Archive for the ‘Opinion’ Category

« Older Entries

My Isle of Wight holiday beat Australia hands down

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

By James Lorenzo, age 15

My trip to Camp Beaumont’s The Island last summer was one of my favourite holidays to date. Had you asked me before the trip to the Isle of Wight whether I thought it would compare with previous visits to Italy, Spain, even Australia, I would have laughed. Had you asked me two weeks afterwards, I would have realised that it was perhaps even better.

I hadn’t expected much from the modest setting of a former boarding school, despite having a great view over the ocean and being just 5 minutes’ walk to the beach. However, it was what happened in and around The Island that made my experience so memorable.

The term ‘boarding school’ could not be further from what The Island actually turned out to be – a holiday camp. ‘Boarding school’ might conjure up images of strict teachers in grey suits holding canes whereas ‘holiday camp’ conjures up images of friendly instructors, sunsets on the beach, fun and games – Camp Beaumont was exactly that.

Alex, the friend I had asked to accompany me, was not keen on the idea when I suggested it to him, but was gently encouraged by his parents to come along. It was difficult for us as we arrived a day late, so everyone knew each other before we were on the scene. Nonetheless, we got involved in a game as soon as we arrived and started to make friends.

Our first meal there wasn’t the best food in the world – but we were used to school dinners, so we got by.

Next up was go-karting; my competitive nature meant I couldn’t stop myself from having a go at the lap record. I didn’t manage to beat it, but I’d say that crashing my way around the track was enough to make an impression, and that was how both Alex and I made friends – go-karting was certainly the game-changing moment of the week.

The sheer range of activities on offer is amazing,  fun and so varied that there is something for everyone, from team-building to rock-climbing, laser quest to go-karting.

The instructors felt like our friends – more often than not they were no more than a decade older than us and they seemed to be on our wavelength. This meant that every activity, while being aimed at boys and girls as well as your particular age group, was never forced upon you. A ‘challenge-by-choice’ mantra was the order of the day – if you didn’t want to do something for whatever reason, even if you simply couldn’t be bothered, then no one made you do it.

Our fellow campers were also really friendly. There were lots of different nationalities staying at The Island while we were there, making The Isle of Wight feel like Italy, Spain and Australia all at once – as long as the British summer behaves, which, luckily for me, it did.  The rare difference in language was no barrier to making new friends – in fact, it could have even aided the process.

If you are thinking of sending your kids there, or indeed of going yourself, do not miss the opportunity. From my own experience, I believe that you, like me, and all the other campers who have been to Camp Beaumont, will regard it as one of the best holidays you have ever had.

Find out more about Camp Beaumont’s The Island.

* James Lorenzo is founder of First Thought, an online magazine for young, aspiring journalists to showcase their work.

Tags:
Posted in Opinion | No Comments »

15 best travel blogs to follow in 2012

Friday, January 6th, 2012

By Holly Cave

Last year we gathered together our 25 favourite travel blogs. Now at the beginning of a new year we’ve found 15 new and inspiring travel blogs that we believe you should be following in 2012.

We looked for websites that are run by individuals who are out there seeing the world, not corporate blogs run by SEO departments. We think our list is bursting with independent spirit, personality, insight and humour.

Each of these blogs is different, with its own voice and personality. But what they’ve all got in common is that they’re inspiring, invigorating and enjoyable to read. We hope you enjoy following them – and if you have any suggestions of your own, please leave a comment below.

1. One Giant Step

What it is: Gillian and her partner Jason search for an ex-pat hang-out.

Why we like it: While Gillian has been blogging about their adventures since 2009, the couple are now thinking seriously about settling down. We’re looking forward to finding out where they finally decide to put down some roots and hearing about how they settle into the ex-pat lifestyle. In the meantime, enjoy the frank articles, focus on local culture, the been-there, done-that tips on planning a round-the-word trip and the tit-bit taster of a place captured in time in the Monday Moment series.

Read the blog: One Giant Step. Follow Gillian on Twitter.

2. Further Bound

What it is: A new blog with bite, ‘adventurer-to-be’ Hannah is hitting the road for the long haul in 2012.

Why we like it: This is a genuinely brand new travel blog for 2012. So new, in fact, that Hannah and her boyfriend aren’t actually jetting off until September – a great opportunity to follow other travellers from the very beginning of their journey. Hannah puts her heart on her sleeve to write with refreshingly brutal honesty about everything from failed relationships to finances. Until they leave, enjoy regular blog updates featuring interviews with other bloggers, articles about preparing for life on the road and absorbing, often quite spiritual reminiscences about past adventures.

Read the blog: Further Bound. Follow Hannah on Twitter.

3. Sarah Somewhere

What it is: Flight attendant turned less formal traveller, this blogger has decided against settling down in the traditional way.

Why we like it: This clean and pretty site is an honest account from Sarah, who, having realised that getting married, buying into a mortgage and having babies isn’t for her, is embarking on a journey without an end date. Witty and personal, this blog charts Sarah’s inspirations, hopes, dreams and fears as she changes her life for the long-term. The house is sold, the bags are packed and 2012 is definitely going to be a big year for this travel blogger. We look forward to hearing about her adventures, beginning with South East Asia.

Read the blog: Sarah Somewhere.

4. Married with luggage

What it is: American couple Warren and Betsy are long-term travellers, working their way around the world.

Why we like it: These guys mean business. Ever thought you couldn’t possibly do your job whilst travelling? Well, Warren would disagree – he’s built websites whilst crossing the Atlantic and answered client questions all the way from Antarctica. And Betsy is building up her own business advising small companies on social media. With a constantly updated bucket list that gets scratched off each time something is achieved, this site is a real source of inspiration for anyone who’d always wanted to do something but has found a reason not to. Their admirable, can-do attitude and high quality of their travel advice is reflected in the fact that they’ve had a couple of books published.

Read the blog: Married with luggage. Follow Warren on Twitter.

5. Hotel Belle

What it is: A hotel-focussed blog from the perspective of a New Yorker.

Why we like it: According to her biography, Annie has always loved hotels – and it shows. We love that it’s not all high-end resorts and five star hotels. Annie also features B&B’s and bargain lodgings that she’s enjoyed staying in. She also writes about the places as well as the accommodation, making this a really rich blog to enjoy in 2012. And if you happen to be planning a trip to the Big Apple, drop that guidebook and read her top tips instead – she’s a licensed tour guide and resident, so you won’t go far wrong.

Read the blog: Hotel Belle. Follow Annie on Twitter.

6. Never Ending Voyage

What it is: Self-styled ‘digital nomads’, Simon and Erin are making cash as they go to fund their endless adventure.

Why we like it: Erin’s fantastic photos always offer a slightly different perspective, and if you’ve ever got stuck over safe choices in a Vietnamese restaurant specialising in dog, then turn to their food section, where you’ll find advice for eating meat-free around the world. Not yet sure about their plans for 2012, Burma is on the list and we hope they make it there, as we’d love to get their perspective on this intriguing country.

Read the blog: Never Ending Voyage. Follow Erin and Simon on Twitter.

7. The Fearful Adventurer

What it is: Proving you don’t have to be brave to travel the world.

Why we like it: Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “do one thing every day that scares you.” Well, being scared and doing it anyway is probably the most admirable thing anyone could do. Torre is open about her nervousness and this gives her blog a unique theme and perspective. She’s an engaging writer who knows how to be funny but doesn’t let humour detract from her point about the place she’s describing. With a book based on her adventures coming out soon, 2012 is going to be a landmark year for this particular travel blogger.

Read the blog: The Fearful Adventurer. Follow Torre on Twitter.

8. Four Jandals

What it is: The ‘Kiwi adventure couple’ take us flying by the seat of our pants on their round-the-world trip.

Why we like it: With as much energy and enthusiasm as two puppies let off the lead, Cole and Adela started their travel and blogging life with a 18,000km road trip across North America. And in case you were wondering, jandals are what Kiwis call the humble flip-flop. Heading out on different trips from their Scotland base, these guys always have something different on offer, and we love their insightful posts and musings on everything from the Arab Spring to how to kill time in an airport.

Read the blog: Four Jandals. Follow Cole and Adela on Twitter.

9. GQ Trippin

What it is: A cute site that charts Gerard and Kieu’s holiday time outside their home of San Francisco.

Why we like it: Their lifestyle goes to show that you can love where you live as well as appreciate the sights the rest of the world has to offer. Fans of adventure sports and eating out, there’s lots of great little snippets – some including videos – of what they get up to in their spare time. Knowing all their trips are done as part of a holiday rather than a long-term trip makes the site really accessible and offers up loads of undaunting ideas for having fun in the short-term. Having said that, 2012 will see Gerard and Kieu head off on an 8-month, Asia-focussed voyage. Good luck guys!

Read the blog: GQ Trippin. Follow Gerard and Kieu on Twitter.

10. Hecktic Travels

What it is: Canadian-born storytellers Dalene and Peter describe a life without possessions as they travel for the long haul.

Why we like it: This couple describe themselves as storytellers and we’d say they’ve got it bang-on. With a different approach to some of the other long-term travellers features in this list, Peter and Dalene like spending longer in one place, usually by house-sitting, to really get to know it. So when you read their opinions and comments on their well-designed site, you’ll know they truly come from experience. The catchy blog titles will hook you in, and the evocative writing will keep you dangling on the line. Enjoy!

Read the blog: Hecktic Travel. Follow Peter and Dalene on Twitter.

