You’ve booked one of the best hotels in Las Vegas and now you want to explore the great city. What if you could enjoy the delights from the comfort of your own car? Well you can with the bevy of drive-thru services that Las Vegas has to offer. You can gamble, marry, eat, drink and make merry all from behind your steering wheel. Feeling a little lost? Then allow us to educate you in the ways of the Drive Thru, with this quick guide.

Gambling
Yes, it is possible to place your bets at casinos that offer drive-thru services. You can now drive up and check out the race statistics – who’s running, what are the odds – then you can take your car up to the window and place your bet. All you need now is to find a place to park your car and listen to the race on your car radio. If you don’t feel like moving on when night descends, then most of the casinos offering this drive thru service also offer some of the best hotels in Las Vegas.

Weddings
Your eyes met across the steering wheel and now you want to cement this new found love with a firm marriage contract. Sound like a fantasy? Well, if you are in Las Vegas anything is possible! Not only is this bustling city home to some of the best hotels, in Las Vegas you can find a myriad of drive-thru wedding chapels. You can take your pick then you just have to decide if you want Elvis to marry you, and what vehicle you’ll use to transport you to the window.

Food and Drink
Whether this is a post-marriage ceremony dinner, a pre gambling snack or merely a need to eat somewhere other than the best hotels, in Las Vegas you can buy almost any variety of food and drink from a drive-thru. A host of delicious treats awaits you in these delightful little cafes such as burgers, pizzas, coffee, alcohol and even ice cream, and you never need to leave the comfort of your own car – just find a lovely place to park and indulge. Even if you are staying at one of the best hotels in Las Vegas with brilliant room service at your fingertips, we recommend leaving the hotel and experiencing a real American drive-thru.

Everyday Chores
You are in hurry, you have just left your room at one of the best hotels in Las Vegas and you are meeting someone in the centre of the city, so you don’t really have enough time to post that letter, pick up that prescription or cash that cheque. Have no fear, the banks, pharmacies and postal services have latched onto the drive-thru fever and have created their own. You can now perform a variety of services at your local bank, some being able to serve four cars at one time. You can post that letter to Aunt Marge that has been lying in your bag for three weeks and you can cash your wage cheque quickly and efficiently.

Looking for the best hotels in Las Vegas ? Nina Hilgemann works in e-marketing and CRM for World Hotels, a company offering the best hotels in Las Vegas and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

 

Within the Brussels city limits two cultures, the Flemish and the French, co-exist and create a diverse and exciting atmosphere. A myriad of tiny art cafes, medieval buildings, art deco architecture, bustling markets and a host of galleries and museums await you on your Brussels city hotel doorstep. Brussels also happens to be home to a wealth of exciting festivals including art, film, music and food and drink. If you feel spoilt for choice, here are some of our favourites.

Brussels European Film Festival
After recently acquiring a new artistic director, in the shape of Ivan Corbisier, the film festival has undergone a slight change. Its aim to introduce the cinematic highlights of European film to its inhabitants remains the same, but now the films are showcased with a bit more pizzazz, and more and more stars are filing into the fantastic city to take part in this great event. The festival is usually held in the month of June and runs for 8 days. If you are looking for a Brussels city hotel around festival time there is a wide variety of great accommodation on offer, but get in quick and book before Adrian Brody and Audrey Tautou get there first.

Art Brussels
If you are an art enthusiast then the delights of Art Brussels are just you; every April the festival welcomes a variety of visitors from professional collectors to amateur art admirers. It is one of Europe’s finest platforms for the upcoming movers and shakers of the contemporary art world. Established galleries are also invited to showcase their best work for the public to peruse. When you are exhausted with the art you can go and explore the charms and wonders of the city. Hotels are available near the venue, but transport links to and from the fair are frequent so don’t worry when you book your Brussels city hotel if you are not within walking distance.

Beer Weekend
For those of you who see art in the grain rather than the paintbrush, Beer Weekend is for you. Taking place on the first weekend of September, around 50 Belgian breweries present their finest selection of beer and ask you to sample the tantalising amber nectar. Belgium has a strong connection to beer that the country boasts goes back to the middle ages, which means there has been plenty of time for them to perfect the art. If you like nothing more than meeting up with fellow beer lovers and sampling a range of varieties, then head to Brussels. You can book accommodation nearby, so you can walk to the festival from your Brussels city hotel with ease.

Couleur Café
Spread over three days in June, this vibrant music festival reflects the diverse culture of its host, Brussels. It presents music in a wide range of categories including R&B, hip hop, world, afro, reggae, ragga, dub, dancehall, Latin, salsa, son, raï and rock. Its first audience back in the early 90s was around 5000 people, and today the number stands at more than 80,000. It is located in Tour & Taxis, a beautiful industrial site that has to be seen to be believed. There is camping available but, if you prefer a real bed, accommodation is available throughout Brussels. City hotel prices range from budget to luxury and you should have no trouble finding one to fit your needs.

Looking for a Brussels city hotel? Nina Hilgemann works in e-marketing and CRM for World Hotels, a company offering the best Brussels city hotel accommodation and a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

 

Whatever views tickle your fancy, whether it is majestic mountain ranges, tropical jungles, vast deserts, or beautiful beaches stretching to the beyond; the stunning country of Peru can provide them for you. If you are a keen walker it is hard to get bored with the scenery. If you tire of what the mountain ranges have to offer, then catch a train to the east and trek through the Amazon rainforest. The unique geography of Peru makes it a must-see destination if you enjoy walking. Peru has many incredible places that you should not miss visiting – here are just a few to tantalise you.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

This trail will present some of the most magnificent mountain views you have ever seen and is worth the two to three day trek; the scenery is so stunning that you sometimes forget that you are walking. Peru has placed certain restrictions on parts of the trail due to previous damage of the environment, so you will need to do your research carefully before you begin. You can start your journey at Ollanta, a striking Inca fortress and town, and then make your way up the mountain range towards the north. Along the path there are plenty of Inca structures to entertain and amaze you as are you are walking. Peru is full of Incan towns and structures and Machu Picchu is no exception. You will probably need a few days to explore everything the region has to offer.

Trail to Choquequirao

This trail starts in Cachora, and will take around one to two days of walking. Peru, as mentioned, is partly covered in jungle forests, and the town of Choquequirao is situated in a micro-climate which generates a dense rainforest that covers the buildings and terraces. Along the route you will find yourself spoilt for choice for your picnic spots with beautiful rivers and smooth boulders upon which to sit along the beginning of the trek. If you’re striking out on your own and the thought of carrying your camping equipment and food supplies along the trail is a little too much, then there are plenty of local muleteers in the town of Cachora who will carry your bags on their mules and donkeys. This may be especially helpful when you reach the steep climb to Choquequirao on the second day of walking. Peru plans to construct a cable car to run up and down to the town to bring more tourists to the area; so if you are someone who enjoys the lesser-travelled paths, then visit this trail before the cable car does.

Trail to Vilcabamba

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, then try the six to eight day hike to Vilcabamba, the last refuge of the Inca Empire. It starts in Huancacalle, visits Vilcabamba and then continues on to Chihuanquiri. As well as Vilcabamba, there will be many more historic sites for you to discover such as Luccma, Rosaspata and Ñusta Hispana. A portion of the walk will be within the rainforest, where you can view the beautiful vegetation and wildlife while walking. Peru really has some picturesque small villages tucked away along these trails, and while trekking to Vilcabamba you can visit Yupanca, Luccma and Consevidayoc to mention just a few.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 90 different countries. While walking Peru with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

If this is your first trip to Meribel, or even if you’ve been before, this article will give you a few keen pointers on how to stick to your budget while in the resort. There are many different and exciting things to do cheaply (and sometimes even for free), that will have you dying to get out of your ski chalets. Meribel hosts a variety of great, inexpensive activities, so here are a few ways in which to enjoy your time there, while not bankrupting yourself!

Freely Explore
If you have spent all your money getting to the slopes, then take some time out from the piste to explore the great surrounding area around your ski chalets.  Meribel has some great walks specially prepared for you to enjoy which are available all year round. In winter, take the circular walk that enters the Tueda Nature Reserve or climb to la Traie mountain refuge. The trails are all groomed after every snowfall, so you do not need snowshoes or special equipment to use them. However, if you are more adventurous, whack on a pair of snowshoes and ramble around off the beaten track; but make sure you know where you are going, as it is very easy to get lost in the terrain. In the spring and summer, there are more walks available and you are presented with a delicious variety of walking treats. You can get a free map with a list detailing which trails are open from the Tourist Office, as well as information about the shuttle buses, which are free and run throughout the valley.

Lift Pass Reductions
Lift passes are always a necessary expense while on a skiing holiday, but you may be eligible for a reduction on your pass. If you are a family, a senior or a junior, then there are some great deals to be had. Anyone over the age of 75 can ski for free, and anyone under the age of 5 is also exempt from paying. If you are between 65 and 75, you will pay a reduced rate which is around 10-15% off, and if you are between the ages of 5 and 12, you will receive around a 25% reduction on your ski pass. Families get some great deals too and it is well worth checking these rates before you begin skiing -then all there is left to do is get to one of the many slopes which surround your ski chalets. Meribel ski passes are hands-free, so you just pop them in your pocket and the doors will all open for you.

Free Entertainment
The local tourist office is a brilliant friend to skiers on a budget. You are wrong if you think lack of funds means you have to stay in your ski chalets, Meribel tourist office can point you in the direction of free entertainment suitable for everyone. Some of the freebies include barbecues, Shiatsu lessons, walking tours, drinks and lumberjack contests. They even have a regular Friday night entertainment spot, provided by the participants in the circus, and fencing classes during the week. So when you get to Meribel be sure to make the tourist office your first point of call and grab yourself a program of events.

 

Earl Knudsen is Marketing Manager for Alpine Answers, a specialist ski travel agency, tour operator, and booking service offering bonded package holidays at ski chalets Meribel and other tailor-made itineraries. For a luxury or good-value skiing holiday in ski chalets, Meribel is an ideal location.

 

So, you have arrived in Val d’Isere safely with your family and you are staying in gorgeous chalets. Val d’Isere, however, is more than just luxury accommodation and has some great family activities that you and your children will find highly entertaining. There is so much on offer including climbing, skiing, ice skating, snowshoe walking and canyoning. It really will be hard to fit everything in during your stay, so here is a quick guide to a few of the activities that you can experience while staying on the resort – it may help you to decide what to try first!

Parcours Adventure
Open from early June until the end of August, the ‘Parcours Aventure’ in Val d’Isère is a brilliant adventure for adults and kids alike and will get them running with excitement from their chalets.  Val d’Idsere is home to this brilliant adventure park that is a network of ropes, zip lines, bridges, beams and nets. They are suspended from the branches in eco-friendly ways that do not damage them and everything can be dismantled easily leaving the trees unharmed. There are three courses of varying degrees of difficulty, although children must be over 6 years of age and over 1.40 metres in height.

Activity Clubs
The summer activity clubs are a great idea if the adults want relaxation time in their chalets. Val s’Isere offers two great clubs for your children. There is ‘Les Aiglons’, which caters for children between 4 and 10 years old, where they will participate in dance classes, picnics, trampolines and much more. For the older children there is ‘Junior Club’, which caters for the 11 to 16 year olds. The older children’s activities include canyoning, street hockey and climbing. These clubs are a good idea for your kids to meet other children and make new friends, and allows the adults the freedom to go off and try those more daring slopes.

Archery
Let your children pretend to be Robin Hood or The Green Arrow by taking them to archery lessons, an activity that can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike. Just make sure they don’t attempt to shoot a bow in your chalets! Val d’Isere offers archery at the Parc des Sports Vallée du Manchet from June until late August. There are a great range of courses available from beginners to experts, so it doesn’t matter if you have never shot a bow before. Children must be 8 years old, and children between 8 and 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Trekking with Donkeys
‘Trekking with Donkeys’ is a wonderful activity if you are looking for something to get your family out of the chalets. Val d’Isere is a great place to get into the saddle and take your family on an outdoor adventure amongst the beautiful surrounds. There are stunning views of the lovely alpine scenery and great places to stop, picnic and explore the mountains. You can book short treks or long treks that involve lunch and dinner. The donkey treks cater to all ages of children and are perfect for families.

 

Earl Knudsen is Marketing Manager for Alpine Answers, a specialist ski travel agency, tour operator, and booking service offering bonded package holidays at a chalets Val d’Isere, and other tailor-made itineraries. For a luxury or good-value skiing holiday in chalets; Val d’Isere is an ideal location.

 

It goes without saying that while on your Bhutan trek you’ll want to experience as much of the local culture as possible. However to the strait-laced Westerner, some of Bhutan’s ancient beliefs and customs can come across as slightly bizarre. Nevertheless they are fascinating to behold and if you come along with an open-mind then you’re certain to have an incredible time. These three unusual experiences simply must be experienced on your Bhutan trek:

Eat a Dish Made From Just Chillies and Cheese

While the Annapurna Circuit is often nicknamed the Apple Pie Circuit, due to the abundance of apple pies en-route, someone should look at renaming Bhutan ‘the land of the chilli’. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the locals love chillies more than any other ingredient, and as well as including chillies in almost every dish, they also like to serve them pickled as a side vegetable. If there is one ingredient that they love almost as much as chillies it’s cheese, and it goes without saying that the national dish is a meal that contains both chillies and cheese – and that’s pretty much it! This dish, named Ema Datshi, isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if you love both chillies and cheese then it’s definitely worth sampling on your Bhutan trek.

Visit the Temple of the Divine Madman

The Madman was actually a revered Bhutanese saint that not only gave the country its national animal, but also helped a lot of the locals with their fertility issues. His temple in the Punakha Valley really needs to be seen to be believed; but whatever you do don’t giggle in the front of any of the monks. Chimi Lhakhang may be decorated with giant phalluses, but the locals take worship at this temple very seriously. When you first enter the temple on your Bhutan trek, a monk will make you bow to all four corners of the temple, before kneeling in front of a giant phallus. Local custom is to visit this temple for fertility issues and after drinking three different coloured liquids you’ll be presented with your lucky number and the name of the child that you will bear within the next year, before being whacked on the head by a giant wooden phallus. If children aren’t on your agenda yet, then it’s probably best to give this temple a miss.

Visit the World’s Only Yeti Reserve

On your Bhutan trek you’ll probably hear a lot of stories about the yeti, or the ‘migoi’, as the locals call him. This might just be folklore, but the locals genuinely believe in his existence, in fact so much so that they’ve set up a yeti reserve in the village of Sakten. This 253 square mile sanctuary was created to protect the habitat of the migoi whose body is covered in thick, reddish-brown hair, although his face is hairless. The Bhutanese have two theories as to why the migoi is rarely spotted; firstly it has its feet on backwards, which confuses many trackers; and secondly, it also has the ability to make itself invisible. If, despite the odds, you fancy your chances of spotting the elusive migoi on your Bhutan trek, the reserve is located 37 miles outside Trashigang.

 

Looking for a Bhutan tour? Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan trek and tours. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

 

‘The Annapurna Circuit’ is the popular name for a 300 kilometre trek in Nepal, and one of the best-known treks around the Annapurna mountain range in the Himalaya. Reaching an altitude of 5,300 metres on the ‘Thorong La’ pass, the trek touches the edge of the Himalayan plateau. ‘Thorong La’ is the highest point on the trail, and can cause acute mountain sickness in unwary trekkers who have not acclimatised themselves to the altitude – it is very important to follow the advice of local guides.

Annapurna 1

The mountain scenery also includes ‘Annapurna 1′ (8,091 metres) which was the first 8000 metre peak to be climbed, and the tenth highest mountain in the world. Its summit was the highest ’summit’ achieved for three years, until the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. The Annapurna peaks are some of the world’s most dangerous mountains to climb and should only be tackled by experienced, and well-prepared, climbers.

Dhauligiri and Machhupuchare

Also located along the Annapurna Circuit is the ice pyramid ‘Dhauligiri’ (8,167 metres), once the home of the legendary Buddhist Padmasamba. A pilgrimage site for Buddhists, inside the mountain is said to be a treasury for the happiness and prosperity of the entire world. The trek also visits ‘Machhupuchare’ (6,993 metres), which many consider to be the most beautiful mountain in the world. Revered by the local population as a sacred site of the God Shiva, it is off-limits to climbers, though a trekker can still enjoy its beauty. The double summit resembles the tail of a fish, leading to its name meaning ‘Fishes Tail’ in Nepalese. It is also nicknamed ‘the Matterhorn’ of Nepal’, after that other iconic mountain in the Swiss Alps.

Religions

Following paths used as trade routes between Nepal and Tibet, the Annapurna Circuit has enabled a flow and exchange of cultures and religions in the otherwise inaccessible region. Today, Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism, Hinduism, and the lesser-known Bon-Po religion all coexist with each other, meaning the region is deeply steeped in religion. Partly for this reason, on average, two-thirds of all trekkers in Nepal visit the Annapurna Circuit; of course for the diverse scenery of high mountains and lowlands villages, but also for the unique cultural experiences available.

Muktinath

Muktinath is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is located close to the village of Ranipauwa, which is sometimes mistakenly known as Muktinath as well. The Hindu name for the site is ‘Mukti Kshetra’, literally meaning ‘Place of Salvation’. The Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means ‘Hundred Waters’. Muktinath is home to several temples of the different religions, including one of the most ancient Hindu temples to the God Vishnu, making it a fulfilling yet difficult-to-access pilgrimage site.

The Goddess Annapurna

The ‘Annapurna’ of the Annapurna Circuit is a Sanskrit name, which in literal translation means ‘filled with food’. It’s usually translated as ‘Goddess of the Harvests’ – in Hinduism, Annapurna or Annapoorna is a goddess of fertility and agriculture, depicted as holding a bejewelled golden ladle in one hand, and a bowl full of delicious porridge in the other. It is said that she does not eat a morsel unless all her devotees have been fed in her temple.

 

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company that specialises in the Annapurna Circuit and trekking holidays in various destinations including North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

 

The expense of international flights and your accommodation in your Brussels city hotel may have left you on somewhat of a tight budget. You want to explore the beauty and culture of this great city, but you need to keep your eye on your purse strings. But don’t worry; here is a list of free and interesting things to do that will get you out of your Brussels city hotel to discover what this wonderful city has to offer.

Grand Place
One of the most beautiful squares in Europe, the Grand Place – or as the Dutch call it ‘De Grot Markt’ – has enraptured many famous people over the years, including artists, writers and musicians. Archduchess Isabella, daughter of Filip II of Spain wrote, “Never have I seen something so beautiful and exquisite as the town square of the city where the town hall rises up into the sky. The decoration of the houses is most remarkable.” You can walk around admiring the elegance and drama of the gothic buildings, or take time out and sip a beer in one of the little cafes populating the area. Throughout the year concerts and events are staged in the square, so check with the concierge of your Brussels city hotel for the itinerary.

Tour European Parliament
Don’t miss a chance to go on one of the multimedia-guided visits offered by the European Parliament. If there happens to be part sessions occurring while you are there, then you can even attend a real-life parliamentary sitting. The tours take place from Monday to Thursday at 10.00am and 15.00pm and on Friday at 10.00am only. Check with you Brussels city hotel for information on dates when parliament is sitting. The tours are free of charge and are conducted in all of the official languages of the EU. It is worth knowing that for registration purposes, you must take your passport, identity card or driving licence with you and for the part sessions, visitors must be at least 14 years old.

Sablon Markets
This is the oldest market in Europe and a great place to wander through the collection of over 100 stores. Over the years, numerous markets have found a home on the Place du Grand Sablon: a horse market, followed by a hay market (which gave its name to the “rue de la Paille”); a textile market; and a vegetable market. Now it is home to a brilliant antique market, which began when Mr. George Van de Weghe and the then priest of the Sablon church met and discussed Van de Weghe’s request to display his engravings at the end of mass. The markets only run on the weekends, but they are the perfect place to sample the delights of Belgian chocolate or pick up that great antique. It is truly a delightful market to venture to and conveniently located only a short walk from your Brussels city hotel.

Cathedral of St. Michael and Gudula
The cathedral is a spectacular building and you should not miss a chance to see this architectural wonder. Its history dates back twelve centuries and it took 300 years to build. Incredibly, you can see all this history for the bargain price of €1. There are various concerts and exhibitions throughout the year and your Brussels city hotel will be able to give you more detailed information on the program of events.

 

Looking for a Brussels city hotel? Nina Hilgemann works in e-marketing and CRM for World Hotels, a company offering the best Brussels city hotel accommodation and a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

 

When you go to a Brussels city hotel, whether it’s for business or pleasure, one of the little details that can make or break a stay is finding a room with a view. City vistas are always in demand, and a good picture is worth its weight in gold as a memento of your journey. But it’s worth exploring a little to find a truly unique picture. Here are a few off-the-beaten-track cityscapes to find in Brussels.

