Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts

Friday, 30 December 2011

A Botswana Safari Holiday - See the Greatest Wildlife Sanctuary on Earth

Botswana is bordered by Namibia to the west and north and Zimbabwe to the northeast. The most magnificent feature about Botswana is the Okavango Delta which is a lush beautiful oasis which lies right in the midst of this sun-baked, arid land and is considered to be the greatest wildlife sanctuary on the face of the earth.

On a Botswana safari holiday, looking down from above the Okavango Delta you would see a mosaic of water-lily lagoons, beautiful clear waterways, lakes, hidden channels, lush green islands and islets of various sizes. The waters, open grasslands and forest glades are teeming with many varieties of wildlife including over 400 species of birds and over 70 species of fish. The Delta is a permanent and seasonal home to an estimated 200,000 species of large mammals such as the African bush elephant, African buffalo, hippopotamus, giraffe, lion, cheetah, blue wildebeest, black rhinoceros, white rhinoceros, warthog, zebra, cheetah, spotted hyena, endangered African wild dog and many more. The lechwe antelope abundantly populates the Delta in numbers exceeding 60,000.

Beautiful accommodations from very modest and simple to the most luxurious camps and lodges await you in this unique and mystical place where you can find many different tours and safaris which cater to many different budgets and will provide you with an experience of a lifetime. Adventure filled activities such as game drives, bush walks tracking big game on foot, poled rides on a mokoro (dugout canoe) through lagoons crammed with hippos, relaxing fishing excursions and much more will give you an up close and personal view of this spectacular ecosystem and safari paradise.

Botswana is not a self-guided destination as you will need experienced guides due to the raw natural surroundings and the hundreds of wild animals that grace this land. Big game safaris can be short intensive safari experiences or much longer slow-paced safaris. During your Botswana Safari holiday you won't want to miss an Elephant Encounter. Chobe National Park, located in northwest Botswana, contains the hugest population of Kalahari elephants. This is an incredible place to witness first hand how remarkable these creatures truly are. In addition to the Delta you won't want to miss all of the other magnificent features that Botswana offers such as the Moremi Game Reserve, Kalahari Desert, and one of the most important wetland sites in Africa, the Makgadikgadi.

In addition to spectacular sightseeing, shopping in Botswana offers handcrafted jewellery, textiles, woodcarvings and baskets. Villages in the Okavango Delta are famous for their Ngamiland-style baskets. Modern bushman art and ostrich-eggshell jewellery is also popular among tourists.

A Botswana Safari holiday will provide you with the greatest experience imaginable. Just seeing this wildlife sanctuary in all of its raw beauty and the magnificence of its inhabitants will give you an adventure that you will talk about for years to come and want to share with family and friends. You will love the Botswana Safari holiday so much that it's almost certain you will want to come back again.

Elliott Fraser is passionate about adventure travel tours and writes about the most fascinating and exotic locations to visit around the globe at activetravellers.com. Assimilating local travel information to help visitors find and choose the adventure travel tours that will exceed their expectations, he provides a priceless resource for active travellers of all ages. So whether you are booking your first adventure or you're a season adventure travel junkie, great information and insightful recommendations can really help you plan a trip. To learn more about Botswana or to book your Botswana safari holiday visit http://www.activetravellers.com/


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Wednesday, 21 December 2011

Travel Agent Vs Planning Your Own Holiday: What's the Better Option?

Nowadays, more and more travellers turn to the internet when planning for holidays. Anyone browsing the World Wide Web will find lots of online portals offering amazing deals such as cheap flights and budget-friendly accommodation. But while the internet provides a vast range of ideas for holidays, planning a trip on your own can be a long drawn out process. The question is: Can you manage to iron out travel arrangements yourself? If not, then you might need the services of a travel agent.

Saving Time

Unless you have the whole year to plan for the perfect holiday, a travel agent can work things out in a short span of time without the hassles on your part. Use your time wisely by hiring a travel agent who will plan your travel for you. With the endless travel options you will see online, it can be quiet time consuming to browse through them before you decide for a particular deal. Flights, accommodation, attractions and leisure are just few of the endless things you need to arrange separately.

Saving Money

There's no denying the fact that the convenience offered by travel agents come with a price. However, you have to keep in mind that these agents are professionals who have access to travel agencies enabling them to get the cheapest deals for you. Your agent can help you get cheap flights, discounted tickets, and even come up with a list of budget hotels for you. Having this mentioned, holiday trips can be more expensive without the help of travel agents.

Local Knowledge

Travel agents are equipped with first hand information about various attractions in a particular destination. Your agent can counsel you about the culture, the best accommodation facility, food, local routes and mode of transportation, the weather and the activities on your potential holiday destination.

Help with Interruptions

Travel holidays are not always perfect. In case something goes wrong on your trip, your travel agent can help you navigate through the mishaps easily and make things right for you. Keep in mind that most online booking sites have terms and conditions related to your purchase. If you are not careful, you might find yourself stuck in the middle of the trip and headed nowhere.

