Saturday, April 10, 2010

Enjoy Amsterdam Holidays With A Difference

While Amsterdam is certainly well known as a favourite holiday destination, there are many people that have pigeonholed it as merely a city ideal for stag and hen does. However, the largest city in the Netherlands has far more to offer than excellent pubs, clubs and restaurants, it’s also a fabulous place for history, art and culture lovers to take a break and enjoy the chance to soak up some of the city’s unique ambiance. From the fabulous and sometimes quaint architecture to the gorgeous and convenient canal networks, there’s plenty to enjoy an Amsterdam. What’s more, when it comes to this relaxed city, there’s far more to a holiday there than meets the eye.

Some of the most fascinating experiences in Amsterdam are in its historic hotspots. For example, few people would forget a trip to the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam – a Dutch national museum packed with arts and crafts artefacts – or the fabulous Hermitage Amsterdam museum, home to some eye-popping exhibits. Arts fan however, are unlikely to take a trip to Amsterdam without making sure they stop off at the fabulous Van Gogh museum. Visitors can also pop next door to enjoy some excellent modern art at the impressive Stedelijk Museum.

Those who prefer their cultural experiences to be live action, will love the various performance opportunities in Amsterdam. The city is stuffed with venues and a whole variety of different shows, from rock, pop and jazz to classical music, it’s easy to find some musical entertainment in Amsterdam. If it’s theatre or comedy you’re after, then the city has plenty to offer. With a strong tradition in musical cabaret, the delightful blend of music, storytelling, commentary, theatre and comedy can be found in numerous venues throughout the city.

When you’re looking for an exciting night out, Amsterdam finds it easy to provide. The city has two main areas for diverse nights out, the Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein, where plenty of clubs and discotheques can be found. However, one of the most enriching experiences to be enjoyed in the city is a canal tour that will let you see the sights from a unique and comfortable vantage point and can be enjoyed by both day and night.

Holidays in Amsterdam can be wonderfully diverse experiences, so don’t feel as though you have to stick to preconceptions or the travel guides. Instead, follow your instincts and inclinations to create a holiday that you’ll never forget in this picturesque capital of culture.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Discovering Tropical North Queenslands Paronella Park

There are so many different exotic experiences to have in this region but perhaps one of the most incredible is the one that you will have if you choose to visit Paronella Park while in the Tropical North Queensland region of Australia. Paronella Park is located in the Mena Creek region of the TNQ and offers a year round experience that will blow your mind.

This park became Paronella Park named for Jose Paronella, a Spanish immigrant, who put alot of effort into developing it in the late 20's and early 30's. It had an attraction that was very future oriented, not seen before, but amongst all the other buildings people got to witness the first privately owned hydro electric fountain system that accessed water from all the fantastic waterfalls in the region. Paronella also planted 7000 trees to help with preservation efforts and make it more naturally aesthetically pleasing. It was available for decades, was closed and abandoned for over 45 years, then discovered all over again in 1993, becoming open to visitors again.

This place known as Paronella Park has much Australian culture and history for visitors to experience, along with the information on a special Spanish immigrant who had amazing creative engineering talent far ahead of his peers. There are many descriptions of the park on the internet for you to see but that does not compare to coming here it see it for yourself.

Both day and night tours are offered, and the admission is valid for a year so you can revisit all over again if you would like to. The tours, both of them, include all the information about Jose and his incredible visions for this area; the evening tour is especially beautiful because all the falls have lighting which will make your pictures stunning.

If you choose the night version of the tour you have the chance to camp out that night or reside in the caravan park. Whichever choice you make this is a definite must see in Tropical North Queensland, fun for the family along with a dose of culture and history.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Mallorca Holidays – Enjoy the Countryside by Going on a Mountaineering Trip

Even as a holiday to Mallorca might invoke pictures of idle days spent on seashores, wonderful climate, and excellent nightlife, the island can as well offer a bit to the more energetic, nature-loving visitor. Ahead of landing up in an excellent holiday villa in Mallorca, you might like to look into the extensive array of open-air enjoyment on offer on the island and plan some lively days on your Mallorca trip. Although several tourists to the island might at once rush to the sea for the most part of their vacation, Mallorca is in fact home to a mountain range with several tall peaks perfect for looking at on a stopover to one of its several holiday villas.

Serra de Tramuntana Mountain range stretches for some 90 kilometers from Pollenca to Sa Mola in Andratx and is about 15 kilometers broad, this mountain range is a perfect place to travel around by foot and get a bird’s view of the island of Mallorca. Even as scaling the Mallorca hills, you must watch closely for the wild animals like goats and sheep that stray here along with this, a large number of birds like falcon or an osprey can be spotted in the area. Several mountains in the range are predominantly tall, with Puig Major standing on top of all the rest at an altitude of 1,447 meters. The next highest mountain on the island is Massanella and is 1,352 meters high and can provide hikers an excellent view of this Spanish holiday destination from top.