Jubilee Park

Though it’s located a little towards the outskirts of the city, Jubilee Park is situated within an easy journey of many a Brussels city hotel. The buildings of the U-shaped complex that dominate the park were commissioned by King Leopold the Second, and built for the 1880 National Exhibition commemorating 50 years of Belgian independence. Housing three museums within the complex – one of military history, one of art, and one featuring vintage cars – it’s a perfect place to rediscover the Brussels culture while searching for a good vantage point. Once you get off the ground, many of the windows and ledges of the upper floors are home to unique city panoramas.

Parking 58

One stunning view can be found not in a hill or tower, but atop Brussels’ Parking 58. While it might already be a familiar place if you’re using a car to get around while staying in a Brussels city hotel, you might not have had time to appreciate the views. Situated in the very centre of the city, 100m from La Monnaie, the 10th and top floor reveals a beautiful 360 degree view of Brussels. You can recognize famous landmarks like the Palace of Justice, the Grand Place Tower, the Atomium and the Basilique. The best part is it stays open until midnight for car-parking convenience and, incidentally, offering a wonderful night-time view.

Mont des Arts

Another place offering spectacular evening views is the esplanade at the end of the Mont des Arts. Arriving on a clear day gives the passer-by a striking view of place d’Espagne and the town hall tower – but it’s most atmospheric on a clear evening with the vibrant colours of the sunset. If you have a spare evening in a Brussels city hotel, a stroll to le Monts des Arts gives a view you can’t quite find from a window.

Breughel L’Ancien

Although you may think Brussels is mostly flat, it is actually home to a few small hills. An easy way to reach the top from the bottom is by taking the ‘elevator’. In the Marolles area near Sablon, within a small square named Breughel L’Ancien, there sits an elevator for pedestrians and bicycles which operates until midnight. At the top, the elevator gives a sweeping view of the Basilique, the Atomium, and the entire city centre. As the elevator finishes its ascent, it deposits passengers near the Palace of Justice and shopping area Avenue Louise It’s a popular site to relax for a moment when you’re on the go, and see if you can spot your own Brussels city hotel.

Looking for a Brussels city hotel? Nina Hilgemann works in e-marketing and CRM for World Hotels, a company offering the best Brussels city hotel accommodation and a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Not too many holiday destinations can compete with the charms and attractions of Cape Town. Yes, of course, if you’re a seasoned and discerning traveller then you’ve probably heard that before about many destinations; but perhaps not all have subsequently lived up to your expectations. Yet in the case of Cape Town, you certainly won’t be disappointed!

Sea, people, land and history
Indigenous peoples have hunted, gathered and farmed in the Cape Town area for many thousands of years. The peninsular on which it is located is famed for its climate and rich natural resources from both land and sea. Its first significant appearance in modern history comes with the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century. Over the next 400-500 years the area was first Dutch then eventually, due to its trade route importance, British. During what’s sometimes called the colonial period, other nationalities arrived here from other parts of Africa and indeed, the wider world as trade and commerce grew in the 19th century.

Cape Town and the cape region eventually became part of the modern Republic of South Africa. Today the city has a multi-cultural background making it, arguably, Africa’s most cosmopolitan city.

A holiday centre
The history, cultural diversity and geographical location aren’t just of academic interest. They have combined to make the cape a wonderland for visitors that are looking for that slightly more discerning holiday. Cape Town is one of those rare holiday destinations that can offer a huge range of highly diversified activities and interests, within a comparatively small area.

In the city and immediate environs you’ll find an extensive list of things to see and do which includes:

• The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – a justifiably famous display of rare and exotic plants that grow here by virtue of the climate – and loving care;
• Bo-Kaap – once called the Malay quarter, this area comprises picturesque houses originally built for Indonesian slaves brought to the area by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries;
• The Houses of Parliament and National Gallery;
• The Victoria and Albert Waterfront – a fantastic waterside area of restored old buildings containing shops, restaurants and galleries;
• The Castle of Good Hope – a building dating back to the 1650s and the oldest in South Africa;
• Robben Island (a boat trip) – now a museum and once a leper colony, it is perhaps best know for its previous lengthy use as a prison for political prisoners including Nelson Mandela.

The one thing you can be sure of when visiting Cape Town is that you won’t be short of things to do and see!

The wider area
If you do want to get out of town a little further, then just a short distance from the city you’ll find vineyards that produce some of South Africa’s famous wines. You’re also within short distance of several game reserves where you’ll be able to experience African wildlife in its natural environment. Finally, one can’t discuss this great city without a mention of Table Mountain. Today, along with the surrounding areas, it is part of a protected park environment which you can explore at your leisure and enjoy stunning views.

Your visit
Like many cities, you may find that you’ll see and learn more of Cape Town if you’re on foot.
That doesn’t mean necessarily hiking from one side of the town to the other, but using your own two feet in combination with sensible transport may be far more enjoyable than other methods. It’s perfectly possible to arrange a guided tour that is designed specifically to meet your exact interests and objectives – you won’t have to fit in with a huge group’s views or have to participate in ‘majority decision making’ about where to go next!

The Rainbow Nation
It’s perhaps worth remembering that attractive as Cape Town is, it is part of a much wider region that has many other areas and sites of interest. If you’d like to see more of South Africa, tours and bespoke holidays can be arranged to other areas, as you require.

Cape Town and South Africa are waiting for you. Why not come along and see what they have to offer?

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

 

 

Remember that dream you had while you were still at university? You know, the one about finishing your degree, getting a great job with great perks, meeting your soul mate and living happily ever after? Well, forget the dream and get the dream job – the rest will fall into place. Of all the jobs in the world, travel jobs are the ones which it seems most often fall into the category of “dream jobs”. Here are just a few good reasons why…

Not Just 9 to 5

The scope of employment within the travel industry is extremely varied so the opportunities are almost limitless. You can enter the workforce as a trainee flight booker or specialist retail travel consultant, a flight attendant or pilot, an executive sales specialist, a multi-lingual reservations specialist, an e-commerce or IT specialist, and many, many other positions. Travel jobs are extremely competitive but the good news is that, with such a wide range of opportunities out there, your chances of landing a job are fairly good if you are persistent and have the right skills. Even if you don’t get exactly what you want first time, once you are in the industry it will be a lot easier to progress towards your ideal position.

Travel jobs are not just for graduates either. Many people enter the travel industry by way of a previous career. For example a chef can utilise their skills within an airline, catered villa or chalet company; and a musician or hairdresser can give up their mortgage and head off for a life of adventure on the high seas with a cruise company. Think outside the square and, whatever your skills, there is a niche for you in travel if you really want it.

The World at Your Fingertips

Ok, down to the nitty gritty of why everyone really wants to secure travel jobs - the perks. The obvious perk of travel jobs is, well, travel! Depending on the position you secure, chances are you will have the opportunity to get more stamps in your passport than most people ever dream of. Of course, it’s not all fun and games; after all, they’re called travel jobs not travel holidays. But even if you’re working or doing research, there will still be plenty of time left to explore, relax and generally just experience the excitement of being in a foreign country. Even if you only get to travel to short haul locations, it’s still better than a job where the farthest you get to travel is to the pub for lunch.

In many travel jobs not only will you be required to travel for work purposes, but you may also receive heavily subsidised travel and accommodation for your annual holidays. In some cases, of particularly generous companies, this can also extend to immediate relatives – making you by far and away the most popular member of the family!

Great discounts and exotic foreign adventures aside, travel jobs can make for a secure and rewarding career. Choose a reputable agency that specialises in travel jobs to match you to available positions, and you will be well on your way to making your dream job a reality.

Bon voyage!

 

Gail Kenny is the managing director of Gail Kenny Executive Search, a recruitment agency specialising in travel jobs. The site caters exclusively to talented individuals with skills and experience to succeed in the travel management, and businesses looking for such candidates.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time! 

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The challenge of conquering the highest peak in the world is a common childhood dream. But only an elite and determined few actually carry that dream through to fruition to plant a flag atop the majestic Mt Everest. It takes more than just a yearning for adventure to summit a mountain as tough as Everest. Many months, if not years, of training and preparation are behind a successful climb of the mighty mountain. But for the rest of us mere mortals who perhaps do not have the time or physical attributes to aim for the top, there is another way to experience the exhilaration of success amidst the breath-taking scenery of the Himalaya – trekking to Everest Base Camp. A trek to Everest Base Camp is definitely not the wimp’s way out; you will still need to be in pretty good physical condition to undertake the adventure, but it is a more accessible goal than attempting a summit; and one that is far more likely to be achieved.

The Trek
There are two Everest Base Camps each on opposite sides of the mountain, and by nature of the mountain’s geography the two camps sit in different countries; the south in Nepal and the north in Tibet. The classic, and most famous, Everest Base Camp trek takes you through Nepal and deep into the heart of the country’s fascinating culture. You’ll start off in the buzzing, vibrant capital, Kathmandu, and with so much to see and experience in the city you may be reluctant to leave. Your flight to Lukla, from where your trek really begins, will afford you the opportunity of some spectacular views over the Himalaya and whet your appetite for what is to come.

There are various options for which route you take for your Everest Base Camp trek, but if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a truly authentic Nepalese experience, head off the beaten path and into Sherpa country. Taking around two weeks to reach camp, you will stay in tea houses along the route giving you a taste of what life for these delightfully engaging and generous people is really like. The Sherpa families will welcome you with what has to be the world’s best hospitality, and their simple, yet satisfying existence is an eye-opener to many a western traveller. The slow yet steady pace of the route through the Sherpa country will provide the all-important acclimatisation required and reduce the risk of any health related problems.

Spend a day or two in Namche Bazaar; at nearly 3,500 metres above sea level it is the last village on the trek before Everest Base Camp. It is not only a good place to stock up on supplies but also a fascinating destination in its own right. The atmosphere is thick with history and almost feels like something out of a film. People from every nation on Earth seem to congregate in the hotels and cafes on their way to or from Everest Base Camp. But Namche is also a working village and the locals, and seemingly countless yaks, go about their daily life with the ever-ready Nepalese smile on their faces. Namche is a genuine ‘global’ village.

When you reach Everest Base Camp, sitting quietly in the shadow of the world’s highest mountain, it only serves to magnify the scale of the majestic mountain. Sit back, take a deep breath and ask yourself – could you? Maybe next year…

 

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who have run the classic trek to Everest Base Camp for over 20 years. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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People come to Las Vegas primarily for two reasons: gambling and wacky weddings. Yet the city and surrounding area have a lot more to offer the tourist than drive-through chapels, casinos and some of the best hotels. In Las Vegas you can actually leave those darkened gambling halls and find many things to enjoy doing out in the sun and fresh air. Some activities you can participate in are golf, horse back riding, hiking, shopping, swimming and riding a rollercoaster – just to name a few!

Fresh Air
Along with the some of America’s best hotels, in Las Vegas there are some fantastic golf clubs, all with varying levels of courses. You will be spoilt for choice with the variety, but make sure you research the course as some can be a little challenging. If you don’t want to be too far from The Strip and its beloved casinos, then you could spend a while in the Bali Hai Golf Club, which offers great views of The Strip from the greens. If you are lucky you may even spot a celebrity! There are also some brilliant hikes surrounding the city, and they range from easy, family friendly trails to challenging treks. The scenery is nothing short of stunning and quite different from the luscious greens in the north of America.

Children’s Time
You are staying at one of the best hotels in Las Vegas, you have glamour around you, the hotel casino below you, but you also have your children with you. If you have come to Las Vegas as a family, you may want to steer clear of the gambling tables. Luckily Las Vegas offers some great alternative child-friendly fun. The New York-New York, has some great rollercoasters guaranteed to thrill any child and, if this is the kind of activity your kids love, then you should also take a trip to the Stratosphere hotel which is the tallest observation tower in the US. This hotel offers a delicious selection of exciting rides at the very top of the building and the views of TheStrip, if you manage to open your eyes, are stunning. There are also a host of aquariums, zoos and kid shows along The Strip and if these don’t tickle your fancy then you can spend a few hours in the 5.5-acre indoor amusement park at Circus Circus Casino.

Pampering
If you are looking for some R&R, then fear not, as there are brilliant spas attached to some of the best hotels in Las Vegas. So if the gambling has taken its toll, you won’t have to move very far to get your soothing massage. You can indulge in saunas, Jacuzzis, massages, manicures and facials. Not all therapy comes with relaxation however, and if you are looking for retail therapy then Las Vegas is the place to be. Just minutes from The Strip is the Boulevard Mall, with its vast array of shops that are just waiting for you and your holiday money. There are also a great number of fashion outlets available if you are looking for a bargain and, closer to home for those heavy bags, most of the best hotels in Las Vegas have some great shops within their complexes.

 

Looking for the best hotels in Las Vegas? Nina Hilgemann works in e-marketing and CRM for World Hotels, a company offering the best hotels in Las Vegas and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

 

Beginning any new task can be daunting, especially when it’s a sport as kinetic and thrilling as skiing. Luckily, Val d’Isere caters for skiers of all levels – though there are a few tips we can recommend to anyone taking to the slopes for the first time. Quality instruction in your native language is always a good choice. Learning to ski on your own might seem like saving money, but professional instruction pays for itself, and can help prevent injury as well as be more fun!

Where to Ski

In the beginning, stick to long wide nursery slopes and ‘green’ or beginner’s runs, just to build your confidence and get a feel for the movements and balance required. If possible, it’s often a good idea to find accommodation close to the pistes. When you’re starting out, the fewer distractions or obstacles to face before you get started the better, so try to seek out a well-situated hotel. Val d’Isere features plenty of hotels very near to the pistes and ski-lifts.

Dress to Impress

Wearing proper clothing is also an important consideration. Skiing on snow, by its very nature, might be in a different environment and climate than you’re used to – and sometimes in ways you might not expect. It’s important to select a good jacket – ideally, you’ll find one that’s lightweight yet warm, and both wind and waterproof. It’s also important to find an equally good pair of salopettes – warm, waterproof trousers designed for skiing and other snow sports. Ski socks can be helpful in keeping snow out of your boots; make sure they’re thick and long.

You’ll be able to be directed to the best suppliers of clothing from any hotel; Val d’Isere, like any popular skiing resort, has several quality retailers. A couple of other general considerations are to try and wear layers of clothing instead of one or two thick items, and to make sure you don’t forget a hat, scarf, and waterproof gloves!

Here Comes the Sun

Another important consideration is sun protection, and it’s often forgotten amidst the snow and the shade of the mountains, but it can be vital. High-factor sun creams are best applied to sensitive areas of exposed skin, such as the lips and nose that are particularly prone to burning. Preventing sunburn will keep you on the slopes and not in pain relegated to staying inside in your hotel! Val d’Isere also holds a few ‘hidden’ risks of sunburn – sunlight is far more intense in the mountains, due to the altitude, and the reflection of sunlight from the snow can cause a nasty burn too. Sunglasses are a wise choice to protect your eyes, and goggles can be useful for more blustery conditions.

Finally, one important piece of advice for beginners is one that applies to plenty of other sports as well – don’t discourage easily! Skiing can be tough for a beginner, and can take a little practice before it becomes comfortable. But persevere, and in no time you’ll be skiing from the piste straight to the hotel. Val d’Isere is a perfect place to begin exploring the slopes; so slip on your woollies and get out there!

 

Earl Knudsen is Marketing Manager for Alpine Answers, a specialist ski travel agency, tour operator, and booking service offering bonded package holidays at any hotel Val d’Isere, and other tailor-made itineraries. For a skiing holiday in a luxury or good-value hotel, Val d’Isere is an ideal location.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

If you want a break with a difference – then why not think about walking South Africa? If you’ve never been on a ‘guided walking’ holiday before, then perhaps the thought of walking South Africa may leave you a little intimidated – but don’t be.

You can put out of your mind any images of forced hikes through the blistering bush with an empty canteen in your hand while trying to outrun wild animals. That’s the stuff of 1930s Hollywood films and, entertaining as they may be, they are of no relevance whatsoever to the 21st century reality.

A guided holiday experience walking South Africa is a unique experience. It’s a way to really immerse yourself in the countryside and culture that is very different to the traditional ‘tourist excursion’. Yet that uniqueness is not at the expense of your comfort. Nobody is going to forget that you’re on holiday, and the emphasis is on professionally guided walks that are appropriate for your needs as well as your level of expertise.

The sights

A holiday walking South Africa will probably be unlike any other holiday you’ve ever had. The ‘rainbow nation’ offers a diverse and interesting series of attractions including:

• marvellous cities such as Durban and Cape Town;

• incomparable bush and wildlife areas;

• fantastic historic sights and locations;

• exotic displays and collections of unique flowers and plants;

• superb beaches and coastal areas on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans;

• massively diverse cuisines due to the varied cultural backgrounds of many of the people that live there;

• a booming and highly-regarded wine industry and supporting vineyards;

• a host of very friendly and welcoming people.

Of course, you can choose a visit to South Africa that involves locking yourself away in a hotel near a beach and simply having what some call an ‘international holiday’. That may be fine for some but for others, that sort of holiday can feel very much the same whatever country you’re in. By contrast, a guided holiday walking South Africa will mean that you have the opportunity not only to see the country but actually to live it.

Holidays designed for you

Perhaps one of the biggest attractions of a guided holiday walking South Africa is that you don’t have to make huge compromises on what you want to do and see. These holidays are typically built around the individual needs of the more discerning holidaymaker who, over time, has learned what interests them – and what doesn’t.

For example, if you enjoy flora and fauna there will be a guided tour which allows you to see some of South Africa’s fantastic gardens and plant life. Similarly, if (for example) the sea is simply not your thing, then you’re not going to be forced to participate in a boat trip just because everybody else is. Your holiday can be tailored to some degree to your specific interest and needs, and all the time you’ll be in the expert hands of your well-qualified tour leader or leaders.

Avoiding the superficial

Walking South Africa at an appropriate pace (tours exist for all ages and fitness levels) with time to spare will allow you to see what has to be seen in-depth and at your convenience. Furthermore, your tour leader will be an expert in the location you’re walking and will ensure that you get to understand and fully appreciate the beautiful spots you’ll be visiting. You’ll see and experience the location to the maximum extent possible, so that it will be indelibly ingrained in your memory.

The modern Republic of South Africa has come a long way and is justifiably proud of the attractions its land and peoples hold for visitors. It’s there and waiting for you – and a holiday walking South Africa may be the very best way to see it.

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

In 2009, Milan was nominated by the Global Language Monitor as ‘Fashion Capital of the World’ and, having been a bastion of innovative fashion since the Renaissance, it’s easy to see why. In the 16th century, Milan’s fashion industry was so widely-recognized that it led to the old English word ‘Millaner’, a term given to jewellery, cloth, and importantly hats. It later evolved into the word ‘Millinery’, meaning a maker or seller of hats. With the importance of fashion outlets and events in Milan centre, hotels are often no more than a short journey away from the latest designs and bargains.

Fashion week

The most famous event associated with modern fashion in Milan is undoubtedly Milan Fashion Week. It is held bi-annually, with a spring/summer event and an autumn/winter event. Established in 1958 as part of the international ‘Big Four’ fashion weeks, the event lets fashion houses around the world know what’s ‘in’ and what’s ‘out’ for the season. After the previous event’s reduced duration led to it being dubbed a ‘fashion weekend’ in 2010, Milan has set the stage for a spectacular return to form in September 2010, with the ‘week’ once again becoming a full seven days, and moving into the 16th-century Palazzo de Giureconsulti. It’ll be within easy reach of airports and Milan centre hotels for the international audience the show attracts.

Shopping tips

A few tips can be useful for first-time visitors; generally on Sunday the shops close, even during Milan’s famed sales season, but on particular days it’s possible to find shops open until later at night. Saturday, as usual, is the most crowded day of the week for shopping, in particular during the afternoons. While you’re on holiday, try going early on a weekday to make the most of a swift shopping trip to Milan centre. ‘Hotel rests’ in between expeditions to some of the flagship shops might be a welcome break! For mid-price fashion, Corso Buenos Aries is recommended; one of the biggest shopping streets in Milan, it features over 350 shops amidst the late 18th-century architecture. And if you time your trip carefully, you might be able to experience the street market set up on Via Brera on the third Saturday of every month, with plenty of bargains on all kinds of clothing, toys, and even antiques.

