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Archive for the ‘Travel Guides’ Category

The former home of great composer Johann Sebastian Bach, Leipzig is a city that is recovering its cultural splendour after 40 years of Socialism.

Its past is most visible in the architecture in the centre of the city.  Baroque charm sits side-by-side with refurbished Soviet-style tower blocks and 21st-century design.  Modern architects have taken great care to integrate the three eras well.  The Museum for Contemporary Design on Karl-Tauchnitz-Straße is one example of a 21st century building that blends delicately into its surroundings.

Runde Ecke is home to the permanent exhibition “Stasi: Power and Banality”, which details the methods used by the East German secret police to root out discontent with the Socialist regime.  The Runde Ecke was the Stasi headquarters in Leipzig and locals say the corridors still smell of the GDR.

St Nikolas Church in the centre of the city was the site for the grassroots rebellion against the Socialist state – The Peaceful Revolution – which eventually led to the GDR and the fall of the Berlin Wall.  The interior is bright and detailed and is well worth a visit.

Johannes Park is a world away from the city, with many paths, streams and large ponds leading to quiet, secluded spots where you can take a break from fast-paced modern living.

Renting a holiday home, such as a flat or villa, has become a preference for many travellers.  Not only is it cost effective, it offers a comfortable, spacious, home-like atmosphere.

Private holiday homes allow people to retain their independence and privacy while enjoying a luxurious holiday experience.  If you are interested in renting a flat or villa, here are a few tips on getting the perfect place.

The first thing that should be taken into consideration is the location.  Once you decide where in the world you want to go, you will then need to find a suitable place to stay.  Consider what your needs will be while you are on holiday.  If you are part of a large family or group, you may want to consider renting a house instead of a villa or flat.

Villas are usually located on the coast and tend to cost more, especially during peak seasons.  They are, however, usually completely outfitted with amenities such as laundry facilities and sound systems.  If you have enough people, it may be more cost effective and convenient than paying hotel prices.

If you want a quieter holiday experience, consider a villa over a flat.  Both villas and flats will generally have shared facilities such as swimming pools; however, flats tend to be located in blocks, which are less secluded and noisier.  On the other hand, renting a flat will most likely have you located centrally, where you will be closer to shopping, public transportation, entertainment and local attractions.

Close to South America and the Venezuelan lies Grenada, a collection of three Caribbean islands that provide the perfect destination for luxury holidays.

Grenada is the main island with Carriacou and Petite Martinique being its smaller satellites. Grenada’s nutmeg groves make it known as the ‘Isle of Spice’ and the addition of rainforests, rare fruits and exotic flowers make it a paradise for nature lovers.

Grenada holidays are perfect for romantic relaxation and recuperation with resorts and hotels offering peace and quiet in the beautiful tropical island settings. Stunning sunsets over clean white beaches can be enjoyed while sipping champagne cocktails and deciding what to choose for dinner. The choice of cuisine ranges from delicious Caribbean specialities to international delicacies prepared by experienced chefs. Fish is in abundance and there are always options for meat and vegetarian dishes and exotic and delicious desserts.

Adventure beckons too, with the sea providing opportunities for all kinds of water sports: sailing, deep sea fishing, waterskiing and scuba diving are all available, and windsurfers will enjoy unparalleled opportunities to pick up a steady breeze.

Hikers will take to the trails to explore the interior, where metallic blue lakes and stunning waterfalls sit alongside extinct volcano craters. Visitors looking for a less energetic time will enjoy the golf courses or head for the numerous spa treatments available throughout the island.

The sailing culture is an integral part of Grenada, housing top class marinas servicing yachts and boats of all sizes and from all over the world.

Picture Courtesy of Lee Coursey

Choosing what sights to see in Egypt is never an easy task.  From top to bottom, the country is bursting with historical legacies, gigantic pyramids, quaint islands, and breath-taking mosques.

For those visiting Egypt for the first time, there are certain sites that should be made a priority.  As most travellers have no doubt planned, the Pyramids of Giza are a must-see location to visit during your stay.  These magnificent structures are a sure sign you are officially in Egypt.  Indulge in a camel ride as you stroll past three of the world’s remaining ancient wonders.