11. Captain and Clark

What it is: A kooky adventure tale with some twists and turns along the way.

Why we like it: The site itself is beautiful and with a steampunk twist, it’s really rather cool. Reading their eclectic and descriptive meanderings around the globe is like delving into an old classic novel. Alongside their day-to-day travels, the underlying theme of the site is The Maverick Expedition – a mission to take 22 letters from the whisky barrel on the Galapagos that’s acted as an informal post office since the time of the whalers and hand deliver them. This is a quirky blog that will keep on giving.

Read the blog: Captain and Clark. Follow Chris and Tawny on Twitter.

12. So Many Places

What it is: Kim and husband Brian are saving like mad to head off for a very long holiday.

Why we like it: Another great blog to follow from the outset, the couple heading up So Many Places are set to leave for their round-the-word trip in June 2012, making this a pretty big year for them. Until they leave, get lots of inside information about how they’ve gone about packing up their life and their bags, and take the time to read about their outdoor experiences in their idyllic home county of Oregon.

Read the blog: So Many Places. Follow Kim on Twitter.

13. Nomadic Samuel

What it is: A newbie to the travel blogging scene, Samuel’s shot into ‘most read’ lists from day 1.

Why we like it: What’s not to like? Samuel is a true multimedia man and throughout his blog, you’ll find gorgeous photography, films and writing to keep you gazing, watching and reading for hours. It’s obvious to anyone how much work he puts into his blog and that helps make it addictive. We love admiring his range of headgear, the quips and self-deprecating humour of his Quirky Travel Tales and his tips on taking better travel photos.

Read the blog: Nomadic Samuel. Follow Samuel on Twitter.

14. Camels and Chocolate

What it is: One-time journo and celebrity interviewer, chocoholic Kristin has become a professional travel writer.

Why we like it: Having ‘made it’ as a full-time travel writer, Kristin spends seven months a year overseas on work trips. This blog makes it all sound like play rather than work, though. She’s visited a massive array of places and it’ll be stories about her and her life you’ll find here, rather than descriptions of the places she’s been. This marks it out as a bit different and, peppered with Kristin’s trademark dry humour, very readable. Her scoop on getting the best shots from your camera is useful, and

Read the blog: Camels and Chocolate. Follow Kristin on Twitter.

15. Delicious Baby

What it is: An eye-opening, hugely popular travel blog for all things baby and child-related.

Why we like it: Not all of us are still independent, with only ourselves to worry about when we throw ourselves off a bungee launch or pick the next destination with the throw of a dice. Debbie is rocking it for all the mums and dads out there who still want to travel and don’t see why having young kids  needs to get in the way. This incredibly popular site manages to maintain its independent roots and personal approach and because of that, it’s pretty unbeatable for parents looking for travel inspiration.

Read the blog: Delicious Baby. Follow Debbie on Twitter.

Posted in News, Opinion | 12 Comments »

Best books to read in 10 top travel destinations

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

Guest post by Suzi Butcher, editor of Packabook Travel Novels

If there is one thing that goes hand-in-hand with a well-deserved holiday, it’s a good book to read during those leisurely hours between breakfast and cocktails. But while the latest vampire novel or sci-fi adventure might give you a welcome break from reality, you might also enjoy reading a novel set in your holiday destination of choice.

Novels allow you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the place you are visiting without leaving your sunbed, and they can also offer some surprise ideas for things to do during your trip. Here are some recommended novels for 10 popular holiday destinations.

Morocco

American writer Paul Bowles made Morocco his home for around 50 years, so he could claim an insight to the country beyond most other western authors. His novel The Spider’s House takes you to Fez (or Fes) in 1954, at a time when Moroccans were rebelling against their French rulers. Sipping mint tea in Fez’s ancient medina will mean much more to you after reading this novel, and you can even stay in the same hotel as Bowles’s main character – a former palace with stunning gardens and exotic Moroccan decor.

France

Paris is a city filled with art and passion – and you will get a bit of both in Susan Vreeland’s Luncheon of the Boating Party, which fictionalises the story behind August Renoir’s famous painting of the same name. Better still – the restaurant at the heart of the novel has now been renovated after being abandoned for many years, and you can have your own luncheon on the very balcony overlooking the Seine where the action is set.

Spain

It’s not all sun and sand in Spain – try taking a trip to Basque country with Dave Boling’s novel Guernica for something a little different. Not only will you learn a great deal about what is reported to be the ‘oldest tribe in Europe’ you will also be taken to the heart of one of the most horrific attacks on civilians of the Spanish Civil War. The 1937 bombing of Guernica was famously portrayed in a painting by Picasso.

Thailand

The Phi Phi islands are amongst the most recognised in Thailand (think of the Leonardo di Caprio film ‘The Beach’) but while you are enjoying their pristine waters and magnificent bays, local Thais are working hard to provide you with all the services you need. In John Shors’ novel Cross Currents we meet a Thai family struggling to run a small resort on one of the islands – and given that the novel is set in the week leading up to the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, we know things are about to get a whole lot tougher for them.

India

High on most people’s lists for a trip to India is a visit to the Taj Mahal. Why not enhance your journey by reading a novel which tells you the romantic story behind this iconic building’s creation? In the 17th century, grief-stricken Mughal Emporer Shah Jahan decided to build a memorial to his dead wife. With the help of 20,000 workers the Taj Mahal was completed 20 years later. Timeri Murari’s novel Taj explores the love Sha Jahan had for his wife and looks at the political struggles of the time.

Czech Republic

While many of us have enjoyed a long weekend in the capital Prague, the Czech Republic’s second largest city Brno is also attracting its fair share of visitors. While there are a number of historic castles and churches to see, another more recent building should also be on your itinerary. Villa Tugendhat, a house built between 1928 and 1930, is a pioneering example of modern architecture and a UNESCO world heritage site.  In Simon Mawer’s novel The Glass Room, he takes you right inside a house based on this famous villa, the focal point of his World War Two drama. By the end, you will feel as if you’ve lived in it yourself!

Turkey

Cast your mind back to 1999 and you may remember when north-western Turkey was hit by a powerful earthquake. Alen Drew’s novel Gardens of Water takes us back there, as the members of one Istanbul family find their lives irrevocably changed by the disaster. Touching on issues such as the conflict between Turks and Kurds, and religious and cultural clashes between locals and aid workers, this novel will show you a side of Istanbul you are unlikely to come across on your travels.

Greece

A land of excellent beaches and fine food, Greece and her islands have been a holiday destination of choice for many years. But in the late 1940’s the country was deeply involved in a civil war that left the country in ruins. Reading Nicholas Gage’s novel Eleni, based on his own family’s experiences, makes you realise just how divided the country was and how much hardship people endured as neighbours and families were pitted against each other in the brutal conflict.

Jamaica

It is pretty impossible to tell the story of Jamaica without looking at the country’s slave history – and Andrea Levy’s The Long Song takes us to a plantation near the port town of Falmouth, once central to the slave trade. But with the slave ships now replaced by cruise liners, tourists are finally discovering one of the best-preserved Georgian towns in the Caribbean.

Egypt

A visit to Egypt is dominated by the country’s history – so a trip to the past is almost essential for your Egyptian reading list. One delightful way to get there is through Elizabeth Peters’s series of novels featuring amateur detective Amelia Peabody. This parasol-wielding Victorian feminist takes us on a tour of classical Egypt, as she solves murders and kidnappings along the way. But be warned, once you get started, you may never stop. There are now more than 20 books in the series, and they are highly addictive!

* Suzi Butcher is the editor of Packabook Travel Novels, a website that aims to combine a love of reading with the joy of travel. With novels categorised by location, Packabook helps you find the perfect read for your holiday.

Posted in Opinion | 3 Comments »

The rise of social travel

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

By Catherine Leech, Director, 101 Holidays

With 30 years’ experience in the travel industry, I’ve witnessed the rise of the all-inclusive, the growth of regional airport departures, the rise (and fall of some) low cost airlines, the advent of pet passports and all manner of buzz words for green tourism. This year, I’ve become aware of the term ‘social tourism’ and I reckon it’s a growing trend that is here to stay.

If you’ve ever visited a city and stayed with friends rather than in a hotel, you’ll know that it gives you a whole new perspective on the place; the sort of inside-track, on-the-ground knowledge that means you see and experience the places that are unlikely to be in the guide books.

My recent stay with friends in Brooklyn was a case in point – how else would I have found such off-grid gems as Ted & Honey for stellar coffee and huevos rancheros, the best French bistro outside of Paris (Bar Tabac), cheap-as-chips and tip-top chilli squid and green curry at Joya Thai and Clover Club for a sublime Bloody Mary? And all within a window-shopping walk of each other.

For those of us without a friend in every port, however, there is Wimdu and they are all about social travel. Stay in a room within a house or an apartment attached to a house and your host will be on hand (as much or as little as you wish) to share their local knowledge. They aren’t B&Bs – only a handful of Wimdu’s properties offer breakfast – Wimdu offers a resource of places to stay for those of us who relish independence, with the freedom of your own space, a lack of that knock on the door from housekeeping and no smooth, commission-hungry concierges.

Some are city-slicker cool, some home-spun cosy and others simply clean and comfortable.

Since the company was started less than a year ago, Wimdu has already gathered a collection of 25,000 properties around the world and has 26 staff in the UK alone. Impressive stuff.