The Quadrangle of Fashion

Milan’s “Quadrangle of Fashion”, as it’s sometimes called, is a district housing many of the designer boutiques and upmarket jewellery shops between Via Montenapoleone, Via Andrea, Via Gesu, Via Borgospesso, Via della Spiga, and Corso Venezia. Most of the major Italian fashion brands are headquartered in the city; if you recognize the names Gucci, or Dolce and Gabbana, a trip to Milan will be right up your fashion-boutique-lined avenue.

Sights to see

While shopping, or afterwards, you can take the opportunity to visit many important cultural sites located close by in Milan centre; hotels are often just a moment away to set down the shopping bags, and then you will be free to enjoy some of the city’s sights. Duomo Cathedral, the Museum Bagatti Valsecchi, and the Palazzo Reale are all within walking distance of the “Quadrangle of Fashion”; and the ‘Teatro alla Scala’, or ‘La Scala’ theatre, is the perfect place to show off all your newly purchased outfits.

 

Looking for a Milan centre hotel? Nina Hilgemann works in e-marketing and CRM for World Hotels, a company offering the best Milan centre hotel accommodation and a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

 

With so much to do in Milan, you might find yourself asking whether there’s any time in a hectic day to simply stop and catch your breath, never mind sitting down to paint a street scene, or sculpt a likeness. Nevertheless, Milan has been recognized as one of the cultural hotspots of the world since the 1600’s, and the sheer number of galleries and exhibitions stands as a testament to the fact that Milan’s art scene is still going strong today. If you have time to explore Milan centre for yourself you’ll find several amazing places to appreciate the art of Italy.

Ambrosian Art Gallery

Set inside the Biblioteca Ambrosiana, and named after Ambrose the patron saint of Milan, the gallery has been open since 1618. Located in Milan Centre, hotels and restaurants nearby, it’s easy to spend a whole day exploring the gallery’s treasures with everything you need close at hand. Containing some 12,000 drawings by European artists from the 14th through to the 19th centuries, the gallery is centred on the paintings of Cardinal Borromeo, exhibited in the first building of the gallery. Borromeo sent agents to search western Europe, and even Greece and Syria for artworks and books for the gallery and library; today, the gallery is a testament to the search for new and enduring works of art.

Brera Art Gallery

Probably the first gallery you’ll be directed to from a Milan centre hotel, the Brera art gallery is undoubtedly the most famous; host to the most significant art collection in Italy, and an outgrowth of the Brera Academy with which it shares the site. Originally intended to teach architecture and sculpture, the Academy began increasing its cultural scope in the 17th century, based around the acquisition of Raphael’s ‘Sposalizio’, a key painting of the early collection. Situated in a 16th century palace, each of its thirty-one rooms is filled with remarkable works of art, including works by Caravaggio, Raphael, Mantegna, and many others.

Civic Museum of Contemporary Art

If modern art is more to your taste, you don’t have to look much further than the Civico Museo d’Arte Contemporanea. Located on the second floor of the Palazzo Reale, it features an impressive range of modern artists, with names such as Amedeo Modigliani, Paul Cezanne, Vasily Kandinsky, and Vincent Van Gogh among others. The gallery is divided into two main sections – the first featuring Italian art from the 20th century up to the 1950’s, and the second featuring Italian art from the 1950’s onwards. This section includes the famous Jucker collections, and exhibits by Alberto Burri, Piero Manzoni and Vedova. Though the gallery is often crowded due to the location of the Piazza del Duomo in Milan centre, hotel tours and special events mean there’s often a way to beat the crowds.

With so much to offer in Milan centre, hotel or guided tours are often the best way to spend a day immersing yourself in the galleries of the city. You may even be inspired enough to find time for a little painting.

 

Looking for a Milan centre hotel? Nina Hilgemann works in e-marketing and CRM for World Hotels, a company offering the best Milan centre hotel accommodation and a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

When you think of Italy, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Chances are that the words that rolled off your tongue (hopefully with a wonderful Italian accent!) are food, food, food! We can talk all we like about the fashion, the art and the music (and indeed, these are the other true joys of the country), but what we really want to experience is the spectacular culinary culture for which Italy is renowned.

Each region of Italy has its own particular style of cuisine, and if you’re heading to Milan you’re in for a treat. Situated in the northern region of Lombardy, the city is a food lover’s paradise and when you’re staying in Milan centre, hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars are all on your doorstep, and all ready to tempt you with their mouth-watering array of delicacies. Being landlocked, seafood doesn’t feature as highly on the menu as some coastal provinces but that isn’t a problem; in Lombardy, it’s all about the meat! Here is just a selection of what you can expect to enjoy.

Famous Food
In Milan centre, hotels are used to playing host to famous guests from all over the world; movie stars, politicians, rock stars, they all come to experience the history and ambience of this fascinating city. But visitors to Milan are rubbing shoulders with something much more famous than any celebrity will ever be; the region’s signature dish Osso Buco. The authentic version of this dish is nothing short of divine and the stars of the show are the melt-in-your-mouth veal shanks which form the basis of the meal. Literally translated as ‘hole in bone’ the meat is cooked in a mixture of tomato, wine, stock and onion then topped with a ‘gremolata’ of parsley, lemon and garlic. Slow cooked in the oven for a few hours, Osso Buco’s tastiest morsel is the delicious marrow which remains in the hollow of the bone. In Milan centre, hotel and restaurant chefs will all have their own special version of this traditional Lombardian dish; you decide whose is best!

Not Just Risotto
Risotto dishes have become virtually mainstream the world over, and there aren’t many top celebrity chefs who don’t have their own special translation of this traditional Italian recipe. In Milan, you will often find risotto served as an accompaniment to Osso Buco and, as with everything else from this stylish city, the Risotto alla Milanese does it just that little bit better. The difference between Milanese risotto and others is the addition of beef bone marrow and the precious saffron threads which give it its distinctive yellow colouring. In Milan centre, hotel food is often 5 star quality and you may find it hard to even leave the building to try other restaurants in the city once you’ve sampled your hotel’s risotto – but we recommend you do, if only to seek out your next course…

Milan – Cheese Heaven?
What better way to round out your evening meal than with a cheese board topped with some Lombardy regional varieties and a chaser of wine! So what are the regional cheeses around Milan? Well, chances are you already know them. The fabulously rich, blue-veined Gorgonzola is probably the best-known specialty, named after a village outside of Milan; but you may also recognize the mild, creamy taste of Bel Paese, another local made good; as well as Grana Padano and Taleggio.

Returning to your Milan centre hotel after a gastronomic excursion, before you drift off to sleep it only remains to decide what’s on the menu for breakfast….

 

Looking for a Milan centre hotel? Nina Hilgemann works in e-marketing and CRM for World Hotels, a company offering the best Milan centre hotel accommodation and a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

In the swinging sixties, Nancy’s Cafe in East Anglia’s Cley was the place to be. However, the tiny cafe in a picturesque part of the British countryside wasn’t part of the singing, dancing free-love revolution, but rather a bustling hang-out for twitchers. Bird-spotters used to flood the phone-lines with news of rare spottings or congregate over coffee to pass on helpful hints to other enthusiasts. Fifty years later and technology has finally taken over and the must have gadget for all birdwatchers is the humble pager.

Pagers might not be the most modern of electronic gadgets, but it seems they have their place in ornithology. While the bulky mobile phone might lose signal, quickly run out of battery or disturb a nesting warbler, the pager is small, discreet and can be switched to vibrate. Worn on a belt-clip or simply carried in your knapsack, for ornithologists, the pager can serve as a network of UK birdlife and provide up-to-date information on all the rarest finds. Before pagers took over, birders had to phone a pre-recorded phone number for their information and, for many, that involved the inconvenience of having to find a local phone box whilst out and about in the countryside.

Most companies that provide pagers have a built in subscription service for birders and one particular company boasts that last year it sent subscribers around 800,000 messages. However, all ornithologists are different so before you sign up you can choose what sort of birds you’re interested in. You may be a die-hard birder or perhaps you are just someone that likes to dabble in a bit of ornithology now and then; whatever your level of activity is, the frequency of your updates will be governed by this.

In Dorset, pagers are also being used to track badgers. Because of their nocturnal habits badgers are the most difficult animals in the UK to spot; however, fortunately for badger watchers, the animals have terrible eyesight, so as long as you can keep quiet your chances of spotting them are pretty good. This means mobile phones are out and discreet pagers are definitely in. Badger watchers regularly send other enthusiasts information on possible setts and births via pagers, proving that the device is still popular among wildlife lovers.

With many species of bat set to become endangered in the UK, bat detectors are using their pagers to send updates and grid references to other bat-lovers and bat conservation groups. The idea is that this will enable them to create a nationwide database of all the areas in the United Kingdom that are abundant in bats, giving them some indication of which species need saving and which are more common in the great British countryside.

When it comes to nature it seems that newer technology isn’t always better technology. While mobile phones may come with flashy apps and unlimited internet access, when you’re looking for a trusty method of communication that doesn’t run out of signal or lose its battery power when you need it most, then pagers beat mobiles hands-down.

 

Jenny Kettlewell is the Marketing Manager for Multitone Systems, a tele communications strategies company that has provided pagers and paging systems for organisations in the public and private sector for many years.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Communications strategies aren’t just the domain of the business and technology worlds. Every day in so many ways, whether we are aware of it or not, we use communications strategies in order to properly manage our lives.

Education is a sector in which effective communications strategies are vital to the smooth running of both administrational and practical matters, as well as ensuring the safety of staff and pupils. Sometimes these strategies are high profile like loudspeaker or tannoy systems, but other forms of communication can be less obvious like video surveillance systems. Here are a few of the more common ways educational institutions keep themselves connected.

Pagers and Alerters
For the most part, it is not practical for teachers to be able to access emails or answer phones during lesson time, so many larger educational institutions equip their staff with pagers or alerters. These serve not only to connect administration and faculty staff, but also to ensure the security of staff and pupils. With access to instant communications strategies like these it merely takes the push of a button to enable assistance to be summoned if, and when, required. In the case of a panic button, which is often installed in classrooms, the alarm is completely silent so as not to draw the attention of any potential perpetrator.

Mobile Phones
Nowadays it seems like the mobile phone is not an accessory anymore, but more like a physical extension of the arm. Whilst most schools will ban the use of mobiles within the classroom, they are fighting a losing battle when it comes to texting. With their mobiles set to silent, students can send and receive text messages, surf the Internet and even order a pizza if they like, all under an unsuspecting teacher’s nose. While during class these particular communications strategies devices are used in a slightly more subtle way, at lunch-time it’s a different story. The playground is alive with the sounds of I-Phones and BlackBerrys, and well gone are the days when you had to search for your friend after class to meet up for lunch – now it’s just a matter of a quick text or two and you can have an instant picnic party!

Caught on Camera
While in years gone past many people saw the installation of video surveillance equipment as an infringement of their privacy, in modern times they have become a symbol of safety and security. While not strictly a communications strategy in terms of being able to send messages or speak, video surveillance is invaluable when looking at an integrated solution for an educational institution. Pictures can tell a thousand words, both in real time and in hindsight, and there’s no getting around the cold, hard truth of being caught on camera. But although cameras can be very handy in keeping order amongst the chaos of a student body, there are more important reasons for installing video surveillance – those of security. Cameras can prove a stern deterrent to any would-be intruders or potential criminals and, in the case of security, prevention is definitely better than a cure.

 

Jenny Kettlewell is the Marketing Manager for Multitone Systems, a leading tele communications strategy company. Multitone has implemented custom, integrated communications strategies for businesses and organisations in the public and private sector for over 75 years.

 

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Celebrities are used to getting what they want, when they want it, whether it’s a suite at one of the best hotels in Las Vegas, a low-fat soy mochachino, or the number of a good plastic surgeon. So it goes without saying that when the time comes for them to get married, they don’t want to wait around. They want the ceremony and they want it now! It’s this reason that so many celebrities choose to get married in Vegas – and why many regret it afterwards!

Britney Spears

Britney’s first wedding to high-school sweetheart Jason Alexander was also her shortest, lasting a mere 55 hours. Jason later spilled the beans to a British newspaper and claimed that Britney was the one who proposed to him while they were relaxing in the suite of one of the best hotels in Las Vegas. The next day, the couple left the comfort of their suite to visit the Little White Wedding Chapel where they were married. All hell broke loose the next day when Britney’s family found out, and it was her brother’s legal team that sorted out the dissolution of the marriage. Britney now claims the wedding was actually a joke that went too far, but whether or not she had genuine feelings for Jason Alexander we’ll never know.

Peaches Geldof

When 19-year-old Peaches Geldof married in Las Vegas, her father Bob Geldof was said to have been furious. The fifteen-minute ceremony had just one witness and Peaches is said to have informed her father just two hours before the event. Like Britney, Peaches wed Chester French in the Little White Wedding Chapel, but what was to make the wedding even more shocking was the fact that Peaches had a boyfriend back at home, Horrors front-man Faris Badwan. Peaches ultimately sorted out her first wedding with a quickie divorce – but according to rumours the star, now aged 21, is set to marry again.

Angelina Jolie

Way before Brangelina and their brood were a regular fixture in our gossip magazines, Angelina Jolie was known for her crazy relationship with Billy Bob Thornton. The couple’s bizarre antics included wearing vials of each other’s blood around their necks and using knifes. So when the couple decided to marry, it was surprising that they shunned a theme wedding at one of the best hotels in Las Vegas for a slightly more sedate affair at the Little Church of the West. However, the wedding was anything but ordinary – Angelina had Billy Bob’s name tattooed on her arm and the couple wed in blue jeans.

Ross and Rachel

It has to be said that our favourite celebrity wedding in Vegas was the wedding that Ross and Rachel had in Friends. We loved the part of the episode where they were playing card games and betting on pistachio nuts at one of the best hotels in Las Vegas, while Ross had cat whiskers drawn on his face. Okay, so they may only be characters in a TV show but it’s nice to see a couple on the A-list that finally beat the Vegas curse and are still happily married! And who can forget the moment they drunkenly left the venue and Ross turned to Rachel and said “Well, hello Mrs Ross”, and she replied “Well, hello Mr Rachel”.

 

Looking for the best hotels in Las Vegas? Nina Hilgemann works in e-marketing and CRM for World Hotels, a company offering the best hotels in Las Vegas and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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If you dream of getting married in a long white dress, then let’s be honest; Las Vegas probably isn’t for you. However, if your dream wedding involves transvestites, klingons or Elvis then you’ve come to exactly the right place. The city is an adult wonderland and some of the best hotels in Las Vegas are also home to some of the quirkiest wedding chapels. We’ve listed some of the wackiest weddings that you can book while in Vegas, but if you can’t find a theme to suit you and your beloved then take solace in the fact that almost anything can be arranged in Vegas:

Vampire Themed Wedding

One thing that you wouldn’t expect to see at one of the best hotels in Las Vegas is a dark shadowy figure lurking in the rafters of the chapel. No, we’re not talking about a vengeful ex, but rather a flying vampire ready to light the unity candle to symbolise you and your betrothed’s eternal life together. Since the blockbuster film Twilight was released, vampire weddings in Vegas have gone more mainstream; but at the Bright Light City, the venue and the church haven’t changed since the days vampiric weddings started being offered. The church is decorated with tombstones and atmospheric fog, with the wrought iron gates reminiscent of a grave yard. For an extra charge, ghouls can be brought in to scare your guests. Just a word of advice though, make sure you book in advance if you’re planning a Halloween wedding – after all you don’t want your wedding to suck; or do you?

Elvis Weddings

It seems that Las Vegas is known for two things – Elvis and Weddings. So why not combine them both and have an Elvis Presley themed wedding? There are Elvis impersonators everywhere you go in Vegas; so much so that the locals even have a name for them – Elvi, as in an Elvi of Elvises. Whether you want an Elvi of Elvises, or just the one all-singing, jumpsuit-wearing Elvis then you’ll be pleased to know that many of the best hotels in Las Vegas have their own take on the Elvis themed wedding. Or, for something different you can head to the Aladdin Chapel where Elvis married Priscilla Presley back in 1967. Elvis fans can even have Elvis walk them down the aisle, or even book a special Aloha Las Vegas package complete with hula girls and Hawaiian themed backdrops.

Pirate Themed Wedding

At some of the best hotels in Las Vegas you can get married in beautiful surroundings and then return to the luxury of your honeymoon suite, where a rose-petal strewn bed is waiting for you. However, there are some people who aren’t interested in the best hotels in Las Vegas, and the luxury of a honeymoon suite is wasted on them. These are the kind of salty seadogs that prefer a swashbuckling life on the high seas, where life is all “yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum”. Of course, when the time comes for these pirates to marry, there’s really only one place in Vegas that will do -the Treasure Island Pirate ship. For the right amount of gold a pair of rogue pirates can act as witnesses, and you might catch a pirate swinging down from the crow’s nest to deliver the rings.

 

Looking for the best hotels in Las Vegas? Nina Hilgemann works in e-marketing and CRM for World Hotels, a company offering the best hotels in Las Vegas and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Whether it is business or pleasure that takes you into Milan centre, hotels and restaurants have nothing on the shopping scene in the area. A shrine to retail therapy and high fashion, Milan is home to Versace, Armani and many more style sensations just waiting to welcome you and your credit card with open and fashionably dressed arms.

Quadrilatero d’Oro
As some of the best-dressed concierges you’ll ever see can be found in Milan centre, hotel staff may well be the best people to ask about where to shop. One place they are bound to mention is the Quadrilatero d’Oro. Four adjoining streets that you will find north of the Duomo, the Via Montenapoleone, Della Spiga, Via Borgospesso and Via Sant’Andrea are hot property in the world of fashion. For big names such as Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci and Prada this is the place to be; a trip to Versace’s boutique which covers four whole floors of fashion is essential for anyone with an eye for clothes. If it’s not so much clothes as accessories that take your fancy, you’ll find plenty to get excited about with names such as Bulgari Jewellery taking pride of place. Whether you’re simply window shopping or spending up big, just being in the Quadrilatero d’Oro is enough to make you feel stylish and suave.

Corso Buenos Aires
If you’re not sure that the Golden Quad in Milan centre hotel foyers, sightseeing and dining are your preferred options, then why not head to the Corso Buenos Aires instead? One of the longest streets in Europe, it links to roads such as Porta Venezia and Piazzale Loreto, where you’ll find high street names such as Bennetton, H&M, Timberland, Zara and Kookai. For the slightly less extravagant shopper this area has plenty to offer in the way of retail therapy, but also in the way of photo opportunities thanks to its 19th Century style and neo-classical adornments.

Make the Most of the Markets
Milan is not just home to the masters of fashion, it’s also the place to find some great markets. If you’re shopping on a Saturday, take the Metro to San Agsotino and head to Viale Papiniano, one of the city’s best markets. There you will find a labyrinth of stalls selling all manner of goods from clothes to shoes, from leather to cashmere, and from accessories to delicious food. A slightly less extravagant way of enjoying the Milanese fashion kingdom, Viale Papiniano has even more outfits to choose from than the four-floor fashion emporium Versace. If you’re after some midweek market shopping, the Via Zivetti is open on a Wednesday morning with similar stalls for you to enjoy. However, before you head off to the markets be sure to check the size of the wardrobe at the Milan centre hotel you’re staying at, or you may just end up with too much to take home with you.

So, if you’re staying in a Milan centre hotel and have a few hours to spare and a few pennies to spend, a shopping trip is certainly the best way to do it.

 

Looking for a Milan centre hotel? Nina Hilgemann works in e-marketing and CRM for World Hotels, a company offering the best Milan centre hotel accommodation and a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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“I think that I shall never see a walk more lovely than one featuring New Zealand’s unique variety of trees,” as famous American poet Joyce Kilmer didn’t write. But if he’d been to New Zealand, walking across the country to see the trees on offer, and learned a little about their quirks and stories – he certainly would have. Take Waipoua Forest’s ‘Tane Mahuta’, or ‘Lord of the Forest’, the largest Kauri tree in New Zealand, standing at fifty-two metres high. It’s estimated to be over one thousand years old. Now that’s the sort of tree Kilmer was thinking of.

Unique New Zealand

With a history of long geological isolation, most of New Zealand’s flora is actually unique, and often breathtakingly beautiful. A wide variety of native trees have adapted to the micro-climates all across the country – meaning wherever you feel like travelling to in New Zealand, walking from the subtropical Kauri forests of North Island to the alpine forest of (you guessed it) the Southern Alps, there’s a tree for the occasion.

