destination

Born to be Mild – Survey shows 20˚C’s is where Brits are at their happiness

The Great British weather can often have us longing for a 30 ˚C beach holiday in the Caribbean. Surprisingly Thomas cook’s national survey looks like we are the average, play it cool Brits – because our comfort heat and the one we long for is actually 20˚C, and that’s just 1˚C off our average room temp.

So with that being the findings, I thought I’d lay out on the table a top pick of countries Brits can get their perfect heat.

January – Mexico, Los Angeles

During January, the weather is at its coolest but that doesn’t mean to start packing your sweaters just yet, the lowest temperature in January is 20 degrees. So keep that factor 25 packed.

February – Morocco, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria

The canneries is on my top list of destinations, Player Del Carmen in Lanzarote had some awesome hot spots. Scuba diving on the coast, in 20˚C, can still be a treat, but I would suggest packing a light sweater for your walk back. The canneries tend to have slightly higher winds which can make the sun look deceiving, although you may feel a little chilly, the sun is still beating down on your skin.

March – Tunisia, Ayia Napa

If you want to experience Ayia Napa away from the 18-30’s crowds that flock there in the summer months, then I’d highly recommend visiting this beautiful island during March.

Tunisia is a country I’m yet to explore although friends and family say it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with the Grand Erg Oriental a must visit. For most, dune buggies and camels are a popular attraction but what’s better than sitting on a huge sand mountain watching the sunset.

From April to December, you can experience our nations best voted temperature of 20˚C’s in the below destinations.

April– Bodrum, Crete, Balearic Islands

May– Sunny Beach, Montreal, Paris

June– Amsterdam, Boston

July– Vancouver, Lapland, Dona Paula

August– Stockholm, Oregon

September– Croatia, Calgary

November– Texas, Algarve, Sicily, Ibiza

December– San Antonio, Cyprus, Egypt

Survey by Thomas Cook

5 Reasons to Visit Brisbane Australia

Brisbane, on the Queensland coast of Australia, is a fascinating city that everyone should visit at least once. The city on the Brisbane River is often overlooked by visitors in favor of other coastal destinations. Why visit Brisbane? The city has a thriving dining and market scene and several dining districts. Here are five things to do and see in Brisbane.

Museums and Galleries

The Cultural Precinct is a fantastic location for families to visit. The Queensland Museum and Science Centre, Queensland Art Gallery, and GoMA are all in this district. The museum features permanent and interactive displays that are ideal for adults and children. Admission is charged for travelling exhibits, but they’re worth the price. GoMA is a kid-friendly art gallery and the one most visited in the country, with explanations of the exhibits for kids. One feature of the precinct that adults and kids love is the shops operated by the galleries.

Wildlife

Tangalooma on Moreton Island, 14 km from the city centre, is the place to observe stingrays, turtles, and whales during migration season between July and November. The biggest attraction is the Bottlenose dolphins that come into shallow water at sunset. Visitors can interact with and feed the dolphins, and learn about the species and their habitat. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the habitat of native species including possums, wombats, kangaroos, and koalas. Visitors can go into the large kangaroo enclosure to meet and feed the kangaroos. Queensland is the only state that allows visitors to hold cuddly koalas. Have a photo taken with one of these charming little marsupials as a momento of your visit.

River Cruising in one of the highlights in Brisbane

Cruise the Brisbane River

Experience views of the Brisbane skyline, gardens and parks, and the city’s historic homes as you travel the river. You can extend your tour to the islands of Moreton Bay. If you visit between May and October, you can observe humpback whales on their migration. Another enjoyable way to see the city is on a dinner cruise. After dark, the twinkling lights of the city reflect on the river.

More than hundreds of restaurants to experience in Brisbane

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment in Brisbane

What’s on around Brisbane? Many of the must visit neighborhoods and districts are along the Brisbane River. South Bank features a lot of cafes, museums, shops, theatres, and cafes. The Queensland Cultural Centre and South Bank Parklands are in the region. The Riverside Precinct features great dining on the Eagle Street Pier and the Craft Market on Sundays. Many heritage landmarks including the Customs House are in the Riverside Precinct. Manly’s Cambridge Parade features lively nightlife, cafes, and charming gift shops. Another of Manly’s attractions is the Manly Boat Harbour. Fortitude Valley is a shopping district and features the Brunswick Street Mall, McWhirter’s Markets, and the Chinatown District, that has a lot of authentic Cantonese and Chinese restaurants.