Although online travel booking is very accessible in just few clicks, it can turn out to be an error-full process if you are not careful. For your long-awaited holiday trip, a travel agent can ensure you of a flawless and pocket-friendly excursion to your destination!

If you are dreaming of Gold Coast holidays and staying in one of the best Gold Coast hotels, we certainly have the best for you. Visit our website and see for yourself!


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Monday, 19 December 2011

Torquay Is a Great Holiday Destination

A holiday in the UK is a great way to get to see some parts of the country that you have not yet explored. What better way to go and see some great attractions than a self catering holiday break? This will allow you will be able to decide when you eat, what you see and what you do. Why stay with a structured holiday plan when you spend the rest of the year following schedules and calendars? After all a holiday should be a break away from everyday life.

One great holiday destination is Torquay, which is located on the English Rivera in Devon. This is a popular destination for many people in the UK and is a location that will bring people back time and time again. Torquay has a great deal to do for anyone who visits. Whether you are a family or a couple looking for a romantic getaway Torquay is the destination for you. Families will discover a whole host of things to see and do while you are visiting, which will keep the children entertained.

One great attraction is Living Coasts down at Torquay Harbour. This is a great chance to see penguins and sea lions in a replica of their natural environment. All of the creatures here are well looked after and well fed and the attraction offers you the chance to see the animals being fed. You will also learn a thing or two from the living coasts talks that will discuss the creatures and their lifestyle as well as their eating habits.

If you want something a little more historic then why not visit Kents Cavern? This is your chance to explore some of the oldest caves in the UK. You will learn how the caves have evolved over the years and how rare and important these caves really are. There is a wonderful little gift shop as well if you do decide to buy yourself a caveman toy.

Perhaps neither of these things are for you, but don't worry. Why not try Babbacombe Model Village? This is a wonderful little village that has all been made in miniature. This is a great opportunity to explore some small villages, towns and wonderful landscapes. There is even the chance to play where's Wally, which will help keep the children entertained.

That should provide you with three great things to explore in Torquay while you are down on your holidays. Feel free to check each individual website for more information.


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Friday, 16 December 2011

The Variety of Morocco Tours! Six Different Destinations and Holiday Activities

Morocco is home to an impressive combination of attractions, accommodations, activities and excursions that are available to all its guests. Holidays in Morocco give you the ultimate choice between sun, sea, desert and sandy beaches or culture and sightseeing. It will also allow you to experience the real Morocco and visit areas you might not normally encounter whilst on holiday.

Below are six types of Morocco tours and Excursion activities you can enjoy upon your Morocco holidays:

1) 4x4 Morocco Desert tours - a trip to Mama Africa

Everybody will surely feel excited about the thought of taking a Morocco desert tour as there are many sightseeing to discover and activities you will not find nowhere but Morocco.

A Morocco desert tour is basically a trip into the depth of the southeast part of Morocco on a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser. This exciting trip begins with the tour operators 4x4 vehicle picking you up from your riad/hotel in Marrakech, Fes or Ouarzazate and taking you to one the two desert destinations of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga and Erg Chigaga in Mhamid.

The desert tour packages of the companies comprises of camel trekking in the high sand dunes while sunset, quad or dune buggy, a night full of drumming, singing, dancing to the rhythms of Berber nomad people and especially un unforgettable traditional dinner and overnight at a desert campsite (bivouac) or at an authentic Kasbah hotel on the edge of the high sand dunes.

*The desert camp (bivouac) is a fully functional tourist structure with all modern amenities including wash rooms, electricity... etc

2) Imperial cities - discover the authentic Morocco

The Imperial Cities of Morocco are the old capitals of Morocco. These cities were once the seats of kings and dynasties which once ruled over the Kingdom of Morocco. Those cities are Rabat, Meknes, Fez, and Marrakech. Fez and Marrakesh are most arguably the best Imperial Cities. In Fez, be sure to take a tour of the medina (walled city), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is made up of over 9,000 alleys, streets, and dead-ends.

3) Excursion Marrakech

Marrakech or 'Red City' was once the entrepot for goods (gold, ivory, slaves...) brought by caravan across the Sahara Desert. It is Morocco's tourist hub, as well as a must-visit destination for Morocco travelers who want to experience a unique and fun-filled travel escapade.

A Marrakech tour will certainly provide you with countless unforgettable memories. Hire a certified guide (avoid fake ones) for a day tour around the city's major sites, like:

- The iconic Koutoubia mosque and minaret that was built in the 12 century

- The spectacular Jamaa El Fna Square. A unique and open stage where onlookers gather round groups of acrobats, musicians, dancers, storytellers, comedians and fairground acts.

Other interesting sites are the stunning Badi and El Bahia Palaces, the Saadian Tombs in the Kasbah, the Dar Si Sad Museum, exotic Majorelle Gardens, the Palmery and much more of sites, attractions and activities this mysterious city, where tradition, modernity, magic and charm will take you to a unique and extraordinary world.