There are several smaller peaks like Puig Tomir and Tossals Verds that are just a bit over 1,100 meters tall for the less energetic ones. Overall, the Serra de Tramuntana Mountain range has ten peaks that are more than 1,000 meters however visitors can climb a hill for magnificent views of the Spanish landscape below. Overall the Serra de Tramuntana Mountain range is a excellent spot for tourists to spend some hours in and there is in fact no better place to head to unwind after a hard day's mountaineering than a lavish villa on Mallorca, that have all the modern amenities that people are accustomed to in their own houses.

Since it can be hot during the day in Mallorca making a mountaineering trip uncomfortable, the most excellent time to go on a hiking trip is in the evening as it is cooler at this time and is thus perfect for those planning to attempt one of the higher peaks and view the amazing Spanish island of Mallorca from top. There several villages and towns, including Soller that lies inside the mountain valley and is famous for its olive and orange orchards.

The town of Deia can as well be explored on a mountaineering expedition and is perfect for individuals wanting to see a more customary side of Mallorca and has orchards of olive and orange, and is an excellent place to unwind with a glass of sangria subsequent to a day spent hiking in the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana. Even as resting in the town, you might be able to get a whiff of the wild rosemary that covers the mountain peaks and emits a lovely fragrance in the heat of the Mallorcan sun.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Rainforest, Rainforest, Is There Anything Else to Do in Tropical North Queensland?

Discovering all there is to know about this region on the web will keep bringing up three main things, and not really anything else, they are the Aboriginal peoples and culture, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Actually this area has many other things to do besides these three main attractions.

Bundara Gallery - Conveniently located in the heart of Port Douglas you will find this incredibly gallery. It offers a mix of Aboriginal, historical and modern art from around the world with a focus on local artists of Aboriginal descent both past and present. The quality of the works found in this gallery is spectacular and each provides a look at the history of the region with authentication.

Cape Tribulation Exotic Fruit Farm - This experience will allow you a unique look at fruit farming in the region. Come and learn more about these incredible fruits as you listen to stories about them and learn how to eat and prepare these fruits properly. You will enjoy some tasting as well as a walk through the incredible organic orchard.

Mount Surprise Fossicking Tours - This unique tour experience allows you to come and dig up your own gems such as Quartz, Topaz and Aquamarine. Novices and children are welcome as you can come an learn how these unique stones are acquired from the Earth. Some walking across uneven ground is part of the tour and you will be given the opportunity to have your gem made into a sparkling stone that shines and can be appraised by an expert. An on-sight caf is also available.

It's possible to find these along with other attractions by looking at the local newspaper or online. A lot of the hotels have pamphlets about other attractions and you can look through those to find what is interesting to you. Visiting the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef is recommended but there are many other experiences to be had in Australia's Tropical North Queensland.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Experience the World of Rapture in Balearic Islands

Travel to the Balearic Islands will bring you into a world of rapture. Surrounded by Mediterranean Sea, this paradise includes a group of four breathtaking islands including Cabrera, Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza. The climate of the islands is also an attraction that caters to both warmth and health with sunlight all round the year.

Apart from 24 hours parties that keep happening on the island, the visitors also gets to experience and see the Gothic cathedrals, never-ending orchards that are laden with oranges and olives, fishing villages and ruins of Stone Age. The fact that one can enjoy the sun on the magnificent white sandy beaches along with the rich culture and hospitality that people offer makes this island one of the most favorite destination for holidays.

Ibiza is known for the cobalt blue water, breathtaking sceneries and shimmering beaches that it has. It is the perfect place for a night bird, especially those who like to hop from one nightclub to another. Menorca is also the perfect place would like to experience its retained and outstanding natural beauty.

While you are in Balearic Islands for holidays, you must not miss Formentera Island, yet another island situated next to Ibiza. Majorca is known for its warm water and golden sandy beaches, perfect for those who want to enjoy island to its fullest. If you want to maximize your adventure, you can hire a holiday villa which will gratify to all your needs.

A lot many stunning and self catering villas available in for stay while you holiday in Balearic Islands. These villas situated in various locations and one get to choose a villa based on personal preferences. Holiday villas in Balearic Islands are also the perfect way to add the luxury factor in your experience.

Sand and sea are not the only attractions in Billerica Islands. Arc de Sant Roc, Can Marques mansion, Castell de Bellver, Coves d’Arta are some of the popular places on the island. Fine beaches, wild night life, unending sunshine and delicious food are the epitome of the vivacious life style that people of Balearic Islands have.

Getting the most out of Cape Town this summer

This summer's World Cup will be the biggest international event ever staged in South Africa, and the capital Cape Town is more than prepared to offer a unique experience to visitors. Whether you're just visiting to see the match or looking to extend your visit to take in more of the country's sights and attractions, there's much to look forward to on an edifying holiday in Cape Town this June.