The Rimu and Totara trees

One of New Zealand’s most beautiful trees, the Rimu tree has seen plenty of ramblers and walkers pass it by – this type of tree can live for eight to nine centuries. With hanging branches giving it a ‘weeping’ appearance, it’s a perfect place for a rest in the shade beneath a tree you’ll only find in New Zealand. Walking further, you might come to a Totara tree – and you’ll know it by its height. The Totara tree can reach up to thirty metres, and sometimes older trees even reach thirty five metres, which is about as high as a ten-story building. Recent research has shown that bats native to New Zealand forests actively hunt out the largest and oldest trees in which to make their roosts, though their numbers are low.

The Ngaio trees

If you’re dead set on a long New Zealand walking trip, there are a few things you’re advised to take with you – plenty of water, sturdy shoes or boots, and of course the always-necessary insect repellent. But on a long trek, don’t panic when you run out! The Maori tribe perfected their insect repellent a long time before it was standard advice, rubbing crushed leaves from the Ngaio tree on their skin to repel those pesky insects. Chewing the leaves would also stop toothache, if your jaw begins aching from sugary energy-boosters.

Legends of the Ngaio

But the Ngaio tree is famous for more than its medicinal properties. According to Maori legend, a Ngaio tree can be seen on the moon, after the moon-goddess reached down to place a woman (and the Ngaio tree she desperately clung to) on the moon for her disrespect towards the goddess, so that she could be seen in the night sky as an example over all of New Zealand. Walking under the moon on a night-time journey, it’s something to consider! And, of course, being respectful to the moon-goddess is a tourist tip you won’t find in many places.

Barking up the wrong forest

Just be sure to consider a guided tour, or take a little while to carefully plan out your journey, and hopefully a relaxing break afterwards. After all, with such striking forested areas, it’s easy to become distracted from a set walking destination or goal. But with the recent efforts to introduce measures for conserving forested areas in New Zealand, walking amongst the forest has never been more enjoyable – and will hopefully allow many walkers to enjoy the unique trees of New Zealand. After all, sometimes you can’t see the trees for the wood!

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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In New Zealand walking can be more of an adventure than people ever imagine. And there’s nowhere better to put your adventurous spirit to the test than by deciding to explore the Franz Joseph Glacier. A remnant from the Ice Age, the glacier is 12 km long – though your walks don’t have to be, in order to see some of the stunning vistas on offer.

Are you an explorer?

The drive to explore glacial or arctic landscapes has been with us since James Cook crossed the Antarctic Circle in 1773 – and long before that. It’s all about looking for new sights to see and new places to experience, as well as the excitement of learning to navigate a challenging environment. But the real value to travellers worldwide has always been in visiting distant places and searching for the self, exploring our own joy in life and our achievements by exploring the world around us, whether in arctic glaciers, or those of New Zealand. Walking, climbing, even caving in the tunnels formed beneath the ice – the Franz Joseph glacier attracts around a quarter of a million visitors each year, all hoping for an adventure that will bring them closer to themselves.

History…

Located in Westland National Park on the west coast of the South Island, the glacier has a long history. First mentioned in a diary from the steam ship Mary Louisa in 1859 over a hundred and fifty years ago, it was named after the emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph the First, by German explorer Julius von Haast in 1865.

… and Mythology

Aside from names and dates, the glacier is rich in myths and legends, notably from the famous Maori tribe of New Zealand. Walking along (or through) the glacier, it’s hard not to be inspired by the mythic landscape. The Maori named the glacier ‘Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere’, or ‘The Tears of Hinehukatere’. Local legend tells how the enthusiastic mountain climber Hinehukatere persuaded her lover, Wawe, to go climbing with her. Unluckily, for Wawe, an avalanche struck, and swept him away. Broken-hearted Hinehukatere’s tears flowed down the mountain, and froze to form the famous glacier.

Setting up camp

Luckily, climbing equipment such as ice axes and crampons that can latch onto a climbing boot have made exploring a lot safer than in the days of legends – in New Zealand, walking across the glacier is also made easier with the option of guided walks by professionals. It’s reassuring to know there’s a community nearby, the Franz Josef township, providing accommodation, a heliport, and a number of restaurants and shops to unwind after a day’s explorations. Five kilometres from the glacier’s face (and with Westland National Park just 20 minutes away if you need a break from the glacier), there’s a chance to relax and ’set camp’ during your journeys.

There and back

If you’re looking for an adventure, chances are you’re looking for one that will stay with you long after you’ve left the ice. A journey to New Zealand, walking in the footsteps of famous travellers and discovering the sights is a great experience – but better is the knowledge that after you return home, you might have discovered a little more about your own explorer’s spirit.

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

If you’re planning a holiday walking South Africa, the chances are that you are going to be joining a group tour with an experienced leader to guide you. These types of tours are the best way to get the most out of a walking holiday as you have most of the hard work, like finding accommodation and looking for transport, done for you and you are free to concentrate on experiencing the spectacular scenery for which you came. There are, however, times when on a rest day you may want to escape the group and get back to being just the one, or two of you. There are some perfect opportunities to enjoy walking, South Africa style, with your loved one, or alone, where you won’t need to guidance of a leader.

The Garden Route – Knysna
This charming town has twice been voted South Africa’s favourite and anyone who spends time here is quick to agree. In the heart of the famous Garden Route the town offers the best of both worlds in the form of the picturesque ocean on one shoulder and the lush forests of the interior on the other. Extremely well appointed and easily accessible, Knysna has a very unusual way to experience walking. South Africa is home to an abundant bird life and a canopy tour through the Tsitsikamma forest near Knysna will introduce many of them to you on a very personal level! The walk involves moving through the forest at canopy level along a network of platforms 30 metres above the ground; the only catch is that in order to get from one platform to another the method is by steel cable. It’s not as scary as it sounds and, once you adjust to unfamiliar seating position, it is a truly magical experience; and perfect for a tranquil day for two.

Beaches Walks in Cape Town
There can little more enjoyable than a peaceful walk along a deserted beach with your companion watching the sun rise over the horizon. Walking South Africa’s stunning coastline can give you the ultimate sunrise experience and nowhere more so than along one of Cape Town’s spectacular beaches. For a real ‘get away from it all’ walk, head to Noordhoek where you can wander in peace along the seemingly endless stretch of sand right up to Kommetijie. In the early morning, save for the odd like-minded walker, you will have the beach to yourselves. If you feel more comfortable in the company of others, but still want to enjoy a picturesque coastal walk, try Hout Bay where you can start at the Mariner’s Walk and make your way along to Chapman’s Peak. Perfect, easy walks for one or two.

Pretoria – Botanic Gardens
If your holiday walking South Africa takes you to Pretoria, then you, or you and your loved one, can slip away for an afternoon to the impressive Pretoria National Botanic Gardens. Easily reached in the eastern suburbs of the city, the gardens are a 70 hectare haven of flora and fauna. You can spend as much or as little time as you like in the gardens and can wander around on your own, or engage a guide and take one of the official tours.

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

With everything to do in Cape Town, you could be forgiven for wanting to take a little while to sit back, sip on a Mojito cocktail, and relax to some of the unique sounds of Cape Town’s music. As well as being home to a wide variety of South African cultures, the city is also home to its own particular brand of music – goema, or goema jazz. Based on a wooden, barrel-shaped Malaysian drum set known as a ghomma, the style evolved into a unique brand of music that became identified as Cape Town’s ‘goema’.

Cape Jazz

Previously identified as ‘Cape Jazz’, the music of Cape Town sounds similar to the popular jazz style of marabi, a fast-paced keyboard style known for its energy and the ability to get people dancing in local bars or shebeens! Cape Jazz became more improvisational than marabi, however, in large part due to the celebratory culture of the city. A large part of the improvisational structure evolved from the situations the music would be played in – often street parades, where being able to improvise or extend a piece of music or song would be of tremendous help to an aspiring musician! The style also developed around the instruments used, as the players became accustomed to instruments that could be carried by hand, such as brass instruments, banjos, guitars and, of course, ghomma drums.

The Goema Captains

One of the most famous bands of Cape Town, the Goema Captains featured famous jazz musician Mac McKenzie, Alex van Heerden, and Hilton Schilder, who took a different direction by rearranging traditional songs with the important improvisational elements of goema. Another example is The Cape Jazz Band, an ensemble drawing all of its members from different groups playing in Cape Town.

Where to Go

If you’re looking to investigate Cape Town’s live music scene, you can’t do better than a few of the venues nestled right in the heart of the city. ‘Mercury’ has long been the favourite haunt of most of the top South African Bands playing in Cape Town. It is divided into a downstairs lounge and an upstairs section, ‘Mercury Live’, boasting one of the best sound systems in the city, as well as a spacious stage and standing area. For those looking for a little more variety than simply music, the ‘Zula Sound Bar’ offers a diverse range of music including hip-hop, rock, traditional African, reggae, and goema, as well as live comedy on occasion. Situated in Long Street, it sits in the heart of Cape Town’s nightlife and provides a full menu, along with tables on a balcony affording great views of the bustling city.

Whether it’s a short visit to Cape Town, or a longer exploration of all the city has to offer, music is an unavoidable part of the urban landscape. With the reintroduction of several traditional songs to the popular repertoire of goema music, it’s also becoming a new way of discovering the city’s cultural history. Give goema a go, and you never know – you may find yourself unexpectedly tapping a foot along to the beat.

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

No trip to Cape Town would be truly complete without setting some time aside to experience a trip to Table Mountain. Once the habitat of lions and leopards, the mountain has come to be seen as a symbol of the city it towers over. But as spectacular as the views from the mountaintop are, there’s enough to be enjoyed during the trip up and down in Cape Town’s cable cars.

The first cars

It took over 40 years of discussion and planning – interrupted by two wars – before construction began in 1926, and the first cableway opened for business three years later in 1929. In the beginning, the construction of the cars featured a tin roof and sides made out of wood. Of course the design evolved over time, and cable cars leaving from Cape Town today are built to maximise the view during the journey, with a rotating floor ensuring a 360 degree view during the journey. The base of the cable car is filled with water, serving as ballast in the windy conditions – and it can get windy above Cape Town. Ascending to Table Mountain takes visitors 1067 metres above sea level, and the winds at that height can be extremely strong. Luckily, the cableway only operates when weather permits, which is often, and boasts an impeccable safety record.

A unique system

The system itself is fairly unique – Cape Town is the home of one of only three Rotair cable cars in the world (the others having homes in Switzerland and the USA). The system relies on two cable cars to counterbalance each other – as one goes up, the other comes down. The cars can’t operate independently, but it also halves the wait whether you’re ascending or descending. The cars travel at a maximum speed of ten metres per second – long enough to enjoy the view, and quickly enough to reach the summit in about 4 or 5 minutes. Good news for the traveller in a hurry. Each car can carry 65 passengers, and the cableway as a whole has transported over 20 million people from Cape Town to Table Mountain and back. They can’t be booked in advance, though, and tend to become very busy on clear days.

Starting or finishing

If you’re looking to take advantage of the adventurous activities around Table Mountain the cable cars are a convenient way of beginning or ending your chosen day. If you’re interested in hiking up Table Mountain, but worried the descent back to Cape Town might be a step too far, then descending in a cable car will allow a quick and restful descent. Likewise, if abseiling down from the summit is your method of choice, a cable car up to Table Mountain could give you some perspective on your route, as well as letting you save your energy beforehand! Whether walking up from, or climbing back down to Cape Town, or even just enjoying a peaceful ride and appreciating the vista, the cable cars of Cape Town are something to experience in their own right.

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made
Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

So you’re tanned, you’ve toured – in fact, all the items in your guidebook have been checked off, one by one. So what better way to refresh yourself than by seeing Cape Town through the eyes of a fellow traveller? Discovering the quirks of a holiday destination through stories and novels has been a time-honoured tradition for generations of travellers, and Cape Town provides a superb canvas when it comes to stories. In fact, whatever your tastes, there’s something that might just give you a new way of looking at the city.

Travel and Teaching

Some novels are packed with cultural insights, such as Zoe Wicomb’s collection of stories titled ‘You Can’t Get Lost in Cape Town’, which (instead of the travelogue you might expect!) features different vignettes of a young woman returning to South Africa in order to confront the culture that shaped her as a child. Another critically-praised read is Finuala Dowling’s ‘Flyleaf’, a novel depicting the life of a teacher with some very unorthodox teaching methods, and the challenges she faces in moving from the country to build a life in Cape Town.

Action and Adventure

For the more adventurous, there isn’t a better setting for a thriller than the vibrant, bustling city of Cape Town. ‘Thirteen Hours’ by Deon Meyer, South Africa’s bestselling crime fiction author, is a detective tale of a missing backpacker and a conspiracy that threatens the country. Or there’s Lauren Beukes’ ‘Moxyland’, a debut science fiction novel looking to Cape Town’s future, displaying the blend of cultures in the city along with a vision of where technology might take them. You’ll never look at your phone the same way again, wherever you are.

Choices and Cooking

Or if you prefer a lighter touch, Patricia Schonstein’s ‘A Time of Angels’ is a light-hearted comedy, focusing on the colourful characters inhabiting an expatriate neighbourhood in Cape Town. It is a wonderful fable about good, evil, and most importantly – the love of food! If you’re venturing on holiday with family members, there’s no better way to get the teenagers excited about being in Cape Town than by giving them Sally Partridge’s ‘Fuse’, with its story of teenage friendship put under pressure by bullying, and a plan to fight back that transforms the novel into a gripping tale of adventure.

Off the Page

Not only can you find a new way of looking at Cape Town in novels as well as the guidebook, but the city is proud of its literary culture. Cape Town’s book fair gives around 18,000 literature lovers a new way of enjoying South Africa, after the wines have been drunk, the food enjoyed, and the music danced to. Notables such as Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, and novelists Jodi Picoult and Wole Soyinka visited 2010’s fair, marking it as the place to be seen for authors from around the world.

With pages and pages written about Cape Town outside of the guidebook, there’s a story for everyone – and reading a few others can help you decide how you’re going to live your own. Whether you’re there already, or just planning a visit, picking up a novel or two just might give you a few new ideas about Cape Town.

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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If you’re spending some time in Cape Town during your holiday in South Africa, you will most likely need somewhere to stop for lunch at some point. Why not call into one of the best cosmopolitan cafes in Cape Town?

Afro Cafe
Tucked away down a pedestrian street that is littered with antique stalls, the Afro Cafe is one of the most popular cafes in Cape Town. Known for its vibrancy, this coffee shop is both funky and fresh and offers a real taste of Africa. With an incredibly bright interior, and dazzling, retro packaging accompanying any food or drink being taken out, the Afro Cafe is the epitome of African style and sassiness and can be spotted a mile away. The best part of the cafe is its unrivalled range of exotically flavoured teas, though by all accounts the coffee is pretty good too, and don’t even get us started on the moreish menu! For an authentic taste of South African culture, the Afro Cafe is a real hot spot you’d be mad to miss out on.

The Daily Delhi
If your daily routine back home involves a morning cup of coffee with a read of the local paper before you can even think about facing the day, then there is a really easy way to superimpose that routine onto your holiday in Cape Town – simply pay a visit to the Daily Delhi. Perfectly situated in the quaint back streets of the Central Business District, the Daily Delhi is more of a local hangout than a tourist trap. This only serves to make it more of an enjoyable experience for the odd visitor or two to South Africa who happen to stumble upon it. If freshly baked breakfast croissants, a morning newspaper, a fantastic cup of coffee, and a real local hustle and bustle atmosphere all sound like the key ingredients to your day, then this is definitely the cafe for you. The Daily Delhi may be small but it is certainly worth a visit if you like to start your day with a good cup of coffee.

C’est La Vie
Venture a bit further south of Cape Town and you will soon come across suburb, Kalk Bay. A Parisian style cafe, C’est La Vie, means only one thing in this case – this is the life! Voted a top ten Cape Town coffee house by top women’s magazine Elle, this really is a classic place to get that kick of caffeine. Making many of their own breads themselves, their breakfast treats are a real delicacy, and when you add the great cups of coffee you really do have the recipe for a fantastic start to your day. You’ll find C’est La Vie down a cobbled street which simply adds to the classic, yet slightly eccentric, atmosphere exuded by the cafe. A plain, but incredibly pleasant menu gives you plenty to choose from, and it really is impossible to choose the wrong thing..

So, if you’re feeling a little bit peckish while you’re in Cape Town, make sure you drop into any one of the best cosmopolitan cafes – you’ll be glad you did!

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

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The views from the many resorts of Menorca, Son Bou or San Jaime for example, are quite simply breathtaking. And what better way to enjoy them in the sunshine than with a picnic. So head to the market, pick up some delectable local fare and a bottle of wine or two, and settle in at one of the best picnic spots in Menorca’s Son Bou.

At the Beach
Renowned for being the longest beach in Menorca, Son Bou’s beach is quite possibly one of the places you will spend the most time at during your holiday. The golden sands and beautiful views of the sea make it one of the most relaxing places you can imagine, and certainly a prime spot for kicking off your sandals, letting your hair down and enjoying a good picnic. And if you find yourself too full to finish off all of those sandwiches, you’ll find plenty of ducks in the wetlands just beyond the beach, that would be more than happy to finish off any leftovers that you can’t quite manage.

In the Countryside
One of the best things about Menorca – Son Bou included – is the countryside. With pine forests and rolling hills spreading as far as the eye can see, it’s easy to take yourself away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and make yourself relax by landing yourself in the middle of nowhere. The best way to get to a secluded picnic spot is to take the start of the Cami de Cavalls medieval coastal path between Son Bou and Cala Galdana. This path was once used by riders riding at breakneck speed to warn towns of invasions threatening the coast of Menorca. However, today you can take a much more leisurely pace along it. Walking along the coastal path you’ll enjoy sensational views of both the ocean and the countryside, complemented in the springtime by the plentiful flowers that are in bloom along the way. Stop anywhere along the path, spread out that picnic blanket and give your legs a bit of a rest, but be sure to take plenty of food with you as you might just need the energy for the walk back.

In a Neighbouring Town
Once you’re in Menorca, Son Bou is not the only place worth a visit; why not venture a little further afield into one of the neighbouring towns? Traditional town, Alaior is only a short bus ride or an even shorter drive from Son Bou, and it is an ideal destination for a day trip. The local market provides you with some wonderful options for picnic fare if you did not stock up before you started out. In particular, cheese is the local delicacy, and the town offers an enormous range, some of which have been cured for over two years. If you are visiting Son Bou in the summer, you might just be lucky enough to time your visit with the Fiesta de Sant Llorenc, a music festival which takes place annually in the courtyard of the old convent. It will certainly add some excitement to your afternoon as you picnic whilst watching the locals wheeling around on horseback.

If a picnic is on the cards while you’re on holiday in Menorca, Son Bou is the perfect spot.

 

Brenda Jaaback is the Managing Director of Bartle Holidays. They can provide you with a wide selection of villas in Menorca, Son Bou is ideal for your villa holidays. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article about Menorca, Son Bou and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.

 

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With the advent of text messaging pagers are less-common in our schools and workplaces these days, but on the ski slopes it appears that they’re making something of a comeback. Unlike your hi-tech smart phone with its hundreds of applications designed to entertain and amuse your friends, on the slopes pagers can be the difference between life and death. Of course, it’s not all serious; pagers can also have fun implications for your ski holidays. Here are a few ways that pagers have their uses on the slopes.

Avalanche Warning System

When pagers are talked about in ski resorts they’re often referred to as ‘avalanche beacons’. You’ll find that avalanche beacons are slightly bulkier than your average hospital beeper and this is because the buttons need to be activated in extremely cold weather. The usual avalanche beacon is a paperback-sized pager that helps with the search and rescue operation in the event of an avalanche. The alarm is more often used by professional skiers and snowboarders that are going off-piste, however, there is no reason that these pagers shouldn’t be worn by everyone taking to the slopes. In France, it currently takes the search and rescue team an average of 45 minutes to reach the site of an accident; in this time-frame approximately 75% of victims will be dead.

The avalanche beacon has two modes – transmit and search. In the transmit mode the victim trapped by an avalanche can emit a signal, which is then picked up by another pager switched to search mode. More advanced avalanche beacons used by professional organisations can also give an indication of distance and direction, to a range of 20 metres.

Restaurant Reservations

Anyone that’s ever been on a skiing holiday will remember how packed the resort restaurants get in the evening. It seems that as soon as darkness descends on the slopes, the crowds make their way to the restaurant – which can make getting a table hard if you don’t have a reservation. Luckily, the hospitality industry has found a solution to this and restaurant pagers have been introduced to many ski resort restaurants. The concept of the restaurant pager is fairly simple: guests are given a pager which alerts them when a table becomes free, so instead of queuing for a table outside in the snow, you can wait in a bar knowing that your pager will beep the moment a table becomes free.

