A Stone’s Throw Away: Easter Island

A more extreme location than Easter Island cannot be imagined, but it is perhaps given an unfair reputation as being a place that only the highly intrepid adventurer can get to. What people don’t realize is that regular transportation to and from the island is easily scheduled via the airport in Santiago, Chile. And for South American trips, this is by far one of the most original.

Located some 3,800km off the western coast of mainland Chile, Easter Island is world-famous for being one of the world’s most isolated places, and for the giant Moai statues that rise from the earth like stone men. The entire island is an open-air national park that protects the statues and the archaeological sites on the island, and for a relatively untouched landscape, you will be hard-pressed to find better.

The main town is Hanga Roa and it has all the accommodation of a normal tourist spot. In fact, tourism is what keeps this little island going. Hotels, restaurants, rental cars, jeeps, dirt bikes, bicycles, or even horses … all of these are ways you can explore the island. And while most of the “hot spots” can be taken in during a day trip, spending a few days here is a really unique experience that most travellers will probably never get a chance to partake of.

Most of the accommodation is in the form of guest houses, and their owners will generally arrange to have someone meet you at the airport to pick you up. Many of them offer guided tours of the island, which can really help in taking it all in with as little hassle as possible.

Tips for Travelling to North Africa

North Africa is drastically different in both landscape and topography. While South Africa and the eastern African countries primarily provide holiday destinations revolving around safaris and wildlife excursions, the North African scene is much different. Here you will see the vast desert land of the Sahara, the pyramids of Egypt, visit ancient Carthage, take a trip down the Nile, and visit the coastal areas along the Red Sea and Mediterranean.

North Africa consists of several different countries, although the most prominent tourist destinations are Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya. Visa regulations vary by nation, as do the rules and regulations on travel restrictions.

Visitors wishing to acquire an Egyptian visa can visit the website at http://egypt.embassyhomepage.com/ for more information on the details regarding what you need to do in order to get a visa to travel to Egypt.

If you are travelling to Morocco as a UK citizen you do not require a visa. You also are not required to provide a return ticket, which is extremely uncommon. Simply show up with your passport and you are good to go.

You also do not need a visa if you are travelling for holiday to Tunisia. A passport and return ticket are all that you need to be admitted into the country.

You are, however required to obtain a tourist visa if you wish to go to Libya.

Duration of stay and intent during your stay can affect your visa, so be honest in your application in order to obtain the proper paperwork for your journey.

New Zealand in a Nutshell

From the famous harbours of Auckland on the North Island, to the historic vineyard villages of the Wairarapa, to the South Island Fiordland, to the coastal plains of Canterbury, New Zealand offers a unique variety of landscapes that caters to nearly every traveller. Whether you are a newbie explorer or a veteran backpacker working on your fifteenth pair of boots, this island destination cannot be passed up.

While the majority of the population is made up of European decent, the indigenous Maori make up around 15% of the total, and it is their rich cultural background that gives these islands some of their more unique holiday destinations. The North Island, known as “Te Ika a Maui” and the South Island, “Te Wai Pounamu” make up the two main islands within his nation, but there are a smattering of smaller islands as well. Its unique geometric positioning not only leads to a temperate climate but a series of plants and animal life not found anywhere else on the globe, which is quite the attraction to many travellers.

There are also the ski slopes of the Southern Alps and the many national parks that have led to New Zealand being one of the most beautiful destinations world-wide. Nearly every panoramic movie from the past decade has been filmed on the shores of this island nation, specifically for that reason.

If you are looking for an adventure like no other, consider New Zealand for your next holiday destination. With such a variety things to see and do, you can come to the islands a hundred times and never experience the same thing twice.

Explore Shanghai

When people think about heading to the Orient on a Far East holiday, one of the destinations that comes up is Shanghai. This east coast city is China’s largest, and also boasts the busiest port. It is also probably the most important industrial and commercial centre in China. Business is the name of the game for most Shanghai residents, and they are world-renowned for their fashion as well international interests in all things business-related, and the nightlife within Shanghai is unrivalled.

