Packing in information on global cities, hotels, tourist destinations, travel business articles, and travel tips all into one blog, is a tall order, but ‘Worldwide Travel Directory’ are up to the challenge. Our worldwide travel guide offers up regular doses of news and opinion, and an insight into different types of holidays. You could see anything from cruises to adventure breaks covered, along with plenty of holiday ideas that are ‘off the beaten path’, such as non-beach attractions in Mexico. You could find out what’s great about UK Bed and Breakfast’s, or where to go on a ski break. What part of our travel directory, will you explore first?
If you are craving the sun, the beaches and the laid back lifestyle of Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline but want to stay away from the crowded resorts such as Marmaris, a trip to Kalkan could be just what you are looking for. An idyllic and serene resort that is bathed in sunlight and shows of the beauty of Southern Turkey at its best, a holiday to Kalkan tends to be based around the expanses of golden sand and the top class restaurants.
Kalkan has long been a favourite of the travel writers, with The Independent rating it as one of the world’s top destinations in 2007 and the Guardian singing its praises by describing the town as “the Italian Riviera without the poseurs”. It has a reputation of being somewhat of an upmarket resort, and whilst it costs a bit more to stay here than in the larger towns, those extra few lira are worth their weight in gold for the sheer quality to get everywhere from the hotels to the bars.
What many visitors do not realise is that Kalkan is not one of your purpose built resorts, and it in fact boasts a longer history than almost any other European resort. It is the epitome of Turkish culture and heritage and has everything you could possibly want for a hotel, whether you are travelling as a couple, a family or with a group of friends.
The heart of the town is its stunning harbour, which has been in existence since Roman times, and is now peppered with tasteful bars and restaurants and is a stunning place to sit in the evening watching the sunset. If you visit Kalkan one year it will be exactly the same the next time you return as the planning restrictions are stringent and the town what to keep its pure Turkish ambience and not succumb to mass tourism, and that is a breath of fresh air in the modern world.
Italy encompasses all the factors that give romance a lustre all of its own. The country offers a lot of places for spending a memorable honeymoon though of all of them, nothing perhaps can surpass a honeymoon spent at Sardinia.
Honeymooners do love to spend time looking at serene and soft sights. Sardinia with its cobblestoned walks as well as long beaches has the right mix of view to transport the honeymooners in a dream world. What makes Sardinia even more special is that its not a much frequented place, something that would suit honeymooners craving for privacy in their journey of united ecstasy.
There is the northern coast of the island which has Costa Smeralda with its infrastructure to captivate tourists for honeymooners who prefer the exclusive set up in their travel routine. This place is frequented by celebrities today so honeymooners would have the chance of getting in close contact with such people to talk back home about.
The place is unique, for it has the presence of the old and new alongside each other. There is Cala di Volpe where this mix and match of tradition with modern set up can be very well experienced. The city overlooks the bay which for honeymooners is something that triggers their senses of the romantic kind.
While Sardinia maintains it’s out of the place serene touch, there is no dearth of facilities and features necessary for tourists. There are good hotels including private villa and guest houses that are generous in the accommodation facilities.
All these accommodation areas are close to the beach which is most favourable for the honeymooners. The variety and range of facilities that the places have on offer while maintaining their touch of rich traditions and heritage of the past is something that honeymooners will love to get associated with.
Whether travelling as a family or as a group of friends, adventure holidays are on the up and up and more and more of shun the typical summer holiday for something all the more exciting and adventurous. There are so many different types of adventure holiday available these days that whatever your own particular penchant, you will find a trip that ticks all your boxes.
For those who aren’t faint hearted, climbing holidays are increasing in popularity all the time, and one of the most thrilling is embarking on a Kilimanjaro climb. The highest free standing mountain in the world tops out at a mighty 5985m, and trekking holidays here are very much in vogue at the minute.
There are 4 routes that you can take when climbing Kilimanjaro, so there will be one to suit your abilities, and all give you unprecedented views over Kenya and Tanzania, two of the most spectacular countries in the world. The routes also offer the chance to spot wildlife, catch views of Kibbo Peak and experience numerous different kinds of eco systems during the ascent.
The Rongai route is the easiest and perfect for beginners, Marangu is the classic route with easy walking through several eco systems, Machame offers a steeper descent and is best for experienced climbers whilst Lemosho is a long, scenic route which gives the climbers more chance to acclimatise before reaching the summit. Whichever you choose you will be accompanied by expert guides who know every inch of the mountain, so you can relax in the knowledge that you are in the safest of hands at all times.
