Destination Archives - Page 29 of 44

October 29, 2013 by jfalbelda

A guide to Preparing for The Kilimanjaro Hike

As the tallest walkable peak on the planet, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa is certainly a challenge – and not one that should be taken lightly. To reach its summit (Uhuru Peak), you’ll ascend to 5,896 m above sea level, which is no easy feat.

What this means is that you need to be well prepared for the trek ahead of you, by both training before you travel to Tanzania and ensuring you have all the necessary equipment once you get to the mountain.

We’re going to run through some advice to help you prepare for your Kilimanjaro climb; if you’d like more details about the routes you can take or trip itineraries in general, visit this website.

Fitness: before you go

It’s no good turning up in Tanzania having done no preparation for the climb ahead of you. Kilimanjaro is a tough trek, regardless of which route you choose, and your success is by no means guaranteed.

Generally, it’s recommended that you combine cardiovascular workouts with strenuous hill walking to help get your body ready for what’s to come. The biggest problem encountered on the mountain is altitude sickness, which is caused due to the lower pressure of oxygen in the air as you ascend.

It therefore stands to reason that if your circulatory system is in good shape, your body will be more efficient at processing oxygen, which in turn means you’re likely to cope better with the altitude. However, it’s important to note that altitude sickness can strike anyone, so don’t be complacent.

Hill walking is obviously a good thing to do because it will improve your stamina and prepare your body for the kind of exercise you’ll be doing every day on your trek. A top tip is to plan a weekend or even three days of consecutive walking, as this can be quite different from a single long hike.

Equipment to take

One of the most important things to do when you’re trekking at altitude is to pace yourself. Some people find that walking poles help them to keep a steady stride as they trek – if this helps you make sure you pack some!

Comfortable and well-used hiking boots are, of course, a must, while it’s best to pack layers of clothing as you’re likely to get quite warm during the day when you’re walking but temperatures can plummet at night, particularly as you climb higher.

It’s not so much equipment, but a few packets of rehydration salts are a good addition to your pack. One of the ways to help prevent altitude sickness is by staying well hydrated, so drink plenty. Adding rehydration salts to your water can simply mean your body gets more benefit from the fluid you’re taking on.

However, don’t over-pack. There is a 15 kg weight limit on all baggage that is carried on the Kilimanjaro hike, so that the porters aren’t overloaded. Make sure that your pack isn’t heavier than this, otherwise you may have to pay extra fees to have your bag carried or the porters will refuse to take your luggage unless you take items out.

There are places in Arusha and Marangu (the starting point of your trek, depending on the route you’re taking) where you can leave things that are surplus to requirements on the mountain, so if you will be travelling elsewhere after your Kilimanjaro trek and therefore have more luggage, don’t worry too much.

October 29, 2013 by jfalbelda

Enjoy an authentic taste of Goa

One of the wonderful things about travelling in India is that there is so much varied cuisine to try. The differences in the food from state to state can be immense, so if you’re something of a gastronome a trip here really is a fantastic journey for your taste buds.

Goa, in the south of the country, has its own distinct cuisine and what makes it stand out from much of the rest of India is the profusion of seafood on the menu. While many parts of India offer predominantly vegetarian fare, Goan specialities often feature fish thanks to its location on the coast.

Many spices and flavours are used in Goan cooking due to the number of spice plantations in the state, where a wide variety of fresh spices, fruits and nuts are cultivated.

The following are just a few of the dishes you should try during your holiday in Goa.

Goan fish curry

We’ve already mentioned that seafood is a staple in Goa and one dish that you will come across time and time again is the local fish curry. Almost any kind of fish can be used to make this simple but tasty dish and it’s a firm favourite with families in the state, as well as travellers.

Among the flavours in a Goan fish curry are coconut, ginger, tamarind, raw mango, garlic, tomato and, of course, chilli. In fact, red and green chillies are typically included in this dish. It’s normally served with plain boiled rice, so you can fully appreciate all of the spices.

Pork vindaloo

Thanks to the strong Portuguese influence in Goa, there are several meat dishes that are staples in the state that you won’t find anywhere else in India, and pork vindaloo is just one of these.

This spicy dish is a favourite on Indian restaurant menus in the UK, but you won’t taste anything quite like the version you get in Goa back at home. The fresh ingredients used in cooking here give the sauce and marinated meat an intense flavour that is quintessentially Goan – not one to be missed.

Chicken cafreal

This is another dish that has been influenced by the Portuguese settlers and it is not as spicy as other Goan cuisine. Chicken cafreal sees the meat marinated in a mildly spicy green coconut masala sauce and then fried. It’s often served on its own with a squeeze of lemon juice, rather than as part of a main meal.

Chillies, cloves, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and tamarind are among the spices used to create the paste that seasons the chicken.

Bebinca

Anyone with a sweet tooth needs to try bebinca – multi-layered cake that is made from coconut pancakes. Each layer is cooked separately and you can’t start a new layer until the last one has been completed.

Cooking the perfect bebinca is something of an art form in Goa, partly due to the amount of time it takes to prepare. This sweet treat is traditionally served at Christmas, but is available throughout the year in the state.

A word of advice – if you want to sample the best cuisine Goa has to offer, make sure you try some of the dishes on sale at the beach shacks. These are typically quite simple but taste delicious and if it’s seafood that you’re after you won’t find anywhere serving meals with fresher ingredients.

October 23, 2013 by jfalbelda

A guide to Newcastle’s independent music scene

Newcastle’s got a cracking music scene, and what draws me to it most is that so much of it is independent. Yes, there are big-name branded venues like the O2 Academy, but there are plenty of smaller, more characterful places too – and it’s these I want to focus on today.