I met one of the founders, Michael Riegal, recently and he explained that their clients are, on average, in their mid-30s, mostly couples but some family groups. Cities, particularly London and Berlin, are way more popular than rural, seaside or ski venues. Interestingly, within the cities it is the lesser known neighbourhoods that are more popular than the more obvious choices – Shoreditch over Kensington, for example.

The hosts are, generally, in their late 30s or early 40s and sign up to Wimdu because they can (a) make some money and (b) they like to meet people and give them the inside track on their city or neighbourhood.

Not only can guests leave reviews online but the hosts can also review their guests. Prices are startlingly cheap when compared with a hotel or B&B; they start at £26 per night. You book online (via Wimdu’s website) directly with the host and most guests open up an online dialogue before they have even arrived; there’s a generous supply of photos of each property.

Wimdu was created by a group of university pals who travelled extensively and recognised the value of staying in smaller properties where the owners were on hand to offer their top tips and advice.

As for the name and its meaning – Wimdu means absolutely nothing at all. The founders decided on the name over a few beers one evening, on the basis that it was memorable and – meant nothing at all.

My boyfriend and I are heading to Amsterdam in March – he’s not a hotel man and I’m not a B&B girl so we’ll give Wimdu – and ‘social travel’ – a whirl.

Check out their website.

Tags:
Posted in News, Opinion | No Comments »

From the Inner Hebrides to Ethiopia: our pick of the week’s best travel blogs

Thursday, December 8th, 2011

By Holly Cave

Over the past few days, it’s been adventurous exploits that have captured our attention. From a cruise around the deserted Inner Hebrides to a trek through the Simien Mountains of Ethiopia, our imaginations have been stretched to bursting. Oh, and we haven’t forgotten about Christmas – one of this week’s blogs features some gift ideas for the traveller in your life (or to put on your own wish list for Santa).

We love the enigmatic Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, and any article that highlights the warmth of its people is a good read in our books. Lara Dunston and Terence Carter filled us in on one of the city’s top spots for culinary tourism, Romdeng restaurant, in the latest of their Local Knowledge series. As well as being a top-notch eaterie (true, I’ve sampled the fresh shrimp rolls and fried tarantula myself), Romdeng is also an NGO that trains young people in the industry. A great insider’s tip and a heart-warming interview with 18-year old Vibol.

Back in cooler climes, Keith Savage was taking to the Scottish waters to visit Staffa and the Treshnish Isles (pictured above right). We always like reading about places we’ve never even heard of and this descriptive piece, accompanied by some stunning photos, means you live the journey as you read. As a result, we feel urged to undertake a more unconventional exploration of Western Scotland and the Inner Hebrides. Although we might wait for Spring.

Mark Horrell was heading into an even greater wilderness in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains (pictured above left). An engaging read, packed full of facts about the geology, culture and wildlife of this barely-discovered area, this is a holiday plan in a single article. Definitely one for adventurous types, Mark’s article gives a real sense of what you would see and experience during a trek in this destination. One thing we’d like to know: Mark doesn’t mention how dangerous the Ethiopian wolves are!

Over at 48-Hour Adventure, Justin Morris took our minds off the cold snap with his article, Escaping Winter – Our Weekend Destination Picks. Along with some reminders of more familiar weekend break spots such as Barcelona and Nice, Justin puts Tunis and Tangier in the running too with some snappy summaries of why these cities make for a great 48-hour winter getaway. Tunis gets our vote for the mixing of cultures and opportunities for Christmas bargain-hunting in the marvellous souks.

And on that note, Dave Dean started the week with a very practical blog post: 10 great gifts for the traveller in your life. We approve of all of these, particularly the portable luxury of a travel-size coffee press and a silk sleeping bag liner, although we’ve already got Kindles, so choose something else for us when you go shopping!

>> Please give us your suggestions for great travel blog posts, whether you’re a reader or a blogger. Leave a link in the comments below and we’ll check it out for next week’s round-up.

 

Posted in Opinion | No Comments »

First class posts: our pick of the week’s best travel blogs

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

By Holly Cave

This week, our interest has been piqued by bloggers who’ve been on the trail of some fascinating fauna and others who’ve taken a look at Earth from a very different perspective. Read on for tales of the unexpected and some personal travel tips.

We think there’s always a place for a good Top 10 list when it comes to finding travel inspiration and Wanderlust’s article on the 10 best places to spot whales got our hearts thumping. Their alternative guide to seeing some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring creatures avoids the crowded boat excursions and suggests some lesser known places where, if you’re lucky, it might be just you and a pair of binoculars. We love the idea of following the ‘whale crier’ in South Africa, and island-hopping around the Hebrides in search of cetaceans.

Tracking down beasts of a more sedate nature this week was A giant tortoise safari in the Galapagos, the latest post by Brendan van Son over at Brendan’s Adventures. We imagine they’re a little easier to track down than whales and Brendan got some great shots, as well as perfectly summing up in words the slow-paced grace and odd timelessness of these ancient beasts. Even if you’re not an animal lover, we challenge you not to feel a little warm and gooey inside after reading this article and watching its accompanying video. Maybe this is the last push you need to finally book the Galapagos trip that’s lingering on your bucket list?

No animals in this next piece, but we have been drawn back to another Top 10. The philosophy of Jessica Festa’s article over at Gadling is that if you’re going to do something as memorable as take a hot air balloon ride, you might as well do it somewhere stunning. It’s hard to disagree. We keep returning to this, still trying to decide whether we’d rather admire the view from the skies above Africa’s Masai Mara (we must have safaris on our mind) or the sparkling heights of the snow-covered Swiss Alps.

Bringing things closer to home was a Canadian in Wales. We like that Cailin’s blog describes how she travelled with a little caution, not knowing what to expect from the capital. It was interesting to see her discover a slightly different side to Cardiff on a castle-hunting expedition. Still, we think she missed out not spending Saturday night out on the tiles – those Welsh lions certainly know how to party.

Finally, what does it mean to be a responsible traveller? Is your cash helping a community in the long-term or actually doing damage? Sometimes when visiting a new destination, especially in a developing country, it can be hard to know if you’re making the right decisions about where to spend your tourist dollars. While Sandy Salle’s article – 6 tips to becoming a more responsible traveler – is written for travel in Africa, we think many of the tips apply anywhere in the world. It’s an apt reminder of how big our impact can be and a good read for anyone wanting to get a genuine experience in vulnerable parts of the world.

Keep those suggestions for great travel blogs coming in! We’ll be bringing you our top tips again next week in time for a cheeky end-of-the-working-day web browsing session.

* Tortoise photo by Brendan van Son; balloon photo by Steve Siznax, Flickr.

 

Posted in Best travel blogs, Opinion | 1 Comment »

First class posts: Our new column highlights the travel blogs you should be reading this week

Thursday, November 24th, 2011

By Holly Cave

Welcome to our new weekly round-up highlighting the most inspiring and interesting travel blogs and articles. To celebrate the start of this column, all this week’s selections are on the theme of ‘new’.

As anyone familiar with London will know, this sprawling city always has something up its sleeve. Stephanie Yoder’s article at Art of Backpacking highlights Canary Wharf – a relatively new part of The Big Smoke that few tourists put on their to-do list. Stephanie argues that this unique area – though far off the route of open-top bus tours – is fast becoming an important London attraction. We’d agree that there’s nothing quite like riding up front in the driverless Docklands Light Railway. Plus, the Museum of London Docklands and Mudchute City Farm are two spots that show a different side to the metropolis.

Forget Machu Picchu, says The Huffington Post, because mystical Marcahuamachuco is set to become Peru’s new Incan hotspot. This post is packed with information about how international organisations are investing in the site to make it both a breathtaking and sustainable alternative to over-run Machu Picchu.

We enjoyed reading Christine Amorose’s latest blog post about challenging herself to dive on the Great Barrier Reef, despite her uneasiness of open water. This is a warm, personal story and is evocative of how it feels to try new things against one’s better judgement. A reminder of how the most rewarding experiences can follow a certain amount of discomfort – in this case, nerves and seasickness – we found this article witty and inspiring.

Also trying out a new experience was Gavin Gough, reporting on his latest exploits riding a vintage motorbike through Pushkar, India. Underselling himself as a travel photographer, Gavin also writes beautifully, and cleverly leads us through the atmospheric sights and sounds of Pushkar as he describes getting the hang of kick-starting his bike.

Exploring new places and experiencing new things is all well and good, but can you really get the most out of a destination without speaking to the locals? Language barriers aside, it’s never easy to start up a conversation with anyone who isn’t a taxi driver or hotel worker, so we loved Andy Jarosz’s thought-provoking post over at 501 Places. This article has some practical tips for making new acquaintances and reminds you that, while everyone suffers from a little shyness, making the effort to break down those barriers can lead to some unforgettable memories.

Please let us know if you find any great travel blog posts over the next week. We’ll be reading high and low to bring you our favourites for next week’s round up. Please add a link in the comments below.

>> Follow Holly Cave on Twitter.

Posted in Best travel blogs, Opinion | Comments Off

St Helena’s airport is confirmed – is it a blessing?

Friday, November 4th, 2011

By Catherine Leech, Director, 101 Holidays

As St Helena is finally assured by the British Government that the much-talked-of airport is to become a reality, I can’t help but reflect on and consider the impact on this exquisite but remote gem of an island.

When I was fortunate enough to visit St Helena in September 2009, I met a family who told me about the realities of life there.