Climbing Adventures

Glass House Mountain rock climbing is an exciting climbing adventure to the summit of a dormant volcanic peak. The view from the top of Glass House Mountain is spectacular and suitable for climbers of all levels. Kangaroo Point Cliffs offers an urban experience in the heart of Brisbane. The cliffs are about 20 metres high and feature panoramic views of the city. Kangaroo Point is suitable for climbers of all levels and guides are available. The cantilevered Story Bridge built in 1940 is for the traveller who wants an amazing view of Brisbane. In 2005, tour operators began offering climbs to the top of the bridge. The trip is challenging and quite safe. The two and a half hour Story Bridge Adventure Climb is one of the unique experiences you can have in Brisbane.

Developing Infrastructure

The Cross River Project will make travel for residents and visitors much easier upon completion. Cross River Rail Brisbane is the largest transportation project ever undertaken in the city. Work begins at the site at GoPrint where a station at Woolloongabba will stand. A 5.4 kilometre tunnel will be built on the railway link that runs beneath the business district and the Brisbane River. The Exhibition Station that currently serves the region will receive an upgrade and four new stations to accommodate passengers travelling on the line will be built. The rail network will be upgraded, and reconfiguration includes Albert Street, Exhibition Stations going to Bowen Hill, Roma Street, and Woolloongabba.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit brisbane is during the autumn months between March and May when there is little rainfall since the rainy season has just ended, and the temperatures are comfortable. Visitors need only a light jacket to be comfortable.

Top 5 Mediterranean Destinations You Can’t Afford to Miss

From clear blue waters to the neon of the attractive beaches, the Mediterranean coastline pulses with irrepressible energy. Whether you’re looking to explore the plush of the overwhelmingly rugged scenery, the immeasurable potent of beach life or the boat tour scene; you are guaranteed of an all-inclusive indulgence.

Mediterranean Sea

Splendor meets majesty in this expansive coastline of historical and cultural significance. An exploration of the coast will have you wandering through splendid beaches, five-star restaurants, elegant lounge bars, and awe-inspiring ambiances. But while the Mediterranean coast is known the world over for its charm and beauty, these five spots have taken it to a whole new height.

Sibenik, Croatia

A Croatian gem. It’s no wonder they call Sibenik the pearl of the Mediterranean coastline. Impeccably positioned in a beautiful shore, Sibenik is a sun-kissed city that appeals to legions of tourist annually. This spot coalesces most of Croatia’s stunning features including its iconic 16th-century cathedral, numerous old churches, and two ancient fortresses. Some places you can visit include the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral of St. James, the brilliant Count’s Place, the hoary Town Hall and the Dalmatian Ethno Village.

View at sea and nearby islands from Sibenik

Today, this city houses all the most important religious edifices as well as historical buildings in the country. For all its magnificence, it is one place that is worth visiting.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Beside Sibenik, no trip to Croatia is complete without a trip to the city of Dubrovnik. Dazzling with immense beauty, Dubrovnik makes for a paradise destination on this remarkable stretch of the Adriatic coastline. The city is saturated with noteworthy historical sites, stunning architecture, stone streets, quaint alleys and beautiful seaside dens – everything you would want in a coastal city. There is a lot to do and see – from exploring the well-preserved buildings, sailing in the ocean to exploring the numerous fountains and museums.

Dubrovnik city walls and old town core

Dubrovnik is among the most applauded resorts in the Mediterranean Coastline and is also a UNESCO world heritage. An enchanting Dubrovnik city walls tour is a great pleasure for many visitors who want to realize their dream through a personal quest.

Rimini, Italy

As the largest beach resort on the Adriatic coast, Rimini is a preferred destination for any savvy tourist. The city offers an incredible nine miles of beaches with numerous interesting sights. Its old town, roughly a 10-minute walk inland, has amazing features including Roman temples and the Tiberius Bridge. It also boasts an unequaled nightlife and a huge selection of high-class restaurants.