As far as group holidays are concerned, there are few better choices than an adventure break. These holidays offer everyone a real challenge and the chance of some gentle competition, as well as providing a real bonding experience as many activities involve working as a team. Whether it is a climbing expedition as previously described, or one on land or water, the choice you have will ensure not only a great time is had by all but will be one of those holidays that nobody forgets.
There are literally hundreds of itineraries to choose from, in all four corners of the globe. The wide range includes trekking, wildlife, cultural and activity orientated trips that can be tweaked and tailored to best suit the requirements of your particular group. If there is a large group of you going, you can even have a private trip with only your group involved, and this too can be tailor made to suit your needs and take into consideration varying degrees of ability.
Visiting new and exciting countries is one of the big thrills of any holiday, and it doesn’t get much better than experiencing these through an adventure holiday. Trekking in Morocco or Nepal, going on Safari in Africa or shooting the white water rapids in the Pyrenees, there really is something for everything that tick all the boxes in the world of adventure travel; exciting, unique and above all, a whole lot of fun.
Even if you have only seen photos of Devon you cannot have helped but notice how beautiful it is, but once you have visited the south west county you will be blown away by how much better it is when you actually experience it for yourself. There is so much to see and do in Devon that if you are travelling as a family you will never hear the dreaded words “I’m bored”.
The numerous resorts are a seamless blend of traditional and modern, and the stunning beaches and miles of rugged moorland make it a holiday destination you will want to keep returning too time and time again. Devon has always been popular as a tourist destination, but the recent trend for holidaying in the UK has seen it undergo a resurgence of interest, and the area is becoming more and more appealing every year.
Counties such as Devon, and neighbouring Cornwall, beg to be explored, and there is no better way of doing this by giving yourself the freedom that comes from booking a caravan on one of the many great holiday parks in Devon. There is everything you could possibly want from a holiday on these parks, from the accommodation to the activities and entertainment; no family will have anything less than a great time on a park in Devon.
If you haven’t been on any caravan holidays since you were a kid then you are in for the biggest, and nicest, surprise possible. Modern vans are spacious and comfortable with large living area, full kitchens, and modern bathrooms with showers and toilets. These mini homes even come complete with televisions and DVD players, not that you’ll want to spend much time watching either with so much to do outside.
Swimming pools, adventure playgrounds, organised sports, top quality evening entertainment, you could spend your entire holiday without ever leaving the park. This is all well and good but you are missing out on an awful lot by doing this as opposed to using the park as your base for the holiday. Nevertheless, there are thousands who do exactly that every year and come back full of stories about what a great holiday they have had.
Whilst there are parks in all areas of Devon, those on family holidays tend to favour the ones on the coast, giving them easy access to the gorgeous beaches. The parks here are of the highest quality and run by companies whose names are synonymous with top end holidays.
As well as the beaches there are numerous coves and bays to discover, many of which give a welcome from the busier beaches and are perfect for a family to spend quality time together as well as enjoying the best weather that the UK has to offer. Whichever park you choose, and whether you choose to stay on it or use it as a base, your caravan holiday in Devon will be one that neither you, nor any of your family, ever forgets.
What better this summer than to take off on the open road and enjoy some of the best routes in the world. You can even take your favorite mode of transport with you to enjoy the roads to the fullest by using uShip car transport. Why limit yourself to routes closer to you when you can enjoy the best on the planet? Make 2013 the year you explore the world behind the wheel, there are some truly amazing paths through jungle, desert, cliff top tracks and more, so here we explore five of the best. We defy you not to be tempted!
Alaska’s Seward Highway
Start in Anchorage and meander your way down this 127-mile route from sea, to mountains and back again. Enjoy the sites through the Chugach State Park with eagles soaring overhead. Travelling down bird creek you will then be able to enjoy the tremendous views Mount Alyeska has to offer. Finish this breath-taking trip in the Portage Valley, with the most amazing glaciers. If you have a camera, don’t forget it for this journey but my gosh, will you need it!
Amalfi Coast, Italy
A much more challenging road trip, this journey is not one for the faint hearted with these rumored the most difficult roads to drive, in the world. This beautiful scenic stretch of coastline has won prizes for its gorgeous views and idyllic weather. Visit some of the picturesque towns such as Amalfi itself with its seafront setting and sweet café bars, Positano and Ravello, said to the most romantic towns of all with vineyards producing some of the worlds finest wine.
Route 66
Well, we couldn’t list the best without including this one! This mammoth stretch of road runs right from Chicago to LA and runs through Springfield, Oklahoma City finishing up in the city of angels itself. Check out the deep American desert, Grand Canyon and national parks with rare breeds of animal not found anywhere else of earth. This doesn’t need much description, as it will impress on every level.
