Author - Chris

Best Islands in Thailand

May 22, 2015

The islands off the coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Siam are some of the most popular places for tourists to Southeast Asia to visit. Some of these islands are famous throughout the world for their beautiful beaches and party atmosphere. But the best islands in Thailand also offer numerous opportunities for recreation, spiritual exploration, and relaxation.

Ko Lipe

Settled by sea gypsies, Ko Lipe is located in the Adang-Rawi Archipelago in southwest Thailand. It is a small island and visitors can walk around the island in little over an hour. Ko Lipe is just outside the jurisdiction of Tarutao National Park, and as such is exempt from certain laws prohibiting development. Its three main beaches have plenty of accommodations ranging from grass huts to air-conditioned bungalows.

Ko Lanta

Ko Lanta is made up of a group of islands off the coast of Thailand in the Krabi province. The largest island of the group is called Ko Lanta Yai also known as simply Ko Lanta. Several beaches on the west coast of Ko Lanta Yai are each strung with a line of resorts and bungalows. This region is an important destination for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts, who come to the islands to view the coral reefs and the ocean life, including manta rays and whales. There is also an abundance of tropical plant life, including the remnants of the ancient rainforests.

Ko Samet

Ko Samet is known for being a favorite respite from the bustle of Bangkok. Though the majority of the island is a national park, there are a number of vacation spots located there with different amenities depending on the type of experience sought. One of the great attractions of Ko Samet are its white sand beaches. Visitors can choose from peaceful and relaxing settings or popular beaches with lots of activities. Ao Noina, Ao Phutsa, Au Nuan, and Ao Wai are known for being more serene, and feature cozy accommodations and stunning sunset views. Hat Sai Kaeo and Ao Hin Khok are busier, and visitors to these beaches frequently come to sunbathe, swim, windsurf, or enjoy nightlife.

Ko Tarutao

Ko Tarutao is one of the 51 islands that belong to the Tarutao National Marine Park archipelago in southern Thailand. This island offers accommodations including campsites and bungalows that can be rented. Tourists to this island can enjoy the pristine and quiet atmosphere of the area, and can also view the rugged mountain and jungle scenery, including the limestone cliffs for which this part of Thailand is famous. Visitors can have a good chance of catching a glimpse at some exotic wildlife, particularly if they visit the beach on the western part of the island, which is frequented by large turtles.

Ko Phangan

Ko Phangan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, halfway between the islands of Ko Samui and Ko Tao. It is a famous destination for the backpacking community, who come to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty including rainforests and beaches. Every year the island holds an electronic dance festival known as the Full Moon Party. Those tourists who would like a more serene getaway are keen to visit Ko Pha Ngan’s numerous Buddhist temples. The island is also known for its spas and meditation retreats.

Image by Susan Roehl, Rudy A, Magdeburg under CC License.

Awesome Beaches around the World

May 21, 2015

Chris

Destinations

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Picking the most awesome beaches in the world is like picking the best star in the Milky Way. But that didn’t stop us from trying. So for the sea and sun worshipers here is our list of the most awesome beaches in the world.

Navagio Beach

Navagio Beach is an isolated sandy cove on Zakynthos island only accessible by boat. It is one of the trademark beaches in Greece, frequently featured on postcards. Navagio Beach is home to the wreck of an alleged smuggler and features sheer limestone cliffs, white sandy beaches, and clear blue water. No wonder this stunning beach attracts thousands of tourists every year.

The Baths

The Baths are situated at the southern tip of Virgin Gorda, the third largest island of the British Virgin Islands. Huge granite boulders lie in piles on the beach, forming spectacular tunnels and grottoes that are open to the sea and flood at high tide. The sandy beaches are lined with tropical palms, adding to the dramatic effect.

Tapuaetai

Tapuaetai (One Foot Island) is a small islet in the Aitutaki atoll of the Cook Islands. It offers the visitor some great views of the Aitutaki lagoon and depending on the tide one is able to walk on a sandbank a decent distance away from Tapuaetai. The beach was awarded “Australasia’s Leading Beach” at the World Travel Awards held in Sydney in June 2008.

Zlatni Rat

Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) is among Europe’s most famous beaches and one of the top tourist attractions in Croatia. Situated near the city of Bol on the southern coast of the island of Brac, Zlatni Rat is a narrow white pebble beach. The amazing shape of the beach shifts with the changes in tide, currents and wind.

Oludeniz

Oludeniz is a small village located on the south west coast of Turkey on the Aegean Sea. It has a secluded sandy bay at the mouth of Oludeniz, on a blue lagoon. This beach is famous for its shades of turquoise and remains one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean. Oludeniz is also regarded as one of the best places in the world to paraglide due to its unique panoramic views.