One of many beautiful beaches in Rimini

Rimini is a thriving tourist hub for anyone looking to experience great nature, momentous architecture, and superb cuisine.

Nice, France

Overshadowed by the applauded Riviera neighbors like Monaco, France’s fifth biggest city is often taken as a last resort for exhausted retirees. Far from the belief, Nice packs most of its competitor’s beautiful features including the Mediterranean Sea, year-round sun, and Art Deco architecture. Its deep blue waters are its dramatic backdrop. And thanks to its ever-evolving restaurant, museum, and club scene, it is a city of all budgets. Now more than ever, Nice buzzes with a diversity that surpasses its coastal rivals.

Aerial view of Nice

Very much of the Riviera’s hub, Nice has lots of high-quality restaurants serving excellent foods at pocket-friendly prices.

Alexandria, Egypt

Valued as the paradise destination for all things inclusive, Alexandria is a city that can hold on its own. It is undoubtedly the dazzling jewel of the Mediterranean, having been home to the Great Library of Alexandria and the seven wonders of the ancient world. Downtown Alexandria’s extensive waterfront lies a beautiful symbol of the city as any other monument. It is here at Corniche that you get to soak up the cosmopolitan elegance that dominated the city in the 18th century. For a first time visit, Corniche makes for a great base for exploring the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Fort Qaitbey, Montazah Palace, Kom el-Dikka and Alexandria National Museum.

Fort Qaitbey, built on site of the ancient lighthouse

Alexandria is a renowned Mediterranean destination that has crucially established itself as a winning holiday destination for enjoying nature, culture and a multitude of other activities for both families and couples.

The New Asian Cuisine Hub: Must-Visit Restaurants in Brisbane

Brisbane has become the epicenter of modern and creative Asian cuisine. Incidentally, Brisbane’s Asian restaurants are also some of the best restaurants in Brisbane. For your road trips in Australia, these restaurants are a must-visit.

FantAsia

FantAsia Brisbane offers Asian fast food. By using traditional cooking methods and local, seasonal produce, FantAsia delivers fresh and authentic Asian flavors without the price and wait of typical Asian cuisine restaurants.

The main attraction at FantAsia is the Tokyo Beef entree, which complements the lemongrass and ginger tea.

Sake

Sake Restaurant and Bar focuses on contemporary Japanese cuisine with hints of California and European flavors. The restaurant offers private dining rooms as well as communal banquet dining area.

Sake’s signature dishes include steamed prawn dumplings and ‘glacier 51’ tooth-fish lettuce cups.

Asian-Szechuan Bang Bang Cuisine

Inspired by the traditional cuisine of the Sichuan Province, Asian-Szechuan has brought Southwest China flavors to Brisbane. Cooking methods that date back 2,000 years add to the customary tang.

Black fungus and tofu skin salad with garlic and chili oil is offered as an entrée. The less adventurous can opt for a classic dish like Sichuan beef hot pot.

Golden Barbeque

Focusing on classic Chinese BBQ, Golden Barbeque offers large portions and authentic flavors. This hidden gem offers a mom and pop environment with economic prices. Check out their staple dish of BBQ duck.

Taigum Gardens

Taigum Gardens has a vast array of Chinese cuisine options inspired by multiple Chinese delicacies. Large portions and high-quality meats can be expected from this quint restaurant, which is geared to adults. Must-try dishes include the crispy honey beef, the traditional roast duck, and the mango ice cream.

Happy Boy

Located on Mein St., this hidden gem focuses on Chinese cuisine with hints of French and Italian inspiration. Happy Boy offers a small, charming space in a converted warehouse. Recommendations include the dried fried green beans, salt and pepper prawns and pork belly sliders.

Bird’s Nest Yakitori & Bar

Bird’s Nest brings traditional Japanese Yakitori to Brisbane. Using solely fresh, free-range meats and organic produce, Bird’s Nest offers multiple gluten-free and vegetarian options. They specialize in skewers with beef, chicken, veggies, tofu and/or pork belly.