Several years before, their young daughter lay critically ill in St Helena’s hospital with a severe abdominal infection following an accident. The hospital had tried three of the 4 antibiotics they had in stock (on the entire island) but her condition was worsening. The RMS St Helena, the island’s sole means of access, was about to set sail for Cape Town – a 6 day journey.

They had to make a swift but unenviable decision – to risk the 4th antibiotic not working and her probable death or a 6 day voyage in the ship’s hospital in order to reach a better-equipped hospital in Cape Town.

The outcome was a happy one – they opted to stay and their daughter responded to the 4th antibiotic.

No other story so clearly outlined to me the sometimes harsh reality of living on one of the planet’s most remote islands without air access, something that we so easily take for granted.

For the 4,000 or so St Helenians who live there, air access means not only the ability to travel more readily and access emergency support when needed, but is is also to serve as the catalyst to usher in a new era for tourism and other economic development.

I was there on behalf of DFID to prepare a five-year tourism development plan based on sea-borne tourism opportunities – this was at a time when the British Government had put on hold the airport decision, having previously given it the nod, and it’s fair to say that the mood on island was one of uncertainty, despair and anger. The population was dwindling as St Helenians left to find work opportunities elsewhere and the island’s astonishing, largely Georgian, built heritage was crumbling.

I had to tread carefully – I was there to look, listen, ask questions, assess and analyse in order to put a coherent and meaningful strategy together but the endless stream of consultants, advisors and experts over the years had rendered most of those whom I met deeply, and understandably, sceptical at best.

The pro-airport camp will be delighted by the latest decision. The long-term objective is to lessen the (considerable) financial burden on British tax payers by opening up the island for development and, ultimately, self-sustainability. The anti-camp will be fearful of the impact of ‘planeloads’ of tourists descending on their tiny island, developers being allowed to despoil the natural beauty of the place and the peaceful, gentle pace of life eroding.

My own conclusion, albeit after only 8 days on-island, is that St Helena has a heritage of international importance which could, if carefully managed, become a magnet for niche ‘high value, low volume’ tourism with knock-on benefits for the entire population – which in turn should regenerate as expat St Helenians return home to invest and work in their own country.

To quote from my report: “St Helena’s single key asset is her wealth and diversity of built and natural heritage within one remote 47 square mile island and country 1,200 miles from the nearest continental landmass….. To have such wealth in such a small space would be the envy of much of the rest of the world – entire tourism industries in many countries are built on far less.

“Consider batteries, forts and cannons, an intact Georgian working town, trading and military history, an authentic wealth of touch-it, feel-it Napoleonic heritage, historic country houses, slave graves, the Boer cemetery, endemic flora and fauna, scenery which includes cloud forest, desert, sculpted volcanic rocks, woodland and staggering coastal scenery – and possibly the world’s oldest living Giant Tortoise. All of this is underpinned by the genuine warmth, culture and charm of Saint Helenians.”

It is my firm view that, with improved access, a sustainable tourism industry which is entirely predicated on heritage can be successfully, and gradually, developed – but only if existing historic buildings are sensitively restored, the natural environment protected and new development by Saint Helenians and foreign investors is appropriately controlled within the heritage framework.

I keep abreast of development via the island’s only independent newspaper and I am in no doubt that the airport on St Helena could prove to be the catalyst for a sustainable future which could help preserve, restore and allow others to share in its matchless built and natural heritage.

However, whilst I am aware that steps are in place to ensure an investor-friendly infrastructure, I don’t underestimate the need for strict control (and local buy-in) especially when it comes to any new builds.

I hope to return one day to stay in one of St Helena’s many historic buildings, currently crumbling but with the potential to be restored as characterful hotels, inns and lodges to suit all budgets. The Consulate and Farm Lodge Country House Hotel are both examples of what can be done with the existing buildings.

What a special place – I have worked in travel for close to 30 years but nowhere has touched me in the way that St Helena and the St Helenian people have done. I only hope that the uniquely charming RMS St Helena, which triples up as a cruise ship, virtual ferry and cargo vessel, will not disappear. The voyage (I sailed from Cape Town to St Helena and then on to Ascension Island) is as much an ingredient of St Helena’s magical spell as the place itself.

Tags: ,
Posted in News, Opinion | Comments Off

Free holidays for poor people?

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

By Catherine Leech, Director, 101 Holidays

I can’t recall a single occasion when I was impressed by an MP and the very thought of an All Party Parliamentary Group report leaves me cold. That said, ”social tourism is not about free holidays for poor people”, Paul Maynard MP’s forceful opening words at a reception at the House of Commons yesterday, ensured my attention.

In fact, Paul Maynard blew me away with his passion, energy, focus and humility as he presented the APPG’s outstanding report on Social Tourism.

The report itself is an inspiring and thoughtful piece of work with some solid research, practical examples of social tourism at work in other countries and clear recommendations for Government and the industry.

It’s a smart and succinct kick-start to bring together all those who are already working in this field but with little coordination or recognition, to inspire those with the potential to contribute and to integrate social tourism into wider tourism policy at a national level.

Social tourism is about giving access to recreational time (from a day out to a longer holiday) to families and individuals who couldn’t otherwise afford or, equally important, access it – think beyond the poor to carers, the disabled, single parent families and the elderly.

The report argues convincingly that, beyond the social, psychological and medical benefits, social tourism has potential economic benefits (e.g. filling rooms out of season which would otherwise be empty) with knock-on benefits for attractions, transport, retail and other sectors.

I was particularly impressed by the examples of social tourism at work in France, Spain and Flanders. The latter has a Holiday Participation Centre, run by Tourism Flanders & Brussels, which provides holiday assistance to families and individuals living in poverty, the disabled and the elderly; 600 local accommodation providers (from hotels to youth hostels) offer reduced rates and, in return, have access to maintenance and construction grants. 100,000 people have been able to take a break in the last year.

In Spain, the IMSERSO Holiday Programme for the elderly sends 1.2 million over-65s on reduced-rate holidays in Spain between October and June. A Price Waterhouse Cooper report in 2004 demonstrated that for every €1 invested, the Spanish government generated an additional €1.5 in tax revenue. Win win.

Top marks to the Family Holiday Association for their support in researching the report; this outstanding charity has sent 130,000 parents, children and young people on breaks since it was established in 1975. We are proud to promote the FHA on 101 Family Holidays and through our popular Tweet a Holiday Review competition.

The report, and reception at the House of Commons, was also supported by Thomson Holidays – neat timing that their current ground-breaking TV campaign quotes: “the time you spend on holiday is the time when nothing matters….holidays are the most precious time of all.”

Hear hear.

Download the report (PDF file)

Tags: , ,
Posted in News, Opinion | 1 Comment »

10 expert tips for aspiring travel writers

Monday, September 5th, 2011

10 tips for travel writersHow to be a travel writer

By Mark Hodson, Editor of 101 Holidays

Last week I took part in a careers advice Q&A for aspiring travel writers at Guardian Online. It was a lively discussion that ran for three hours – with a panel made up of some of the UK’s leading travel writers and editors.

Although the experts came from different backgrounds, working on various types of publications, there was a lot of agreement on how to break into travel journalism. Here are the key takeaways.

Mark Hodson

1. Select a niche and start your own blog

All the panellists agreed that aspiring travel writers should write their own blog in order to demonstrate their commitment, writing ability and areas of expertise.

Jill Starley-Grainger, a successful freelance writer and editor, said: “Do not even think of pitching to editors until you have had a blog for at least six months, posting interesting, thought-provoking articles at least twice a week.”

But don’t just write general musings about your travels. Pick a niche that you know well. This could be a region of the world or a type of travel (I would choose something with mass market appeal such as UK camping or cross-Channel ferries). Do this well and you can quickly become an expert, get quoted and get commissions.

Peter Grunert, editor of Lonely Planet Magazine, said: “Too many blogs focus on the writer obsessing about their own emotions. I’m most interested in blogs that take an original angle and introduce me to something new.”

Blogging can be an end in itself. Here’s a great post by Heather Cowper on how to make money from a travel blog.

2. Don’t be over ambitious

If you were an aspiring fine artist, you wouldn’t make your first approach to Tate Modern. Yet many wannabee travel writers begin by approaching the Guardian or Lonely Planet. Instead, think of all the other lesser-known publications that cover travel.

Jill Starley-Grainger advised: “Start small with local newspapers, small websites, etc. You probably won’t get paid, but it is a foot in the door.”

Amanda Statham, travel editor at Cosmopolitan and You & Your Wedding, said: “I’m always amazed by people who are snobby about writing for various publications. If you want to make a living from travel writing you need to be flexible and keen to work for a wide variety of titles.”

New York-based freelancer Lance Richardson added: “Find a modest publication and pitch an article. Sometimes you’ll have to write the whole thing before they’ll say yes. Just do it. Then you have a clipping. This is the holy grail – it shows you’re the real deal (and ambitious). Go to a slightly better publication. Repeat. One day you’ll end up at the big fish.”

3. Learn how to pitch a story

Pitching a story idea to an editor is a vital skill. Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), said: “Find out who to pitch to first – deputy editor, commissioning editor, features editor, etc. Understand the publication, the type of destinations and features it covers, its style and readership.”

You need to present your ideas clearly and succinctly. Summarise your proposal in a paragraph with a clear “angle”, and explain briefly why you are the best person to write the piece. Look for “newsy” hooks but never paraphrase a press release – it’s likely the editor will have seen the same release.

Jill Starley-Grainger said: “As an editor, I am amazed at the number of people who just randomly pitch city guides to me. You need to pitch specific, unique, quirky angles, but that still have broad appeal.”