But Shanghai is also a living, breathing museum. The city is a treasure-trove of European and Japanese architecture combined, and the magnificent Yuyuan Garden attracts thousands of visitors year-round with its winding walkways laid out nearly 500 years ago. Bamboo groves, hand-crafted doors, graceful and elegant furniture, all in Chinese style, make this one of the premier hot-spots for your visit here in the city. There is also the Yuyuan market, and the Shanghai Museum.

Many people want to visit the Longhua Pagoda and Temple, and most importantly, the Jade Buddha Temple, established in 1882. The two jade statues entombed within the Jade Buddha Temple are famous amongst followers of the Buddhist faith, and ceremonies are regularly held here.
 
There is also an arts complex containing the Shanghai Museum, and the Grand Theatre as well. Hotel accommodation ranges from luxurious to budget, and getting around within the city is fairly easy with its broad range of taxi services, car rental agencies, and otherwise.

For a Far East holiday, consider Shanghai for a proper Orient experience that will leave you dreaming of the scent of jasmine tea and wondering when you can find time to go back.

The Black Forest, Germany: Fairy-tales Brought to Life

For a traditional medieval experience unlike any other in Europe, The Black Forest in Germany is host to some of the most breath-taking scenery on the planet. Everyone who is anyone has come here to enjoy the serenity of the surrounding countryside, from the ancient Roman emperor Caracalla, to Napoleon and even Mark Twain.

The most central town is Freudenstadt, which is the headquarters for first-timers, and the trail-head for the hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, and trails that wind their way through the surrounding countryside. Visitors here can also rent guest lodges in the neighbouring villages which are dotted throughout the region, allowing access to all areas of the forest by rental car, bicycle, or on foot. You will probably have a more personal experience if you rent a guest lodge, and you can cater the trip to your personal desires.

The Black Forest is famous for its ham and cherry cake, along with the traditional skills of woodcarving, glass-blowing, clock-making and jewellery-making, all of which are still practiced today by the local residents of the region. Tourism is their main source of income, and things are very much done the way they have been done for years here. This is a very traditional place – a peaceful, serene region that is almost like taking a step back in time.

The vast array of birch and pine slopes make The Black Forest one of the most beautiful places in all of Europe, and should you make your holiday destination here, whether honeymoon or otherwise, you will be pleased with the results.

Soak Up Some Australian History

If history is your primary concern while visiting Australia, you will absolutely want to stop by the Australian Capital Territory. This territory was specifically created to house the nation’s capital Canberra, which is a treasure-trove of history.

Canberra is accessible by car, plane, or train. It is your choice. Hotels abound throughout the city, and the surrounding countryside is full of wineries, farms, and simple natural beauty. This is the natural headquarters for any travelling you plan on doing within the area.

Canberra is chock-full of museums and art galleries, along with national buildings such as the Old Parliament House and the New Parliament House, which allows the enthusiast to get a view of the contrast between old and new. Visit the National Gallery of Australia and enjoy the plethora of artistic achievements, or visit the Australian Institute of Sport and gaze in wonder at the achievements proud athletes have made over the years.

But it’s not just about the history. Australia’s tallest peak, Mount Koscuiszko, is nearby, and there are plenty of hiking trails within the mountains and valleys of the Namadgi National Park or the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, all within easy distance of Canberra.

Enjoy the nightlife of this capital city underneath the foliage of the surrounding countryside as you sample some of Australia’s finest wines aged on the very hillsides around you. Indulge your appetite as you soak in the cultural diversity that makes up the history of Australia while enjoying some of their traditional meals served under moonlight or soft sun. After just a short stay, don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to move to Australia!

Enjoy a Relaxing Holiday in Bermuda

The soft, pink sands of Bermuda and warm, blue waters beckon you to this haven of holidays. And for a Caribbean holiday, the Islands of Bermuda are a fine choice.

Visitors coming from the UK have little to worry about in terms of regulations. Bermuda is a British territory, and while a visa is not required, you will need to provide a return ticket before entry into the islands is allowed.

Bermuda is technically too far north to be considered part of the actual Caribbean region, but it is nonetheless part of the traditional Caribbean crawl that most tourists choose as a destination. Whether for holiday, honeymoon, or simple beach-sprawl, the roughly 140 islands that make up this British overseas territory provide an excellent reserve for anyone seeking a Caribbean holiday for sun and relaxation.