Paddington Curry House

Specializing in Indian and Nepalese cuisine, Paddington Curry House provides complementary rice with every curry order. Staples include paneer tikka, an Indian cheese marinated in tandoori spices then grilled to perfection, and traditional chicken malai tikka. Their goat curry is a staple for every curry fanatic.

Citron Restaurant

For anyone who enjoys modern twists to their Asian cuisine will fall in love with Citron. Owned and operated by Robert Foley, previously of Piccolo Restaurant, and notable chef Mark Newman. Citron is the only restaurant in town where eaters can find green tea salt calamari with ginger chili dipping sauce.

Fat Noodle Restaurant

Fat Noodle was created by famed chef Luke Nguyen, and includes a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Malay dishes. Nguyen’s signature dish is Fat Pho Noodles, which consists of a 20-hour beef broth, bean sprouts, fresh Thai basil, fresh chili and rice noodles.

The amazing Thai capital

Bangkok has great attractions, lovely people, some of the world’s best shopping, and a whole cultural experience to enjoy. For me these far outweigh the problems of pollution, overcrowding, horrendous traffic and lack of green spaces seen in all megacities. Just look at a few aspects of the city.

Palaces and Wats (temples).

The Grand Palace must be one of the great architectural complexes in the world. From certain angles, this represents all that is best about Thailand and Thai culture. It is a sight guaranteed to impress the most blasé traveller. The whole complex just assaults the senses from all sides.

Wat Po is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and is often called Thailand’s first university. The main attraction is the gigantic 46-metre long reclining Buddha, entirely covered in gold leaf but there is much more to see.

There are over 400 wats in Bangkok and Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is one of my favourites. It sits beside the Chao Phraya River and is particularly spectacular in the early morning.

Don’t miss a visit to Vimanmek Palace which is billed as the world’s largest golden teak building. Also worth visiting is Suan Pakkad Palace, where five traditional Thai houses overlooking a lovely garden display a large collection of Thai arts and antiques.

Food.

Thai food has become one of the most popular cuisines in the world. If you enjoy it in your home country, you will love it in Bangkok. Contrary to popular opinion, Thai food is not always hot. In fact some of the dishes I most enjoy are those where the subtle flavours of the herbs and spices slowly fill the mouth for a special experience.

I love sitting on a rickety stool on a street footpath watching the passing throng just as much as I do sitting in a fine-dining restaurant. A meal on the footpath will cost less than $2 while in the restaurant it may be $30.

The food courts in the shopping malls are also fun. You can wander around and select from stalls selling all sorts of food. If there are several of you, a gourmet meal to share can be easily assembled.

For a different experience, visit Cabbages and Condoms in Sukhumvit Soi 14. This is run by Thailand’s Population and Community Development Association which believes in getting the safe sex message out to all customers. The food is good and the setting sublime despite its popularity with tourists.

Shopping.

Bangkok has Asia’s best shopping. The combination of markets, thousands of small retailers, huge department stores and gigantic malls offers variety seen in few cities around the world. Add wonderful Thai handicrafts, world famous Thai silk, smart fashion and great prices and it is hard to beat.

I recommend you start at Chatuchak Weekend Market perhaps the largest weekend market in the world. On a typical weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to sift through the goods on offer. You will be amazed at the sheer variety of merchandise.

If you are looking for an up-market shopping experience, one of the huge central city megamalls is the answer. Those around Siam Square have long been favourites of locals and visitors but several new malls have opened recently which challenge this area.

The Cultural Experience.

Walk down the side streets and you will find a wonderful city. You will see life on the streets, spectacular little temples, street eateries, and Thais going about their normal business. It’s available to every visitor and it’s free.

Take a ferry along the river and see a different side of the city. For less than a dollar, you can go several kilometres, calling in on floating piers, weaving in and out of cross-river traffic and enjoying a cool breeze on the face.

There are also plenty of deeper experiences. I recently discovered the Wat Mahadhatu Meditation School. You can learn meditation from the monks by turning up to the daily classes.

Thai massage is something that many non-Thais find fascinating. I usually manage at least one massage in Bangkok but enthusiasts can enrol in the Wat Po Massage School and learn all the finer points of this art form from the experts.

www.LenRutledge.com

All photographs by Phensri Rutledge.