Contact your Staff

If you’re staying in a serviced chalet, you’ll probably be given a beeper in order to contact your staff and, similarly, your staff will be able to contact you via your pager. If you’ve decided on a home-cooked meal cooked for you by your chalet maid, then she’ll be able to buzz you and let you know ten minutes before your casserole is due out of the oven. Likewise if you’ve left your children with an au-pair and find that the queues for the ski slopes stretch for miles, then with a pager you can contact the au-pair and let her know that you’ll be delayed. In the event of an emergency, your au pair can send you a discreet buzz on your pager letting you know that you’re needed back at home.

 

Jenny Kettlewell is the Marketing Manager for Multitone Systems, a tele communications strategies company that has provided pagers and paging systems for organisations in the public and private sector for many years.

 

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Walking South Africa is hungry work and if you’re planning on walking around the Stellenbosch then you’ll find that your stomach won’t stop rumbling from all the delicious food on offer. The Stellenbosch isn’t just the wine capital of South Africa, but also a gastro-lover’s paradise offering fresh local produce and gourmet restaurants. Here are a few things that you must do while walking the Stellenbosch:

Visit the Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market

Every Saturday, Oude Libertas is transformed into a haven of local goods and fresh produce. All the products sold at the market are grown, raised, caught or preserved by the producers themselves. You’ll find a range of high-quality food producers and local and regional farmers, all offering delicious seasonal and home-cooked dishes. With so many mouth-watering stalls at the market, it can be hungry work walking around them all. However, we recommend stopping at the Fish Deli to buy a South African speciality, snoek, which tastes wonderful barbecued and served with apricot marinade from the nearby stall, Oded’s kitchen. If you need something to get yourself going while walking South Africa, then try an espresso from Espresso Urself before you leave.

Take a Wine Tour

Walking South Africa’s wine region just isn’t complete without a specialty wine tour and there are many different ways you can choose to tour the area. One local operator specialises in cycle tours, while another offers shuttle safaris. With such a variety it can be hard choosing the perfect Stellenbosch wine tour, but it’s often the classic tours run by knowledgeable guides that are the best. A typical wine tour takes you around five different wineries, where you’ll taste the best wines that each has to offer, before stopping for lunch at one of them. It’s not always just wine-tasting that’s on the agenda; cheese, chocolate and olives are often sampled alongside the wines in order to bring out some of their subtler undertones.

Eat at an Award Winning Restaurant

Terroir is owned by the chef behind London’s Michelin starred restaurant, Le Gavroche, and the food here is just as delectable. With a focus on classic French country fare, slow-roasted pork belly and sous-vide lamb are typical dishes served at this establishment. After walking South Africa’s most scenic landscapes, a nice relaxing meal should be top of the agenda, This cellar-door restaurant provides hearty servings and local acclaimed wines by both the bottle and glass and there is even the option to sit on the garden terrace with its scenic pond and garden views.

Attempt to Catch Your Own Food

Stellenbosch offers some of the best local produce that South Africa has to offer, but if you don’t want to purchase it from expensive food markets, then why not try your hand at catching it yourself. Stellenbosch is a popular fishing destination and some of the wine estates even have their own fishing lakes teeming with trout and bass. Many fishing companies allow you to keep what you’ve caught and if you’re lucky enough to catch yourself a trout, we recommend cooking it in traditional Stellensbosch style – grilled on the braai with Riesling.

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

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As with any visit to a country abroad, when planning to visit the Kingdom of Bhutan it is important to consider the best time of the year to go. This varies greatly between individuals and, depending on what sort of traveller you are, the weather may be your priority, or on the other hand you may be more concerned about how busy or quiet the region will be. Bhutan treks and tours in the months during spring and autumn are more comfortable because of the even temperatures and reduced chance of inclement weather; however, these peak times are naturally much busier as well. If you can travel early or late in the peak seasons you will still be able to enjoy good weather but visitor numbers will be a little lower. Another major factor to consider when planning Bhutan treks is the annual festival calendar; an opportunity to experience one of the many colourful events which take place all over the country is not to be missed.

The varying altitudes in the landscape of Bhutan mean that across the different elevations, there can be a huge variation in temperatures. The lower-lying southern regions have a more tropical climate, whilst in the higher valleys even in the milder months evenings can range from cool to very cold.

Spring
Spring runs from late February until the end of May and the temperatures range from around 13 -24 C in Bhutan. Treks during these months can see quite cool evenings and nights, but during the day you can expect clear skies and plenty of sunshine to warm your back on the trail. The Paro Festival, one of the biggest and most important of all the festivals in Bhutan, also take place in the spring.

Summer
The summer months in Bhutan are usually considered to run from the end of May until August. This period also includes what can almost be deemed a fifth season – the rainy season, which encompasses June though to September. The temperatures climb to an average of about 25 C but can often reach up to 29 C. Bhutan treks during the height of the summer months mean, not only extreme temperatures, but heavy monsoonal rainfall and the risk of landslides hampering your progress. Although the rains are welcomed by the farmers as they are vital for their crops, it is not the best time to plan a trek.

Autumn
By September, autumn has arrived in Bhutan. Treks and tours are ideal during the autumnal months as the rain and heat give way to wonderfully mild daytime temperatures with an average of 18 C. The clear skies and pleasant weather make the months between September and November probably the best time for Bhutan treks. They are certainly the most popular, and with good reason; this time of the year is delightful in Bhutan and there are also a lot of festivals which take place around the country.

Winter
Except for the lower-lying southern regions of Bhutan, snow falls over much of the country during the winter months, which are from around December to February. However, despite the colder climes, with an average daytime temperature of about 11 C, the days are often clear and bright and the vision of the snow-capped mountains serve as a magnificent backdrop to the stunning landscape of Bhutan.

 

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan Treks and tours. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

 

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Attending an Internet Marketing seminar can mean many things; firstly it is a day away from the office and out of the firing line of your clients. Secondly, it means taking in a lot of information in a short space of time; and thirdly, in many cases it means a day of having every decision you’ve made about your website in the last year or so turned completely on its head. The point is, it’s worth being prepared for an Internet Marketing seminar…

Do Put Your Phone/Blackberry on Silent
Everyone around the table at an Internet Marketing seminar is likely to be a marketing manager with a blackberry in their pocket, and each of them is likely to have around 29 missed calls and 87 emails by the time you break for lunch. However, if everybody stopped to take each call that came in, you would be there until midnight. If you’re taking the time out of the office to attend a seminar, remember to put your phone or blackberry on silent – you can deal with anything urgent at lunchtime.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
They say that the best way to learn is through questions, and nowhere is this more true than at an Internet Marketing Seminar. There’s nothing worse than half understanding something but failing to clarify it; after all if you don’t get it when your teacher is in front of you, you certainly won’t get it when you’re back at your desk trying to implement it.

Do Make an Effort to Be Sociable
A seminar might be the last place you expect to meet useful contacts, but you never know when networking will help you out in the future. No-one’s asking you to come away from the seminar with a new best friend, but there’s no harm in being sociable as you just might meet some people that could be a great deal of use to you in the future. Don’t keep your conversations between those sat at your elbows, make the effort to integrate with the entire group – it might even help your learning.

Don’t Hide in the Corner
Many learning experts would say that the best way to take information in is to learn by example, and this is why a speaker at an Internet Marketing seminar will often call upon the websites of delegates for practical case studies. If your website ends up on the stand, try not to get too defensive. However, try not to hide in the corner and ignore criticism either. You can be sure that any comments made about your site will be constructive, so it is better to stand up tall and accept any advice you’re being offered, than to take offence.

Do Be Open-Minded
The chances are that if you were to attend a Traditional Marketing session, you would have very fixed views on what you were being told. But the fact is, you wouldn’t be at an Internet Marketing seminar if you knew everything there is to know on the subject, and you’re likely to hear plenty of new material. Much of Online Marketing involves taking traditional marketing and turning it on its head; it’s crucial that you be open-minded enough to do that and at least consider new principles.

Don’t Count on a Print Out at the End
Many speakers will indeed give you a copy of a presentation or some notes at the end of the seminar, but due to the interactive nature of Internet Marketing seminars, you can guarantee that it will only cover a small proportion of what you will have learnt during the day. It is much more valuable to make your own notes as you go along. Even if only eighty per cent of what you write is legible at the end of the day, at least it will be written in a way you personally understand.

So, if you’re planning on attending an Internet Marketing seminar, make sure you get the most out of it by approaching it in the right way. You never know, you might even enjoy it!

 

Frank Orman is the Managing Director of LeadGenerators, a full-service Online Marketing agency specialising in Internet Marketing Seminars in London. LeadGenerators offers online marketing solutions to achieving first-rate sales conversions for your business.

 

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To some, spending a few months working their hearts out on gap year projects before knuckling down to university, can actually be the catalyst for a whole direction in their lives. Once they’ve tasted the freedom and excitement of working long but rewarding hours in the great outdoors in an exotic foreign country, past dreams of a cushy desk job and a plush office in the city have all but disappeared in a puff of elephant dung. But for others, the experience of their gap year projects, mending fences, cleaning out animal cages and sleeping in basic accommodation with not too many of the comforts of home, is a wonderful memory but not a future way of life. Still others come home from their time abroad with a new enthusiasm for their chosen career, satisfied that they are heading in the right direction.

So, as you calm the butterflies in your tummy, pack your bags, wave goodbye to your family and head off on your gap year projects; consider what you may want to do when you come back to your real life…

Medical Student turns Vet

We’ve all met the straight ‘A’ super-brain whose parents have them all mapped out to be a doctor. They study hard, get great grades and are excited about their long and happy future career in medicine. But what happens when they spend a few months working on one of those animal conservation gap year projects and find they have more affinity with four-legged and furry patients than the two-legged variety? Luckily, all that talent and brain-power won’t go to waste and they can switch courses and reapply for a Veterinary Science degree instead.

Accountant turns Game Ranger

Now, let’s face it, accountants tend to get a pretty bad rap. They seem to be the butt of many a joke but, in reality, accountancy is a good honest profession which one no-one should be ashamed of. But many people drift into it simply because they are unsure of what they really wan to do and it represents a stable career-path. But what happens if you set off to, let’s say, one of the many South African gap year projects and are suddenly faced with your dream job – one you didn’t even know existed? Deciding you want to become a Game Ranger is one of those gap year projects revelations that really do change lives. If you fall in love with the world of wildlife, all thoughts of long division and tax returns go out the window. The good news is that once your volunteering project is over, you can add a six-week Game Ranger Training programme on to the end of your stay and go home fully accredited. Then it’s just a matter of working out how long you’ll have to save in order to come back to South Africa! Lucky you’re good with numbers…

Teacher turns….Teacher

Gap year projects aren’t all about animal conservation and if you’re planning on a career in teaching, chances are the project you choose will be one working with children in an overseas community abroad. Opportunities to assist local teachers working with underprivileged children will only serve to whet your appetite and, far from changing your mind about your future career in education, you will be fired up to get in and get qualified so you can return as a fully-fledged teacher and continue this wonderful work.

 

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year projects and other wildlife conservation holidays for adults.

 

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We all know the most common communications strategies that are used in our everyday life: telephones, mobile telephones, pagers, walkie-talkies, CB radios and many others that we simply couldn’t imagine doing without. But there are literally millions of different ways, both verbal and not verbal, that humans and other living creatures communicate with each other. They don’t all involve electronic devices; here are a few of the more unusual ones we have uncovered.

A Gentle Touch

Most people are familiar with the poignant story of Helen Keller, a blind and deaf child, who was brought out of her life of isolation by the tender and patient work of her teacher, Anne Sullivan. Miss Sullivan used the techniques of touch and feeling in her communications strategies to unlock Helen Keller’s dark and silent life. From the first moment of their meeting, when she spelled out the letters of the word ‘doll’ into Helen’s palm representing the gift she had brought her, Anne Sullivan was on her way to creating their very own private communications strategies. Within weeks Helen had had a major breakthrough and was able to name all the familiar objects in her limited world. Helen Keller became the first deaf and blind person to ever earn a degree, and she went on to become a world-renowned author and public speaker – all thanks to her dedicated teacher.

Equestrian Etiquette

Any animal owner can attest to the fact that they can communicate with their furry companions in many different ways and on many different levels. Dogs and other animals can learn simple verbal commands very successfully; but even without words, animals can often read their master’s body language and even their stance. One pairing in which non-verbal communications strategies are tested to their fullest extent is in the elegant art of dressage. Commonly referred to as ‘horse ballet’, the aim of dressage is to get the animal to execute a series of complicated moves, at the direction of the rider, in an effortless and relaxed manner. Dressage ranges from basic levels of movement right up to Olympic-standard programmes and even at its simplest, it is imperative that the communication between horse and rider is implicit. A skilled rider knows how to apply commands with a minimum of effort and a well-trained, even-tempered horse will respond in kind.

ET Phone Home

When it comes to extra-terrestrials and UFOs there are not too many fence-sitters; you are either a die-hard sceptic or totally convinced we are not alone here in this huge universe. One thing the believers must take credit for is their determination to developing communications strategies in order to talk to whoever or whatever is out there. From signalling the universe on giant homemade satellite dishes, right down to alleged telepathic mobile phone conversations with aliens, people have been claiming success for many years. As far back as 1952, Jack Sarfatti, a respected quantum physicist claimed he was receiving messages from aliens through his home telephone. He maintains that the wisdom imparted to him in these calls went on to assist his highly successful career.

 

Jenny Kettlewell is the Marketing Manager for Multitone Systems, a leading tele communications strategy company. Multitone has implemented custom, integrated communications strategies for businesses and organisations in the public and private sector for over 75 years.

 

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Spending much more time on the road than the average driver, it is arguably not surprising that a courier might have to put in the odd insurance claim here and there. However the amount of driving they do also gives them a great deal of scope for some of the most interesting and amusing insurance claims around.

A Moo-ving Obstacle
There’s no avoiding the fact that from time to time, courier work takes you out of the city, and drops you firmly in the middle of nowhere surrounded by countryside. This is exactly what happened to this poor chap who had a run-in with a moo-ving, moo-ing obstacle. Having collided with the cow, the courier was obliged to fill out the insurance company’s documentation. When asked on the form what warning he gave, he stated ‘a beep of the horn’. However, when asked what warning the other party gave, he simply wrote ‘a moo.’ Let’s just hope the cow had insurance…

An Untimely Incident
Day to day life requires routine, and once we have established that routine we are often loathe to stray from it for anyone or anything. Between the alarm going off in the morning and leaving the house to go to work, the same chain of events occurs over the same timescale each and every day – or so one courier thought. Leaving the house at the same time as he did every day, the driver reversed out of his driveway to start work for the day, completely unprepared for the bus that was in his path. Very simply, the information on the insurance claim read: ‘the bus was five minutes early.’

An End of Day Error
We all know how tiring a day at work can be, and particularly one that involves long stints on the road. Whilst the awareness of a courier on the road does not slip, we do all get just that little bit more clumsy as the day goes by, as one particular courier can vouch for. Going to lean out of the window towards the end of his day’s driving, he got a bit of a surprise when it was not in fact open as he’d believed it was, but firmly shut. The wording of his insurance claim? ‘I thought my window was down, but I found out it was up when I put my head through it.’

An Off-Duty Prang
But it’s not just while he or she is working that a courier can come a cropper. After all, the arrival of the weekend does not automatically mean the hanging up of the car keys. More often than not it means the embarkation of the entire family on a weekend away somewhere; for example to visit the In-Laws and extended family. One poor fellow had survived a whole day with his mother-in-law, until home time that is, at which point it all went wrong. On reporting the accident to the insurance company he said simply, ‘I pulled away, glimpsed my mother-in-law at the side of the road, and headed over the embankment.’

So, though the nature of courier work may mean that you end up with more insurance claims than you might like, they may well be of a slightly more interesting variety.

 

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world’s largest neutral trading hub for the same day courier and express freight exchange industry. Over 2,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading courier services and capacity in a safe ‘wholesale’ environment.

 

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The World Cup brought South Africa to the forefront of the world’s attention, providing a great chance to remember the incredible history of the country’s fight against apartheid.

The football may now be over, but if you head to South Africa one opportunity you should not pass up is the chance to visit some of the main points of interest in the struggle for freedom.

Apart from the iconic Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years, there are a number of other places in South Africa where the struggle is remembered and brought vividly to life.

Red Location Museum
Red Location first came into existence as a shanty town back in 1877. Black people were relocated here by force at the beginning of the 19th century, and it became one of key areas for anti-apartheid activists in South Africa. Now its name is synonymous with the anti-apartheid movement.

Situated right in the middle of New Brighton township on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth, the Red Location Museum is one of the best museums dedicated to the fight against apartheid. Lots of activists and political leaders from South Africa were born in the township, and many events during the struggle to end apartheid also took place here.

The award-winning architecture ensures a spectacular setting for the museum, but it is the exhibits inside that will really amaze. The museum takes a unique approach to highlight the contribution of the people of the area in the apartheid struggle, and it makes for a fascinating afternoon.

The Freedom Route
The KwaZulu-Natal Freedom Route is a journey that takes you through some of the most important areas of South Africa in the history of the fight against apartheid. The main locations on the route are the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

In Durban you can visit the Luthuli Museum and Cato Manor, the settlement where Mahatma Gandhi was based for a time. There are also lots of museums to visit, along with the homes of renowned activists, and ANC hideouts. The KwaMuhle Museum is also of particular interest.

In Pietermaritzburg you can visit the Old Prison, see the statue of Ghandi, visit the Mandela Capture Site and take a trip to the Sobantu township. Here you can visit real communities of South Africa, eat the local food of the township and talk to local people who lived through the horror of apartheid. There is no better way to experience the real history of South Africa.

Liliesleaf Farm
Liliesleaf Farm has gone down in legend in South Africa as the secret location where high-ranking members of the ANC planned their attempts to overthrow the government. This hideout even housed Nelson Mandela for a while. Following a police raid in 1963, many senior members of the ANC were arrested, leading to the Rivonia Treason Trials. It is well worth a visit to see one of the most important locations in the anti-apartheid movement.

A Different View of South Africa
South Africa may be visited more for its stunning wildlife and incredible natural scenery, but if you want to experience the recent history of the country through the eyes of the people who lived through the horrors of apartheid, the above locations provide you with a unique opportunity to do so.

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

 This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

 

South Africa’s temperate climate makes it an ideal holiday destination for an energetic break involving walking, hiking or cycling. Any of these activities will enable you to approach your itinerary with a different view, and you will be able to see and experience things that you may otherwise not have been able to. Whilst walking or hiking are admirable ways to travel, sometimes it’s just not practical to take so long to cover so little distance! That’s where riding a bike can come into its own: not only will you be out in the great outdoors experiencing the real South Africa, you will also be able to eat up the miles a lot easier while still being able to enjoy the scenery – perfect.

The Cape Winelands
The stunning winelands town of Paarl has a great network of cycle paths which radiate from its centre and are suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. You can simply stick to the picturesque tree-lined streets in town, or venture out along paths through lush vineyards; stopping to sample the vintages along the way. The Cape Winelands are the true jewel in South Africa’s crown and you can cycle gentle, undulating country paths interspersed with picture-perfect villages and historic country estates. This region is ideal for packing a picnic lunch on your panniers, picking up a bottle of local wine and exploring at your own pace.

Hogsback – the Eastern Cape
By bike is far and away the best way to experience the breathtaking scenery in this region. You can hire either mountain bikes or normal cycles depending on how energetic you want to be and there is a huge network of tracks to head out to. Some trails you may want to attempt are the gentler (and shorter) Holy Cyrus Loop at 8km; the medium length Deodar Loop and Madonna Loop, at 14km and 22km respectively; and for the very experienced and super fit, the Complete Trail at a thigh-wobbling 28km. This last one certainly requires dedication but, if tackled, is bound to be the highlight of your South African cycling adventure.

Soweto Town Tour
For those who prefer to stick to the more urban routes, you can’t beat a day tour around Soweto by cycle. Join one of the professional tour companies or buy a map and strike out on your own! You can set a leisurely pace as you cycle by Nelson Mandela’s and Bishop Tutu’s houses (both in South Africa’s most notable residential street, Vilakazi Street); or take a breather at the fascinating Hector Pieterson Museum. If you take a professional tour, you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel and offered a running commentary along the way; but if you prefer to go solo, it’s a reasonably easy city to navigate and you’ll find it hard to get lost if you follow the landmarks.

There are many other cycle paths around the cities and regions of South Africa, and the country has a wonderful infrastructure in place to cater to cyclists of all abilities. If you are heading out on your own however, it is advisable to ask around before setting off, as many of the roads can be treacherous in terms of traffic. But use your common sense, wear a helmet and experience the best of South Africa on your bike.

