Destination Archives - Page 38 of 44

March 15, 2013 by jfalbelda

Why the hell would you go to Kansas City?

Yes my friends, a very valid question. Kansas City is in fact one of the most random US cities you could possibly conjure up, hell, it’s not even in Kansas! But, when my job with Jeep required my presence in middle America, I heeded the call. There are cheap flights to Kansas City from almost all parts of the country as it’s pretty much at the epicenter of our great nation, so it ain’t so hard to get to believe it or not.

I spent 5 full days in Kansas City, Missouri for the auto show, probably longer than anyone who’s not from there would plan to spend in such a place, but to tell you the truth, it’s actually a cool city, and has a way more sizable, clean, fun and interesting city center than other bumblefuck metropolises – I refer to Saint Louis, Louisville and Greenville, South Carolina.

February 8, 2013 by jfalbelda

My Motorcycle Obsession Travels Stateside

If you’ve been reading this site for the past few months, you’ve seen I was just in Asia and doing a lot of exploring on tiny motorcycles. It was the cheapest, most liberating way to get around, and I had a blast doing it – until I shit the bed and crashed in Pai, Thailand. It didn’t deter me too much, and after about a week healing up, I was back riding under-powered, two wheeled vehicles screaming around the countryside with not a care in the world.

After my fateful return to the stars and stripes, I just couldn’t shake the idea of how cool it would be to ride a REAL motorcycle here in Miami with the almost ever-present sunshine, flat roads, and beautiful coastal views. So to really solidify my quarter-life crisis (got two tattoos on my arms last month as well), I signed up for the motorcycle endorsement class (required by Florida) and was sitting in a dingy-ass class room in the hood of Miami Gardens at 8 am that same Saturday. My class was full of rag tag miscreants like myself, you know real scum of the earth, a young Jewish lawyer, Brazilian kid who owns multiple gas stations and a professional Serbian basketball player. Read More »

January 30, 2013 by jfalbelda

An Active Holiday in Portugal!

If you’re looking for an active holiday, Portugal is the destination for you. With its balmy climate and sandy beaches buffered by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, there is plenty for the active traveler to see and do. The coastline is loved by surfers and sailors, while further inland; there are many great walking trails to be found. Portugal is also noted for its diverse cuisine. Cod, or Bacalhau, is a central ingredient in the Portuguese diet, with many dishes featuring the fish. The country is also renowned for its pastries and its port wine.

Sailing along the rivers and coastlines

Whether you have years of experience or if you want to learn to sail in idyllic surroundings, Portugal has something for you. You can hire a boat and sail along the River Guadiana past mountains, ancient ruins and typical Portuguese villages clustered along its banks. The river opens on to the Atlantic where you can learn to sail with an experienced skipper, try some fishing or go for a swim in the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Guided and self-guided walks through Portugal

The terrain of Portugal offers the walker a veritable feast of trails. Guided walks and hikes are available for those who prefer to walk with someone experienced, while other braver souls can opt for self-guided walks. It’s a great way to experience the country in a way that is impossible by car or bus. Take in the spectacular views through the Douro valley or the Cape St Vincent Natural Park or you can take the pilgrimage to Santiago De Compestela. There are numerous trails to choose from, each with its own beauty.

Surfing in Portugal

The Atlantic Ocean generates huge amounts of power, all of which builds into the waves that crash against the Portuguese coast. This makes the country a mecca for surfers. There are surf schools and designated surfing beaches located all along the coast. If you are a complete surfing novice, you can stay at a surf school where experienced surfers will teach you the basics at your own speed. For the more experienced; the beaches await your board. Relax in the spa After a long day of sailing, or having hiked through the Douro valley, all you want to do is relax. Why not do so in luxurious surroundings at a Portuguese spa? There are numerous spas throughout Portugal, so you will never be too far to indulge your tired body. Relax as experienced therapists pamper you. Chill out in a Turkish bath, sauna or Jacuzzi while you plan the next day’s activities. Portugal is sure to exhaust your desire for an active holiday. You will cherish your memories of this special country all the more when you arrive back in the UK. You may even find yourself planning your next trip on the plane back home!