Pat Riddell added: “Most importantly, when pitching, be politely persistent. Be prepared to be rejected or ignored – it’s rarely personal. Persistence is often rewarded.“

Wanderlust Magazine has an excellent page of writer guidelines which is a must-read for any wannabe travel writer.

4. Be original

Editors are constantly looking for new ideas – and that’s where aspiring writers can contribute. Ben Hatch, who has written travel for the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph and The Times, said: “Be original, specific, timely and brief. There is nothing worse than wading through paragraph upon paragraph before getting to the actual idea for the feature. Don’t pitch going to China, pitch the specifics of what you will do when you get there and why others will find it interesting.”

Amanda Statham added wearily: “Amazingly, backpacking around Thailand has been covered before.”

5. Read the publication first

The biggest mistake made by writers pitching ideas is not actually reading the publication. Emily Mathieson, Word of Mouth editor at Condé Nast Traveller, said: “I am constantly surprised by how many people send me ideas that are clearly not relevant to the section I edit (no, we don’t review youth hostels).”

Amanda Statham added: “I’m always being offered pieces for my Cosmopolitan travel news page. There isn’t a Cosmopolitan travel news page!”

6. Use Twitter to engage with editors

Most panellists agreed it’s a good idea to try to build a relationship with an editor before pitching a story idea, and the best way to do this is by engaging with them on Twitter – following them, retweeting their posts and answering their questions.

Peter Grunert at Lonely Planet Magazine, said: “I definitely believe it’s a good idea to build a rapport with a commissioning editor before sending them a pitch. They will need to know that you share a wavelength and will also want to see evidence of the quality of your writing.”

Emily Mathieson, who admits she is “totally addicted to Twitter”, said: “In theory, having a relationship with your editor before pitching is a good idea. I am always encouraged by people who email me in advance of a pitch to ask for guidelines, which I am happy to send out to anyone who wants them.

“In practice I find it almost impossible to remember the names of everyone who emails me, and what correspondence may have gone before. I find it really helpful if writers have a signature at the bottom of their email telling me about them, the specialisms and where they live (and it’s also often helpful if you can remind me at the beginning of an email who you are too). This will often jog my memory, or help me decide why a particular person is suitable for a certain piece.”

7. Consider a postgraduate course in journalism

The panel agreed that it doesn’t matter whether you’ve got a “relevant” degree such as English or Media Studies, or a science degree, providing you’re the right person. However, it’s clear that a postgraduate course in journalism is important to many employers.

Lonely Planet Magazine offers year-round work experience placements and National Geographic Traveller has an intern scheme – but both require a qualification from an accredited journalism course.

Sam Shead, an editorial intern at Wanderlust magazine, commented: “I started getting work experience offers thick and fast as soon as I put down that I was doing a postgrad degree in journalism at Cardiff.”

Find journalism courses accredited by the Periodicals Training Council.

8. Hone your writing skills

Like all skills, writing requires practice. If you wanted to become a professional tennis player, you wouldn’t stand much of a chance unless you practised several hours a day. Writing is similar. But it’s not just finding your own personal voice, it’s also about learning the techniques of journalism and the requirements of editors.

Jill Starley-Grainger said: “So many people think that because they are passionate about travel and can string a sentence together, that qualifies them to be a travel journalist. It doesn’t. You need to understand how to dig out facts, how to find hidden gems and insider info. It’s a skill and not everyone has it. But you can learn it.”

Pat Riddell at National Geographic Traveller (UK) had a slightly different view, drawing a distinction between travel journalists and travel writers. He said: “Journalists generally come from a more formal background, starting off on newspapers or magazines, often ending up in travel with a skillset suited to editing or writing. Travel writers come from a broader field — often with a passion and love for writing more than anything else — and, in many cases, spend all their time travelling and writing rather than being office-based as staffers are.”

9. Explore alternative routes into the industry

The panellists agreed that internships are great way into journalism – though not easy to come by. Emily Mathieson said: “Interning is a great opportunity. You have the chance to meet the editors you’ll be pitching in the future, to ask them face to face what they might be looking for.”

Glen Mutel, editor of ABTA Magazine and a columnist for National Geographic Traveller, said: “Internships have real value. If you’re applying for an entry level job in travel journalism, you’ll be up against applicants who have completed internships. If you’re lucky enough to land an internship on a travel magazine, it could lead to a job, providing you can write.”

April Hutchinson, editor of the trade magazine, TTG Luxury, said interns that have proved themselves “responsible, resourceful and good writers” can be sent on press trips within only a couple of weeks.

However, it’s important to remember there are other ways into travel journalism. Many writers – myself included – started as sub-editors – fact-checking, rewriting and editing other people’s writing. This is a great way to hone your own writing skills.

Seasoned travel writer Richard Trillo also pointed out that guidebook publishers such as Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and Bradt offer a foot in the door for writers. “They frequently need to find updaters who have travel experience, knowledge of the destination and a confident writing style. I had a desk job at Rough Guides for many years, and we always needed good writers. The publishers’ websites always tell you how to get in touch.”

Andy Mossack, a travel writer and broadcaster, added: “Radio can be an enjoyable route into broadcasting provided you can be a believable talker. It might well be worth contacting your local radio station and suggesting you have a slot about travel. They won’t pay you but you can earn your spurs.”

10. Make yourself a dream to work with

One of the reasons I survived so long in the higher echelons of travel journalism was that I always submitted “clean” copy. I don’t consider myself a great writer, but I deliver well-structured, factually-correct articles that aren’t littered with spelling mistakes or unanswered questions.

Editors will love you if make their lives easier. That means researching all the “nuts and bolts” information that makes up fact boxes and sidebars.

As freelancer Lance Richardson commented, “Go the extra mile. Never get lazy. Make the first lot of copy you submit a home run. Fact check everything. If you make yourself a dream to work with, they’ll work with you.”

 

Mark HodsonMark Hodson spent 12 years as a full-time freelance travel writer for The Sunday Times where his byline appeared above more than 500 articles. He is editor and co-founder of 101 Holidays and still contributes to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and The Times.

 

* DO YOU have any tips for travel writers? Would you like to share your own experiences? Please leave a comment.

Posted in Insider tips, Opinion | 8 Comments »

Five of the best temples in India

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

In the second of our “Five of the Best….” series, we asked Cox & Kings to nominate five temples in India which stand out from the rest. Each selected temple carries with it a fascinating story, reflecting India’s rich history and diverse religions, spiced with romance, eroticism and triumphalism. Do you agree, or have another suggestion? Please leave a comment below.

1. Golden Temple, Amritsar

The Golden Temple, officially known as the Harminder Sahib, is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. Attacked by the Afghans in 1761 it was rebuilt by the Sikhs’ greatest secular leader, Maharajah Ranjit Singh, who donated the spectacular gold top for which the temple is now renowned (said to be 100 kg of pure gold). The gold shimmers as the temple sits in the middle of a rectangular lake, said to have healing properties. A blend of Hindu and Muslim styles, the temple itself is a two-storey marble structure; the lower storey’s exterior white marble walls are decorated with intricate flower and animal motifs. The interior walls mainly consist of carved wooden panels elaborately inlayed in silver and gold. There are four entrances to the temple, supposedly signifying the importance of openness and acceptance.

See Amritsar’s Golden Temple on the Journey from the Golden Temple tour

2. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

The Meenakshi temple, in the heart of Madurai’s old town, has been a centre of pilgrimage for decades. Legend recalls that Meenakshi started life as a magnificent princess, born of fire with eyes like a fish and three breasts. As the princess grew older, she overpowered all of the other gods with her hopeless beauty, until she met Shiva. It is said that Madurai is where the couple were married, making it one of the holiest cities in India. The temple’s gopurams (temple towers) soar almost 50 metres above the gateways and are decorated with colourful stucco images of animals, gods and goddesses. The thousand-pillared hall is a brilliant example of southern temple architecture.

See Meenakshi Temple on the Grand Tour of South India

3. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

A thousand years ago, artisans of the Chandela dynasty built the spectacular temples at Khajuraho, which are now famed for their sophisticated carvings and erotic sculptures. The sculptures, which were rediscovered by an English soldier in 1839, are said to portray the rite of creation in which both body and soul are involved. The temples are lavishly carved with beautifully rendered friezes of nymphs, gods, banquets, musicians and animals. Of the original 85 temples, only 22 now survive. The Kandariya Mahadeva temple is the largest and possibly the most impressive, with its spire looming over 30 metres high. The other main temples Chatrabhuj, Parswanath and Ghantai, are no less remarkable and have been beautifully restored back to excellent condition.

See Khajuraho on the Grand Tour of Northern India

4. Sun Temple, Konark

The Sun Temple at Konark can be found in the state of Orissa, which is known as the temple state due to its abundance of temples. Built in the 13th century, the complex, now in ruins, was originally on the shore but now sits in solitary splendour with the sea over two kilometres away. The temple was built in the shape of a colossal chariot with 12 wheels, one for each month, and seven horses symbolising the days of the week, carrying the sun god Surya across the heavens. The walls are adorned with thousands of images of dancers, musicians, birds, deities and courtly life. Like the temple at Khajuraho, the Sun Temple is also covered with erotic sculptures.