Back roads of Provence, France
Two hours from Paris you find the perfect Provence. Start your journey in Avignon and before you start enjoy the treats Christian Grienne restaurant, followed by a trip next door to the architectural beauty that is the popes palace. Roussillon could be the next stop with its striking red ocher cliffs that it perches precariously on the side of.
Big Island, Hawaii
This Island has a landscape unlike anywhere else in the US. As Hawaiian cowboy Corky Bryan once said, “The Big Island has it all”, and he’s right. Larger than all of the other Hawaiian islands combined, it is also the only one that is still volcanically active which adds a unique sense of geographical importance as well as intrigue from geologists. Aside from the volcanic elements of the island you’ll find yourself driving through jungle, farm land, the stunning coastline and the undulating surfaces caused by the centuries of volcanic activity which make the roads on the Big Island some of the most picturesque anywhere in North America.
It is difficult to express the emotions and awe that you feel when you are watching humpback whales in their natural habitat. Their regal grace, peaceful aura and tranquility are in stark contrast to their awesome size, with some reaching 36 feet in length. Making the experience one you will remember for the rest of your life.
The narrow channel found between Madagascar and Ile Marie is one of the areas where you can view humpback whales between July and September. They pass here on their way to their breeding grounds giving whale watchers a chance to come close to these humble giants. You can select from various tours that include Madagascar whale watching in their itinerary.
The Masoala National Park is another place that you can visit after you are done with your whale watching quest. Situated at the edge of the Antongil Bay, it encompasses 840 square kilometers of land, and has no discernable roads. Endemic species, ancient forests, clear and unexplored beaches are some of the features that will amaze you. The bay is a breeding ground for whales so you will see more there.
The warm waters of Sainte Marie, off the Eastern coast of Madagascar, popularly known as “Nosy Boraha”, act as a shelter for humpback whales coming in from Antarctica. You can view the whales while on land, or out at sea on a tour boat.
The tours will allow you to view other marine life apart from the humpback whales. The indo-pacific humpbacked, bottlenose, and spinner dolphins are other sea creatures that will truly amaze you, giving you an opportunity to capture this magic on camera. Tour operators will be averse to approaching the whales too closely given that this is the breeding season, but you will have an opportunity to hear their wailing, eerie calls.
A sojourn to Bolivia is one that every history lover will appreciate and culture lovers will adore. It is an awesome experience making Bolivia one of the best touring destinations in South America.
Despite the challenges that come with travelling to Bolivia, once there, any aesthete will find this land to be heavenly. Poor road condition, workers strikes, bad weather, and other factors make it a challenge to travel to Bolivia, but this should not stop you from visiting the country because you stand to experience a great holiday once you get there.
Other South American countries have their own defining features. The Amazon in brazil, the Andes in Peru, the glaciers of Chile and Argentina; but Bolivia has a combination of all of these. Touring the country will allow you to visit the Andes, Amazon, Wetlands, Pampas and Deserts.
Found on the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is famed to be the world’s most navigable lake. The lake, which is found at above 12,000 feet, boasts of deep blue waters, wide expanses of water, and has a great history and culture, which make it one of the best places to visit while in Bolivia.
Lake Titicaca is site that you do not want to miss. You can depart on one of the boats that go to the Isla del Sol, an Island full of mythical tales and resplendent ancient ruins. The tours leave the town of Copacabana, which has the largest basilicas in Bolivia.
The Bolivian Amazon tour is rapidly gaining popularity, and starts from the town of Rurrenabaque. Nowhere in the world will you find the unique microclimate that is found where the Andes slope down towards the Amazon. This tour is one of the greatest experiences that a wildlife lover can ever have and provides a greater challenge to accessing the Amazon compared to other Amazon tours.
Travel on a Maine lobster boat to watch “lobstering” up close – it’s a trip you can take too! Learn all about the northern or Maine lobster, Homarus americanus — a species of lobster which can be found at restaurants all along the New England coast — from rustic lobster shacks to some of the region’s finest restaurants. This video was filmed in Kennebunkport, Maine, on Coastal Lobster Tours with the actual lobster feasting taking place at Woodman’s of Essex, Massachusetts (north of Boston, and one of the locations for the Adam Sandler film ‘Grown Ups’).
The New England region is comprised of six very unique states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island — all easily reached through the gateway city of Boston.
CONNECTICUT
New England’s southernmost state, Connecticut, offers a rich mix of metropolitan culture and a picturesque shoreline, along with beautiful lakes and countryside. Connecticut is filled with attractions perfect for family vacations — historic Mystic Seaport with an acclaimed aquarium and science center, sandy beaches along the coast, picturesque Litchfield hillsides, fun-filled theme parks, and world-famous casinos. Inland, Connecticut is perfect for relaxation with its wine tours, sprawling parks, charming towns, and historic inns.