This post was written by Katy, who was worried she might get bored on a holiday to Portugal – but she found more than enough outdoor activities in Portugal to keep her entertained! When she’s not showing off her new-found surfing skills, she can also be found writing for the Sunvil Blog.

January 28, 2013 by jfalbelda

The Best Waterfalls in Europe!

Waterfalls are a force of nature that is truly awe-inspiring to see. North America and Africa have some famous waterfalls (Niagra, Victoria Falls, etc.), but Europe has some truly spectacular ones that shouldn’t be missed ontours in Europe. With a melange of mountains and forest, you can expect to see some real jaw-droppers! Here are some of the best waterfalls in Europe.

Croatia is appearing on the lists of the best tours in Europe, and this country boasts one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Skradinsky Buk is part of a waterfall network in Krka National Park.These waterfalls have many segments and tiers of cascades and are surrounded by clear, aquamarine ponds and beautiful vegetation. Visitors can walk along boardwalks, overlooks and land spurs to see the whole area and several waterfalls.

Scotland has a charming cave with an elegant little waterfall on its north coast near the village of Durness. Smoo Cave is inside the cliff along a gorge on the beach. The gorge is entered from the beach, and this area is beautiful in its own right, but the cave adds another dimension with a glorious play of light and shadow. The waterfall adds the magic.

France offers a majestic setting for La Cascade de Gavarnie. It is on the border of Spain and France in the Upper Pyrenees. Situated on a glacial bowl, it falls down the rugged rocks to add another facet to the already spectacular natural beauty. Visitors can walk to the base of the falls and experience the grandeur of the whole area.

Switzerland has more than 72 waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, but the Staubbach Falls stands out among the rest. The water falls over the cliffs above the town and offers a spectacular backdrop to the charming Swiss village.

Switzerland also has one of the largest waterfalls in Europe. Rhine Falls is located on a rugged area with rocks, slopes and drops in the Rhine River. There are boat tours that will take visitors to some of the tiny islands in the middle of the falls. Near the main middle island is a natural stone arch.

Iceland, located in the far west of what is considered Europe and has some of the largest waterfalls in the world. The natural surroundings are untouched wilderness and the waterfalls are seriously powerful, driven by melting glaciers and snow. Near the capital city of Reykjavik are many waterfalls and in the eastern part of the country are many more. Many have not even been named. Gullfoss is a popular site for visitors. It is a two tiered waterfall that spans the whole width of the Hvita River and is framed with rainbows and mists. A great option is to search for renting a camper in Iceland and wake up with the most amazing vistas the world has to offer.

The Westfjords of Iceland have more beautiful waterfalls including Dynjandi. It is a wide cascade with many tiers. It is actually seven waterfalls combined to make one spectacular sight.

Germany has the Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria, Southern Germany. Lake Konigssee is an emerald green glacial lake and the base for Konigsbach Falls. The falls tumble in several tiers down a forested mountain side into the lake. In a smaller lake nearby is the tallest waterfall in Germany, the Rothbach waterfall, which free falls down the mountain.

Have you been to any other beautiful waterfalls in Europe not on this list? Please share them in a comment below!

January 20, 2013 by jfalbelda

Enjoying Italy’s Trifecta: Venice – Florence – Rome

The following is a guest post from Rich Calstens

Everybody has their favorite spots in Europe, and it can often say a lot about a person when they tell you where they felt most at home on this extra special continent. Beer lovers and Germany go hand-in-hand, Spain is heaven for those who care about their tan, while foodies find their amour in France.

For me,Italy was the perfect fit. Laid back (almost lazy just like me) and with a bit of everything – that mix of culture, food and good weather. Whether seeing the sights in the north or enjoying a cold beer in the warm south, all of Italy is simply fantastic! Read More »