See the Sun Temple on a tailor-made holiday to India

5. Brihadeeshwar Temple, Tanjore (now Thanjavur)

The Brihadeeshwar temple, constructed by the King Raja Raja Chola, follows the Dravidian style and was built in honour of his victorious reign. It took 12 years to complete and like many other temples built during this period served many functions; inside there are separate waiting areas for musicians, workers and so forth; whilst the periphery served as a meeting place for the public. An interesting aspect of this temple is its vimana (the central tower of the temple) over the sanctum sanctorum which, unlike other temples in the south, is very tall. Another striking feature of the temple is the colours of the frescoes which, although approximately 1,000 years old, are still bright and colourful. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a crowning example of the peerless architecture of the Chola dynasty.

See Brihadeeshwar Temple on Cox & Kings’ Grand Tour of South India

Check out Cox & Kings’ top 5 rail journeys too.

Tags:
Posted in Insider tips, Opinion | Comments Off

Our 25 favourite travel blogs

Friday, August 26th, 2011

best travel blogs

Here at 101 Holidays we love to read about travel, but sometimes even we are overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of information and opinion on the web. There are literally hundreds of thousands of travel blogs, many of them self-indulgent and badly written.

So we decided to sort the wheat from the chaff and select our 25 favourites. These are the blogs that we feel convey the sheer joy and wide-eyed wonder of travel. Their writers bring the world to life with passion, enthusiasm, insight – and a keen sense of humour.

This was not a beauty contest for the best website design. We deliberately steered away from the well-funded corporate blogs to celebrate the work of dedicated individuals.

So here we present – in no particular order – our 25 Favourite Travel Blogs. Please remember this is our personal choice – if you don’t agree with our picks or have your own suggestions, please leave a comment below.

1. 501 Places

 What it is: Writer Andy Jarosz shares his extensive travel knowledge and insight.

Why we like it: In between writing for numerous travel organisations, Andy Jarosz finds time to share his wealth of knowledge and experience of 95 countries on 501 Places. His posts range from the witty – A beginners guide to people watching – to the remote and far-flung, discovering lesser known regions of popular countries. Check out his recent Spanish posts. His eye for a good photograph also makes his adventures shine.

Read the blog: 501 Places. Follow Andy on Twitter.

2. Gran Turismo

 What it is: Husband and wife Lara Dunston and Terence Carter on a perpetual world tour.

Why we like it: Lara and Terence might be the ultimate globe-trotting couple, having set foot on a year’s trip in 2006, and still travelling 5 years on. This is their Contemporary Grand Tour of the World, setting out in 2010 to slow their pace of life and live like locals for a year. Swapping hotels for 36 holiday rentals, they travelled sustainably, lapped up local skills and knowledge, enriching their experiences with an authenticity that is passed on to readers with passion and dedication. Each post features beautiful photography, first-hand experience and need-to-know facts.

Read the blog: Gran Turismo. Follow Lara and Terence on Twitter.

3. Quite Alone

 What it is: Matthew Teller’s personal blog documenting all things Middle Eastern.

Why we like it: As a writer specialising in the Middle East, Matthew Teller has a library of fascinating stories to share. His posts on Quite Alone are sharp, well-written and particularly poignant given recent events in the Middle East. We love the fly-on-the-wall style and the informative yet quirky nature of his blog and his knowledge and passion for the region.

Read the blog: Quite Alone. Follow Matthew on Twitter.

4.Heather on her Travels

 What it is: Far-reaching stories and inspiring tales from Heather Cowper’s years of travel.

Why we like it: We admire Heather’s blog for her unrelenting vision. Her blog is packed with multiple posts from every destination she visits, each taking a new perspective on a city, region or country. We like being able to browse by each year of Heather’s travels, allowing us to follow her ramblings chronologically and giving order to her jetsetting ways. Her My Blogging Journey section is particularly valuable – if you’re getting inspired to start your own blog, this is where you should be heading.

Read the blog: Heather on her Travels. Follow Heather on Twitter.

5. The Quirky Traveller

 What it is: A hunt for anything off the travel straight and narrow with Zoë Dawes

Why we like it: Zoë travels on the hunt for the unusual, discovering strange cultures, odd delicacies and local characters along her way shared from her base in Cumbria. We love the individual stories of each of Zoë’s posts, and the personal touch that gives each a comforting hint of nostalgia that either lets you share in her trips, or gives you the push to get out there for yourself.

Read the blog: The Quirky Traveller. Follow Zoë on Twitter.

6. 40 Before 30

What it is: A personal mission by young writer and “travel obsessive” Jayne Gorman

Why we like it: Jayne Gorman has set herself the challenge of travelling to 40 countries before her 30th birthday – and blogging about them all. We love her ambition and her one-woman mission to share her passion for the countries she’s visited, always with an honest undertone with which anyone can identify. Check out her first impressions of India and her story of sprinting for the last ticket for a Catamaran in Croatia.

Read the blog: 40 before 30. Follow Jayne on Twitter.

7. The Aussie Nomad

 What it is: Australian native and travel mad Chris Richardson sharing his travel know-how

Why we like it: The no-frills, plain and simple design of Chris Richardson’s blog lets his travel experience shine through. We are particularly drawn to the logic of his Travel Tips section, offering accurate budget advice for a range of European cities, from Paris to Krakow, Riga to Amsterdam with tables and charts that are drawn together under the title of How Much Does it Cost to Backpack Europe - brilliant planning tool for trips on a budget, far and wide. The Vegemite Challenge section is a quirkily charming reminder of Chris’ Australian heritage that gives his blog its individuality.

Read the blog: The Aussie Nomad. Follow Chris on Twitter.

8. Inside Japan

 What is it: A great (commercial) travel blog from the team at InsideJapan Tours

Why we like it: The InsideJapan Blog is maintained by staff at the tour operator, InsideJapan Tours, and their obsession with the country is unmistakable. We love the unique blend of Japan-related content, from a piece on a 1962 Fodor Guide to Japan and Dragon Boat Racing in Colorado, to uncovering Japan’s unusual passions – who knew that the Japanese were avid cricket fans? Such is the personal and expert nature of this blog that it shows few signs of its commercial background.

Read the blog: InsideJapan Tours. Follow InsideJapan on Twitter.

9. 48 Hour Adventure

 What is it: 48 hour itineraries and advice from weekend traveller Justin Morris

Why we like it: Away from the 9-5, Justin is a weekend traveller. We love his ’48 hours in…’ concept, packed with suggestions and itineraries for getting the most out of short city breaks, and inspiring readers of just how far from home you can find yourself in two days. We particularly love his 48 hours in Dubai with its alternative itinerary away from the bars and beaches.

Read the blog: 48 Hour Adventure. Follow Justin on Twitter.

10. Velvet Escape

 What it is: Keith Jenkins encouraging his readers to ‘Go Explore’

Why we like it: From crossing the Andes from Argentina to Chile, to trekking with Berbers in Morocco, Keith Jenkins has seen a fair amount of the world, with a plush and rich edge, as the name of his blog suggests. While Keith’s world map taking you straight to the country in which you are interested is brilliant, we suggest you come here for well-researched itinerary suggestions, and great food articles.

Read the blog: Velvet Escape. Follow Keith on Twitter.

11. Johnny Vagabond

 What it is: One long budget worldwide adventure with Wes Nations living with the locals.

Why we like it: We love that Wes makes like a local on his travels, living low to the ground. His manner of documenting his experiences through beautiful photo essays and well-told narratives make this a collection of charming short stories of which we can easily dip in and out. We admire Wes’ unrivalled humorous twist to every tale, and his incessantly positive outlook.

Read the blog: Johnny Vagabond. Follow Wes on Twitter.

12. Everything Everywhere

 What it is: Gary Arndt racks up his country count and shares 4 years of travel tales

Why we like it: As the name suggests, Everything Everywhere is one of the most comprehensive travel blogs out there. Gary’s photography always gives us a glimpse of far flung and remote destinations, while his This week in Travel broadcasts keep readers up-to-date with travel happenings. Gary didn’t catch sight of the sea until the age of 21 yet since 2007 he has stamps from more than 100 countries in his passport and has visited 152 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Read the blog: Everything Everywhere. Follow Gary on Twitter.

13. As We Travel

What it is: Nathan Schacherer and Sofia von Porat share their adventures on a budget

Why we like it: As We Travel is a treasure trove of eye-catching photos, thoughtful videos and insightful destination guides. The home page is full of attention-grabbing content that makes it much more than a simple blog. Search for any destination or question and relevant content will pop up. If nothing’s been written, email their ‘Round the World’ support crew with your questions for a reply within 24 hours. Their latest Europe Train Challenge (30 countries in 90 days, recorded by video) is worth a look.

Read the blog: As We Travel. Follow Nathan and Sofia on Twitter.

14. Art of Backpacking

 What it is: Everything to do with cutting travel costs by Michael Tieso

Why we like it: Art of Backpacking has been inspiring travellers to pick up their rucksacks and head for foreign climbs since 2008. We love it for the variety of posts and advice, easily accessible from the menu and the Asian-themed foodie posts. Nobody should set off for the Far East without reading 10 foods you must eat in China – while the techie features are well worth checking out for anyone planning a round the world jaunt.

Read the blog: Art of Backpacking. Follow Michael on Twitter.

15.Uncornered Market

 What it is: ‘Full-time travellers’ Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott document life on the road

Why we like it: Husband and wife team Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott have been on the road for 1,717 days, and are now 65 countries on from packing in corporate life, so describing themselves as full time travellers is almost an understatement. We especially love their videography, each post carefully edited to showcase their experiences – especially in Asia – with all the colour and noise of the real thing.

