Category Archives: Destinations

Destinations, Editor's Picks, North America

Highlights of British Columbia

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Highlights of British Columbia.
British Columbia is Canada’s south-western province bordering the Pacific Ocean and Alaska. There are vibrant cities, towering mountain peaks, blue ocean waters dotted with islands, and sun-baked desert. You can hike coastline or mountain trails, go whale or bear watching, visit award-winning wineries and relax at great resorts. Here are some suggestions:

Vancouver
This world-class city takes full advantage of its water-side location, has some good urban attractions, plenty of green space and many recreation opportunities in the mountains 20 minutes north of downtown. Visit Granville Island’s covered Public Market, a smorgasbord of culinary delights. Walk the 8.8km Stanley Park seawall, take a leisurely horse-drawn cart ride through the lush forest or relax at the ever-busy, family-friendly Second Beach on the park’s western side.
Gastown, one of the oldest areas in the city, is a place to stroll down cobbled streets, explore its historic buildings and courtyards and enjoy its unique shopping, nightlife, and attractions.  Don’t miss the statue of “Gassy Jack” and the wonderful steam clock that announces the quarter hours with a whistle chime.

 

Capilano Suspension Bridge
The first Capilano suspension bridge (www.capbridge.com/‎) was built at this North Vancouver location in1889. The present challenging bridge stretches 137m across and 70m above the Capilano River and is extremely popular . The bridge is what has made the park famous but there are several other excellent attractions. A highlight is the opportunity to see, touch and learn about the temperate rainforest with its 1000 year old trees, from both ground and treetops levels.
The twenty-seven acre privately-owned park provides tranquillity, adventure, thrills, meals, souvenirs and an unforgettable experience all at the same time. Cliffwalk is the park’s newest attraction and here you are challenged by a cantilevered walkway clinging to the granite cliff high above Capilano Canyon. You will experience exhilaration or fear but are likely to have a sense of achievement on finishing.

Whistler
Whistler (http://www.whistler.com) booms in winter but at other times it is still a delight. The pedestrian village has won numerous design awards and Whistler has been regularly voted among the top destinations in North America by major ski magazines. The vibrant Village Stroll is a perfect place for people watching, shopping, dining or just kicking back. Grab a drink on an outdoor terrace and take in the glorious mountain scenery before indulging in a gourmet meal.
If you are into mountain biking there are plenty of opportunities for adventure. If not, take the Whistler Gondala ride to the top of Whistler Mountain then the amazing Peak to Peak journey between the top of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. You won’t be disappointed.

 

Highway 5
This is a 525 kilometre north-south road in the southern part of the province. South of Kamloops, it is a 186 km freeway. North of Kamloops the two-lane road follows the North Thompson River valley through the isolated forested hillsides and grasslands of the Thompson Plateau. This is a quiet, lightly populated region, with Clearwater the first significant settlement. This is the closest town to Wells Grey Provincial Park, with its stunning vistas of high mountains, deep canyons, volcanic cones, brooding old-growth forests and raging white-water rivers.
The highway continues north to the small settlement of Valemont. In winter this is the base for superb alpine snowmobiling with groomed trails and spectacular scenery. At other times there is white-water rafting, fishing or observing the wildlife in the Cranberry Marsh Sanctuary. The Mount Robson Provincial Park is 35 kilometres further north and a viewing point provides glorious views of Mount Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies.

Field, Golden, Glacier National Park
Highway 1 climbs Kicking Horse Pass, the point where the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Trans Canada Highway cross the continental divide between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Near the top is a viewpoint where you see the famous spiral loop on the railway. If you are lucky you are rewarded by a view of an enormous freight train crossing over itself. Field, an historic railway town with a dramatic river outlook, provides a reason to stop as does Golden, a tidy town just off the highway.
There are two national parks here; the Yoho National Park and the Glacier National Park. The country is spectacular and it is tempting to stop at every turn. At the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre you learn about the intrepid railroaders who built the railway through this wilderness and the avalanche scientists and others who keep this wintery pass open today. Further on, the Hemlock Grove Trail, an interpretive boardwalk through the world’s only non-coastal cedar-hemlock rainforest, and the Skunk Cabbage Trail, through a unique wetland, are both great places to stretch the legs.