With England being guaranteed at least one game in the city, Cape Town is already an essential destination for many among the 100,000 British football fans who will be heading to South Africa in June and July this year. This also means accommodation in Cape Town is selling just as fast as tickets, and fans are advised to arrange their trip as soon as possible to avoid missing out. There's a lot more to gain from flying all the way to Cape Town than just football, with a range of opportunities to experience before and after the games.

As well as being a significant sporting event, the 2010 World Cup has also been vital for South African tourism, opening up the country to more international visitors. With tourism bodies working hard to make the nation attractive for the influx of visitors this summer, there really hasn't been a better time to visit Cape Town, with its impressive natural landmarks such as the famous Tab le Mountain, which visitors can see in all its glory by taking a cable car ride to the plateau, and diverse cultural offerings.

Whether it's diving with sharks or sampling the local jazz culture, a trip to Cape Town is ideal for visitors of all backgrounds. A developed city, Cape Town has a vibrant nightlife and there are many great places to eat and drink when heading into the central city. For cultural visitors, attractions such as the District Six Museum and the infamous Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years, offer a fascinating insight into South Africa's history.

If you're one of the thousands of football fans taking flights to Cape Town to cheer on your team this summer, you can also find a number of other exciting events being held in the city to get even more out of your visit. From comedy at the Vodacom Funny Festival to groundbreaking documentary filmmaking at the Encounters South African Inter-national Documentary Festival, South Africa is ready and waiting to make a lasting impression on visitors this summer.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Vancouver - The Beautiful City Between the Sea and the Mountains

On your trip to Vancouver as you start flying down the Canadian’s City Airport runaway, you will be greeted by scenic natural scenery with mountains on one side and the sea lying beautifully on the other side. More emphasize as to what you should expect in the city of Vancouver is felt in the baggage claim area, as you will be greeted with large beautiful Pacific Northwest Coast Indian art carvings. Needless to mention, it will augment your overall taste of nature and create an ambience that distinguishes Vancouver from the rest of the cities in Canada.

As you drive from the airport along the Granville Street, you will notice that the hedges and trees surrounding the residential areas are taller and larger than trees anywhere else in the world. Myth has it that the oversized trees are due to the huge amount of rainfall experienced in Vancouver, but what would you expect of a city sandwiched between mountains and the ocean? The best time to visit Vancouver for a true holiday experience is during the summer months, most preferably the month of September when the sun is known to sooth and calm the skin against a scenic backdrop of mountains and calming ocean.

One of the top tourist attractions in Vancouver, which happens to be strategically located, is the Stanley Park, found on the west side of downtown Vancouver. While at the park, you get to see Vancouver’s Aquarium, beautiful tall trees that seem to touch the skies and you will also get to marvel at a splendid collection of Pacific Northwest Coastal Indian art totem poles. The Stanley Park is connected to North Vancouver with the Lion’s Gate Suspension Bridge on the other side of the port. The Grouse Mountain, the closest ski resort to Vancouver, is another great tourist attraction that can be visited all-year round.

If you happen to be in Vancouver over non-winter months, ensure you visit the Grouse Mountain for a memorable hiking experience and have an aerial view of the beautiful skyline that delineates Vancouver. Just nearby, there is the Capilano Suspension Bridge that you must visit. It will allow you to take a relaxing nature walk as you enjoy the calming and soothing winds of Vancouver.

Only in Vancouver do you get to sample mouthwatering delicacies, top among them the salmon. While most restaurants have specialized in making a unique salmon meal, the Salmon House that is adjacent to West Vancouver has an unrivaled delicacy of the same. The restaurant is located to give you an impressive view of the night as you unwind and relax while exercising your taste buds.

A trip to Vancouver will not be complete without bringing back home some collectibles and souvenirs, and thanks to the Gastown, Granville Island and Yaletown Districts, you get an opportunity to find great boutique shopping bargains for just about anything. Having the largest Asian community in North America, Vancouver has a shopping district known as Chinatown just near the other shopping districts, and gives you an opportunity to feel as if you visited Hong Kong.

If time is on your side, you can always take a day trip to Whistler. This is one of the most popular and largest ski resorts in North America, located circa two and a half hours drive away from the city. The drive along the Sea & Ski Highway gives you very beautiful points. Being an all-season resort, Whistler has numerous activities for you to enjoy such as biking, hiking, festivities, of course and great shopping opportunities in the village. As you ride up the Gondola, you will have a very strategic aerial view of the grand Canadian Rockies mountain range.

Vancouver is city worth a visit, if not for any other reason, to see how a major busy city has so much beautiful attractions and a warm and irresistible surrounding. If you happen to land in Vancouver on transit to Alaska or Hawaii, why not spare a day or two to see what this city sandwiched between the sea and mountain have in store for you.