China is a country that’s not only steeped in ancient culture, it also has a generous touch of the exotic about it, making it an appealing prospect for those looking for something a little different. Its vast proportions mean that it’s quite a commitment if you want to really get into the heart and soul of its rural areas as well as its high-profile cities, but it also lends itself to short itineraries that cover specific attractions.
Located almost 300km north-east of Ho Chi Minh City at an altitude of 1500 metres, Dalat has been a popular mountain retreat since French colonial times. The ambience of its downtown area provides a reminder of that period thanks in part to the miniature Eiffel Tower which stands there. Visitors come to Dalat to enjoy a few days relaxing in the town’s cool climate whilst taking short excursions to some beautiful natural attractions in the region. Alternatively, the town can serve as a gateway to the Central Highlands of Vietnam which run as far as the border with Laos in the north.
Exotic, diverse and still just a little bit of a mystery to the rest of the world, Azerbaijan, located between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, is known as the ‘Land of the Fire’, for its curious phenomena of naturally occurring fires that never burn out. Situated culturally and geographically between Europe and Asia, it has evolved its intriguing blend of heritage into a fascinating destination with true depth.
As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Brazil is exciting, relaxing, entertaining and intriguing all at once. From the mystery of the Amazon jungles and the beauty and wildlife of the wetlands of the Pantanal, to the unbridled fun in the sun of its beaches and the madness of Rio de Janeiro, it manages to be all things to all people with its unique and irrepressible ambience.
Even though we can’t travel at the moment, and many of us are suffering the disappointment of cancelled trips, it doesn’t have to stop us from getting creative when it comes to experiencing the world in our own homes. We might be restricted from jumping on a plane and heading off to our dream destination, but oh, we can cook and we can eat… Live Out Your Travel Dreams in the Kitchen While nobody’s going to try to tell you
With a well-deserved reputation as one of the most scenic destinations in Europe, Austria is defined by its epic chocolate-box beauty, comprising spectacular mountains, deep verdant valleys and flower-strewn alpine meadows. On the other side of the coin, the exquisite Baroque architecture and classical culture of its main cities Vienna, Innsbruck and Salzburg create the perfect marriage of tradition and contemporary elegance.
Over the past few weeks the world has changed drastically and we’ve become strictly prohibited in terms of travelling – even to the local shops let alone beyond our own borders. So of course many of us have had to cancel much-anticipated holidays, mini breaks and getaways and it looks like it’s going to continue that way for some time to come. All we can do is sit tight, stay positive and get on with the job of staying home.
A number of cruise ship itineraries around South-East Asia include ports of call in Vietnam which provide proximity to popular tourist destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hanoi, Hue and Nha Trang. The main cruise port in the south of the country is Phu My from where passengers can travel into Ho Chi Minh City and discover a vibrant city filled with French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, sites related to the Vietnam War and a seemingly endless choice
As a curious traveller who likes to mix a little relaxation along with the adventure, I have no problems with a good old beach holiday — that’s if the location is right. If you’re like me and you’re someone who is looking to combine the opportunity to rest and recharge with a few days of exploration, then Torremuelle Beach on the Costa del Sol is the ideal destination for your next getaway. Located in Benalmádena and close to fantastic Fuengirola
Puerto del Carmen started out as a simple, small fishing village on the southeast coast of the Spanish island of Lanzarote. Over the last half a century, this tiny town has transformed into one of the island’s leading resorts. Its sandy beaches, sparkling seas and beautiful old quarter have made it the popular family destination that it is today – but Puerto del Carmen’s relaxed atmosphere and scenic spots will especially appeal to older couples too. Here are some of
Puerto Pollensa is a jaw droppingly beautiful resort nestled in the north side of Mallorca. Thanks to protective building restrictions, long stretches of white sandy beaches have remained untouched by the kinds of unsustainable overdevelopment you often encounter in highly popular tourist traps. What’s more is this hidden-away natural paradise boasts an incredibly rich history and culture. Famous figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin are all known to have spent time here on retreats, and
Watch the Locals doing Laughing Yoga at Hoan Kiem Lake Every morning from 8am there are yoga and tai chi sessions held at the Buddhist temple on Jade Island. This small piece of land is centrally located on Hoan Kiem Lake and is accessed by means of a red wooden bridge lined with flags called Huc Bridge. Visit the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre One of Hanoi’s traditional attractions is its puppet theatre on Dinh Tien Hoang Street. This artform
Everyone knows about the quality of the beaches in this part of Israel, but the fantastic city of Tel Aviv is one of the most exciting and beautiful destinations anywhere in the world. There are a host of fantastic sights that make it a perfect trip for those who are interested in more than just the world-class beach. It’s a small city but it packs in enough to cater for foodies, fashionistas, culture-fanatics and just about any other type of