Wine country
The Okanagan Valley (http://www.okanagan.com/) has lakes, world-class golf, mountain and wellness resorts, great beaches and trails, and outstanding mountain biking, and it is also Canada’s best wine country. Vernon and Penticton are significant towns and Kelowna is the largest city in BC’s interior. The area has something like 90 wineries, many of them clustered between Peachland and Osoyoos and it’s here that Oliver lays claim to being Canada’s wine capital.
Throughout the valley you pass through cherry and stone fruit orchards and are tempted to explore many of the wineries. Greta Ranch Winery is attractively set high above the lake. At Dirty Laundry Winery you pass under a washing line hung with underwear to get into the tasting room and restaurant. Poplar Grove Winery has a beautiful building high above Penticton and a great cabernet franc wine. There are spectacular mountain and lake views everywhere and plenty of accommodation and other facilities. No wonder this region attracts so many visitors.

 

Watermark Beach Resort
The splendid Waterfront Beach Resort (http://www.watermarkbeachresort.com/‎) has lake frontage in the main street of Osoyoos and the views from our huge balcony are stunning. This is Canada’s warmest lake and the area calls itself Canada’s only desert but for many visitors it is simply paradise. The luxury resort has space, a lovely restaurant with an innovative menu, and excellent spa and massage facilities. The surrounding area has many wineries and several attractions including a desert boardwalk, a huge model railway and the spectacular Desert Cultural Centre which has a museum and an interesting walk with First Nations guides.

 

West Coast Railway Heritage Museum
Located in Squamish, this impressive outdoor museum (http://www.wcra.org/‎) has interesting authentic railway equipment and the magnificent Royal Hudson steam locomotive restored to its full beauty and housed in a huge hall. There are many items to climb over and there is an opportunity to learn how Canada’s mail was processed on rails. The park has 90 pieces of heritage railway rolling stock; the oldest are the business car British Columbia (1890) and a rare Canadian Pacific Colonist sleeping car (1905).
There are several buildings making up the park centre including Brightbill Heritage House and the Squamish Station, designed in 1915 but not built until 2000. This is one for the whole family and if you are a railway buff you will be in heaven.
Words: Len Rutledge
Pictures: Phensri Rutledge

The author.
Len Rutledge (www.LenRutledge.com) is an author and travel writer who has written thousands of newspaper and magazine articles and over 25 travel guide books. He currents writes the e-book Experience Guide series available from Amazon and has written the popular Bangkok Bargain Shopping app for Android and Apple devices.

Destinations

5 most dangerous travel destinations of the world

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There is always an inherent amount of risk that tourists take when travelling. Even in the safest destinations, seasoned travellers know how to protect themselves against petty theft and common tourist scams. However, visiting certain areas around the world will ratchet the tourist threat index to an uncomfortable level for most. That being said, a select adventurous few revel in exploring the places that others dare not venture. There are plenty of dangerous places around the world that still remain open to visitors, but the following countries have made it into the top 5 list:

Somalia

Straddling the Horn of Africa, Somalia is home to a stunning coastline and unspoilt beaches. Unfortunately, nearly a dozen warring factions have made the country a practical blackout zone to tourism. The government itself is involved in a fair amount of fighting, and safety is in no way guaranteed for tourists in Somalia.

Somalia’s capital Mogadishu has long been considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Independent tourism in this region in strongly discouraged due to the high risk of kidnapping and assault. Major hotels in Somalia recommend visitors to travel with hired armed guards. The major attraction near Mogadishu is the stunning Somali Beach. For tourists that do wish to brave a trip to coastline, keep in mind that under local laws women must swim fully clothed and avoid loitering with men.

Syria

Though Syria has always been a country where tourists were advised to exercise a high degree of caution, the recent outbreak of civil war has made this alluring destination practically off-limits to visitors. This is unfortunate as the nation is full of ancient treasures and sights of major historical interest. Damascus, its capital city, is the oldest capital in the world and home to the stunning Umayyad Mosque, Fakhr-al-Din al-Maani castle, and Azm Palace.

Up until the country’s recent unrest, Syria welcomed tourists, and possessed a tourist-friendly infrastructure. It is still possible to visit Syria, though widespread violence throughout the country has made things so unsafe that EU and US citizens still within Syria have been asked to contact their embassies in order to arrange safe transfer home. For those still wishing to make the trip, visas can be obtained upon arrival into the country. There are several routes of entry into Syria from neighbouring Turkey. Due to tensions with Israel, visitors with entrance or exit stamps from Israel on their passport will not be allowed into Syria.

Iraq

Much of Mesopotamia, widely considered the cradle of civilisation, is confined within the borders of Iraq. With remnants and ruins from the ancient Sumerian, Assyrian, Akkadian and Babylonian empires, Iraq is a veritable treasure chest of historic gems. Given the country’s history, it’s understandable that despite what Iraq has to offer, a vast majority of tourists would not consider travelling there. In truth, these travel fears are largely warranted. Though the war in Iraq may be officially over, the threat of violence and kidnapping in the centre of the country remains especially high. Travellers intent on seeing the ancient ruins of Babylon, Ashur, and Hatra may do so at their own risk. Visas must be secured before entering the country, and armed guards will be essential in some areas.