In the town of Nubia in the southern portion of Egypt is Abu Simbel.  Although it does require a bit of effort to get to, Abu Simbel is definitely worth the visit.  These monstrous temples were repositioned out of harm’s way in the 1960s, and have been completely reassembled to almost perfection for visitors to enjoy today.  The Abu Simbel temples were constructed in the 14th century under the rule of Ramesses II.  The outside façades consist of statutes of Ramesses reaching 20 metres tall, while the inside of the temples feature painted rooms and many sculptures.

Find a good tour guide, and take a tour of the Valley of the Kings.  For nearly 500 years, the Pharaohs constructed these massive underground tombs.  A portion of the tombs has been unearthed, and is a wonder to see as you descend deep into the underground world of one of the most recognised archaeological sites in the world.

If you want to holiday somewhere different, why not visit a mysterious land of volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls?  Iceland is a country of contrasts, where sophisticated cities like Reykjavik sit alongside raw and wild volcanic landscapes.

Don’t be put off by its name.  Situated in the Atlantic Ocean between America and Europe, Iceland actually has a mild climate and is home to many geo-thermal hotspots.  However, the best time to visit might be during summer, when more of the island is accessible.  Car hire is a flexible form of travel for getting around, although organised coach trips are available to view the major sightseeing attractions.  Plane excursions over the glaciers and volcanoes can also be arranged at the main tourist centres.

Keflavik International Airport welcomes flights from all over Europe and the United States and is situated 40km from the country’s capital city, Reykjavik.

Remember to pack your swimming gear when visiting Iceland.  Reykjavik alone has nineteen swimming pools all heated by geo-thermal springs.  Indeed, you will find many of the attractions in this magical island involve plunging yourself into warm water.  A popular attraction for most visitors is the famed Blue Lagoon, a geo-thermal spa situated in the centre of a lava field.  The breathtaking Gulfoss Waterfall is also worth seeing, as is the nearby Strokkur geyser, which every ten minutes spurts hot water from deep within the earth.

Another magical spectacle is the Northern Lights.  This natural lightshow can sometimes be seen in the night skies during the winter months.

For a variety of natural wonders, Iceland is the perfect destination.

Summer in Canada offers some warm days and cool evenings.  Right across this large country there are resorts that offer both winter and summer activities, including beaches, hiking trails and sightseeing adventures.  Some of the best Canada has to offer also can be very affordable.

Chalet Lauzon

Mont Tremblant offers year round holiday packages, and in the summer travellers can rent one of the 15 chalets to suit any number of tastes, from luxurious to affordable.  Located in the Laurentian mountains, about an hour‘s drive from Montreal, hiking, walking and swimming in the lake offer a relaxing holiday.

Blue Mountain

Located in the Blue Mountains of Collingwood, Ontario, this year round resort offers great views, hiking, shopping and nightlife.  For travellers who want a beach experience to go along with their mountain holiday, Wasaga Beach is only a 20 minute drive away to the world’s longest freshwater beach.

Cranberry Village

Located in Collingwood, Ontario, Cranberry Village is an entire community in one.  There is horseback riding, swimming pools, a community centre and golf course.  Additionally, it is close to Wasaga Beach.  The resort also has its own beach across the street from the hotel, plus a dock for those wanting to take a boat out for a ride.  The resort is very close to the Blue Mountain ski resort, and, as this is a year round resort, travellers may wish to come back in the winter time.

With 99 resort islands to choose from, the Maldives offers a spectacular range of accommodation and activities for all who are seeking luxury holidays.

Set in the beautiful Indian Ocean and lapped by gentle waves, the Maldives provide rest and relaxation in stunning surroundings. Couples seeking an undisturbed romantic break are frequent visitors enjoying luxuriously appointed accommodation with everything that could be desired. Sipping champagne cocktails while watching the vibrant sunsets over the ocean followed by the gastronomic delights of the finest restaurants can easily provide a soothing balm to the soul.

All luxury Maldives holidays focus on the water, as every local person is brought up in an aquatic environment and it is second nature to pass on knowledge and experience. Water sports are an integral part of the holiday experience in the Maldives. At certain times of the year the ocean swells provide ideal conditions for surfing and draws surfers from across the world to test their skills in the waves.