Before I start talking about individual establishments, though, I’d also like to point out that Newcastle receives a really wide range of acts. Yes, you get household names like Jessie J (who, by the way, is playing at the Metro Radio Arena in October), but plenty of smaller and fledgling artists also take to the stage here.

By the way, if Newcastle isn’t particularly close to where you live but you’re still keen to check out the live Newcastle music scene, there are plenty of affordable hotels you can crash in overnight – NewcastleGateshead has a comprehensive list to suit pretty much every budget.

Now, let’s talk venues.

The Cluny

If you visit one music venue when you’re in Newcastle, make sure it’s this one. Tucked away under Byker Bridge in Lime Street, the Cluny is one of the hottest establishments around, somehow managing to be a gig venue, art gallery and bar all at once. Pretty impressive, hey?

Of course, being a pub at heart it offers a decent selection of ales, plus some classic (and delicious) pub grub. So, it’s far more than a music venue alone – but as a place to see live acts it’s pretty hard to beat, especially since it attracts such an eclectic mix of performers.

Set to play here in the next few months, for example, is Johnny Borrell, who’s on tour following the launch of his solo album Borrell 1.

Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre

As you’ll immediately be able to tell from the name of my next suggestion, it’s not exclusively a music venue. However, it does put on its fair share of concerts, hence it making my list.

What’s nice about the Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre is that as well as simply being a good venue, it’s really historic, as it’s a grade I listed building. You’ll find it on 105 Westgate Road where it has stood since the 19th century, when it originally opened as the Tyne Theatre and Opera House. Big names playing here in the near future include Daughter, who take the stage on October 19th.

Newcastle City Hall

Next up we have Newcastle City Hall, which is on Northumberland Road. This is one of the best places to go to if you want to see headline acts – and not just from the world of music. You see, Newcastle City Hall regularly puts on comedy shows and other productions, so it’s worth taking a peek at what else is on offer during your stay.

Turning back to music, artists set to play here in the next few months include British-American rock band Foreigner.

Hoults Yard

Last on my list is Hoults Yard, which is probably one of the quirkiest venues around. You’ll find it on Walker Road, where until fairly recently it stood as an industrial site.

It’s been utterly transformed, though, and today it’s home to office space, studios and more. The View, The Orb, and Kids in Glass Houses are among the bands slated to perform at this unique venue in the future.

October 22, 2013 by jfalbelda

Top romantic things to do in Antigua

If you picture your honeymoon on a tropical palm fringed beach, with stunning views, plenty of activities, historical sites and vibrant culture, then Antigua could be just the place. Having recently won The Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination at the World Travel Awards, you’re sure to find plenty of Antigua honeymoon packages. Here are the top romantic things to do on your Antiguan honeymoon.

Dance on top of Shirley Heights
High above the historic English Harbour and UNESCO World Heritage Nelson’s Dockyard lies Shirley Heights. Hike to the top and you’ll be met with stunning romantic views over the bay. There’s also a vibrant local atmosphere up here with performances by people playing steel drums, reggae bands and traditional Antiguan barbecues.

See the Pillars of Hercules from a sunset cruise
One of the best romantic activities to do on a honeymoon here is to go for sail or a sunset cruise. The conditions here make it one of the best sailing destinations in the world. The unique rock formations of the Pillars of Hercules are best scene from the water and make a perfect addition to any cruise itinerary. The pillars also make for a great dive location where you can see fish such as blue tang, sergeant majors and red snappers, among others.

Stroll around Wadadli Animal Nature Park
Set up by former West Indian cricketer, Dave Joseph, the Wadadli Animal Nature Park makes for a great day out and gives you something different to see other than marine animals. A romantic stroll here will take you to see species such as love birds, deer, iguanas and monkeys. Knowledgeable guides can also guide you around the park answering any questions you have about the animals here.

Go for a romantic picnic at Half Moon Bay
Antigua has a total of 365 beaches, but one of the best and most romantic is Half Moon Bay – a natural and curve of coral coloured sand that curves for one mile along the southeast coast of the island. You’ll find no luxury resorts and restaurants, this beach is back to nature all the way. If you ask, many of the resorts will pack you picnics to take out with you and Half Moon Bay is an excellent choice. Make sure you bring your own snorkel and mask to explore the coral gardens that lie just offshore too.

Enjoy romantic views from Harmony Hall restaurant
If you’re looking for a great place for a romantic meal on your honeymoon, you can’t do better than the stunning views from Harmony Hall, a boutique hotel, restaurant and art gallery. Situated in the tropical gardens of an old historic sugar mill, the restaurant affords beautiful views over Nonsuch Bay. Why not try ordering your meal ahead of time and go for a dip at nearby Half Moon Bay before you go? Or you could look around the old stone-cut buildings and art gallery. It’s a bit of a trek to get here up gravel tracks, but it’s worth it if you can make it.

October 18, 2013 by jfalbelda

A Guide to Madrid’s Top Day Spas

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just need a weekend away for a bit of pampering. As I also love travelling, I often try to combine the two and give myself the chance to explore somewhere new and relax at the same time.

One city that’s caught my eye recently is Madrid and I think it looks just perfect for a chilled out city break. It’s got everything I’d usually look for on this sort of trip, with plenty of luxury city-centre hotels, outstanding restaurants and excellent day spas.

For me, the key to unwinding and really enjoying a short break away is to do something I very rarely do at home – treat myself to a day of total pampering at a wellness centre. I’m still planning my trip to Spain, but I’ve come up with a list of a few of its top spas in Madrid to give you some inspiration in case you also need some R and R.