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

 This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

 

Whilst walking South Africa’s wonderful paths and trails, you will see all manner of wildlife, from the smallest of blue crane birds to the largest of elephants. Seeing these animals in their natural habitat will take your breath away; however if you’re looking for a real animal encounter, there are ways to get just a little bit closer!

Riding an elephant
There’s no denying the fact that you’ll see more of the country if you’re on foot and walking. South Africa does, however, tend to look very different from on top of an elephant. Far less work than using your own two feet, and more importantly far more fun, an elephant ride is a great way to see the country from a different perspective. It is also something of a special opportunity as the temperament of the African elephant is very different from that of Asian elephants ridden in areas such as Thailand. Not all can be ridden, however, there are some places where it is possible not only to ride African elephants, but also to groom them, walk trunk in hand with them, and feed them their meals. To get close to one of South Africa’s finest animals, and to see the country from a different vantage point, taking a ride on an elephant is a must.

Swimming with Penguins
When we think of South Africa, penguins are not necessarily the first animals that spring to mind. Hardly one of the Big Five, the small African penguin is admittedly not the first animal you would think of seeing, however it is certainly one you are likely to come across whilst walking South Africa. During your visit, make sure you head to Boulders Beach near Cape Town where you will find a whole colony of the bouncy birds. Energetic and playful, they are a lot of fun to be around, and they are more than likely to try to make friends with you while you are swimming. Very used to people being around, the birds will not hesitate to act naturally around you giving you the perfect opportunity to see them feeding, preening and swimming in their natural environment.

Ride an Ostrich
For an animal experience that’s out of the ordinary, be sure to head out towards Oudtshoorn to do some walking. South Africa’s largest ostrich population can be found out in that direction, thanks to the slightly dry and desert-like feel to the region. With ostrich farms that hold regular ostrich racing for riders of any level, there’s nothing stopping you from having a go at becoming an ostrich jockey. If however, your balance leaves a lot to be desired at the best of times, it might be best to stick to the sidelines and watch others attempt to ride the ungainly animals. Spending time at an ostrich farm is always a great day out and if you’re feeling lucky you might even want to put a penny or two towards a flutter on your favourite ostrich.

So if one of your reasons for walking South Africa’s beautiful territory is to see the wonderful wildlife the country has to offer, then these animal encounters are just what you’re looking for, allowing you to get up close and personal with animals you may not get to experience otherwise.

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

 This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

 

Cape Town is often lauded as being South Africa’s premier city destination but, although it is undeniably beautiful and an exciting and cosmopolitan place to visit, it is not the only jewel in South Africa’s crown. Durban, in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, is a beautiful sub-tropical city with just as much personality as her south-western counterpart. Gateway to the magnificent Drakensberg region, Durban also has a lot to offer in its own right, and a few days spent discovering the delights of this gorgeous city will be time well spent. Walking South Africa’s urban regions is very different to a walking adventure in the more remote and rugged areas of the country; but the journey is no less rewarding.

Victoria Street Market

Located in what is commonly known as the ‘Indian’ part of the city, the Victoria Street Market is an eclectic fusion of modern and traditional. As you are walking South Africa’s diverse cultural blend is ever more apparent as the tantalising smells of spices and aromatic food stuffs blend with the shouts and whistles of the stallholders; who are in themselves a wonderful attraction. The exotic mix of Indian and African craft, culture, art and food is a heady mix and, with over 170 stalls, entering the market place is almost like stepping into another world. The building in which the markets are held is a magnificent structure reminiscent of a Maharajah’s palace, however, sadly it has been earmarked for demolition in the next few years; so get in quick before a slice of history is lost.

uShaka Marine World

This is a great place to add into your Durban itinerary if you have children in your party, especially if they are a little young to keep up with the pace of city walking. South Africa, surrounded by oceans on two sides, has a wonderful marine life and an impressive selection of this is on display at the uShaka Marine World. The entertainment is non-stop; from live feeding shows and exhibitions, to the snorkel lagoon and diving with sharks. It is not hard to fill in the entire day and, once the sun goes down, there’s still more fun to be had. The ‘After Dark’ experience will see you wandering the aquarium as it basks in an eerie blue light. You can get a glimpse into the private lives of the sea-creatures as they go about their silent nightly business. Although only open to the public since 2004, uShaka Marine World has become a firm favourite with the local families of the city and the huge numbers of tourists who visit every year.

Durban Botanic Gardens

A tranquil oasis in the midst of the bustling city, the Durban Botanic Gardens is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon walking. South Africa’s oldest surviving gardens contain an abundance of African, Asian and American trees and shrubs, some of which are extremely rare. Wander along the shady paths stopping at the herbarium and the orchid house, then stop for lunch in the quaint and calming tea gardens. The beautiful Sensory Gardens are designed to allow blind visitors to touch and feel the plants within, and are inhabited by hundreds of twittering birds – a wonderful experience for both the sighted and non-sighted visitor.

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

 This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

 

South Africa is one of the most magnificent landscapes in the world to explore from the air. Imagine the undulating savannah landscapes miles below you, as you take to the air and watch migrating wildebeest and pink flamingos below you. Whether you’re looking for a romantic breakfast over the Western Cape or an adrenalin-packed flight over the Drakensburg, the hardest thing will be choosing your preferred method of transport:

Whale Watching From the Sky

Stuck in a boat in the middle of the Indian Ocean is not always the best way to spot a whale. Instead why not take to the skies in a small aircraft and try your luck above Plettenberg Bay. Africa’s self-professed whale capital is best visited during early June, when hundreds of Southern Right whales leave the Antarctic to frolic in the warm waters of South Africa. Although these whales can be seen from the shore, a light aircraft allows you to cover more ground and thus spot more whales.

Flip a Helicopter over the Drakensburg

South Africa is one of the best areas for adventure sports and what can be more adventurous than flipping a helicopter over the Drakensberg Mountains. You can choose from a Bell or Robinson helicopter and some companies even have a licence to host weddings. Flying over the Champagne/Cathkin escarpment, you can take in the rugged peaks of the Drakensburg; or opt for a champagne stop-over where you land on a low-berg next to the escarpment and enjoy a chilled glass of champagne before continuing on with your flight.

Glide Over Du Toitskloof Mountains

If you like gliding then there’s hardly anywhere in South Africa more scenic to experience your flight then the Du Toitskloof Mountains. The arid conditions around this area are just perfect for soaring, and with the jagged peaks and clouds as your playground you won’t want to come down. You’ll be gliding at heights of 5,000 to 20,000 giving you a true bird’s eye view of the stunning Breede River Canyon.

Thunder City Cape Town

Thunder City in Cape Town is the best place to go for the complete Top Gun experience. If you’ve grown up in the mid-1980s and dreamed of flying a fighter jet since Maverick and Goose took to your screens, then Thunder City is the place to make your dreams come true. When at this destination in South Africa, you can try your hand at vertical flight breaking the sound barrier in an ex-military buccaneer, or see the curvature of the earth on Mach 2.

Fly a Tiger Moth in the Cradle of Humankind

Sterkfontein, located in the Gauteng Province is a set of limestone caves recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is also known as the Cradle of Humankind due to the many hominid remains that have been found in the area. The undulating hills and valleys are reminiscent of a verdant olde worlde England, which makes it the perfect landscape to soar over in a 1940’s Tiger Moth. Sterkfontein is the richest hominid fossil site in the world, so make sure you take some time on the way to stop and explore the area; who knows what you may discover.

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

 This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

For many, a trip round the golf course is the best way they know to let go of the week’s stresses and strains and relax. By that logic, the best way to really unwind is to make sure you get plenty of time out on the golf course while you’re in South Africa. Here are just a few of the best golf spots South Africa has to offer.

Leopard Creek
The Leopard Creek Golf Course has built itself a reputation not only as the best in South Africa, but also as the 25th best course (outside of America) across the globe. As such it is certainly a feather in your golfing cap to be able to say that you’ve played there. Located on the border of the ever-impressive Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek embraces the wildlife and animals indigenous to the area, protecting players from wild animals using clever landscaping techniques. Be warned however, that the occasional hippopotamus, antelope or crocodile might just make that water-based shot a little more exciting! Should you want to get a bit closer to the animals, game rangers are often on hand to take you nearer in a Land Rover. A par 72 course with 18 holes, Leopard Creek is undoubtedly one of the best golf spots in South Africa.

Durban Country Club
Rated the sixth best course in South Africa, with the third hole being rated best hole three in the world, Durban Country Club is certainly a memorable course to play. More about technique than strength, your driver is not likely to come out much on this course, however your thoughts might just be a little distracted by phenomenal views of the ocean and the Blue Lagoon Estuary. Built on sand dunes, the Durban Country Club course undulates, creating wind channels that can make the game very interesting. It seems it is worth tackling the wind however, as this course has hosted more Opens than any other golf course in South Africa. If you want to play on the same greens as golfing greats such as Gary Player and Ernie Els, this is the course for you!

George Golf Club
In the heart of the Western Cape’s beautiful Garden Route, the George Golf Club is as picturesque as its surroundings. One of the most beautifully kept courses in South Africa, and featuring rolling hills and plenty of trees, a round of golf here will require a certain degree of precision. However, with its signature hole – the seventeenth – featuring in the best five hundred holes in the world (according to Golf Online), it is worth attempting a round at the George Golf Club. Allow between three and four hours to get round this course, or alternatively two hours for the first nine holes, but be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to take in the stunning scenery of the Garden Route. This truly is one of the most beautiful places to play golf in South Africa.

So if golf is one of your guilty pleasures and a holiday is not a holiday without a game or two, then fear not – you can use the wonderful nature and beautiful scenery as an excuse to drag the rest of your party around some of the best golf courses in South Africa.

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

 This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Many of us follow the lives of celebrities with interest, always thinking just how well-organised and together they must be to keep up with such hectic schedules. But, as these celebrity gap year blunders will prove, those famous folks are not always as perfect as we think they are!

Cheryl’s Malaria Mishap
She may currently be the nation’s favourite celebrity, as well as a role model for all those women going through divorce, but let’s hope that not too many gap year travellers are walking in Cheryl Cole’s shoes, or they might find themselves walking directly into mosquito mayhem. After travelling to Tanzania, despite claiming to have taken the correct medication, the singer was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with malaria. So, what should we learn from Cheryl’s story? It is crucially important to take malaria medication both before and during trips to areas where there is a high risk of contracting the disease. However, more than that, it is important to take extra precautions along the way, so make sure you stock up on insect repellent, mosquito nets and perhaps even fly swats before you go!

Anne’s Incorrect Assumptions
Anne Robinson’s austere and potentially rather alarming manner on The Weakest Link might well have us all thinking that such a woman could never make a faux pas in real life. Think again! Gap year students take note – you should always double check that the luggage you’ve collected from the conveyor belt is in fact yours, no matter how sure you think you are that it is your backpack or suitcase. Anne Robinson assumed that as she was the last one to arrive at the baggage lounge and all luggage had been collected, the case left had to be hers. She got a bit of a shock later however, when she opened the case to find a week’s worth of clothes that she had never seen before. Had she checked her case at the airport, she might have been able to limit both the hassle of getting her own bag back, and the time she had to wait for a change of clothes to arrive!

Lewis Hamilton Left Lacking
There’s one thing that should be done with care and attention when you’re preparing for your gap year and that’s the packing. If you are going to be away for long periods of time, you need to make sure that you have everything you need before you go, particularly if you are travelling to somewhere shopping centres are likely to be limited. So, be sure you don’t do what Lewis Hamilton did one holiday, which was to completely forget to pack his underpants! Lay your belongings out before you pack them into a case, and check then double check that you have everything you need. Then you can go about trying to figure out how to get it all into your suitcase.

So, it turns out that whilst celebrities are great for teaching us about fashion, fitness and many other things we love to read about in magazines, they are also great for reminding us of a few of the very basic mistakes that it is so easy to make both before and during your gap year. Learn from the best blunders and you can be sure that your gap year will go smoothly.

 

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year and other holidays for adults.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

 

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The holding of the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa perhaps brought three things to mind to anyone that watched them – even momentarily; the beauty of the countryside, the warmth of the people, and the vibrancy and unique cultural mixture that is the modern ‘Rainbow Nation’. You can experience all those things on a tailor-made holiday to South Africa.

Why not a regular holiday?
There is nothing wrong with the traditional holiday but they are typically put together on the basis of ‘one size fits all’. Their over-arching concern is often to offer economy and, as a result, individual preferences and interests may need to be sacrificed in order to achieve conformity and efficiency. Perhaps at some times in your life, that may have been acceptable but if you’re planning a trip to experience this land in all its splendour, then possibly a compromise on your requirements isn’t something you’re too keen to consider.

Why bespoke holidays?
Let’s consider just a sample of South Africa’s magnificent attractions.

In the countryside there are game and wildlife reserves that offer you the opportunity to see animals in their natural habit and to see what many people regard as the ‘real’ Africa. Cities such as Cape Town and Durban offer world-famous facilities for exploring great cultural centres, shopping and multi-cultural dining experiences. The Indian and Atlantic Ocean coasts provide unrivalled opportunities for beach and water sports, plus the chance to get away from the crowds to explore quiet havens of botanical and marine life. There are numerous gardens and tourist attractions that preserve and display the country’s unique history and diverse individual cultures. There are world-class entertainment, leisure and sporting facilities if playing hard is to your liking.

Unless you are fortunate enough to have extensive amounts of time, realistically you’re unlikely to be able to see anything other than a small percentage of the above attractions while you’re in South Africa. That fact makes it even more important that you are not asked to waste your precious time by being taken to see things that simply don’t appeal to you. That’s where a specialist provider of bespoke holidays may be able to help.

Comfort
This type of holiday also puts you into expert hands that know South Africa well. That’s important if you’re to get the opportunity to see the country as locals and experts see it, rather than as a passing tourist. Having expertise to hand can immensely enhance a visit to many locations; although if you do prefer privacy and to make your own way at times, then that can also be arranged of course.

Why South Africa?
Few people can fail to have been inspired by the efforts of this country to forge a new integrated future and to exploit, for everyone’s benefits, locals and visitors alike, the beauty and abundance of their natural resources. These decades have created an energy and drive that acknowledge and build upon the past, but with a clear vision of the future.

South Africa has always fascinated and captivated tourists but it has never been easier or better to visit than it is today.

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

 This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Few holiday destinations currently offer the intuitive attractions of South Africa. The ‘Rainbow Nation’ has spent recent years busily transforming itself into not only a great holiday destination, but also a vibrant and exciting new country.

A touch of history & culture
The indigenous peoples of the area have left us a fascinating archaeological record that takes us back thousands of years at certain sites. From the late 15th century, Europeans (the Portuguese initially) began to record the sights of South Africa. Around 150 years later, the Dutch arrived in the area of what would become Cape Town and began a period of colonisation. During the period of the Napoleonic wars, much of the Cape area was taken over by Britain.

In the 19th century, some of the Dutch descendents (now called Boers) began the Great Trek to leave British controlled areas to found their own independent states. After the sad events of the Boer War (1899-1902) the entire region became part of the British Empire and began to take the shape that we recognise today as South Africa. During the 19th and 20th centuries, peoples from all over the world settled in the region and the latter part of that period was also when the non-European South Africans struggled successfully to achieve their integration into the society.

The African, Dutch, British, Indonesian, and Asian peoples have all contributed to the melting pot of the modern country and its many cultures. It’s all there – waiting for you to experience it.

The countryside
No discussion of holidays here could possibly avoid mentioning the magnificent countryside. Hugely diverse, it ranges from grasslands to arid areas, pastoral farmlands to mining communities and the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain at Cape Town. There are excellent opportunities for observing wildlife locally or in the game parks and reserves.

Sea and sand
If beaches, coastline and the sea are more to your liking, you can choose from the Indian or Atlantic Oceans. This doesn’t just mean deciding where you place your sun-bed either. There are large areas of coastline that are undeveloped and a haven for wildlife. For example, one beach has a large colony of penguins and you can also stroll along the coastal paths looking at the exotic flora and fauna.

The towns
South Africa boasts a number of famous cities including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban. Cape Town’s famous waterfront and the beaches and monuments of Durban are particularly worth visiting. Perhaps the major attraction of the cities is the cultural mixture that affects everything from shopping opportunities to architectural variations and, of course, the choice of cuisines when dining out.

Cutting loose
If indulging yourself is something you enjoy, then many of the towns and cities offer fantastic opportunities to pick up high quality items and some bargains. If you’re also feeling lucky, South Africa’s Durban is famous for its seafront entertainment and casino, and there is Sun City – the vast purpose built entertainment complex in the countryside.

Getting about
It should be remembered that South Africa is a huge country. Try as you might, you’re unlikely to be able to see everything in a single visit. Therefore, you may wish to ensure that you’re seeing those things that really appeal and giving an amicable miss until ‘next time’ those things that don’t. Fortunately, there are companies that offer bespoke holidays to this great land.

Seeing South Africa may be a rare or perhaps even once in a lifetime experience. A custom-designed holiday may help you make the most of it.

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

If you’re planning a holiday walking Peru, chances are you’ve got your brochures creased open to pages on Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. While we can’t argue that both walks have great appeal, we recommend travelling somewhere a little off the beaten track for those wishing to uncover a different side of Peru.

Trekking deep into the Peruvian jungle may sound exotic, but in reality the jungle is peppered with numerous luxury lodges all hoping to make your stay that little bit more comfortable. Most jungle treks start at Puerto Maldonado, located in Peru’s least populated territory. 98% of this territory is covered by thick Amazon rainforest, which means that the biodiversity of this region is amongst the most varied in the world.

The area of Puerto Maldonado connects Peru to both Bolivia and Brazil via the Madre De Dios River. It is also easily connected to Cusco, which is why it appeals to many holidaymakers. Very few people choose to stay in Peru walking the town of Puerto Maldonado, as it offers very little in terms of tourist attractions. Instead, they opt to go straight to one of the lodges located inside one of three main conservation areas. These regions comprise of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, the Tambopata – Candamo Reserve and the Bahuaja Sonene National Park. While bird watchers may opt to stay in the Bahuaja Sonene National Park, as it contains over 450 different species of birds, animal lovers will probably enjoy a stay in the Tambopata – Candamo Reserve which is home to several endangered species. Likewise, the Manu Biosphere Reserve boasts the prestigious accolade of being a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Guests travel by speedboat, from Puerto Maldonado to their preferred area of the jungle and this initial boat ride is, for many people, their first glance at the luxurious greenery of the Amazon. Both sides of the river are covered in dense jungle, but visitors can often spot a stray crocodile lurking about at the river’s edge.

Walking Peru’s jungles is a fascinating experience and gives visitors the best experience they’ll ever have of real jungle life. There are numerous companies offering a wide range of typical jungle treks; from butterfly-spotting excursions where you’ll spot both the largest and most colourful butterflies in the world; to night time treks looking for the elusive black pumas of Peru.

Cooked and delivered direct to your lodge, you’ll find that the food in the jungle is delicious and also much needed after walking Peru. Jungle dishes include sticky rice cooked in banana leaves and meats served in tangy sauces. You may have to the fight the monkeys for your dessert though; the appropriately named ‘monkey bananas’ are so sweet that primates simply can’t get enough of them.

One thing you’ll soon discover when walking Peru’s Amazon is that there’s certainly no such thing as peace and quiet in the jungle. Whether you’re being woken up early by squawking parakeets or listening to the cicadas singing their evening tune, you’re never quite as alone as you might think you are!

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking Peru with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

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The Franschhoek Wine Route in the Winelands district of South Africa is famous for its scenery and for the beautiful estates that dot the countryside. One of the most interesting attractions to be seen here is the gorgeous Cape Dutch estate of Boschendale. This winery produces some of South Africa’s best known wines. Located between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, with the Drakenstein Mountains in the background, the estate is laid out on beautifully landscaped and maintained grounds. But the principal attraction is the manor house, which is now a museum.

Eighteenth Century Beginnings

The present house was built by the wine-making de Villiers family in 1812, but the wine cellar and coach house date back to 1796. Today it belongs to a consortium of local business people, and is one of the stars of South Africa’s Cape Winelands. It is built in an H shape, and its elegant, rustic, white Dutch exterior with its gables and both rounded and classical pilasters makes it one of the most frequently photographed buildings in the Winelands district.

