Destination Archives - Page 28 of 44

December 10, 2013 by jfalbelda

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Andalucia!

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Andalucia

Andalucian Spain is a hidden gem, a vibrant and fascinating region full of endless opportunities for a student educational travel adventure to explore rich culture, culinary arts, and historical heritage, alongside world-class adventure activities! With so much to see and do, here are the 5 top reasons to visit Andalucia, Spain on an Eco-immersion student educational tours expedition that connects all the varied elements of biology, history and culture, leaving students with an in-depth understanding of this magical place.

Andalucia, Spain

1. Cuisine: The food in Andalucian Spain is truly a delight. Sample delicious Jamon Iberico & Jamon Serrano and find out the difference between the two. Try fantastic and varied tapas paired with local wines, and learn about the strong cultural traditions behind the regional foods. Fresh seafood, local produce, fantastic cheeses…a visit to Andalucia is a culinary feast!

2. History: Andalucia is a fascinating living history book. Its strategic geographic setting has made the area home to an incredible melting pot of cultures, a seat of shifting political power, a migration path of varied peoples, and the stage for struggles for dominance over thousands of years. From remains of Paleolithic cultures that lived in the caves at Nerja, to coastal Roman era-settlements, to the Moorish palaces and Catholic kingdoms, visitors can literally walk through history in Andalucia.

Flamenco, Andalucia Spain

3. Culture: Andalucia is a treasure trove of rich culture traditions and blends. Enjoy a stunning Flamenco show in an underground bar or immerse yourself in village life with a homestay. Explore the hidden white villages tucked into the mountains, sunny coastal towns, and rich cultural centers such as Grenada, Cordoba, and Sevilla as you learn about how Muslim, Jewish, and Christian traditions shaped elements of each of these places.

4. Adventure: There is endless adventure to be found in Andalucia – from skiing in the Sierra Nevada, hiking through an amazing variety of climate and terrain, canyoning in stunning river gorges, enjoying a wide variety of water sports to exploring the famous Nerja caves. Your adventures exploring the natural beauty of Andalucia will help you get a sense of how geography and climate shaped the cultures here.

5. Relaxation: After exploring all the culinary, historical, cultural, and adventure options available in Andalucia, the best way to round out your vacation is with some sheer relaxation. Relaxing with a Café con leche at a local café, taking a dip in the calm Mediterranean, or getting into the laid back Spanish lifestyle (siesta, anyone?), settling into the slower pace of life in Andalucia will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed after your expedition.

White Villages, Andalucia

No matter what your travel style or expedition interest, Andalucia offers something for everyone! If you are looking for a life changing student educational travel adventure, dare to go beyond a vacation with an Eco-immersion adventure in Andalucian Spain!

Crawford Hill is the owner and director of Chill Expeditions, an educational travel company focused on cultural immersion. An expedition leader, former biology teacher, and educational innovator, Hill has been guiding students and adults on wilderness adventures since 1974. Over the years, Hill has led thousands of students and families on experiential learning trips to Costa Rica, Belize, the Galapagos Islands, Peru and Spain. Hill revels in the opportunity to be able to work with students and families across the country with the world as his classroom.

December 3, 2013 by jfalbelda

Five Most Underrated Attractions In Europe

Planning a trip to Europe? Whether this is your first or a return venture, you will not be disappointed traveling to these less-known landmarks. You will be awed, you will be off the beaten path and you will have adventures your friends will be envious of.

Vezelay, France

Rioja Alavesa, Spain

The Rioja Alavesa Wine Route offers you the tours of wineries in the region and much more. Throughout the year there are fairs, exhibitions, car rallies and marathon races. The area is known for its deep musky Rioja wine and for its landmark modern architecture. The land has a rich history that is seen through many found remains that date back to the Bronze Age.

Vezelay, France

Vezelay is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is famous for the eleventh century Romanesque Basilica of St. Magdalene and one of the most underrated attractions in Europe. Legend has it the basilica was built to house relics (bones) of Mary Magdalene brought to Vezelay by the Benedictine monk, Baudillon. The Basilica has been a pilgrimage place for hundreds of thousands of followers.

Beyond this, the beauty of the Vezelay Abbey is said to rival Chartre Cathedral, and the village, being set into a hillside in Burgundy, is one of the most picturesque in all of France. The surrounding countryside is home to France’s burgundy wine country.

Avebury, England

Twenty miles north of Stonehenge lies one of the eeriest Neolithic monuments in Europe: Avebury. It consists of multiple concentric circles of stone constructed around 2600 BC, amid which the medieval village of Avebury grew. Archeologists assume the purpose of the stones and placement to be ritualistic.