Read the blog: Uncornered Market. Follow Daniel and Audrey on Twitter.

16. Isabelle’s Travel Guide

 What it is: Isabelle Kenis on a mission to encourage her readers to discover the world

Why we like it: Isabelle’s Travel blog hits the spot with a balance between destination advice and informative travel tips – from passport and visa queries to pointers for learning some local lingo before you leave. Isabelle’s travel experiences are browse-able by country and city and we love her Top 5 section for a quick travel fix that gets us thinking about our next trip.

Read the blog: Isabelle’s Travel Guide. Follow Isabelle on Twitter.

17.Pause the Moment

 What it is: Ryan Gargiulo shows you how to travel everywhere and anywhere on a budget

Why we like it: We like Pause the Moment’s blend of an around the world theme with budget travel resource. The site is packed with to-the-point reviews and valuable destination advice, as well as his and hers packing lists, from genuine travel experience. We love the scope of Ryan’s blog – check out How to Save Enough Money to Travel the World. How to Avoid Being Scammed in Hanoi, for example, is well worth a peek before any trip to Vietnam.

Read the blog: Pause the Moment. Follow Ryan on Twitter.

18. The Traveling Philosopher

 What it is: Spencer Spellman blogs about his ambitious travel plans

Why we like it: The combination of travel and philosophy in Spencer Spellman’s blog gives an unusual take on his world adventures. His myth-busting advice is always a winner, and some great photography, in conjunction with a strong site design, keeps us clicking. Our favourite section, though, is The List, currently totalling 56 travel wishes – and we’re pretty sure he’ll get through the lot.

Read the blog: The Traveling Philosopher. Follow Spencer on Twitter.

19. Inside the Travel Lab

 What it is: Adventure and cultural experiences from freelance journalist Abigail King

Why we like it: Abigail swapped her career as a hospital doctor for a life on the road, writing as she goes. We love her unusual way of cataloguing her work, and can’t help but click where we see Make Me Smile, Make Me Think and Inspire Me, always with a strong visual element that showcases her flair for photography. The balance of adventure, culture and food is irresistible.

Read the blog: Inside the Travel Lab. Follow Abigail on Twitter.

20. Family Rambling

 A family-focussed travel blog by mum of two Jody Halstead

Why we like it: For anyone travelling with a family, Family Rambling is an unbeatable resource. The blog is filled with tips for parents and innovative ways of keeping kids entertained (as well as the odd romantic retreat for rewarding all your hard work). Follow Jody and her family from fairs, to museums and theme parks and back again, all characterised by her bubbly American outlook and some great video content.

Read the blog: Family Rambling. Follow Jody on Twitter.

21. Sophie On Track

 What it is: Sophie Collard shares her passion for trains and rail travel

Why we like it: Train travel is often taken for granted, especially in the UK, which is why we love Sophie On Track and her passion for all things rail-related. Sophie’s best posts are her Things you could be doing this weekend blogs, providing a wealth of last minute travel ideas, often with a cultural twist, closer to home than you might expect.

Read the blog: Sophie on Track. Follow Sophie on Twitter.

22. Roaming Tales

 What it is: Caitlin Fitzsimmons combines her passion for travel and food in one place

Why we like it: Roaming Tales combines the two passions in Caitlin’s life – travel and food. Her posts are wide-ranging, covering everything from sand dunes in Death Valley to Syrian democracy and recipes for authentic Italian pasta. We like Roaming Tales for its boundless enthusiasm and the personalised touch that allows Caitlin to share the progress of her twin babies at the same time as her travel know-how.

Read the blog: Roaming Tales. Follow Caitlin on Twitter

23. Wild Junket

 What it is: Tales from big trips courtesy of adventurer Nellie Huang

Why we like it: The rolling panoramic photos on the home page of Nellie’s Wild Junket blog make it almost impossible not to keep clicking. Nellie’s stories have a strong adventure focus, and off-road feel – think road trip itineraries, chasing polar bears in the Arctic and her 8 top global adventure spots. We love her ambition and fearlessness which never fails to come across in her writing.

Read the blog: Wild Junket. Follow Nellie on Twitter.

24. Europe a la carte

 What it is: One of the original travel blogs from full-time blogger Karen Bryan

Why we like it: Karen was one of the first trendsetters in the travel blogging world, and her Europe a la Carte site is still going strong, 9 years after its launch. As such, we love the wealth of information and advice that is archived on the site, and the ability to search quickly by destination on the left hand side of her page. We can find what we’re after within seconds of clicking on to her site. We love Karen’s destination podcasts and her dedicated Museums in Europe section is always a feast of cultural gems.

Read the blog: Europe a la Carte. Follow Karen on Twitter.

25. Bacon is Magic

 What it is: the story of Ayngelina finding her feet in Latin America

Why we like it: With the tag line ‘living life with a different set of rules’, we love the thoroughness of Ayngelina’s Bacon is Magic blog, from her diverse Pre-trip Planning posts and the range of her Latin American adventures following her all the way down to Peru over the course of 365 days. Ayngelina’s site has a bravery about it and her stories have value for anyone heading to the America’s – check out Getting robbed in San Juan del Sur for a quick reality check before you leave.

Read the blog: Bacon is Magic. Follow Ayngelina on Twitter.

* Research by Polly Crossman

 

Posted in News, Opinion | 28 Comments »

Is now the time to return to Japan?

Friday, May 27th, 2011

By Mark Hodson, Editor, 101 Holidays

Is it right to visit Japan on holiday so soon after the earthquake and tsunami devastated much of the country earlier this year? Is it insensitive? Will your travel plans be wrecked?

This is a dilemma I have personally seen many times over. Most memorably, I was the first UK travel writer to visit the Maldives after the tsunami of 2004 and found that although there was little physical damage, the local economy was being destroyed by the sudden disappearance of those all-important tourists.

Two weeks later I visited the affected regions of Sri Lanka and Thailand where – although the damage was much greater – local people were again desperate to see the return of foreign visitors.

We’re now seeing the same in Japan. Although it is a wealthy developed country, there are many people in Japan whose livelihoods depend on tourism. The longer we stay away, the longer we prolong their suffering.

One of the tour operators recommend by 101 Holidays is InsideJapan Tours. It’s a true specialist, run by experts who are passionate about Japan and work closely with the local people. We liked the way they honestly reported the situation on the ground on their Facebook page throughout the aftermath of the tsunami, and we trust them to give the facts straight.

Their view: now is the right time to go back to Japan. The infrastructure is back in place, they say, and the welcome for tourists is warmer than ever.

But often the best way to assess the situation is to hear from tourists that have recently returned. Barrie and Marilyn Ellison from Derby booked a two-week trip with InsideJapan Tours to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary and – despite the devastation – decided to go ahead, returning earlier this month.

Here, Barrie describes what they found:

“We did consider cancelling, but we decided against and we are so glad we did. Everywhere we went, we were greeted with open arms. The Japanese people were genuinely glad to see us and the lack of tourists meant we avoided queues and the large crowds you could expect in famous temples in Kyoto and Universal Studio’s in Osaka for example.

“We started our trip in Tokyo; a fabulously vibrant city with a terrific mix of traditional and modern areas. Tokyo has some of the best shopping in the world, especially if you are into electronic gadgets.

 

“After three days we caught a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hakone for a complete change of pace. Here we had booked into a traditional Japanese ryokan where we were treated like royalty and enjoyed a taste of Japanese life, sleeping on futons, wearing yukatas and eating traditional Japanese food, (after some instruction from a very kind waitress).

“Whilst in Hakone, we travelled by mountain railway, funicular railway and cable car to see some of the most spectacular scenery, with views of Mount Fuji and sail across a volcanic lake by pleasure boat – an absolutely idyllic break. From here we caught another Shinkansen to Kyoto where we would spend the next four nights. From Kyoto, we were able to visit Universal Studios in Osaka and the city of Hiroshima.

“Unfortunately our time in Japan was coming to an end and from Kyoto, we travelled back to Tokyo for our flight back to UK. This felt far too early and we could happily have spent another four weeks in Japan.

“I would just like to thank our travel agent, Carol at Ilkeston Travel, InsideJapan and – most of all – the people of Japan. This was without doubt the best holiday Marilyn and I have ever had. It surpassed all our expectations and was one of the most varied, exciting, friendly, safe and polite countries we have ever visited and we would have no hesitation in booking to go back.

“Japan needs the support of tourism to help rebuild those parts so recently devastated by the earthquake & tsunami and to keep local economies going. Please don’t let the recent problems put you off travelling to Japan.”

* Tell us what you think. Would you go to Japan now, or would you rather wait? Please leave a comment below.

Tags:
Posted in Opinion | 1 Comment »

Marrakech: my top 5 tips for first-timers

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

By Polly Crossman

Marrakech has long been on my list of must-see destinations. The ‘red city’ had me sold with the promise of mosaic-rich riads, red stone baking in the heat, winding souks and snake charmers.

Travelling with British Airways, testing out their new London to Marrakech service, the city lived up to all of my expectations. These are my top five first-time tips for visiting the city.

1. The Kasbah

The Kasbah surrounding Djemaa el-Fna, with its terracotta walls warmed by the sun and winding streets busy with bicycles bears a taste of local Marrekechi life. The Kasbah is calm and the pace slow. Presided over by storks feeding young in their vast nests, greengrocers set up shop wherever they can to lay out their produce – anything from a few ageing carrots to stalls piled high with strawberries.