Nineteenth Century Furnishings

The gorgeous interior of the manor house gives visitors a good idea of what life was like for a successful wine maker in South Africa in the 19th century. The hand-crafted room dividers are made of teak and yellowwood, and are decorated with geometric designs in dark ebony. The house is full of beautiful 19th century furnishings. Of particular interest is the locally made antique, four-poster stinkwood bed with the lace hangings and embroidered cotton bedspread. The bed was made in 1810, and the bedding around 1820. The sitting room is crafted in oak, with a walnut veneer. The highlight of the décor is a collection of Ming Dynasty porcelain. In the front entrance way there is a fascinating long-case Dutch clock. This beautiful timepiece was made in 1748. In addition to the time of day, it shows the date, the day of the week, the month, the current zodiac sign, the phase of the moon, and the tide in Amsterdam. The kitchen floor is made of clay. In bygone days it would be washed with a mixture of water and cow manure to keep it cool and free of vermin. The walls were painted dark brown or red so that dirt would not show up. The reception rooms have their original friezes of black acorns and green leaves. The friezes were discovered when the house was being restored in the 1970s.

Dining With Class

Boschendal offers three lovely dining experiences. The luncheon buffet is served in the original wine cellar. There is a sumptuous buffet selection that includes Malay cuisine and many of the traditional dishes of South Africa. Among the tasty offerings are venison carpaccio with Satsuma preserve, and watercress with local goat’s cheese and walnuts. For lighter fare, sit at one of the wrought-iron tables under the trees and try the quiche. From October to April you can buy a picnic hamper (no wine included) and sit on the lawn. Inquire about the romantic full moon picnics. Wine, preserves, and souvenirs are available in the gift shop. Wine tasting tours are available in season.

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

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A combination of year-round sunshine, beautiful sandy beaches, and never-ending surf has made the southern coast of South Africa a mecca for vacationers from the country’s interior, and from Europe and North America. This coastal playground stretches for 162 kilometres (100 miles) from Durban to the border of the Eastern Cape. More than thirty resort towns serve the needs of people who come to swim, dive, surf, fish, sail, or just lie on the beach. But there is more to the South Coast than sand, water and sunshine. Visitors will also find everything from glitzy casinos to pristine nature reserves and bird sanctuaries.

Hibiscus Coast and the Sardine Run

The gorgeous Hibiscus Coast is about 120 kilometres (75 miles) south of Durban, and extends from Hibberdene in the north to Port Edward in the South. It is famous for its beaches and golf courses, but is especially well known for an annual event the people of South Africa call the Sardine Run. Every year starting in June or July, millions of the little silver fish begin their migration from their spawning grounds off the Eastern Cape to the waters of Port Edward. This lasts for several weeks, until the vast shoal of fish moves farther north. The Sardine Run presents a terrific opportunity for bird watchers and people who want to see marine life, because the huge concentration of small fish attracts predators. Dolphins, seals, and sharks are among the sea creatures that come for the feast. Thousands of sea birds attack from the sky, scooping up all the sardines they can eat.

A Gorgeous Gorge

Not all of the South Coast’s natural beauty is along the coast. Twenty-one kilometres (13 miles) inland from Port Shepstone, in the heart of South Africa’s sugar cane country, is the beautiful Oribi Gorge Nature Preserve. Carved into the rock over millions of years by the Umzimkulwana River, the Oribi Gorge presents plenty of wonderful photo opportunities. It is 24 kilometres (15 miles) long, up to five kilometres (3 miles) wide, and is 300 meters (975 feet) deep. There is a scenic, circular drive through the reserve, and three hiking trails. The forest, made up of more than 500 different species of trees, is home to samango monkeys, bushbucks, duikers, and leopards.

Tourist Capital

The town of Margate is considered the tourist capital of the South Coast. It has a small airport that has flights to Johannesburg, and from there has connections to other parts of South Africa. Margate has dozens of hotels overlooking its spectacular beach, and there are plenty of restaurants, pubs, shopping facilities, and other services that cater to the tourist crowd. Even though this is a beach-lover’s paradise, one of the principal attractions here is fishing. Anglers can try their luck from shore, or charter a boat and go out after marlin.

Shaka Zulu Named It

Amanzimtoti is a small resort town 27 kilometres (17 miles) south of Durban. The name means, “The water is sweet.” According to legend, the name was bestowed on this place by the warrior king Shaka Zulu, one of the most colourful figures in South Africa’s history. The great Zulu leader supposedly stopped here on his way home from a campaign, and made the remark about the water after taking a drink from a stream. Besides the beach, visitors also come here for golf and a nearby bird sanctuary. Besides the beach, visitors also come here for golf and a nearby bird sanctuary.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

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Do you like to get off the beaten track when you go on vacation? Do you appreciate the natural beauty of long stretches of windswept, empty beaches, with distant mountains behind you when you look out to sea? Do you love a feed of fresh crayfish? If so, then the West Coast of South Africa is just the place for you. Turquoise seas, big skies, simple fishing villages, and lonely dirt roads make this a great travel destination for visitors in search of a quiet retreat or some outdoor adventure.

Birds, Flowers, and Prehistoric Footprints

West Coast National Park is the main attraction for visitors to this part of South Africa. It lies about 75 miles (120 km) north of Cape Town, and covers 88,500 acres (29,700 ha). This park was established in 1985 as a nature reserve and protected marine area. It encompasses wetlands that are of global importance because they are the farthest point reached by migrating wading birds from the Arctic. Bird lovers come here to see the many species that arrive in September to feed and recover from their long journey, before congregating in March for the return trip north. In spring, the park bursts into a kaleidoscope of colour when the wildflowers bloom. The most spectacular displays can be seen around Postberg in August and September. Wildlife lovers can see zebra, wildebeest, and gemsbok. In 1997, in Langebaan Lagoon, the oldest known fossilised human footprints were found. They were dated back 117,000 years. The imprints were moved to the Iziko Museum in Cape Town for safekeeping. Langebaan Lagoon is the heart of the park. It is a purely saltwater pool with islands that are breeding grounds for numerous bird species, including penguins, gannets, cormorants, gulls and oystercatchers.

Deep Sea Fishing and Shipwrecks

Just north of Langebaan Lagoon is Saldanha Bay, named after a 16th century Portuguese sea captain. It is a deep, natural bay, and one of the best natural harbours in the world. For that reason it is the location of a training base for South Africa’s navy. It is also home base for a fishing fleet. Deep sea sports fishermen come here to go after tuna, yellowtail, and snoek – a fang-toothed species of fish that is unique to South Africa. If you have a taste for seafood, you will love the local restaurant offerings of mussels, oysters, calamari, mullet, and spiny lobster, which is known here as crayfish.

A traditional West Coast Village

Jacobsbaai is midway between Saldanha Bay and the town of Paternoster. It is somewhat isolated, and is known in South Africa as a traditional West Coast village. The roads are not paved, which helps to keep it happily remote for people who like an unregimented, laid back, out-of-the-way vacation. Scuba divers, snorkellers, fishermen, pleasure boaters and crayfishers are drawn to the waters here. The long, lonely coastal trails are a paradise for hikers and dune riders. This is a good place from which to explore nearby sites. Britannia Bay is famous for its many shipwrecks. Cape Columbine is the site of the last manned lighthouse on the coast of South Africa. St. Helena Bay is one of the best places for whale watching. It is also one of the few locations on Africa’s west coast from which you can watch the sun rise over the sea. South Africa’s wonderful West Coast is full of surprises.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

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If you’re in New Zealand walking, the chances are you’ll be slightly too fatigued to get yourself up and out of bed in time to watch the sun rise. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get to see red skies – there are plenty of places you can go to enjoy the most spectacular sunsets.

Looking Over Lake Rotorua
The second largest lake on the North Island of New Zealand, Lake Rotorua is a beautiful sight to behold at any time. However, it only gets more beautiful as the sun goes down. Surrounded by the backdrop of the town itself, the lake is one of the most popular parts of Rotorua. For the best vantage point of one of the most impressive lakes in New Zealand, walking or taking the cable car up to the top of Mount Ngongotaha, will provide you with a spectacular view over the lake, and particularly of Mokoia Island. This small island in the middle of the lake is the setting for the most memorable Maori love story of all time. On some days as the sun sets the lake will turn bright red, whilst on others it will take on just a pink hue. There is no disputing the fact that sunset is the time to see Lake Rotorua at its most beautiful.

Looking Down on Wellington
As the capital city of New Zealand walking around Wellington will provide you with endless entertainment. However, whilst there you may also want to escape from the inner city and see Wellington from a different perspective. The best way to do this is to make your way to the top of Mount Victoria. A tall hill located to the east of Wellington, Mount Victoria provides a perfect place to watch the sun set over the city. Whether you decide you want to walk to the top, or catch one of the frequent Go Wellington buses that run throughout the day, it truly is the place to be at dusk. However, if you are relying on public transport, be sure to check that you can get back to the city again or it may be a long walk home!

Looking Across the Remarkables
Queenstown’s mountain range, the Remarkables, is certainly aptly named as it is one of the most impressive collections of peaks in New Zealand. Walking parts of these mountains is certainly one of the most rewarding things you can do on the South Island, however to get the best possible view of the entire skyline, take the gondola up the mountainside to Bob’s Peak. From that viewpoint you will not only have a fantastic view of the mountains, but you can also watch as skydivers spiral down towards the earth, their parachutes standing out against the scenery. As the sun sets, the mountains look stunning as they stand guard over Queenstown and, once the sun has gone down, you are free to go and enjoy the town. To get back to the bottom? Well you can either take the gondola, or if you’re feeling brave you might want to take the luge, though this is certainly not for the faint-hearted.

So, though beautiful throughout the daylight hours, New Zealand takes on a new beauty as the sun goes down. If you’re in New Zealand walking, there are many places you can go to see sunset at its finest.

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays you can see the most scenic locations at the best value prices.

 

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What with the 2010 World Cup taking place in South Africa, the sporting status of the country has undoubtedly risen. However, it’s not all football, rugby and cricket in the rainbow nation. There is a whole range of sports, which are as diverse as the people of South Africa themselves – read on to find out about just three of them.

Sand Boarding
Expending a lot of energy climbing up sand dunes may not seem like your idea of fun, however I can guarantee that the thrill you’ll experience on the way back down will make it well worth the effort. Sand boarding is becoming an increasingly popular sport in South Africa, and it’s easy to see why. Relatively similar to snowboarding, sand boarding involves standing with two feet on a thin board and weaving and arcing your way at breakneck speed to the bottom of the dunes. However, for those who are less steady on their feet there is a great alternative of lying flat on your stomach on the board, and heading downhill as if you were on a surfboard. Whichever way you decide to descend down the dunes, sand boarding gives you a guaranteed adrenaline rush – just be sure to keep some sunglasses on and your mouth shut or you may just end up eating sand.

Shark Diving
Everyone who heads to South Africa is aware of the fact that there are some pretty big fish out in the waters. However, not everyone will know that you can in fact take to the water yourself, and swim up close and personal with the sharks. Some of the biggest and most magnificent sharks in the world can be found off the coast of South Africa, and cage diving is the perfect way to see them in all their splendour, whilst keeping at a safe distance from their teeth. During a cave diving session you will be fitted with breathing equipment and lowered into the water in a cage made from extremely strong metal, so that you can watch the sharks in their natural habitat whilst remaining protected from them. So whether you’re fascinated by sharks, or simply keen to face your fears, shark diving is a popular recreational sport, becoming more popular all the time.

River Boarding
If you like the idea of getting wet in South Africa, but are slightly less keen on the prospect of sharks, then perhaps another water sport is more suitable for you. River boarding is increasingly common in South Africa these days, and particularly in the area of Victoria Falls. Referred to by some as ‘motocross on your belly’, river boarding refers to the art of travelling downstream lying on your front on a board, navigating various rapids as you go. But it won’t all be roaring rapids; in places you will be able to lie back and relax as you drift along and make the most of the stunning scenery that surrounds you.

So, though the sounds of the vuvuzelas may be ringing out over South Africa for some weeks yet, there is much more than just football to enjoy where sports are concerned. Try your hand at any one of the weird and wonderful sports for which the country is becoming known.

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

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If you’re looking for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, then you can’t do better than head off on holiday to explore the spectacular landscape of New Zealand. Walking is the very best way to experience the real heart of a country that, although relatively young in historical terms, has a warm and engaging soul as old as the world itself. The great diversity of the country is one of its main attractions, but once you’re there you’ll realise that the true secret of its popularity as a walking destination is New Zealand’s incredible accessibility. You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy New Zealand, walking here can be just as enjoyable for the novice too.

Rakiura Track
At the very bottom of New Zealand is Stewart Island and the Rakiura Track. This peaceful, bird-filled region is perfect for a gentle stroll through lush, cool forests followed by a picnic lunch on the beach and a dip in turquoise waters…. heaven.

Kepler Track
Discover the glacial beauty of New Zealand, walking this beautiful track through the Fjordlands of the South Island; through forests, past waterfalls and into spectacular valleys.

Routeburn Track
Still in the Fjordlands of the South Island, this trail will introduce you to the jewel-coloured lakes and snow-capped peaks of the Mount Aspiring National Park. In its entirety, the Routeburn Track is one of the shortest of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’, but the scenery more than makes up for it!

Milford Track
This is New Zealand walking at its best. The world-famous Milford Track is picture-postcard perfect, with breath-taking views and invigorating hikes through the heart of the Fjordland National Park.

Heaphy Track
For the best of the rugged West Coast scenery, a day spent hiking along the Heaphy Track will take you through a range of different landscapes and along the windswept coastline.

Abel Tasman Coast Track
Stroll along deserted beaches at sunset, and marvel at the ancient rock formations of the Abel Tasman National Park. Located at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, walking the coast track offers easy conditions and wonderful scenery.

Tongariro Northern Circuit
The North Island reveals the incredible prehistoric landscape of Tongariro National Park. You will circumnavigate the base of the intimidating Mount Ngauruhoe, a still-active volcano, and take in the fascinating craters, lava flows and explosion pits.

Lake Waikaremoana Track
The magical region around Lake Waikaremoana will take you on a calming journey through untouched rainforests and lush wetlands.

Whanganui River
For a little New Zealand walking with a difference, combine your hike with a canoe or kayak ride down the pristine Whanganui River which runs through the Whanganui National Park. New Zealand’s longest navigable river winds for over 300km out into the Tasman Sea.

There are so many walking trails and tracks to choose from in New Zealand and, whether you are super-fit or just a weekend rambler, New Zealand walking holidays are the most rewarding way to see the country. Pick your route, lace up your boots and get walking!

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

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Full of diversity and distraction, South Africa is truly one of the most exciting places you will visit in an entire lifetime of travel. However, it’s important not to stick too closely to the mainland or you might just miss out on some of the spectacular sights that surround the country – also known as, the islands around South Africa.

Robben Island
In the past, South Africa’s Robben Island has been known to many as a variety of things including a hospital for those suffering from leprosy and mental illness; a training and defence station for soldiers; and most infamously, an island of imprisonment housing many famous prisoners including Nelson Mandela and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe. Today however, the island, which is accessible via ferry from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, is best known as a world heritage site with a fantastic museum. Tours of the prison are conducted by former residents of the prison, providing a fascinating insight into what life would have been like on the island in years gone by. There is also a wonderful variety of birdlife, wildlife and vegetation to be enjoyed on the island, providing visitors with the perfect combination of cultural and natural activities.

Dassen Island
Declared as a nature reserve and renowned for being home to some of the most impressive wildlife the country has to offer, Dassen Island can be found to the north of Cape Town. With almost 70,000 African penguins inhabiting the island, as well as other species of bird such as white pelicans, cormorants, terns and gulls, it really is a twitcher’s paradise. However those preferring mammals or reptiles will not be disappointed as there are plenty of those to enjoy as well! The island is relatively small, as well as being low-lying and flat, which allows plenty of wildlife spotting and photo opportunities galore. The best way to visit Dassen Island is by boat, however if you really want to make it a special visit, you could always fly in by helicopter.

Seal Island
One of the smaller islands that surround South Africa, Seal Island’s name does all the talking for itself. A rocky island that looks more like one gigantic stone protruding from the sea than an island, you could easily fail to spot it. However, not to visit would really be to miss out on something quite extraordinary. Not only is the island’s surface area almost completely covered with Cape Fur seals, but the waters around the island are full to the brim with maritime marvels including whales, dolphins and jellyfish. If you visit Seal Island at the right time of year you may be lucky enough to catch one of South Africa’s best sights – breaching great white sharks. Cruises around Seal Island will allow you to watch the sharks as they leap out of the water to tremendous heights, almost as if they know you’re watching. Shark breaching is one of the most phenomenal sights you’ll see in the waters around South Africa and Seal Island is a popular island to visit.

So, enjoy yourself as you tour South Africa’s mainland, but don’t forget about those smaller land masses surrounding it, as these are often home to both cultural and natural phenomenon well worth seeing.

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

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Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world’s largest neutral trading hub for the same day courier and express freight exchange industry. Over 2,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading courier services and capacity in a safe ‘wholesale’ environment.

 

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Jenny Kettlewell is the Marketing Manager for Multitone Systems, a telecommunications strategy company that has provided pager and paging systems for organisations in the public and private sector for many years.

 

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“I’m taking a gap year”, has become the catch phrase of many young (and not so young) people as they make the decision to take some time out from their busy lives and the expectations of a demanding work or study. Rather than just kicking back and doing nothing more strenuous than turning the pages of the daily paper, more and more people are signing up for placements in foreign lands to volunteer on conservation or teaching projects. Although unpaid, these placements enable volunteers to carry out some worthwhile work as well as experience the culture of a different country.

There are various companies who specialise in gap year placements and it is always more advisable to go through a reputable firm than to try and do it yourself. But the main advantage a company will have is that it will be able to advise you on where the best placements are and match you to the most suitable project.

Africa
Whether your preference is Malawi, Kenya or South Africa, many people’s first choice for a gap year placement is Africa. Your life-changing experience could involve working in one of the many projects on offer in this wildlife-rich country. Choose from the Addo Elephant Park, the Hoedspruit Cheetah Project, Kariega Game Reserve, Moholoholo Rehab centre or the world-famous Shamwari Game Reserve. No matter where your placement you will have the opportunity to work on projects where your contribution will provide valuable assistance in research, rehabilitation and maintenance. Once your gap year placement is over you will be able to spend another few months travelling if you have the time and money – so be frugal!

India
While probably not as popular as Africa for gap year conservation holidays, India has some unique opportunities to volunteer with animals. The Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa has a wonderful Wildlife Preservation program which is staffed by volunteers who contribute towards data collection and research. Also in Goa, the Turtle Preservation Program is dedicated to saving the endangered numbers of the local marine turtles. It is also the opportunity to live and work in one of the most peaceful and serene environments in the world.

Sri Lanka
One of Asia’s most fascinating countries, the tiny island nation of Sri Lanka is also home to an abundance of wildlife. Unfortunately, due to external factors and habitat endangerment, numbers of some of these beautiful creatures are dwindling. The government of Sri Lanka are extremely committed to preserving their wildlife and there are some worthwhile and adventurous projects for volunteers to become involved in on their gap year. Whether you choose to work in a placement on an elephant project or in one involving the unique Sri Lankan sub-species of leopard, along the way you will no doubt fall in love with Sri Lanka and her wonderful friendly people. The island is small enough that you will be able to explore it on day trips and weekends away from your gap year placement or, if time allows, once your work is complete take a few weeks to really wind down and enjoy the island paradise.

 

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year and other adventurous holidays for adults.

In the Bhutanese language of Dzongkha, the country is known as Druk Yul, which means ‘the land of the thunder dragon’. The elusive dragon has been a symbol of the country since 1200 AD when a monastery was set up called the Druk (dragon) by a religious sect, the Drukphas. Today, the dragon is synonymous with the country and even appears on the country’s flag as a symbol of purity.

The dragon is certainly well-revered in Bhutan and during the 2007 mock elections all the four parties standing had the name “The Druk Colour Party”. With the dragon so well regarded it is not surprising that Bhutan named its prettiest path after the Druk. This ancient Bhutan trekking route links the two main cultural centres of Paro and Thimpu.

Most Bhutan trekking groups begin in the historic town of Paro nestled in a beautiful mountain valley. The picturesque town has many sacred sites, with Drukgyzel Dzong one of the most magnificent. This monastery fortress was built in the 16th century and commemorates the victory over the invading Tibetan forces. Taking its name from the eponymous Bhutanese dragon, the fortress lies in ruins today, yet is still a fascinating place to spend an afternoon. One of the key features of the fortress is a false entrance which served to lure any unwelcome invaders into an enclosed courtyard area.