Yemen

Yemen is a fascinating country with perfectly preserved historic towns and stunning Red Sea beaches. However, all travel to this country on the Arabian Peninsula is strongly discouraged by most Western governments. Instability, terrorist attacks, and a high prevalence of kidnappings make this a largely unsuitable environment for tourists. Yemen also suffers from a relatively poor infrastructure. As a foreigner, solo car travel is difficult for numerous reasons, and trains are non-existent. In addition, the political situation in the country is very unstable and visa requirements change often.

Those who wish to venture into Yemen despite the risks can do so by flying into Sana’a from Dubai. Along with Old Sana’a, Yemen’s major attractions include the magnificent ancient towns in Hadhramaut, and the beach city of Al Hudaydah.

Zimbabwe

Once one of the richest nations in Africa, Zimbabwe has struggled against both economic and political collapse over the past 10 years or so. This instability has unfortunately put this former tourism hot spot on this list. Home to Victoria Falls, and Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe is a beautiful country full of native wildlife and stunning natural scenery.

Outside its national parks, the country’s major cities are considered unsafe for tourists. In addition to armed robbery and assault, disease is a major threat to tourists staying in the landlocked African country. Visitors are encouraged to get hepatitis A, typhoid, malaria, and rabies vaccines before arriving in Zimbabwe.

Travellers insistent on seeing Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Park can stay in stable Botswana or South Africa. Day trips operate regularly from these nearby countries and are considered relatively safe.

Asia, Destinations, Luxury Travel

Experience the very best of India on Royal Rajasthan on wheels

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Rajasthan is the most famous tourist destination in India and extremely popular among world travelers. A vibrant land most synonymous with its colorfully dressed people with men in their turbans and women in their sarees, a trip to Rajasthan is a visual treat. Ruled by Rajput princes whose heroism and bravery are often romanticized in the folklores. It is a great tourist destination with stunning palaces, majestic forts and serene lakes which adds to the charming desert settings. When it comes to offering choices, Rajasthan can stun people with its variety and please even the most fussy traveler. Get a taste of the regal aura of this fabled land by traveling like a Maharaja on Royal Rajasthan on wheels which offers an elegant ride to the most fascinating destinations in Rajasthan.

The journey is designed to give you a taste of royal living which you will notice as soon as you enter this luxury train. You will not only be impressed by the plush interiors which are designed keeping in mind the style and grandeur of royalties. A traditional welcome with tikka and garland awaits you at the railway station. A music band will give you a royal salute and you will be pampered throughout the journey. The train has total 13 coaches each named after a famous palace of Rajasthan and creates same cultural ethos in their interiors. There are also two restaurants for the delight of the visitors. The menu includes Thai, Chinese, Mexican and continental along with authentic Indian cuisine. The luxury train of Royal Rajasthan on wheels is equipped with world-class amenities like lounge saloon, rejuvenation center and souvenir shop. You can enjoy yourselves at leisure and play games or just enjoy the panoramic view outside and savor each of them.

The itinerary of the luxury train is tastefully created to provide an insightful and enjoyable tour experience. You explore not only the rich wildlife if the region but also marvel at the spectacular architecture of some of the most ancient temples and remarkable forts offering you the very best of Rajasthan. The train journey includes destinations like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh and Agra. Varanasi and Khajuraho has also been included in the itinerary recently. Khajuraho is the spectacular rock cut temples and also a UNESCO world heritage site white Varanasi is the spiritual center for Hindus and one of the oldest living city in the world. Luxury trains in India have come a long way after the introduction of first luxury train, Palace on wheels and 1982. Royal Rajasthan on wheels recreates the romance and splendor of royalties of the bygone era and brings out the colors of amazing land of Rajasthan.

#For the latest travel news & tips, follow Travelfore on Twitter @travelfore

Australia, Destinations, Travel Tips

Things you Didn’t know about Adelaide

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Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and it is also the 5th largest city in Australia. While most of the things about the city may be out there, there are a few things that you didn’t now about Adelaide and some of these include:

On O’Connell is the name of the city’s cricket bakery. This supports the team by the name of Rebacks. Here you can get freshly baked bread and also show your support for the Klinger & Co. The bakery also offers internet access. This is quite a unique bakery that is located only 5 minutes from the city. It is found right in the middle of the food hub on the busy O’Connell Street. It offers more than 200 delicacies which are made by a team of professionals. This is a great place to hang out with friends and family and it also allows tourists to sample some of the iconic food in Lamington and Pie Floater. It is open all days of the week 24 hours meaning you can walk in anytime you want. This is also a great place to stop over from a fun night out to savor hot pastry that is served straight from the pie warmer.

