Destination Archives - Page 32 of 44

September 24, 2013 by jfalbelda

Driving from Andratx to Valldemossa

One of the most frustrating aspects about travelling abroad is that you rarely get a sense of the ‘realness’ of the places you visit. If you are staying in a tourist resort, you would be lucky to stumble across the bars, restaurants and hangouts that the locals frequent, unless you really went searching for them.

One way to get around this problem is to hire a car and set out your own itinerary. Whether you want to find the most beautiful hidden gem of a beach, a street full of chic boutique shops (with no tourist tat in sight!) or the finest eatery in town, you can do so with the help of a rented vehicle and an up-to-date map.

Try it on the Balearic Island of Mallorca, where popular seaside resorts are interspersed with pretty little whitewashed villages and lush green countryside. You can hire a car from Mallorca airport and try one of the most picturesque routes on the island – that of Andratx to Valldemossa. Click here to arrange your hire car.

Hit the road, Jack!

The region of Andratx lies in the south-west of the island, about 30km west of the capital Palma de Mallorca, and covers an area of about 80sq km. It contains a gorgeous coastline lapped by crystal-clear waters, elegant marinas and opulent homes owned by wealthy residents. The eponymous town of Andratx was originally constructed to guard against pirate attacks and its defences can still be seen in the upper part of the settlement. Make sure you have a good look around the town first, particularly at the Santa Maria church, which looks rather like a fortress.

There are three routes you can take to get to the beautiful village of Valldemossa from here. The first is the quickest, lasting around 40 minutes, and takes you through the suburbs of the capital. Get onto the Ma-1 from Puerto Andratx, heading south-east towards the sunny beach resort of Palma Nova, then go north-east towards Palma de Mallorca. The route will take you around the ring road then north towards your destination.

However, if you would prefer to take the scenic course, travel along the C-710 autoway that hugs the west coast of the island. You can stop for a coffee in the little resort of Estellencs, which is backed by the Sierra Tramuntana mountain range and offers peaceful stone streets, quirky fountain springs and a lovely cove with a port.

Drive on past the terraced agricultural plots designed to make the most of the island’s rainfall towards Banyalbufar, then head inland until you reach Valldemosa.

The third route uses the PMV-1016 to pass villages like Sa Garriga and S’Esgleieta on the way to Valldemosa. It is an entirely inland journey, so you won’t get the chance to take pictures of the sea on your way.

Once you get to Valldemosa, which remains relatively untouched by tourism, spend some time wandering through the streets. Each of the houses is built in the same light stone and all are bedecked with vibrant flowers. Visit a couple of the local art galleries and make sure you stop off at a traditional family bakery to sample the coca de patata (‘potato cake’) delicacy.

September 21, 2013 by jfalbelda

Top Reasons To Visit The Northern Territory of Australia!

There are many great reasons to visit the Northern Territory of Australia. It is known to be one of the last authentic outback adventure areas with a lot of natural splendor, prehistoric heritage, interesting wildlife, and fun cities like Darwin. A sojourn to the Northern Territory is truly promising and worthy of any Australian itinerary.

You can fuel your journey in the Northern Territory by starting off in Darwin. From here you can visit the Northern Territory Museum of Arts and Sciences and brace yourself for an interesting and insightful journey about the history of Australia. At Doctor’s Gully, you can to feed the fish by hand. For lunch, you can rest at the Darwin Wharf Precinct that overlooks Darwin port and indulge in its large menu of delectable local dishes. Enjoy the nightlife in Darwin, and don’t forget to try some of the local micro-brews and fine Australian wines that you can pick up a local bottle store for a fraction of the cost of a bar.

For an awesome experience, you can also visit the Territory Wildlife Park. The wildlife park is one of the top reasons to visit the Northern Territory and offers diverse fauna that will truly fascinate you. Within the park, you get to touch Monty, the “resident reptile” or perhaps watch the splendid wedge-tailed eagle. Furthermore you can take a relaxing walk through a huge dome aviary which permits tourists to get a more up-close and personal look at the local birds or wander through an aquarium tube where turtles, fishes and Barramundi swim above your head. At night time, you can spend some time visiting the biggest Nocturnal House in Australia which allows a rare view at some of the nocturnal wildlife consisting of ghost bats and rock wallabies.

Surrounded by craggy cliffs and an extensive scope of sandstone plateaus, Litchfield Park has a lot to offer tourists. The primary highlight of Litchfield Park belongs to its 4 spring-fed waterfalls which fall down the rim of the plateau into the adjacent rain forest areas in spectacular fashion. On the eastern area of the plateau lies Florence Falls which offers an outstanding swimming opportunity in the hot summer. On the other hand, Wangi Falls is pumping the entire year and is encompassed by broad camping and picnic regions to enjoy, you choose or check them all out!

September 16, 2013 by jfalbelda

Top Reasons To Visit France

The top reasons to visit France have always enchanted and impressed people from all walks of life and different backgrounds. The fact that it has been romanticized by several films makes it less surprising to note that it receives 79 million tourists yearly. No doubt, France is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. And it does not only owe this fete to the 37 UNESCO World Heritage Sites it hosts. France has always been an influential contributor when it comes to art, fashion, food and education. Its history has spawned a lot of innovative ideas and products. And it is because of this that it has remained on the top of the totem pole when it comes to countries people would love to live in.