Exploring Muscat

It is hot outside. Very hot! I have never experienced 48 degrees Celsius before and I don’t like it. My wife and I are in Muscat the capital of Oman, an Arab state on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Despite the heat we are out and about sightseeing because the weather forecast is for this weather to last another two or three months.

Muscat is a spread-out city of mainly low-level white buildings. The port-district with its waterfront road and harbour forms the north-eastern periphery of the city. This is probably the most interesting area for visitors although most of the better accommodation is elsewhere. It is where you find most of the following attractions.

Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace

The Qasr Al Alam Palace is the ceremonial palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, ruler of Oman. It was built by Imam Sultan bin Ahmed over 200 years ago and the current Sultan is a direct descendent. The gold and blue palace was rebuilt as a royal residence in 1972. Visitors are not allowed inside even though the Sultan normally lives elsewhere in Oman but you are allowed to take photographs from the outside. The Palace is used for official functions and receiving distinguished visitors.

Fort al-Jalal

This is a fort in the harbor of the old city. It was built by the Portuguese in the 1580’s to protect the harbor after Muscat had twice been sacked by foreign forces. Until the 1970s it was used as Oman’s main prison, then was restored in 1983 and converted into a private museum of Omani cultural history, that is accessible only to dignitaries. The fort consists of two towers connected by a wall punctuated by holes for cannons. The building is completely isolated and cannot be accessed from its rocky façade; instead there is a small bridge and stairway

Al-Mirani Fort

This was built at the same time as Al-Jalali Fort. Looking down over Muscat’s Old Town from its cliff top perch, it is one of Oman’s most striking landmarks, guarding the entrance to Muscat Bay. Unfortunately it is not open to the public but at night the spotlighted citadel appears like a fairy-tale castle. It can be reached by climbing a flight of stairs carved into the rock. There are two circular towers at the ends of the fort and another tower, almost semi-circular in shape, which rises above the rest of the fort and dominates the surrounding landscape.

Mutrah Fort

Overlooking the town is this imposing fort which merges into the cliff on which it sits. The fort was built by the Portuguese during their occupation in the 1580’s.If you are adventurous it is possible to scale the steps that wind up the side of the cliff edge and from the top there are some great views.

Mutrah Corniche

With its promenade, markets, cafés and restaurants, this is one of the highlights of the city. The Corniche stretches for three kilometres overlooking the port and clear blue sea. There are gardens and fountains along its length, while at the western end there is a fruit and vegetable market, a fish market and a fishing dhow port.

Towards the east you can see the Mutrah Fort raised high upon the rocks, explore a maze of narrow streets and traditional souks, or visit the Bait Al Baranda Museum.

Fish market

The main fish hall is full of traders in traditional dress selling everything from shell fish to gigantic tuna. The sellers are very friendly and happy to answer questions and they generally allow photos if you ask first. You can see the boats coming in, the fish spread out on benches and in tubs, and people buying fish for their families.

Mutrah Souq

One of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back about two hundred years is also one of its most interesting. You don’t get a good impression from the outside, as it is hidden behind other development and stretches from a gate facing the Sea of Oman and Mutrah Corniche, to another gate in the city’s old quarter, but inside it is marvellous.

Mutrah Souq is a modern interpretation of old Eastern markets, with narrow winding roofed alleys and central plazas filled with activity. The souq has many shops selling jewellery, traditional Omani handicrafts, clothes and several cafes selling Omani food at reasonable prices. Some shops accept credit cards.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

This is the third largest mosque in the world and non-Muslims may visit from 8AM to 11AM every day except Friday. Ladies are expected to keep their heads, ankles and wrists covered while visiting the mosque. This is the only attraction in this post which is not in or near the old city.

The whole complex is stunning. Highlights are the gigantic Swarovski crystal chandelier, the enormous hand-made Persian carpet which took 600 women three years to make, and the marble panelling.

Elsewhere in the city sandy Qurum beach is one of Muscat’s most popular beaches and is a good place for a swim or just to relax under the palm trees on a sun-lounger. It is an open public beach with coffee shops and cafes close by for refreshments.