On the outskirts of Paro, Bhutan Trekking groups usually include a visit to Taksang Monastery; Bhutan’s most famous attraction. The building is perched precariously on the edge of a 1,200 metre cliff and certainly makes for an impressive sight – especially when you set eyes on it for the very first time. According to local legend, the monastery marks the spot where the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan, Guru Rinpoche, landed on the back of a mythical flying tiger before meditating for several months.

Sadly you won’t find any flying tigers on your modern-day Bhutan trekking trip, so the only way to reach the top of the monastery is via a 2-3 hour uphill hike. However, the scenery from the top is well worth this journey and most people choose to stop at the cafe, located approximately 90 minutes into the walk, for tea and refreshments.

As legend has it, once Guru Rinpoche completed his retreat at Taksang he continued with his search for enlightenment at the nearby monastery of Drakhapo. This monastery, which again takes its name from the thunder dragon of Bhutanese lore, is perched on the edge of a cliff to the left of the Shaba school complex. The Guru spent two months practising meditation at this centre and during his stay hid many treasures in the surrounding cliffs. These cliffs are covered in numerous hand and foot prints, which some say belong to the Guru himself. The site also contains a full body print of Vajrayogini; a deity commonly associated with Tibetan Buddhism and often depicted as a red female Buddha.

Paro certainly has enough attractions to keep you occupied before continuing your Bhutan trekking towards Thimpu. Along the scenic Drak path you’ll encounter even more of these beautiful monasteries and ancient fortresses – just make sure you keep your eyes peeled for any of those elusive thunder dragons.

 

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan Trekking holidays. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

 

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When people think of sightseeing New York they often think about the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and the Empire State Building, all attractions based on the island of Manhattan. Not many people are aware that New York has some smaller islands that make for attractive holiday destinations, but that are still close enough to Manhattan for you to visit while in the Big Apple:

Fire Island

With a population of just 491, Fire Island is one place where you can seriously get away from it all when sightseeing New York. The 32 mile island is located off the coast of Long Island and can be reached by ferry from the Long Island town of Islip. If you’ve ever watched Will and Grace you may have often heard Fire Island being mentioned between Jack and Will and this is because the island is a popular summer retreat for gay men. During the summer months vehicles are not permitted on the island and it becomes so quiet you’ll find it hard to believe that you’re in New York.

Fire Island has a national seashore area, and you’ll find that a large proportion of this beach area is reserved for nude sunbathing. Most of the beaches are reserved for gay men, but Cherry Grove is ideal for straight couples. The sleepy island doesn’t have much of a nightlife scene, but Matthew’s Seafood House is famous for its Thursday night Margarita Madness and Housers at Bayview is popular for its down-at-heel feel.

Staten Island

When you’re sightseeing  New Yorkone of the most popular tips is to catch the Staten Island ferry for a free glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. This means that while many people catch the Staten Island ferry few people actually alight at Staten Island. Located in Richmond County, Staten Island is one of the most suburban areas of New York and gives you a glimpse into the life of the stereotypical American housewife.

With several free daily ferries back to the bustling city of Manhattan, Staten Island is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for somewhere quieter or are travelling with children. The island even boasts several New York sightseeing attractions of its own, like Historic Richmond Town, an exhibition that takes visitors back in time to 1695 where you can learn the ancient arts of soap-making and visit the oldest school house in the United States.

Roosevelt Island

Many people visit Roosevelt Island simply for the magnificent views across the Hudson River to Manhattan. The island can be accessed from Manhattan via a tramway, a ride that isn’t for the faint-hearted. The cable car travels at a difference of 3,100 feet at a maximum height of 250 feet. Once you’ve arrived at the island it’s time to start sightseeing New York and with the fantastic views of Manhattan you’ll find that the area is popular with picnickers and cyclists.

Roosevelt Island only has one major attraction and this is the ruins of the smallpox museum that appeared in the Spiderman movie. You can’t walk around the attraction as the building is deemed unsafe. This is definitely one destination where the fun lies in the journey to the island.

 

Marta Sanders-Cooper is the New York Destination Expert for Shorex, specialising in unique and unmissable, expert-led tours & excursions in major cities around the world, for the best in city sightseeing. New York tours are custom made and constructed from an extensive menu of activities, attractions and excursions, many of which are unique to Shorex.com.

 

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Cape Town is a great place to get outdoors and try your hand at some active pursuits. From skydiving to sand-boarding there are so many activities that we decided to just cover the first three letters of the alphabet – so here is the A to C of active pursuits in and around Cape Town:

Abseiling

What’s the best way to get down Table Mountain? How about abseiling? For just £25 you can bypass the long walk down from the top of the mountain and abseil down 100 feet to the bottom. The views might not be for the faint-hearted, but you’ll be attached to a rope so there’s no need to be too alarmed. Abseiling down Cape Town’s Table Mountain might be more appealing as it is one of the country’s most known landmarks. However, Kamikaze Kanyon is the best place for abseil aficionados as you can take part in a day’s kloofing – which is basically the name given to scrambling down a river gorge. At Kamikaze Kanyon you can abseil down a 65 metre high waterfall and then scramble around in the river gorge.

Ballooning

The Paarl Winelands are the perfect place to fly over in a hot air balloon early in the morning. The one-hour flight takes in the rows of neatly manicured vineyards and guests can enjoy a champagne breakfast afterwards at the Grand Roche Estate.

Birdwatching

Not far from Cape Town is the Cape Peninsula, an area that includes over 400 different species of birds. The best place to spot these birds is the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the nearby Rondevlei Nature Reserve. However, for around £25 you can book yourself onto a private tour where an expert will attempt to point out some of the area’s rarer birds to you.

Boardsailing

There’s only one place in Cape Town to try the sport of boardsailing and that’s Big Bay at Blouberg. The area is known for its fantastic views of Table Mountain, which regularly appear on postcards of the area. Although, it isn’t the fantastic views, but actually the consistent wind and the good waves that mean boardsailers just keep returning. Milnerton Lagoon and Platboom are also popular, although Big Bay remains Cape Town’s favourite.

Boating

One of the most exhilarating experiences that you can have in Cape Town is boating around Table Bay. You’ll need to hide on tight as boats can reach speeds of up to 81 mph, and you’ll be whizzing past the bay in a inflatable dinghy taking in the famous Clifton and Camps Bay before powering back past Robben Island and to the V&A Waterfront.

Canoeing

If you like your boating experiences to be slightly more laid back, one option is to rent a canoe and paddle past the Breede River. This canoe trip can be paired with the wine route adventure, so that you can taste numerous wines from Cape Town’s wineland region before canoeing back to base. If you don’t trust yourself not to capsize after too many South African reds then you should probably opt to go sea kayaking instead. Many people choose to paddle the rugged coastline of Cape Point – but there are canoeing options for both the Eastern and Western Cape.

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Sometimes there’s nothing more relaxing on holiday then sitting back and sipping on a nice cool cocktail, as you watch the bustling city life pass you by. This past-time is even more enjoyable in the laid-back South African capital of Cape Town and whether you want to flash the cash or enjoy a secret sun-downer there’s a bar suitable for you.

Cocktails and Cash

If you’ve got cash to flash then Cape Town’s most expensive cocktail can be found in M Bar. The funky bar is attached to the Metropole Hotel and coloured in a deep poppy red, with red ostrich leather chairs and a Versace fabric-covered sofa. If enjoying cocktails on a Versace sofa isn’t flashy enough for you then you’ll probably want to order the Bling cocktail, which at R3500 is roughly equal to £315.00. The drink is a mixture of vodka, triple sec and lychee juice, served with a diamond necklace balanced precariously on the edge of the martini glass. The M Bar has only sold three to date and these have all been by patrons eager to impress their dates.

Cocktails and Cold

It isn’t just cold climates like Sweden and Iceland that have need for ice bars, warmer countries like Cape Town and Abu Dhabi have much more of a need for these bars, where patrons can cool off after a day’s sightseeing. Cape Town’s ice bar is located in the fashionable V&A waterfront area and the only hint you’ll have of being in Africa is the giant carving of Nelson Mandela on the wall.

Cocktails and Cuba

You’ll forget that you’re in Cape Town and be convinced that you’re lying on a beach in Havana when you visit Cape to Cuba in nearby Kalk Bay. This cocktail joint is known for its Caiprinhas and Mojitos and even the barmen are dressed in funky Cuban slacks and Che Guevara berets. You can suck on a traditional Cuban cigar in the outside Che Bar while souvenir sellers try to sell you traditional Cuban merchandise.

Cocktails in Camps Bay

If there’s one place to see and be seen in Cape Town, then it has to be the fashionable Camp’s Bay area. The area’s best bar is Baraza located on the promenade, where the house specialities include Jelly Bean and Sex on the Beach. The vibe is typically African with funky beats and traditional Swahili decor. It’s also one of the best places for enjoying a quiet sundowner while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

Cocktails and Kink

The House of Kink is a sensual cocktail bar located inside a stylish building in Park Road. If you’re after burlesque with your bubbles, or simply like the mixture of cocktails and cabaret, then the House of Kink is what you’re looking for. Upstairs consists of separate areas known as the boudoir bedrooms, while downstairs is the Kink Kitchen which serves cheekily named dishes such as dunk the skank (fondue) and Asian Persuasion (sushi). One of the best things about House of Kink is you never really know what’s going to happen, the club hosts everything from tango parties to masked balls, so if you’re looking for sexy surprises with your cocktails then head on down to Kink.

 

With Anchor Text: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

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Bhutan, the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon, is a land shrouded in mystery and steeped in ancient tradition. This is never more apparent than if you coincide your Bhutan Trekking holiday with one of the country’s Buddhist tsechu festivals known as tsechus. There are festivals throughout the year and some tour companies provide tailor-made Bhutan trekking itineraries to take advantage of the festival calendar.

History of Tsechus
The Bhutanese are a spiritual people and the tsechu is a very important event in their culture. While there are many of these festivals throughout the year, they are all celebrated in honour of Guru Rimpoche who brought Buddhism to the country in the 8th and 9th century. The story goes that Padmasambhava (the human manifestation of Guru Rimpoche) visited Bhutan in order to give aid to an ailing king by performing a series of rites and dances. The very first tsechu presented the Guru Rinpoche in eight different forms, each through a different dance, and it is from these dances that the ‘Chams’, which glorify the work of Padmasambhava, evolved.

It is said that Guru Rinpoche carried out all his good deeds on the 10th day of the lunar month, from which the tsechu’s literal meaning, ‘day ten’, comes. The tradition is followed and each event is held on the tenth day of the month taken from the lunar calendar. Each district holds their own celebration at different times of the year so it is possible to come across more than one on a Bhutan trekking holiday.

Rites of the Tsechu
Known for their unique and endearing warmth, the Bhutanese people love the symbolic celebration of their tsechu and the entire village or town will become involved in what can often run over several days. While definitely religious in their meaning, they are a joyous occasion with intricate dances being performed not only by the monks, but the local lay people as well.

Some tsechus also include a blessing from a high lama called a ‘wang’, which is said to disperse impurities. Those who witness this blessing are given a coloured thread to tie around their necks to symbolise the ritual cleansing. In Bhutan, trekking through the villages, even if you do not come across a festival, you will often see locals with the remnants of these threads around their necks.

In contrast to the monks, are the figures of the Atsaras, who are the Bhutanese equivalent of the clown. These intriguing characters wear startlingly expressive masks and they taunt and goad the monks and try to distract the crowds with their antics. Bhutan’s religion is extremely sacred to their way of life and the Atsaras are the only people permitted to mock the rites, and only during tsechu.

Some tsechus include less dancing but more readings from a prescribed text. The villagers all gather together at a temple and participate in these readings while, at the same time, imbibing in a strong alcoholic beverage.

Tsechus are very important in Bhutanese culture and if villagers have moved away to another region, or to the city, they are expected to return to their own village to take part in the celebrations. It is a real social occasion and a chance to dress up in their finest clothes and jewellery to enjoy good food and the good company of their fellow villagers. Visitors, trekking Bhutan, are welcomed into the festivities with the traditional warmth and joy of the local people and it is impossible not to get swept up in the magic of the occasion.

 

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan Trekking holidays. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

 

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Table Mountain – the symbol of Cape Town. Wonderful to look at it may be, but do you want to get more out of it during your trip to this amazing city? There are loads of ways that you can experience the mountain, some of which are certainly not for the faint hearted. Here are some of the things that you can do when you visit Table Mountain in Cape Town.

Cable Car to the Top
The best way to experience the mountain for all ages, the cable car is not for anyone with a fear of heights, but for anyone else it will be an exhilarating ride. Buy a ticket online to avoid the queues (but children under 4 go free), and then enjoy the five-minute journey from ground level up to the very top of Table Mountain. From the top you will get an unbeatable view of Cape Town and the stunning ocean over 1,000 metres below, as well as the new Cape Town Stadium built specially for the World Cup. From there just enjoy strolling around and admiring the plants, animals and the views until you’re ready to go back down.

Hike the Mountain
Hiking in Cape Town is accessible to anyone with a love of the outdoors, and is certainly available to novice walkers as well as hard-core hiking enthusiasts. There are lots of routes to choose from, and many guided walks are also available. The scenery is spectacular, and the views as well. You could choose to hike up, hike down, or take the cable car up and down and hike around at the top. If you do go hiking, remember never to go alone and to go with a guided group if possible. It’s also very important to take plenty of drinking water, especially during the summer months.

Enjoy a Meal
There is plenty of good eating on offer in Cape Town, and Table Mountain is no exception. If you are not one for strenuous activities, you can simply enjoy the views at the top whilst having a bite to eat in the Table Mountain Café. You will find breakfast, pizza and South African cuisine on offer, as well as tea, coffee and a selection of good wines.

Abseil Down
Any thrill seekers heading to Cape Town won’t be disappointed with the abseiling on offer on Table Mountain, which boasts the largest commercial abseil in the world with a vertical 112-metre descent. This has to be organised through an official guide and you should definitely not attempt it alone. On top of abseiling, there are also cliff jumps on offer for the adrenaline junkies, with drops of up to 18 metres into the ocean.

Rock Climbing
Another one for thrill seekers in Cape Town, Table Mountain boasts some fantastic rock climbing opportunities. Climbing is on offer for all ages on sandstone walls of varying levels of difficulty, and again this should only be carried out with experienced guides through an official company.

Enjoy all that Table Mountain has to Offer
Table Mountain is a fantastic place for those who either simply want to see some spectacular views or want to enjoy something a bit more exciting. Whatever you feel like doing, look into it next time you are in Cape Town.

 

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

 

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When it comes to holidays involving lots of walking, South Africa is hard to beat. There is plenty to see and do during a walking holiday, but one of the things that you really shouldn’t miss is the excellent local food on offer. South African cuisine is varied and delicious, and if you are a real carnivore then you will love the meat dishes described below.

Boerewors
Boerewors is a type of spicy sausage that is cooked on the braai (a South African barbeque). It is well worth trying at any of the places that you stop at when you are walking. South Africa has a lot of traditional food from its Dutch heritage, and the Boerewors is another one to add to the list.

It is generally made from minced beef, although sometimes it is combined with other meats like pork, and lots of spices are then added. It is usually served up with pap (a South African traditional porridge). There are lots of varieties of boerewors, including garlic wors and spekwors which contain extra pork fat.

Biltong
More of a snack than a meal, Biltong is something uniquely South African. It consists of strips of dried meat in a number of different flavours and styles, and it can be made using lots of different kinds of meat, including beef, game meats and even ostrich.

The most similar thing that can be found to biltong, outside of South Africa is called jerky, although the two are quite different in terms of their different tastes and ingredients. It originally arrived with the Dutch in the 17th century. Because of its high energy content and ability to last a long time, it is a great snack to take with you when you are walking. South Africa has lots of tasty traditional foods, but for walkers this is sure to be one of the favourites.

Skop
Not one for the faint hearted, you may only want to try skop if you work up enough of an appetite whilst walking. South Africa has a few recipes that may not appeal quite so much to the western diet and skop is one of them. Skop essentially consists of the entire head of a cow, sheep or goat. The skin is removed with a razor and the ears and nose are cut off before it is then boiled. It is especially popular with South African men.

Potjiekos
Potjiekos is a stew consisting of meat and vegetables, and is the perfect energy-boosting food to eat whilst you are walking. South Africa boasts lots of traditional recipes, and this is a mainstay of the South African diet. Due to its slow-cooked nature (it can take between three and six hours to cook), it is often quite a sociable activity. Traditionally it is prepared outdoors on a pot heated by wood or charcoal. Added to the pot can be meat, vegetables, spices and sometimes fruit. It is usually accompanied by rice, potatoes or pasta.

Try them All
All of these dishes are found throughout South Africa, meaning you will get the opportunity to try many of them when you head there to go walking. South Africa is not just about big game and spectacular scenery – the cuisine is also very unique and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to try some of these meals during your next trip.

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

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A gap year can be one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of an entire lifetime. But how do you beat the inevitable gap year blues that are bound to hit upon your return? We look at a few ways in which you can integrate the experiences of your year out into your everyday life.

Take to the Great Outdoors
Whilst away on your gap year, you will undoubtedly have spent much of your time embracing nature and the great outdoors. Whilst on your return home, you may not be able to find animals or landscapes on quite the same scale, there are plenty of places where you can take to the great outdoors and prolong the feeling of being out in the wild. Simply replace game reserves with nature reserves, replace wildlife parks with local parks and you will be back to nature in no time. There are many protected areas closer to home in which you will find both expected and unusual species of animals such as birds and butterflies, as well as many beautiful and fascinating plants. Whilst they may be a great deal smaller than those that you might have seen on the game reserves, after your gap year you will certainly be able to appreciate the fragile and protected nature of the inhabitants of nature reserves, and a visit may well bring back happy memories of your time away.

Volunteer Some More
If you spent some time on your gap year volunteering you will be only too aware of both the good feeling it will leave you with, and the wonderful people and animals you will come across along the way. So, why not replicate those good feelings when you get home by volunteering at an animal rescue charity? Whether it is Battersea Dog’s Home, the Cats Protection Trust or something more general such as the RSPCA itself, there are plenty of animal charities simply crying out for help and volunteers. And if you don’t think that domestic animals will be quite exciting enough for you after the bigger, wilder animals of the game reserves, why not get involved in the fundraising side of things for a bit more fun and adventure?

If All Else Fails
And if all else fails and you simply can’t beat the gap year blues, then there’s only one thing for it – start thinking of ways to get yourself back out to the game reserves. Perhaps the best way to fund another gap year is simply with a normal job, or maybe you could make it a little more interesting for yourself by doing your own fundraising. Either way, if you really cannot beat the gap year blues, then the best thing to do is to find a way to get yourself back out there.

So, when the gap year blues strike, don’t despair, as there are many ways in which you can bring back elements from your time away and introduce them to your life at home. Whether you miss the nature, the wildlife or the people, there are plenty of all of the above to be found a little closer to home.

 

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year and other adventurous holidays for adults.

Food is undeniably one of the most enjoyable and enviable aspects of a holiday in Menorca, Son Bou being no exception to this rule. But feeding your appetite doesn’t mean you have to go out to a restaurant every night of the week; self-catering in Son Bou can be just as much fun as going out for dinner, and much more rewarding.

Extend Your Repertoire
We all know how to cook to some degree – whether it’s baked beans on toast, macaroni cheese, a roast dinner or a gourmet feast. However, whenever we go on holiday to resorts in places like Menorca – Son Bou or Tore Soli Nou for example – we leave restaurants commenting on how much we’d like to take the recipe for what we’ve just eaten back home with us. Self-catering gives you the perfect opportunity to extend your culinary repertoire whilst you are away. There are many ways to get your hands on local recipes, and then the kitchen in your villa is your oyster! Whether you try your hand at making basic paella dishes, extend your efforts slightly further to dishes using delicacies like lobster, or have a go at a pastry or a macaroon for dessert, you will have a great deal of fun trying out the recipes, and you will find the experience of eating your meal all the more rewarding.

Explore the Local Markets
Markets are a large part of local life in Menorca, Son Bou’s surrounds boasting some of the best. With both food and farmer’s markets a regular occurrence in locations not too far away, such as Mahon and Ciudadela, as well as some more local ones to be found you will have many options when it comes to buying fresh produce. Fresh fruit and vegetables are one of the most appealing options; many of them looking as if they have only very recently been dug out of the ground and making the perfect accompaniment to whatever dish you decide to cook. However, for those of you who are not so concerned about getting your five-a-day, the sausage and cheese stalls might be of slightly more interest. Staying in self-catered accommodation will mean that you have to go shopping, giving you a chance to explore these wonderful markets, and hand-pick your dinner for yourself. After all, dinner always tastes that little bit better when you know where it’s come from.

Eat In Your Own Time
We all like to go out to a restaur