A quiet walk through these streets reveals Marrakech away from the tourist trade. I passed a couple of Gnawa musicians, busking in the cool of the shade and spinning their tassled hats in the trance of their own music, as well as a hopeful man with seven pairs of battered leather shoes for sale and another attempting to flog half a dozen old lamps. Locals gather, leaning on mopeds, smoking tobacco and surveying the day.

2. Mint Tea

Mint tea is the quintessential Moroccan drink, often a tooth-rotting level of sweetness. As an on-off tea drinker, I shocked myself with the quantity of mint tea I managed to guzzle in just a couple of days. Tea is poured artfully from a height into small glasses from decorative silver teapots that glint in the sun. With a tempting aroma and delicate taste, mint tea is the ideal refresher: once I’d learned to ask for it ‘not sweet’, I was always on the lookout for my next cup.

3. Pastilla

Pastilla, or Pigeon Pie, is generally regarded as Morocco’s national dish, outdoing all of the couscous, meatballs and tagines typically associated with the country. While my vision of a flapping pest – my nemesis in London – stuffed beneath pastry wasn’t overly appealing, my first pastilla – in the Moroccan restaurant at the Royal Mansour Hotel – was outstanding. Cooked slowly with almonds, spices and sugar, the pigeon is enclosed in its own globe of pastry and cooked until crisp. Mine was topped with an intricate chequer-board of cinnamon and icing sugar that hinted at the sweet and sour delight within – I’ll certainly not look at a pigeon the same way again.

4. Les Artisaneaux

Marrakech is known for its souks, with the promise of fantastic shopping and a test of your bartering skills. Despite being a magpie for anything in the line of jewellery, lanterns and leather, what I most wanted to discover were les artisaneaux, the craftsmen who keep this endless network of streets ticking.

In an hour of wondering the kissariats, armed with only a camera (and a few Dirham in case anyone needed tipping in return for a quick snap) I found felt makers scrubbing at soapy stones, cross-legged weavers at looms, potters at their wheels and cloth merchants trundling wooden carts. Jamaal, an apothecary looking for business, gave me a ‘lipstick’ made from natural pigments and I passed hundreds of balls of bright red wool drying in the sunshine as well as spice vendors, olive traders and orange juice sellers.

5. Koutoubia

Visible from virtually everywhere in Marrakech, the Koutoubia Mosque is a sight that (literally) cannot be missed. Standing like a sentinel over Marrakech since the 12th century, Koutoubia still sends muezzins across the city from the 69m minaret four times a day. Surrounded by well kept gardens and pathways, sweetly scented by orange blossom, the mosque is majestic in its height and history. Koutoubia is at its best if you catch it on a Friday as thousands gather with their mats for weekly prayers.

How to get there

I flew to Marrakech with British Airways. The airline has recently re-launched its Marrakech service, flying to the city three times weekly. With a flight time of only three hours, Marrakech is easily reachable for long weekends and short breaks. Fares start at £159 pp return from London Gatwick, departing on a Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

* Black and white photography by Polly Crossman

Where to stay

Marrakech has a huge variety of beautiful accommodation ranging from small homely riads with only a few rooms, to some of the most extravagant hotels in the world.

Riad Pachavana

Lovingly restored to its Morroccan glory by Nathalie and Thierry, Riad Pachavana is tucked inside the walls of the Kasbah: the small selection of individually crafted rooms and suites give it a charming homely feel.
Rooms from £75 per night.

Hivernage Hotel & Spa

Rooms at the Hivernage are spacious and well-equipped: the perfect base from which to explore the city. The highlight is an extensive roof terrace boasting a city-wide view that lends itself to long al fresco evenings.
Rooms from £250 per night.

La Mamounia

Made famous as Winston Churchill’s go-to (a suite is named in his memory) La Mamounia re-opened in 2010 after a major three-year refurbishment, led by French designer Jacques Garcia. The hotel stands out as an oasis of calm just five minutes walk from Djemaa el-Fna, in 17 acres of gardens lovingly tended by 30 full time gardeners.
Doubles from £310 per night on a room only basis.

Amanjena

Rooms at Amanjena are simple yet decadent, beautifully crafted with walled outdoor areas and private pools. Located slightly out of the city centre, the resort is centred around a huge lake that is lit with innumerable candles by night.
Doubles from £920 per night, excluding tax.

The Royal Mansour

Conceived by the king as a medina within a medina, the Royal Mansour boasts 53 three-storey private riads. All have a roof-top terrace and plunge pool and are serviced by an underground network of tunnels for staff. The craftsmanship on show is like no other; it took more than 3 years for artisans to hand make, paint, mosaic and carve these riads to perfection.
Doubles from £1,400 per night.

If you prefer to travel with a tour operator, 101 Holidays recommends Travelzest’s Best of Morocco.

Posted in Opinion, Review | Comments Off

5 little gems in Tenerife

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

Sally Molloy is Sovereign’s resident Tenerife concierge. Fourteen years ago, Sally took a three-month sabbatical with her husband Andy and came to Tenerife to learn to scuba dive. She fell in love with the island and never left.

Today Sally is one of two resident concierges on the island, on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, ensuring that Sovereign customers enjoy a perfect stay.

Here, exclusively for 101 Holidays she reveals the best places to relax, sample authentic Canarian cuisine and shop until you drop.

1. Best place to watch the world go by

This would have to be the El Medano sea front walkway on a Sunday morning. There are lots of trendy cafés and bars to grab a table and enjoy a long coffee as you watch the locals walking their dogs and surfers riding the waves. Located at the far end of the promenade to the west end of the town is one of my favourite bars, Flashpoint. It has a bohemian lounge area, where you can relax and sample a few of the many varieties of tea, all of which are served in individual silver pots on small silver trays – a lovely little touch of luxury.

Flashpoint Tel: +34 922 176 111. Address: Paseo Mercedes de La Roja, El Medano, Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife.

2. Best local restaurant to sample authentic cuisine

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, La Caleta is the place to visit.  Literally right on the sea, it isn’t anything special to look at, but the food is something else. Diners are treated to real fresh seafood, cooked to order, alongside a great selection of tapas.

If you’re happy to travel further for a real taste of Canarian cuisine, your best bet is to hire a car and make a trip to a little place in Cruz de Tea, to a restaurant called Tasca del Horno. This place serves real Canarian home cooking, local wine and great coffee; and it’s right next to Tiede National Park, so it makes a lovely treat after a trip up Mount Tiede.

La Caleta Tel: +34 922 780 675.  Address: C/ Muelle, 19, 38679 Adeje, Tenerife, Spain

Tasca del Horno Tel: + 34 922 771 486. Address: Calle Buen Viaje, 39 A, Cruz de Tea, Tenerife, Spain

3. Most beautiful beach in Tenerife

There are actually two for me.

Fanabe beach front in front of the Bahia del Duque hotel has white sands, gorgeous parasols and sun beds on the beach. There are also lots of terrific beach front restaurants where you can take in Tenerife’s stunning sunsets.

Playa de la Arena is also highly recommended. It’s a natural black sand beach in the Los Gigantes area, on the west coast of the island. It’s tiny and very pretty, regularly winning the blue flag award for the best kept beach. From the main resorts in the south of the island it’s about an hour’s bus ride – but absolutely worth the effort for a day out! The number 473 bus goes from both the main resorts, Las Americas and Los Cristianos, every 40 mins or so and the journey time is about an hour.  By car it’s only half an hour, just follow the coast road with the sea always on your left and you will literally arrive right there.

Fanabe Beach Address: Av. Bruselas s/n 38660 Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Spain

Playa de la Arena Address: 38683, Santiago del Teide, Tenerife, Spain

4. Most luxurious bar in Tenerife

La Hacienda is a small restaurant/bar located in the Bahia del Duque Hotel, on the beachfront of Fanabe. It’s a must for fantastic cocktails, the best fudge brownies and great bistro style food. There are also luxurious bali beds and comfy sofas to stretch out and relax at your leisure. As the sun goes down candles are lit on the tables, creating the perfect relaxing atmosphere.

La Hacienda Tel: +34 922 746 900?Address: Avenida Bruselas, s/n, 386 60 Adeje, Tenerife, Spain

5. Where to go shopping – markets vs. shopping centre

The first thing worth knowing is that the big sales in Tenerife start in January and run until March. Depending on what you want to buy, there are various places to head to. If you’re after the mainstream options, head to Parque Santiago, where there are three shopping centres all in a line, selling everything from designer goods such as Escada, Cartier and Lacoste to more high street brands like Zara and Mango. The Safari Centre is the nearest of the three shopping centres and has some great restaurants.

For more unique and individual items there are also local markets in the resorts twice a week on Thursday and Saturday (and on Sunday in Los Cristianos), which sell beachwear and leather goods, mainly from North Africa.

The Safari Center Tel: + 34 922 796 748. Address: 38660, Av. Americans 5, Playa del Las Americas, Arona, Tenerife, Spain

About Sovereign: With nearly 40 years’ expertise, Sovereign’s luxury holidays are hand-picked with great attention to detail to create the Sovereign Collection of high quality, luxury hotels, riads and cruises. It offers eight individual holiday collections including Tenerife holidays and Cyprus holidays. For more information visit www.sovereign.com.

Tell us your tips. Do you know any great places in Tenerife? Please let us know in the comments below.

 

Tags: ,
Posted in Insider tips, Opinion | Comments Off

« Older Entries