Traveling through the back roads of Northern Ireland or dining in one of Belfast’s contemporary restaurants, you would never know that the country was once plagued by violence. The Northern Ireland of today is quite a different place to the images that filled the world’s TV screens in the 70s and 80s, when “The Troubles” were at their worst. In fact, these days, Northern Ireland is positively serene, and the fact that it is still …
Browsing: Adventure
When many hear of a Smoky Mountain Vacation they may picture rustic cabins, hunting or animal watching, perhaps a lazy walking trail or two, and a whole lot of peace. While peace is plentiful in many areas of the Great Smokys, there is also a plethora of highly active entertainments that will leave you with a thirst for adventure long after you make your way back home.
Affordable Smoky Mountain Family or Solo Fun
If …
A plain old soak in the tub is now officially passé. Here are just five of the many weird and wonderful places around the world which put more zing in your bath time.
Hamam scrub-down: Istanbul, Turkey
You haven’t been to Turkey until you’ve experienced the hamam (or Turkish bath) and where better to partake in a traditional scrub and soak than in the sultan’s ex-playground of Istanbul. An experience not for the modest, a …
Just 95 miles north of L.A., but a world away from the home of hype, understated but cosmopolitan Santa Barbara is home to its own eclectic community of surfers, socialites, Hollywood escapees and transplants from around the globe. Somehow, it all coexists well in this city strung along a gorgeous strip of coastline, bordered by pristine beaches and the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains. This variety is reflected in the diverse activity that Santa Barbarans enjoy. …
While visions of Australia often contain pictures of the Great Barrier Reef or the Sydney Opera House, South Australia is often overlooked. This area may be the best find of all, offering an abundance of activities in and out of the water.
Rich History
It was 1836 when the first British settlement was established in Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, and Adelaide would be founded a few months later, but evidence of mining and rock art in …
You can drive for hours through the deserts of Namibia without ever seeing another vehicle.But if it’s absolute isolation you’re after, try cycling through the country. You won’t see many other humans, but every pedal you push will be making a difference to the planet.
The personal challenge and the chance to contribute to conservation has inspired a very different type of holiday for 15 intrepid adventurers who will cycle 350km through the Namibian wilderness …
Visiting the Grand Canyon is truly a classic American vacation. Most folks have taken the helicopter ride over the canyon or hiked partially down the north or the south rims – definitely inspiring! But how many people have actually spent their vacation in the Havasu canyon? Never heard of it? Well you not the only one, and that’s too bad because it is a piece of paradise right in our backyard.
…If you look at
Getting lost in a new city is not usually on a traveler’s to-do list. But it is highly recommended that you cull your skills in the art of getting lost if you wish to throw off the tiresome stereotypes that come with being a tourist.
It might be harder than you think to truly move off the beaten path and have no idea where you are. When you feel a little disoriented, your survival instincts …
Bike sharing has exploded all over Europe in the last ten years or so. Now more than ever, it’s easy to sightsee on two wheels in many Western European cities where infrastructure for cyclists has been much improved. Next time you’re in Copenhagen or Barcelona, forget the Segway and rent yourself a classic cycle to get around town.
Copenhagen, Denmark:
In central Copenhagen 55% of the population rides to work each day and 37% …
Whether you’re an occasional wanderer or a travel obsessive, there will probably be days when your hotel room leaves you uninspired. Even the excitement of investigating bathroom freebies wears off after a while – well, just how many shower caps, sewing kits and mini soaps does one person need in their life? Luckily, the travel industry has responded to the weariness brought on by muted colour schemes, ill-fitting bath robes and identikit corridors, in the …
Just nine miles south of St. Vincent and the largest island of the Grenadines at seven square miles, Bequia (pronounced “BEK-way”) retains its age-old boat building, whaling and fishing traditions. Pretty and clean with colorful houses draped in bougainvillea and shaded by almond trees, Bequia offers good beaches, restaurants, bars and both affordable and upscale accommodations. It attracts an arty crowd of Europeans and yachties, the “cocktail cruisers” who add their own brio to the …
Mazatlan was a weekly stop on episodes of The Love Boat television show. It’s still a big cruise port, but there are plenty of places to stay on dry land, with lots to do to keep a vacationer more than satisfied during a week in the sunshine on the Mexican Gold Coast.
Perfect Weather
It doesn’t matter what time of year you head to Mazatlan, the chances are pretty good it’s going to be warm …
Is normal travel becoming a yawn? Well why not try a new era as well as a new place. Head to the Roman ruin of Jerash to experience gladiators battling it out or joust-it-up with the knights of Kaltenberg Castle; from local festivals to historic re-enactments, the world is full of wacky ways you can journey back in time, not just across oceans.
Up Helly Aa Festival, Shetland Islands, UK
Pillaged, plundered and then settled …
The growing popularity of motorcycle or vespa touring is evident when you consider that such tours are now offered in almost every country in the world. But can’t you just ride off on your own without help? Sure, although reasons to work with a travel consultant to find a first rate tour operator are very compelling.
Three major advantages immediately stand out: First, tour operators are experienced in their destinations, know the lay of the …