Thanks to a collaboration with the BBC a few years ago, Avebury Mansion has been restored with a museum for exploring the monument. Visitors can re-experience the BBC series the Manor Reborn, tour the Mansion and the Gardens, and experience the Stone circle that borders the edge of the Mansion Property.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark

On the north end of the Danish Island of Zealand lies Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. The museum prides itself on its interface of art, nature and the museum’s modern architecture.

Louisiana Museum has one of the largest collections of modern art in Scandinavia and includes artists from Picasso, Giacometti and Dubuffet to Warhol, Rauschenberg and Guston. They have a tradition of cross-cultural exhibitions and of large, international photo, design and architectural shows. The museum looks across to view Oresund Sound to Sweden, along with Hamlet’s Elsinore Castle, the summer home of Danish royals-Fredensborg Slot and the many beaches and cliffs all nearby.

Dresden, Germany

Culture is the word that comes to mind when one mentions Dresden. The city has three major landmarks and many more minor ones too numerous to mention: Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House, and the Church of Our Lady. For 700 years Dresden has been famed for its music and the calendar year round is packed with musical events from international festivals like the International Dixieland Jazz Festival to theatre and dance happenings to the famous Semper Opera Ball. Christmas is a special time in Dresden as it is home to the oldest Christmas Market, Striezelmarkt, first documented in 1434. No other place has the lights, sounds and tastes of this one.

November 11, 2013 by jfalbelda

When to Go – Trip Ideas for Every Season

Need a little travel inspiration? If you have a few days off during a specific season but aren’t sure where to go, browse this list for our latest destination loves.

Autumn

The Northeastern United States: If you’re looking for autumnal scenery, this is the place to be. Every October, states like New York, Connecticut and Vermont are home to colorful displays of changing leaves, and the quaint local towns simply add to the vibe.

Germany: Some travelers swear by spring, but we think Germany is best in the fall. The weather is gorgeous, the crowds have thinned out, and spots like the Wine Route are particularly picturesque.

Scandinavia: Similar to Germany, Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway come to life in the fall months. You’ll see changing trees similar to those in the U.S., and the bright blue skies and chilly weather are romantic beyond compare.

Winter

Australia: It’s summer time and the living is easy. Thanks to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia’s summer lands during our winter months, which makes it the ideal spot to escape the most wet and dreary time.

French Polynesia: The islands that make up this South Pacific paradise are some of the world’s most beautiful. Head to tropical Tahiti or secluded Bora Bora to unwind in a palm-fringed setting. If you book your trip using travel rewards, you might even get airport lounge access so that you start the luxury before you even leave the airport.

Eastern Canada: This is where winters are at their most idyllic. If you’re in the mood for snowy mountains, ice-slicked landscapes and mugs of rich hot chocolate, head for spots like Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

Spring

The Western United States: This section of the States is often associated with its sub-tropical summers, but spring is among the most temperate times to explore the sights. Head to Los Angeles for breezy beach days, venture to Las Vegas for a slightly cooled-off vacation, or get to the Grand Canyon to experience one of the world’s wonders.

Japan: When the cherry blossoms spring to life, there’s no better place to be than in Japan. Kyoto is an especially good spot to peep the blooming trees, but you’ll find just as many cherry-lined treasures in bustling Tokyo.

Spain: Spring is a fantastic time to visit Europe in general, but Spain is particularly lovely this time of year. The weather is gorgeous, the cities are active, and there’s a relaxing lull just before the summer tourist rush begins.

Summer

The Andaman Islands: Summer is all about kicking back and letting your cares slip away, and India’s Andaman Islands are the perfect escape. Head to one of the more remote spots like Havelock for a truly off-the-grid experience.

Brazil: When it comes to summer spice, no place does it quite like Brazil. This South American country is a vibrant mish-mash of sights and sounds. Looking for the ultimate combination of city and beach breaks? Rio de Janeiro is the destination for you.

Iceland: Though many globe-trotters prefer the less-crowded Iceland winters, we still love visiting in the summer months. The atmosphere here is truly stunning: verdant hills, cascading waterfalls and sprawling ocean as far as the eye can see.

November 1, 2013 by jfalbelda

The Top Hotels in Cyprus

Cyprus is a spectacular country that is diverse in culture, and it is no wonder why millions of people holiday here every year. The island has a number of top hotels to choose from, and if its luxury that you’re looking for then this list of the top hotels in Cyprus is right up your street.

The Elysium

The Elysium enjoys great views of the Mediterranean Sea and has been designed in a palatial style primarily influenced by the Byzantine era. The cultural references of its architecture show the rich history of Cyprus and combine elements from Greek, Roman, Medieval and Venetian times.