MAINE
Bigger than the rest of the New England states put together, the Pine Tree State is rugged and beautiful, from its rocky coastline to its mountains and wilderness, with millions of white pine trees. Visit the soft sandy beaches to the south and stay in a picturesque seaside town or village, or go inland to explore roads that wind past expansive lakes and towering peaks. And be sure to watch out for the moose!
MASSACHUSETTS
The “Bay State” has it all: beaches for swimming and scenic hiking trails, the world-class city of Boston, and photogenic villages. Its history is America’s history, from the Pilgrim Fathers to the Industrial Revolution. Then there are outstanding art collections and symphony orchestras, science museums, luxurious hotels, and some of America’s finest chefs. Plus, dozens of colleges and universities add that special ingredient: fun!
NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire is breathtaking mountains, pristine lakes and ponds, charming villages and farms, and 18 miles of coastline with popular summer beaches. The state’s White Mountains offer year-round adventure – from excellent and affordable skiing and snowboarding, to superb hiking, to a new favorite: zip lining through the tree-tops.
RHODE ISLAND
America’s smallest state offers more than its fair share of special destinations with two of the USA’s finest cities in Providence and Newport, plus great family-friendly beaches and world-famous sailing. Throw in an array of summer music festivals, top-class restaurants and award-winning vineyards, and you can see why little Rhody has a big reputation.
VERMONT
Say “Vermont” and Americans think of country roads lined with stone walls, farms with red barns, covered bridges and hamlets with old-fashioned country stores. And they think of the state’s panoramic fall foliage, which is truly something to behold. But there’s more: world famous skiing and boarding, hiking and biking in summer, and even a coastline for New England’s only inland state: the 120-mile Lake Champlain.
The small, volcanic island of Bali is a veritable tropical paradise with its turquoise waters and white sand beaches fringed with palm trees. It is the perfect holiday destination for those who want to visit somewhere that the modern world has reached but has not tainted it in any way. There is a thriving tourist industry due to this, and in some of the luxurious retreats you can actually feel as if you are the only ones there, as if you are on your own personal desert island.
These private accommodations offer the last word in luxury where you can simply lie back, relax, and forget about the rest of the world for the duration of your stay. Built with seclusion and privacy in mind, these retreats have everything you could possibly want and staff that simply seem to vanish into thin air once they have fulfilled their duties, then reappear again the next time they are needed.
They are peppered across the island and you can wake to stunning views over the ocean, or sit eating breakfast on a verandah in the mountains. For those who are used to crowded resorts and want to escape from all that should really consider Bali, as you will be lucky enough to encounter 10 people on your stay here, such is the way these resorts have been planned. The private beaches are something to behold, and it is little wonder that Bali is so popular as a honeymoon destination.
We all need to take time out and get away from it all on occasion, and Bali is one of the last places on earth where this is not only possible, but actively encouraged. There are organised tours available if you want to see more of the island, or you can hire a bike and explore it yourself, or simply spend your holiday sipping exotic cocktails beneath a palm tree and feeling more relaxed than you thought possible.
If any area in the world seems greedy in the sheer volume of fantastic beaches it offers it has to be the Algarve in Portugal. One of the best is at Praia da Rocha, and while the visitors to the town, as well as those staying in other towns flock here, the steep descent down the dozens of stone steps, and subsequent ascent, put many off having fun on the sand. Just a 5 minute drive along the coast is Praia da Vau, which has the same beach, but is completely on the flat.
The town is typical of the resorts on this stretch of coastline, small, picturesque and plenty to do for everyone. There aren’t a great many hotels, which adds to its charm as it hasn’t been over commercialised to attract visitors, and the beach front bars and restaurants are a delight. There is a good mix of cuisines in the market and while you can have an English breakfast if you want, it is well worth trying some portuguese gastronomy, and the freshly caught fish and sea food is a must.
With the beach being so accessible it gets busy but never crowded, except for in the peak of summer, and there are plenty of sun loungers and shades for hire. The beach is well serviced by a wide choice of restaurants that will serve snacks, as well as full meals, all day long, and keep you topped up with your favourite drink, be it alcoholic or soft.
From the beach at Praia da Vau you can walk in a easterly direction along to Praia da Rocha, at low tide, and to the west is another stunning beach at Praia do Alemão, which is a particular favourite with little ones who love the many rock pools and the coves to explore.
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Whether travelling as a family or as a group of friends, adventure holidays are on the up and up and more and more of shun the typical summer holiday for something all the more exciting and adventurous. There are so many different types of adventure holiday available these days that whatever your own particular penchant, you will find a trip that ticks all your boxes.