Trunk Bay

Trunk Bay is a National Park beach on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands. Rated as one the world’s most beautiful beaches by the National Geographic Society it attracts hordes of cruise ship passengers. Amenities on the beach include a snack bar, showers and restrooms, a lifeguard, and, most famously, an underwater trail for snorkeling its coral reef.

Maya Bay

Maya Bay is a shallow bay surrounded by a ring of steep limestone hills on Koh Phi Phi Leh, the second largest island of the Phi Phi Islands. The bay has superb marine life and is a favorite spot for divers. Maya Bay became world famous after the 2000 movie The Beach was filmed there and today many tourists come to Koh Phi Phi just to see this beach.

Tourist Attractions in Barcelona

May 18, 2015

Chris

Destinations

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Barcelona is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions upon millions of visitors each year. So why is it so popular? Well, it has almost everything any holidaymaker would desire. Easy access, favorable weather conditions, attractive beaches and surrounding mountains, a buzzing nightlife, tasty local cuisine and it’s steeped in culture and history. It’s also a sight-seeing wonderland, housing many recognizable monuments. Variety’s the word with Barcelona and the city has something for everyone; families, couples and singletons alike. There are the tourist attractions in Barcelona travelers shouldn’t miss if they ever decide to visit the Catalan capital:

La Rambla

This is probably the city’s most famous street and is a bustling hive of activity. It is often called Las Ramblas, because it is actually a series of several different streets that all have a distinct feel. Located just off Plaza Catalunya and leading right down towards the port and beach, visitors will find street performers, lots of bars and restaurants and the fabulous Boquería Market, a true feast for the eyes.

Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is the most popular attractions in Barcelona, attracting nearly 2.8 million visitors each year. It is a large and intricate basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi. Construction began in 1882 and continues to this day. The building is predicted to be completed within the next 30 years. Visitors will be captivated by the design elements and the religious symbolism built into all the spaces of the church. A glorious exterior and interior make La Sagrada Familia truly unmissable.

Barceloneta

Out of Barcelona’s seven different beaches, stretching over 4.5 km (2.8 miles) of coastline, Barceloneta probably tops them all. It is one of the most popular and is closest to the city center. Along the 1,100 meter (3,600 feet) sandy beach runs a walkway popular with joggers and cyclist. Not surprisingly this place can get crowded, especially during the summer months when the beach bars open up and the beach quickly fills up with locals and tourist.

Parc Guell

With other major works in the city including La Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, this has to be one of Antoni Gaudí’s most celebrated and it is certainly one of the most emblematic of Barcelona. The area was originally meant to be a residential property development with Gaudi doing much of the planning and landscape design. Only two houses were built and the land was later sold to the city of Barcelona and turned into a park. It is home to the famous Salamander sculpture, as well as other buildings and structures designed by the architect. With stunning views of the city, this is a magical experience.

Museu Picasso

With over 4,000 works by the painter, the Museu Picasso houses one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. In particular, the Museu Picasso reveals Picasso’s relationship with the city of Barcelona, a relationship that was shaped in his youth and adolescence, and continued until his death. The museum is housed in five adjoining medieval palaces in Barcelona’s La Ribera.

5 Attractions That Reveal the Balearic Islands’ Cultural Side

May 18, 2015

Chris

Destinations, Travel Tips

1 Comment

The Balearic Islands have it all–the vibrant party island of Ibiza, the serene beaches of Menorca, and pristine scenery and climate to boot. But long before the parties and seaside resorts, the islands were home to even greater treasures. Unfortunately, visitors often overlook this wealth of culture, which tells stories of civilizations long past. Get in touch with the islands’ rich heritage during your Balearic islands vacation with a stop at these attractions.

Alcudia Old Town

Wander Alcudia Old Town on foot, with its narrow, crooked streets reminiscent of Roman times and 14th-century wall. You can walk the length of the medieval wall almost entirely around the village, and also tour the Roman theatre and 19th-century bull ring. The town is dotted with cozy alfresco restaurants and bistros, and samples of local delicacies are offered up to eager tourists at the village’s bi-weekly market.

Pollentia

Peak into the daily life of Roman civilization circa 123 BCE in the ancient city of Pollentia, just on the other side of the wall from Alcudia Old Town. A port city once serving to protect against pirate attacks, it is now known for its ancient remains, including an amphitheatre, theatre, and temple. Walk through what’s left of Roman residential homes, a tribute to the lives of its early inhabitants. Shade is scarce here, so plan your Balearic Islands trip and come prepared with water and sunscreen.

Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver)

Once the royal seat of James II of Mallorca, Bellver Castle is a circular, Gothic-style citadel–one of the only of its kind in Europe. This rare structure was built in the 14th century to house Mallorca’s royalty and survived two sieges in the Middle Ages. Used as a prison between the 18th and 20th centuries, the grand castle now houses a history museum. While the exterior is protected by a principal tower, three minor towers, and a moat, the picturesque interior includes a circular courtyard, arched balcony, and well.

Llotja

Plant yourself in the thick of ancient commercial exchange at Llotja, a Gothic-style medieval commercial market and architectural marvel. Built between 1426 and 1448, the site is a prime example of Catalan architecture. A grand square building with arched ceilings and many pillars housed the ancient market. Stroll the building and take in the many sculptures still in place. Behind the heavy doors find beautiful chandeliers overhead. After a quick look around, a short stroll will bring you to the nearby restaurants and cafes–just a couple minutes’ walk away.

Puerto de Soller (Old Port)

Colorful, classic boats dot the harbor of Puerto de Soller, the island’s working port. Effortlessly dazzling, the port is home to sandy beaches, palm trees, and turquoise blue water. Plan your trip to stroll the long promenade all the way to the lighthouse at one end, and reflect back on the beauty of the bay and houses stacked hillside from this vantage point. Reward yourself after the long walk with refreshment at one of the many harborfront cafes and bars. To get to the port, take the old-fashioned wooden tram–over a hundred years old, it’s still in working order.

Ancient Beauty

Medieval towns, Roman remains, and villages seemingly lost in time tell the curious traveler what the parties and seaside resorts won’t–of the ancient beauty that quietly calls the the Balearic Islands home. Retreat from the bustling modern attractions and take a step back in time to immerse yourself in the islands’ cultural gems.

Exploring the best spots for Honeymoon

May 17, 2015

Chris

Travel Talk

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Darjeeling, also fondly known as the “Queen of hill stations”, is nestled in the Himalayas and is famous for its tea production and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This hill town was developed in the mid 19thcentury, when the British set up a sanatorium and a military depot in Darjeeling. Before this, Darjeeling was the ancient Gorkha capital. Later, the Maharaja of Sikkim gifted Darjeeling to the British.

Darjeeling continues to be a popular holiday destination in India, owing to its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Apart from tourism, Darjeeling is also popular for its many British style public schools, which attract students from across India and even neighbouring countries.

Places to See in Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a travellers delight and is frequented by tourists year after year. Apart from the pleasant weather and scenic beauty, there is a lot to see and do in Darjeeling.

Happy Valley Tea Garden

Situated 1 km away from the town of Darjeeling, the Happy Valley Tea Garden is located on the Lebong Carter Road and provides a peaceful and relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of tourist-y Darjeeling.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Also known as the “Toy Train”, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway plies between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling and is a narrow gauge railway. This railway is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers beautiful views of the scenic mountains on its way to Darjeeling.

Tiger Hill

Situated at an altitude of 2590 meters, Tiger Hill is located 11 km from Darjeeling and presents a spectacular view of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. It is advised to go to Tiger Hill early in the morning and watch the sun rise over the mountain peaks.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Established in 1958, this zoo is dedicated to the memory of Padmaja Naidu, the former governor of West Bengal. Among one of the best zoos in the country, this is one of the only zoo which raises wild wolf in captivity. The zoo is also home to endangered species like the Red Panda, Siberian Tiger and the Snow Leopard.

Dhirdham Temple

Travel to any part of the Indian Sub-continent, one thing is for sure, you are going to find at least one ancient Shiv Temple every where. Located just above the Toy Train Railway Station, Dhirdham Temple is one of the most beautiful temples I have ever come across. This colorful temple complex is the home of the most popular Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in the town of Darjeeling.

Chowrasta and the Mall

The Mall road originates and culminates at Chowrasta, which is essentially the heart of the city and people usually come here to take strolls, relax, shop and eat at the numerous shops and restaurants that line the road. The views from Chowrasta are splendid and this is one of Darjeeling’s most popular places.

Shopping in Darjeeling

There’s plenty to keep shoppers happy in Darjeeling. Head to Nehru Road and then to Chowrasta, which are dotted with shops from where you can purchase souvenirs and gift items. Some popular local, handmade items in Darjeeling are the Khukri, which is essentially a curved knife with a decorative handle. Other traditional items one can pick up in Darjeeling are Tibetan masks, local jewellery items, woolen items, shawls and pashminas. Tirupathi Handloom Emporium is a good place to pick up shawls and jackets at a fixed price. Before leaving don’t forget to pick up a few packets of the world famous Darjeeling tea, which can be purchased from a popular store by the name of House of Tea.