A magic cave

This is probably one of the things you didn’t know about Adelaide. This is also known as the Rundle Mall which some people also refer to as Malls Balls. Here you can pay Santa a visit and let him know all your wishes. The place also gives you an opportunity to admire the gorgeous Rundle Mall Pigs names Augusta, Oliver, and Truffles. This also gives you an opportunity to explore “German Town” with a wide variety of cafes, restaurants and delicatessen. You will also get to view the Christmas lights that are hang on the West End Brewery.

Adelaide oval

Some of the things that you do not know about the Adelaide oval is the fact that no spectators will be allowed to be more than 40m from the toilet, beverage or food outlet. Almost all seats here are undercover allowing people to enjoy the action regardless of the type of weather. In addition to the seating capacity there is a huge standing capacity allowing around 61, 000 people to attend an event at a time. There is enough space among the seat thus people will not have to stand to let other people pass meaning that you will be more comfortable while watching the action.

Getting around the oval will be quite easy because there are multi level atriums featuring escalators, lifts and concourses that are up to 10m wide. Although other sports will also be played here, cricket will take prevalence and will be played many times especially during summer. You will not even have to carry cash when you are at the oval as there are numerous point of sales stations that allow a person to tap and go. As you visit the city of Adelaide you will be surprised at how many things you will explore to make your visit more interesting.

By Melissa Davis who spend 2 week in Adelaide and explore accommodation in Adelaide, restaurants, history and all interesting facts related to this amazing city.

Europe, Travel Tips

A Local’s Guide to Barcelona

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Things to Do in Barcelona

Barcelona, although located in Spain, very much sees itself as a separate entity. As the capital of the state of Catalonia, Barcelona epitomises everything that is unique about this autonomous community. The city is perhaps most famous for Antoni Gaudi’s architecture but it has so much more to offer – from great Catalan-Spanish fusion food, lovely beaches and outdoor parties; to numerous bars, restaurants and coffee shops that range from the trendy and hip to the grungy and quirky. There is a great emphasis on art, crafts, music and culture demonstrated through the many hidden art studios, boutique craft shops and endless markets; along with the bigger museums of Joan Miro, Picasso, the Modern Art Museum of Barcelona and the National Museum of Catalonia. The best thing about Barcelona is the outdoor culture, energy and zest for life contained in the atmosphere. Just sitting outside on the terraza of a coffee shop, sipping an Estrella beer and soaking up the life of the city is one of the best things to do in Barcelona!

Where is the best place to stay in Barcelona?

Budget:

There are a number of affordable hostels all over Barcelona for those on a budget. Don’t be fooled into thinking you can only find these on Las Ramblas – the city’s main shopping street – which many would have you believe. Las Ramblas is great, but it’s noisy and full of pick-pockets. Instead, try any of the many hostels along Passeig de Gracia; this is the long, wide street leading into the centre with a number of affordable hostels oddly dotted amongst big high street stores such as Burberry and Tiffany’s.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that you don’t have to stay right in the centre in Barcelona for convenience sake. Barcelona is really easily navigated, with a quick and efficient underground system and because of its size it is possible to walk everywhere once you get your bearings. Check out the areas of Arc de Triumph, L’Eixample, Sants or Gracia for affordability and convenience. There are a number of shared apartments in Barcelona located rented out by different private companies. These apartments can have as many as six separate rooms and three or four bathrooms. They should also have kitchens with all the mod cons. The idea is you share with other travellers and this greatly reduces the cost.

Mid Luxury:

Barceló Raval :

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If you have a bit more money to spend and want don’t want to share an apartment there are a number of really stylish, Art Deco apartments available for rent in el Barrio Gotic (the Gothic Quarter) or Barceloneta, right by Barcelona’s primary beach. If you prefer a hotel option you could try the Barceló Raval hotel which was built in the last few years as part of the redevelopment of the Raval neighbourhood, which saw it transform from a seedy, underground world to a funky, artsy and cultural hub. This curved, brightly lit, modern exterior, with a trendy avant-garde interior design, is equipped with all today’s mod-cons including iPod docs and Nespresso machines.

How do you get around?