Among the top reasons to visit France that is continuously being popularized is its infrastructure, with the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Eiffel Tower standing in the forefront. The Eiffel Tower, located on Champ de Mars, was constructed back in 1889 as the entrance arch to the World’s Fair, held that year. Eventually, it became an identifying monument of the country and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It is visited by 7.1 million folks yearly and offers tourists the option to ascend to any of its three levels. And inside, there are a number of restaurants guests can dine in to enjoy a spectacular view of the city while eating famous local dishes. The Notre-Dame, meanwhile, is a Roman Catholic church which depicts one of the finest examples of French Romanesque and Gothic architecture in the world. It is also the largest and most well-know of its kind, spanning a century of construction. It is characterized by its lifelike sculptures and amazing stained glass windows. And even though it was desecrated during the French Revolution, much of its original aesthetic is still intact.

To add to the aforementioned, the top reasons to visit France also encompass a variety of countryside attractions – one of which are the vineyards – particularly in Burgundy and Bordeaux. It’s no secret that France is among the most outstanding sources of wine as it possesses a climate conducive to the cultivation of different types of grapes, namely Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. But what makes France’s wineries worthwhile to visit are the ancient wine-making practices and styles they adapt. As such, when you pay each of those plantations established in Burgundy and Bordeaux, you’d taste distinct variances in flavor and composition you won’t be able to when you’re just at home.

The French Riviera is also among the famous vacation hotspots in France that attracts a great deal of tourists. And what makes it very appealing is that people can enjoy fun water-based recreation the whole year round in places like Toulon, Cassis, Hyres, Saint-Tropez and Cannes (which will be hosting a big poker tournament in September for even more entertainment, hosted by France Pokerstars). If you find that you still have time to discover other highlights in the region, other top reasons to visit France include the Louvre, Champs-Elysees, and the chateaux of the Loire Valley.

September 14, 2013 by jfalbelda

Top Reasons To Visit The Philippines

The Philippines is the next big boom country in South East Asia. With both modern urban centers and pristine nature and beaches, it makes a fantastic place for vacation. Much of Philippine culture and history was influenced by three foreign rulers: the Spanish who ruled for over 500 years, the Americans who came around in the 19th century, and the Japanese who took control for three years during World War II. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, there are many fascinating things that make the Philippines worth traveling to. Here are several reasons why “It’s more fun in the Philippines” (that’s the official slogan if you didn’t know!).

Reason 1: Visit premiere cities Manila, Cebu and Davao

Manila, Cebu and Davao represent the three major divisions of the archipelago. Manila is the center of commerce in Luzon. Cebu, the heart of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines, is the principal city in Visayas and the oldest Spanish city founded in the country. And finally, there is Davao, the safest city and fastest growing city the Philippines. Davao City is the chief metropolis of Mindanao and a place where Muslims and Christians live at peace

Reason #2: Experience the best beach vacations

One of the top reasons to visit the Philippines is definitely its beaches. Many foreigners come solely for the fantastic beach resorts in the Philippines, especially the ones in Visayas and Northern Mindanao. The best place to go to for a little fun in the sun is El Nido on the island of Palawan. Its capital, Puerto Princesa, is home to the Puerto Princesa Underground River which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently listed as one of the world’s natural wonders.

Reason #3: Celebrate Christmas seasons the Filipino way

Filipinos are very well known for their close family ties, so gatherings are common sightings during the holidays. Tourists who decide to stay in the Philippines during Christmas are likely to end up in a local’s house as they are welcomed to join their midnight dinner party. Filipinos have a reputation for being extremely hospitable.

Reason #4: Meet some of the friendliest people on earth

One of the top reasons to visit The Philippines for many tourists is the people. Filipinos are very warm and friendly. Curious glances are common as well as endless smiling. Vacations are never dull for tourists in the Philippines, mainly because of its happy-to-have-you inhabitants.

September 14, 2013 by jfalbelda

Top Tourist Attractions In Seychelles

The top tourist attractions in Seychelles are definitely more than enough reason to visit this luxury island paradise alone. Located northeast of Madagascar and off the east coast of mainland Africa, this archipelago of 115 islands has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the African continent. While Seychelles is no budget getaway, you can find some pretty great discounts on Travelbag. With its perpetually warm and sunny weather and pristine beaches, Seychelles is a perfect romantic honeymoon destination as well as a place where families can enjoy the sun, sea, surf and a whole lot more. Here are the top tourist destinations in Seychelles:

Beaches. The list of top tourist attractions in Seychelles is never complete without the mere mention of its famous beaches. La Digue’s Anse Source D’Argent is one of the popular beaches in Seychelles, with its fine, pink sands and gigantic boulders with unusual shapes and patterns.

But if you want something a little more underrated, taka a hike along the coast of Beau Vallon to Anse Major for a small deserted beach. Just don’t forget to bring your provisions, such as food, water and lots of sunblock. But be warned, the beach might not be suitable for a swim on certain times of the year, so don’t ignore warning signs when heading out to this isolated beach.

Reserves and nature parks. While Seychelles is famous for its beaches, Its tropical flora and fauna should not be ignored. Seychelles is home to a few parks and reserves which provide homes to the country’s endemic plant and animal species. Valle de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to some of the most amazing flora and fauna, including the largest seed in the world, coco de mer.

Diving Paradise. Seychelles’ beaches aren’t only for getting some tan. These beaches are also home to a rich marine flora and fauna. So don’t forget to bring your snorkel with you when you take a trip to Seychelles. If you’re into scuba diving, the Aldabra Atoll, the world’s largest coral atoll, is the perfect place to go.