring, make sure to check it out.

Go Best of British for your Next Florida Holiday

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:31:01 +0000

At first glance, long-haul holidays for two or more weeks can appear pricey, and that’s before you even think about your accommodation. Luckily there are many great-value flights, accommodations and holiday package deals on the market that will help keep the costs to a minimum. Us Brits have always had a soft spot for Florida, it’s increasingly become one of the most popular family holiday destinations, its plethora of theme parks and attractions, friendly people and incredible weather attract many repeat visitors and each year there is something new to explore.

An emergence of excellent online, independent British tour operators have made visiting the Sunshine State very easy, affordable and most importantly 100% secure. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic holidays to Florida are increasingly popular, their direct flights and trusted names entice many holidaymakers from the UK, plus online tour operators continuously source the best deals and offers so the customers receive the best price possible for packages to Orlando, Miami and Tampa.

Start your holiday in style, Virgin Atlantic holidays to Orlando offer you comfort and peace of mind as well as great value. Massive airline sales allow customers to book all throughout the year, with great deals on spring, autumn and winter Florida holidays – not to mention fabulous school summer holidays deals, but book early as these often get snapped up very quickly.

Thomas Cook Florida deals also offer fantastic value, with a couple of flights a week flying directly into Sanford Orlando from London Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow.

Ocean Florida – online USA and Florida specialists – source top flight deals and combine them into fantastic packages with world-class hotels, condos or even a stunning Orlando or Gulf Coast villa from their own extensive programme, plus they’ll even pre-book your park tickets and car hire and add them into your ATOL-protected Florida holiday package.

The island paradise of Zanzibar

Alan — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:19:54 +0000

The island paradise ofZanzibarlies off the coast of mainlandTanzania, a short flight fromDar Es Salaamof only 20 minutes. It is also one of the greatest destinations for holidays in the whole of Africa and will especially appeal to these seeking a holiday in a warm and peaceful environment. Many of the tourists who come to Zanzibar do so to escape the hectic pace of modern life, but there is also much to see and do on the island.

Zanzibar was at one time one of the major exporters of highly in demand spices around the works, and although the islands main source of income is now tourism, and they rely on the spice trade a lot less these days, spices are still widely grown, used and also exported. A spice tour is highly informative and gives you a real insight into how a spice becomes the commodity that we buy in little glass jars from our supermarkets.

Some of the greatest coral reefs that exist in the Indian Ocean are off the coast of Zanzibar, and the only way to explore them properly is to dive right in amongst them and bask in the luxurious waters. Apart from the reefs the Indian Ocean is also home to all manner of vibrant and amazing marine life, and you can get up close and personal with trumpet fish, clown fish and even giant starfish.

There is an untouched forest area on Zanzibar known as Jozani, which is home to numerous types of animals and plants, the most famous being the native red Colobus monkey. You can take tours of the forest which includes locating these monkeys and getting close enough to them to observe their life style and habits in safety without disturbing them in any way.

Zanzibar is also the name of the main town on the island, which is a fascinating place to walk around. You can even get yourself a guide to show you around the area and give you lots of background information on the stunning sights that you are looking at. The town is also a great place to pick up your holiday souvenirs from as well as African style clothing and ornaments.

Around the coast of Zanzibar are many hubs for a wide range of water sports that you can take part in. Parasailing in particular has enjoyed a huge surge in popularity recently, but there are still many fans of the kite surfing you can participate in on the east coasts beaches of Paje. Sea kayaking is another popular water sport, and experienced kayakers can also attempt surfing the waves as they break over the reef.

Indonesia thrill seekers

Alan — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:16:16 +0000

While the jungles of Indonesia are these days tamer than in the times of the Borneo headhunters, the modern day thrill seeker can still find plenty to give them their adrenaline rush. Whether you choose to go trekking in the mountains and jungles of this vast archipelago, go diving in the biologically diverse waters or visiting some of the few remaining tribes, Indonesia is still a location full of thrills if you want them.

From the smoking Java volcanoes to Papua’s snow capped peaks, Indonesia offers trekkers a vast range of choices, regardless of your skill level. The further afield you venture the more help you should seek from a travel agency to assist you in organising your trip. These agencies can often get you better deals on airline tickets and also arrange accommodation and transportation in areas where these facilities are scarce.

Papua is the easternmost province of Indonesia, and often experiences periods of civil unrest, so make sue you have the latest information before you set off. The snow covered peak of Carstensz Pyramid, known locally as Puncak Jaya, is Papua’s highest mountain, but the climb up it is for experienced climbers only.

For those who are looking for a challenge that doesn’t entail carabineers,TrikonMountain, the third highest in Papua, would be ideal. All trekkers who come to Indonesia are required to obtain a climbing permit, which your travel agency will organise. You can combine a trek with a visit to one of the tribal groups who remain on the island, and experience first hand what it is like to truly live off the land.

The crystal clear, blue Indonesian waters, which teem with all manner of marine life are a divers dream. Some of the worlds best diving can be found here, and there are many options to fit all budgets; from a quick dip off Bali’s coast to a two week dive that will take you into some areas that would be inaccessible otherwise.