The only strange thing about coming to the Bahamas is the restrictions on renting vehicles. While you can hire a motorcycle or scooter, you are not allowed to rent other vehicles here. Rather, you will rely on public transportation to get around for the most part, although this is not really a bother considering the relative closeness of everything. Most tourists spend their time in swimsuits and sandals as it is, so renting a vehicle is not much of an issue.

Hotels and villas abound, as well as all-inclusive resorts, and Bermuda has remained one of the top spots for Caribbean holidays for quite some time because of the beauty of the islands and the contrasting elegance of the pink sands and blue waters.

Book a Honeymoon in Africa for the Experience of a Lifetime

For a honeymoon package that will leave you not only with memories of the experience of a lifetime but which will also plunge you into the depths of the most vivid and colourful places on Earth, consider a romantic African honeymoon on a safari – which will take you to some of the most amazing locations in the world. This is the time for the two of you to enjoy the experiences of a lifetime together.

The whole point of a safari honeymoon is to find an exotic location that sounds like fun as well as finding an exclusive, extravagant lodge where your wish is their command. Revel in the joy that is two weeks of exclusive safari experience that sends you off on a wildlife adventure of a lifetime as you trek across the African landscape on a journey that will not only leave your adventurous side satisfied, but will indulge your senses as you enjoy luxury accommodation at the lodges along the way.

Any honeymoon is about romance and an experience that you can look back on for the rest of your lives. Without a doubt, an African safari honeymoon package is one of the most exhilarating and breathtaking honeymoons you can ever dream of.

Plan Ahead for a Trip to Tibet

A wilderness adventure to Tibet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that most people will never experience. If you are one of those who want to brave the heights of this Himalayan Far East location, some planning is necessary.

Firstly, the tourist visa that got you into China in the first place will not be enough to get you into Tibet. Due to the political differences between mainland China and this mountain nation, you will need to apply for a separate visa.

You would also be well advised to prepare for a high-altitude trip. Everything in Tibet is above 4k meters (12,000 feet), which means you will probably want some high-altitude medication. Also be warned that first-class health care is pretty much non-existent in this part of the world, so precautions will need to be taken. This is not a trip for the weak-of-heart. This is an adventure Far East holiday.

You can fly in to Lhasa, Tibet’s only airport. From Lhasa you can strike out to the Jokhang Temple, the various monasteries around Lhasa, drive to Gyantse, or even visit the North Face base camp of Mount Everest.

Hotel accommodation is, well … you are in the middle of nowhere. Luxury is pretty much out of the question, but for a unique and cultural experience, this is quite possibly one of the most original you will get in the entire world. Careful planning is required for a trip to Tibet, because getting around is going to be dependent upon a translator and a lot of forethought. But the beauty of this region makes it absolutely worth seeing.

Oktoberfest or Sightseeing: Munich at its Best

The Bavarian region of Germany is one of the most scenic in the world, and Munich is one of the country’s most famous tourist destinations. Long hailed as one of the most travelled to spots in Europe because of Oktoberfest, there is a lot more to this Bavarian city than simply beer and red-cheeked, lederhosen-clad men quaffing stein after stein of the golden nectar.

If you want a more personal visit to Munich, you should schedule your trip around Oktoberfest. There is a lot to see and do in this city, and with the 6 million and more visitors who come here during the beer festival, you will be hard-pressed to experience all of it if you choose to come at the height of the tourist season.

Travel is a breeze as Munich has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe, and you can rent cars at your pleasure. Accommodation varies, but again, if you come here during the Oktoberfest season, fares will be higher and it will be harder to find rooms in the better parts of town.

Hofbrauhaus is the world’s most famous beer hall, and is a great stop if you are a fan of lager. But the English Garden is a public park that should also be explored, despite having no correlation to beer whatsoever. The view from the “Monopteros” is amazing as you look down over the surrounding greenery, and should the beer bug bite you once again you can hop on over to the beer gardens of Chinesisher Turm, Seehaus, Hirschau, and Aumeister.

There are lots of parks to explore, plenty of churches and museums, as well as the state opera hall. And, of course, there is Oktoberfest. So regardless of why you come to Munich, or when, you will find plenty to keep you occupied during your stay in this European city.

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