Other aquatic sports available include windsurfing and catamaran sailing, parasailing and kayaking with water-skiing and jet-skiing offering a fast and exciting way to enjoy the open water. Scuba diving is one of the most popular recreational activities and the pristine coral reefs enable divers to come face to face with turtles, exotic fish, stingrays and sharks and all in a safe environment.

Resort spas are of the highest quality with experienced staff on hand to work carefully to relax and treat the body and mind before a visit to the sauna or steam room; another perfect way to relax at this destination.

If you want to go on one of the many brilliant cruise holidays 2011 that are out there, you may not be sure exactly where to start your planning. The first thing to do is think about where you want to go, or what kind of cruise holiday you want to have. Different itineraries will offer vastly different experiences.

For example, Caribbean cruises are definitely one of the most popular kinds of cruise holidays for 2011. The reason that these Caribbean itineraries are so incredibly popular is because they offer something for the whole family. Mum can have a nice relaxing beach day, Dad can have some adventure in his life by going scuba diving or ATV (all terrain vehicle) riding, and the kids can have a blast snorkelling and playing on the beach, building sandcastles or maybe playing at an Inflatable Water Park right there in the ocean.

On the other hand, Alaskan cruise holidays are going to be a very different experience. This sort of holiday would be well suited for an occasion like an older relative’s birthday, an anniversary party, or a family reunion. Alaska cruises are full of beautiful and serene scenery. There are fewer action packed activities so the kids might get a bit bored but it will likely appeal much more to an older group for that same reason. Once you narrow down what kind of holiday you want to have, the rest of your cruise planning will come more easily.

New York City is a fabulous destination for a long weekend, or for a more extensive holiday.  With shopping, entertainment, fine dining, and stunning architecture, New York City has something for everyone.

Famous Attractions

New York City offers many attractions that will appeal to the first time tourist and the seasoned traveller alike.  Potential stops include the Statue of Liberty, the top of the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Chrysler Building, Ground Zero, and Times Square.  These are just a few of the iconic landmarks in the city.

Downtown

The Borough of Manhattan is made up of several districts and neighbourhoods, and Downtown is one of the most colourful and interesting.  The Financial District, which includes Wall Street and the former site of the World Trade Center, is a bevy of activity during the work week.  TriBeCa is a trendy neighbourhood and a good place to find a meal.  SoHo, which used to be home to a thriving artist community, is still artsy even if it has become a bit touristy.  The bohemian Greenwich Village is an excellent place to find unique and diverse coffeehouses and wine bars.  The nearby East Village is gritty, ethnically diverse, and vibrant.

Museums

New York City is filled with fantastic museums.  Most are worth a visit, but travellers will likely only have time to visit a few.  The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and the Museum of Modern Art house world-class art collections.  The Museum of Television and Radio and the American Museum of Natural History will be enjoyed by children as well as adults.

Visitors to New York City should also make certain they attend a Broadway show while they enjoy the “City That Never Sleeps.”

For an affordable holiday that offers history, tourist attractions, beautiful scenery, and outdoor activities, Eastern Europe is hard to beat.  With great deals on airfare and hotel accommodation available, this side of the continent is a good choice for families.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The capital city of Slovenia is easy to access, and is a vibrant and colourful destination.  Visitors can find plenty to keep them busy within Ljubljana itself, but there are also a number of side trips that are well worth taking.  The nearby mountains offer a wealth of outdoor activities, particularly hiking and skiing.

Riga, Latvia

The capital city of Latvia is a beautiful destination.  The centre of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Tourists can enjoy walking the twisting, narrow streets and visiting the lovely old churches of Riga.  The city is also home to Europe’s finest collection of Art Nouveau architecture and several world-class museums.

Bucharest, Romania

The “Paris of the East” is so named for its beautiful neoclassical buildings and exceptional culture.  The museums here are definitely worth a visit, and the nightlife is very vibrant.  From Bucharest, day trips into the surrounding countryside are easy to arrange.

Split, Croatia

The second-largest city in Croatia was founded by the Roman Emperor Diocletian.  His palace still stands in the centre of the city’s Old Town.  This part of the city is filled with historical attractions and is also a good place to take a stroll and find a meal.  The city also makes a good launching point for trips out to the Croatian islands in the Mediterranean.

With inexpensive airfares and accommodation available, nearby Eastern Europe offers some fine holiday destination choices.