Destination Archives - Page 37 of 44

June 6, 2013 by jfalbelda

Top 5 Luxury Camps in Botswana!

With the winding waterways of the Okavango Delta, lush greenery in much of the country as well as the dusty plains of the Kalahari Desert, Botswana provides one of Africa’s most beautifully contrasting landscapes. Its array of scenery provides a strong attraction to a wide variety of wildlife and is arguably the best safari destination in Africa. However, after a long day in the African wilds a comfortable place to relax is a must. Here we have a special post from Mahlatini Luxury Travel that provides the no holds barred guide on the best and most luxurious lodges the country has to offer:

1. Jack’s Camp

Camps in Botswana This traditional 1940’s safari camp is vintage luxury at its best. Perched on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt pans in the world, and deep in the Kalahari Desert, its luxury is derived from the total silence and privacy afforded by the lodge’s location. Comprised of 10 large canvas tents with stylish interiors, Persian rugs underfoot and classical décor, the lodge provides guests the perfect sanctuary to the dusty pans outside. Read More »

May 17, 2013 by jfalbelda

The Best Hotel Pools in The World

For some people, a pool can make or break a hotel. Here are five of the best hotel pools in the world that will satisfy swimmers and sunbathers alike.

1. Banyan Tree, Seychelles

This tropical resort is located along Mahé Island and features a spectacular Indian Ocean view. Lush plant life wraps around this serene hotel and guests can enjoy the atmosphere and the view with poolside snacks and drinks. Read More »

April 17, 2013 by jfalbelda

Best Attraction in Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary!

Every time I come back to Philly, I always try and play tourist at least a little. Given I’m from the “City of Brotherly Love”, I’ve become a little desensitized to some of the things I grew up visiting as a kid. Ever since I’ve been living in Miami, it’s been nice coming back to Philly with fresh eyes and a new perspective on my hometown. This week, I visited one of the coolest places in Philadelphia, and definitely one of the most interesting touristic attractions I’ve been to the world over, Eastern State Penitentiary.

Opening its doors in 1829, Eastern State is widely agreed upon to be the world’s first true penitentiary, where “penitence” was the key message instead of solely just punishment. Spiritual reflection and reform was focused on in an attempt to rehabilitate hardened criminals rather than lock them in a dungeon with no key.

The was a tourist attraction even back in the 1800’s and visitors were allowed to tour the halls and even speak to prisoners! But, prisoners couldn’t have any personal guests themselves (meh I guess any visitor is better than no visitor!). Al Capone even spent some time at Eastern State in 1929 and his cell didn’t look half bad if you ask me…

April 1, 2013 by jfalbelda

Ibiza Getaways!

Once upon a time, holidays in Ibiza were all about big nights out and long lazy days sleeping it off on the beach. It was all about which club nights are on where, who’s spinning the decks and what tunes they’re lining up. Then it was a case of partying ’til dawn, grabbing a few hours’ sleep and hitting the beach to snooze for the rest of the day, before getting ready to do it all again that night…

Head to Ibiza today and it’s a very different story. San Antonio and Ibiza Town are still packed to the rafters with bars, pubs and superclubs, and they rock with the latest tunes every summer – after all, Ibiza has a legendary nightlife and is still the godfather of clubbing holidays. But there is plenty more to see and do on the White Isle than the inside of a nightclub.

From lavish five-star escapes to cheap Ibiza holidays, there’s plenty of choice to suit all tastes and budgets. If you’ve got the kids in tow, the pretty resort of Santa Eulalia has plenty going on, and is well equipped to keep all ages entertained. There’s lovely Portinatx on the north coast, a small resort with a glorious sheltered bay that’s ideal for little paddling feet. And if you’re after a real beach holiday, Playa d’en Bossa is hard to beat. Home to the longest beach in Ibiza, this fabulous resort is ideal for sun-worshippers and sandcastle enthusiasts. There’s also a water park nearby to keep the kids entertained.

One of the easiest ways to get to Ibiza is with a package holiday, for instance by searching for package holidays by Thomas Cook, one such company that sells deals to Ibiza. This is particularly beneficial if you’ve got the kiddos, as it takes the hassle out of going away. And that means you can start your holiday from the moment you step off the plane…

March 26, 2013 by jfalbelda

Newcastle, England: Top Itinerary Fillers for your Trip!

Riverfront in New Castle, England

Once upon a time, the north eastern city of Newcastle was considered to be a typical tough and gritty town that was oozing nightlife opportunities, but since the economic slump of the 1980s, it’s recovered into much more than it once was. Nowadays, it’s full of appealing sights and attractions to keep you occupied during a visit. Check out https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/book/newcastle-hotels for some affordable hotel options in the area, to ensure your stay in the city doesn’t cost the Earth when there’s no reason for it to.

Once you have organised your accommodation, start planning your itinerary. Other than the inevitable pubs and bars you could visit, there are plenty of attractions to add to your list, giving you the opportunity to benefit from a well-rounded trip to the city.

Great North Museum

In 2009, the Hatton Museum and Hancock Gallery joined forces to create an epic museum that is now listed among the top 20 UK attractions. Make sure you take the time to experience the state-of-the-art planetarium as well as the fascinating collection of artifacts from world cultures.

Belsay Hall & Gardens

Located on the outskirts of Newcastle in Belsay, this beautiful hall is looked after by the English Heritage and provides beautiful surroundings for an afternoon out, including the Yew Gardens.

Seven Stories

The Seven Stories is the first museum in Britain dedicated to children’s books, with 50,000 of them on the premises. It can be found in Ouseburn Valley, which isn’t far from the newly regenerated Quayside. Named because of the theory that there are only seven basic plots in literature and the building that houses it being over seven floors. Exhibitions change all the time with its collections increasing exponentially.

The Castle and the Black Gate

things to see in New Castle, England

As one of the major historic attractions in the Northeast, the prominent structure that remains is the Castle Keep as well as the fortified gatehouse, known as the Black Gate. While it was originally used as a defense mechanism, it is now open for public viewing, including for paranormal investigations due to the possible hauntings that occur.

The Discovery Museum

As one of the largest museums in the North East of England that is free to enter, it attracts almost half a million visitors each year due to its multi award-winning exhibitions. The renovation of the Discovery Museum in 2004 has meant an even better visitor experience, including interactive and hands-on displays to enrich each and every visit.

Quayside

This area of Newcastle has come a long way since its industrial roots, now providing one of the trendiest sites to spend time in the city. The docks are home to several cultural, art and music attractions that change regularly. Check online for updates. As darkness falls, the area transforms into a throbbing hub for evening entertainment, with plenty of restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs to choose from to keep you dancing till your feet can’t take any more.

With plenty of attractions, museums and things to see in New Castle, England,a stay here can be enriching and fulfilling (and of course a great time too!).