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By Alan, on March 2nd, 2012
 If you come to Mauritius the chances are that you are doing it to relax on some of the islands stunning beaches.
However, if you are looking for something more than the beach then it can be a good idea to visit some of the islands fascinating other locations.
One of the most beautiful locations on the island must be its botanical gardens which are called the Jardin des Pamplemousses. Here you will find over 60 acres of stunning gardens which boast over 500 different species of plant. One of the most incredible flowers in this botanical garden is the talipot plant which flowers only after 60 years of growth.
One of the central attractions in the botanical gardens is the lily pond. Here you will find the Amazon waterlily which has a diameter of over 1.5 metres. This botanical garden provides a fantastic alternative for those who are growing tired of spending every day at the beach.
A wonderful day trip can be had to the spectacular island of Aux Cerfs. This island can be found off the East Coast and can be walked around in less than three hours. Here you will find isolated coves with beautifully clear oceans. There is a hotel on this island which has numerous watersports activities and this can be a fantastic place to come if you want to get a bit of excitement on the Indian Ocean.
In Chamarel you will find one of the most beautiful natural phenomenon that Mauritius has to offer. You will find Earth that has seven different colours, from blue all the way through to read. Even if it is raining, it is still possible to visit the multi-coloured Earth because the colours never run together.
Scientists think that the reason for the different colours is because volcanic rock has melted and then cooled at different times. Even if you physically mix the sand together, it will eventually separate out into its original colours. A small tube filled with the sand can be a fantastic memento of your holiday to Mauritius.
For those who are looking for one of the most beautiful places to stay on the island they should consider Le Morne Brabant. This place is found right on the southern tip of the country and it is an isolated peninsular that hosts some of the most expensive hotels in Mauritius.
One of the most notable features in the area is an enormous mountain which rises from the peninsular. The mountain reaches up to over 550 metres and it has a significant amount of history attached to it, mostly related to slavery. For this reason, it has become a World Heritage Site and is consistently popular with visitors.
As well as these many natural attractions in Mauritius, there are a wide range of man-made attractions for people to enjoy. There are numerous golf courses around the country and its surrounding islands so if you are partial to a game of golf, Mauritius might be the perfect holiday destination for you.
By admin, on February 23rd, 2012
 There are many advantages to travelling solo when it comes to planning your travel. After all, you do not have to make any compromises about where you go or what you want to do when you are there; there is no waiting for others to get ready before departing on an excursion and you are free to explore hidden cities and off-the-beaten-track destinations in your own time. In short, solo travel is very much the definition of freedom.
Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular with all ages – and not just with single people. Many couples choose to holiday alone at times, often to pursue hobbies and interests that their partner does not share. So banish any clichéd ideas that solo travel is simply for the lonely, far from it.
For some the idea of travelling alone can be daunting, however, particularly if it is the first time that you are planning on travelling in this way. If you are worried about taking a holiday solo for the first time a good option is to choose to travel as part of a group holiday.
There are plenty of escorted holiday options out there if you are thinking of taking a holiday solo that combines the independence that solo travel affords with the security and companionship of travelling with people. Below we highlight some of them:
1). Guided Holidays: Whether you are a fan of railway travel, history, archaeology or simply want to take in a number of cities across Europe on one itinerary, guided holidays are perfect for those travelling solo to combine the best of both worlds. Why? Most guided tours offer a busy daily itinerary where you will be with others on the group exploring particular sights of interest – they are a great way to meet like-minded people. Crucially however you are not cooped with one another 24 hours a day, so you can get plenty of free-time to yourself too.
2). Cooking Holidays: Culinary getaways are another great way to enjoy yourself and combine a getaway solo with a group activity that could leave you with friends for life. Popular gastronomic getaways include France, Italy and Spain, and most will be based loosely on an itinerary of daily visits to local markets to purchase local produce and free time in the mornings, before cooking together in the afternoons. They are very social holidays and great for those looking to travel solo for the first time.
3). Painting Holidays: In a similar way to cooking holidays, many people love to combine their love of painting with a love of travel. They are a great way to indulge in your love of painting and improve your skill as an artist, while at the same time gaining the opportunity to travel.
4). Diving Holidays: For some, the best thing about a holiday abroad is the physical activity involved – it is a chance to get out from behind the office desk and be physically active for a change. Learning to scuba dive is a popular option for those looking for a unique solo travel experience. Instruction is in groups, so even if you are travelling on your own, you will undoubtedly make plenty of new friends will at the same time learning a new and exciting skill.
By Alan, on February 22nd, 2012
 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.
By Alan, on February 22nd, 2012
 Ecuador is a fast-growing tourist destination, perfect for visitors who enjoy culture, history or breathtaking natural scenery – or even all three. Unlike many other southern and central American countries, Ecuador is not a sprawling nation and is easy to get around; meaning that you can visit for a week and see all the main sights, or spend a bit longer in this fascinating country getting to know its people and culture better.
Many people only ever visit Ecuador as a departure point for cruises to the infamous Galapagos Islands, but those who land at the airport and head straight for the harbour are missing out on some of South America’s most beautiful natural scenery. Of course, the Galapagos are a must-see while in this part of the world, but you should also spend at least a little time exploring the mainland.
Ecuador may conjure up images of mountains and rainforests, but the main city and capital Quito is one of the most beautiful sights in the whole country – and is a very safe city destination compared to other parts of South America. Old Quito was established over 1,000 years ago, even before the Incas ruled this part of the continent, and though little remains of that historic community there are several archaeological exhibits in the city’s museums.
The old quarter of Quito has a very European feel to it, with the architecture and layout obviously influenced by Spanish colonialists. If you have time to spend a few days in Quito, there are also some fascinating day trips just outside the city, such as the cable car ride to the top of the active volcano Pichincha, a visit to ancient temples, the Mindo forests with their abundance of bird life and, of course, the monument which marks where the equator passes through the country , allowing tourists to have one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern.
By Alan, on February 18th, 2012
 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.
By Alan, on February 14th, 2012
 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.
By Alan, on February 4th, 2012
 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.
By Alan, on February 2nd, 2012
 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 25th 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/
By Alan, on January 27th, 2012
 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.
By Alan, on January 27th, 2012
 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.
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If you come to Mauritius the chances are that you are doing it to relax on some of the islands stunning beaches.