As mentioned, the best way to get around Barcelona once you get your bearings is to walk. It really is very straight forward as the street plan of Barcelona was designed to match the grid-like layout of Manhattan. Therefore it is made up entirely of intersecting streets divided among several ‘barrios’ or neighbourhoods. However, if you want to be sure you don’t get lost then hop on the metro – it really is the easiest underground system in the world! Each line is colour coded and you will never need to get on more than two different coloured lines to get to your destination. There are metros every 4 minutes during the day and 10 minutes later at night. They also run 24 hours on Saturday and until 2a.m. on Friday’s as well as until midnight every other night. If you fancy a healthier way of getting around, but want something quicker than walking, renting a bike is one of the best things to do in Barcelona and there are cycle routes all over.

Best places to Eat & Drink?

O’Toxo Tres Hermanos: This is one of the best and most reputable tapas restaurants in Barcelona. It is located in El Raval and is therefore an ideal spot for drinks afterwards. It is affordable and caters for large groups as well as couples. The staff is really efficient and friendly. This is a popular spot so be sure to book in advance or be prepared to wait (which you can do at the bar).

Restaurante El Mussol: This is a great restaurant for good quality typical Catalan food. Try out authentic Catalan cuisine and choose from a wide variety of dishes from snails to egg and chips! The menu has something for everyone, and again the staff is extremely professional and friendly. It isn’t massively expensive but it isn’t the cheapest place to eat either. However, it’s well worth the price for good quality food.

el mussol

Marmalade: This is one of the trendiest cocktail bars in Barcelona. Located in El Raval, it is the sister bar of the now famous Milk Bar. The décor is one of the best things about this place with intimate lighting, and antique style furniture with a touch of Art Deco. It is famous for its cheap and delicious cocktail menu which come in pitchers or single glasses. They also have a good food menu. This is a great place to meet up with a group of friends before a night on the town.

L’Ovella Negra: This bar is less about the décor and more about the crowd. It’s a popular bar amongst students, locals and young people and will give you a great taste of classic Spain with long rows of wooden benches and further barn-like furnishings. It has a great selection of cheap drinks and serves some of the best sangria in Barcelona. This hidden-away cave-like bar is a lively haunt that gets more and more packed as the night goes on. Head to L’Ovella Negra (meaning ‘black sheep’) on a night out and finish your weekend in Barcelona like a local!

L'Ovella Negra

#For the latest travel news & tips, follow Travelfore on Twitter @travelfore

Destinations

9 Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About FIJI

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Fiji is a group of variety of small islands exhibiting diverse culture and ethnicities. It has always been one of the most exotic holiday destinations among people of all ages and groups. It is one of those amazing and friendly tourist destinations that you would never forget.

However, there are only few people who know much about the history, culture and important elements of the place. In this post, we’ve come up with 8 most interesting facts about Fiji that you might not be aware of.

1: The official name of Fiji is Republic Of Fiji. It is located in the South Pacific Ocean. Vanatu, Tonga, New Caledonia and Samoas are some of the closest neighbors of Fiji.

2: You would be surprised to know that Fiji is a group of 332 small islands, which were created out of volcanic eruptions activities that took place over 150 million years ago. Out of 332 islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are two largest islands comprising of 87 percent of the total population of Fiji.

3: Fiji was founded in the 17th ad 18th Century by the Dutch and the British respectively. It was a British colony until 1970.

4: Suva is the capital of Fiji. It is located on Viti Levu, an island which is a home to majority of Fijians. Also, the infrastructure in Fiji is not much developed due to inconsistent terrain.

5: Fiji is considered to be one of the most developed economies in Pacific Island region. This is due to the availability of plentiful resources such as minerals, forests, fish and so on.

6: Tourism is the main source of income for the nation. Fiji cruises are one of the best medium to travel in and around the islands in Fiji. Fiji holiday packages include all arrangements for a good tour including flights, accommodation, cruise booking, excursion and so on. They provide some of the great deals to let you have an affordable stay in the country.

7: As far as religion is concerned, most Fijians are Christian. However, if we talk about Indo-Fijian population, then majority of people are Hindu or Muslim.

8. Kava, most popular beverage in Fiji is actually a non-alcoholic drink that makes you feel relax and rejuvenated after a couple of cups itself. It is prepared with the ground root of the pepper plant. It is spicy and can make your lips numbs for a while.

9. Rugby and Soccer are two majorly played sports in Fiji. In fact, Fiji is said to have one of the best Rugby teams in the world.

It is always better to know about the history, culture and tradition of the place you are planning to visit. This will not only make your trip exciting, but help you interact with the locals more confidently. You may never know what other interesting things you get to know while having a good conversation with the locals. Also, when you are aware of the geographic and social make up of the nation, you get more opportunities to make most out of your trip and enjoy your holidays at a much deeper level.

#For the latest travel news & tips, follow Travelfore on Twitter @travelfore