A blend of local stone, marble and timber, warm muted colours and decorative features such as mosaics, arches and columns reflect the aims of the designers to create a sense of place and tradition, where guests can enjoy a relaxing and stimulating holiday in a peaceful and secluded environment.

Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos

The luxurious Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos displays the ancient tradition of genuine hospitality in the modern luxury of five star accommodations. The hotel’s unique monastic architecture and classical interior achieve a subtle blend of intimacy. This superb retreat lies on the seashore surrounded by lush landscaped gardens, just two kilometres from Paphos charming fishing harbour.

Located within walking distance of the old castle, Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos is ideal for both a resort-style holiday and one exploring the history and heritage of the area. Cyprus’ ideal weather makes it a perfect location for outdoor activities. World-class golf courses, diving expeditions and beaches are some of the most loved attractions here.

Getting to Cyprus

Cyprus is serviced by many different airline companies and there are flight connections with most major European cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Milan and many Eastern European countries. There are also connections to almost all Middle Eastern capitals. However there are no flights to Turkey from the south. In order to get the best deal on your holiday this year, make sure you compare the market online.

InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel

Set on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean, the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel offers a unique Cyprus experience. Just 15 minutes from Paphos airport and within easy reach from Larnaca airport, the resort is located at a peaceful area. The Aphrodite Hills resort combines the luxurious InterContinental Hotel, The Retreat Spa, an 18-hole standard championship Golf Course, a Tennis Academy, three Kids Clubs, a Teens Club and the Village Square.

Nearby are the luxurious Zias Beach Club, Cove Beach, and Aphrodite’s Riding Club with excellent horse riding facilities. In the hotel you can enjoy the indoor and outdoor swimming pools and fully equipped 24-hour gym. See above packages for golf, spa and seasonal offers. The InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel provides a choice of restaurants and bars for a variety of dining experiences including the award-winning Mesogios Mediterranean restaurant, local and international buffets and Euro-Asian cuisine.

October 30, 2013 by jfalbelda

Why renting a cottage in the UK is perfect for cosy holidays!

When autumn and winter arrive, sometimes you fancy jetting off to exotic climes and staying in a fancy hotel, dining out every night and spending all day every day sightseeing. Sometimes, though, all you want to do is to escape to a cosy home from home where you can relax and do exactly as you please – even if this means doing nothing more than curling up on the sofa with a good book!

Of course, that may well leave you wondering ‘why go away at all?’, but that’s easy to answer. Anyone who has ever tried having a break from everything at home knows that real life just keeps rearing its head – hence the need to go somewhere different. Booking a country holiday cottage in the UK offers the perfect balance of home and away – here’s why.

thatched roof cottage in the United Kingdom.

Snug and cosy atmosphere

When the weather starts getting cooler, most of us immediately crave a cosier, more snug atmosphere – and this is part of the reason holiday cottages have the edge over hotels. After all, arriving to a soft sofa, fully equipped kitchen, welcoming bedrooms and, if you’re lucky, a roaring fireplace is much better than being greeted by a single hotel room with a meagre bathroom.

And of course, since the cottage is essentially yours for the duration of your stay and there’s plenty of space, there’s scope to make it even cosier still. For instance, you could bring extra cushions and blankets if you love curling up in soft spaces, or you could even pack a few of your favourite creature comforts from home just to make the place feel more like your own.

Cook warming food

One of the best things about renting a holiday cottage is that you’ll have your own kitchen. Now, most people focus on saving money as the main advantage of self-catered accommodation, but really having the ability to cook your own meals is a massive benefit in ensuring you enjoy your stay.

This is especially the case in autumn and winter, if you think about it, because it means you can treat yourself to a leisurely fry-up over the Sunday paper, delicious stews and steaming pies – all of which will not only make you feel at home, but will also be wonderfully warming in the cooler temperatures. And, of course, you can always go out for a meal whenever it suits you or your budget – this versatility is another big plus point.

Have space to socialise

Stay in a hotel and you’ll typically have a bedroom (or perhaps several, if you’ve got kids or are travelling with friends) and a bathroom, plus any lounge areas for guests, should there be any. So, there’s not really anywhere you can easily spend time together in private just talking, watching TV or playing a game.

Staying in a cottage is a different story. As well as having your own bedrooms, there will be plenty of communal space just for you, which makes it a much more social and homely environment. You’ll find this is especially handy in the autumn and winter, when you may well want to spend rainy days or evenings indoors.

Bring the family pet

Of course, if you have a dog, it just doesn’t feel like home without your faithful friend around. And this is another massive bonus of opting to stay in a holiday cottage, since there are so many pet-friendly properties available. So, you really can bring the whole family!