4) Relax on Coastal destinations

After soaking up the desert, the history and culture, you will want to relax and indulge yourself, and thankfully Morocco tours provide ample opportunities to do just that, with some of the region's most attractive and modern coastal destinations, such as the windy city of Essaouira, fabulous Agadir and the luxury resort beach of Mazagane.

Essaouira: the harbour town of Essaouira is a World UNESCO preserved Medina, where you can experience

some great water sports like kite sailing and windsurfing along its broad sandy beach. It can be a little windy, but when the sun is at its hottest a little breeze is more than welcome, you can also try some horse riding, camel riding along this very clean beach or assist to its very famous Gnaoua music festival.

Agadir: known for its fabulous bay and yearlong warm weather. An impressive 8 km long sandy beach that stretches for as long as your eyes can see. Besides the beauty of its beach and the quality of its hotels, the city has also all sorts of facilities and infrastructures to guarantee you'll have maximum fun during your Agadir holidays.

Mazagane resort beach: A perfect destination for your Morocco holiday. a truly unique luxury beach resort set in a stunning coastal location on the Atlantic ocean near El Jadida, and less than an hour drive south of Casablanca (the economic capital of Morocco).

This luxury resort offers a variety of entertainment and facilities; golf course, swimming pool, seafood restaurants, three bars, casino and Sanctuary nightclub...

5) Tangier the pearl of the Mediterranean sea:

For those looking to enter Morocco from Europe, Tangiers is an excellent option. Only 8 miles across the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangiers is a quick ferry ride. A tour in Tangier has great attractions and things to offer:

The Grand Socco: the main market square in Tangier which long gone since the 1970's.

The Mendoubia Gardens: luxurious gardens which offer a welcome shade from the midday afternoon sun and boast a fascinating banyan tree that's over 800 years old!

St Andrews Church: English church, of the Anglican denomination, was built in the 19th century and featured by a combination of the traditional Moroccan decoration style and the English country churchyard.

Contemporary Art Museum: showcase the work of well-known contemporary Moroccan artists.

Old American Legation: An old American ambassadorial residence of the newly independent United States, in 1777.

Tangier is also known for its festivals Tanjazz; an international Jazz festival that brings in people from all over the world.

You can also consider a side excursion from Tangier to: Asilah, Tetouan, Chefchaouen and Saidia beach resort on the Mediterranean sea.

6) Trekking Atlas mountains:

Outside of Marrakesh is one of Morocco's most alluring spots, the High Atlas Mountains. Either on foot, by mule or on the back of a horse, High Atlas is a great place to consider a day or multi-day trekking excursion. The High Atlas offer something for everyone: breathtaking landscapes and views of Berber villages, great walks in the summer, back country hiking and skiing in the winter, and peaks that surpass 4,000 meters (14,000 ft above sea level).

With all this and more to do on your Morocco tours, you can be sure it will remain one of the best holiday experiences of your life.

Younes Farhat is a SEO agent and a co-founder of ITourMorocco, a local Morocco travel agency specialists in tailor made Morocco Tours, Morocco excursions and trekking in Morocco arrangements. Thanks for taking the time to read my article and be sure to watch out for more of my articles as I'm writing on Ezinearticles and have some great topics about Morocco travels coming soon.


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Sunday, 11 December 2011

Belize, More Than Just a Exotic Beach Holiday Destination

Belize a hidden pearl in Central America is a lush exotic paradise with waving palm trees, beautiful white sand beaches, a Caribbean vibe and a coast littered with many tropical islands. This is the destination that the few people who are aware of Belize, have pictured in their mind. In Belize there is definitely much more to explore. Belize is home to unspoiled Jungles filled with wildlife, enormous Mayan pyramids and one the most famous diving spots in the world The Great Blue Hole, a favourite diving spot of the famed Jacques Cousteau!

Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize became a fully independent nation in 1981 and is Central America's only English speaking country. Being able to communicate in English to practically everyone in the country is very convenient. Although it should be said that anyone who prefers to speak Spanish, will have no problems to get around. Especially in the Northern part of Belize you might have an easier time to get around knowing the Spanish language.

Being on of the smallest countries in this world, Belize is not as well known as some Central American destinations as for example Costa Rica. Belize is about halve the size of the Netherlands and slightly larger than the State of New Jersey. Surprisingly it is also one of the least populated countries of this world. With only three hundred thousand Inhabitants it is no wonder that Belize has stayed fairly unknown and unspoiled.

Belize is a multicultural rich nation with friendly people and a strong Caribbean vibe. It is a great destination for a nice relaxing holiday where you can relax on the beach, have a drink, enjoy the sunshine and take it easy! However Belize is not just a destination for the rich, enjoying luxurious exotic beach holidays. Even more it is a paradise for wildlife lovers and adventure junkies who are on a tight budget. Rafting, Kayaking, Zip lining through the jungle canopy, expeditions deep in to the wild, diving with sharks and exciting island survivals for those who are looking for something really different.

Belize's real beauty and excitement can be found further in land where most of the country is still covered by virgin jungle as far as they eye can see. Here remainders can be found of the ancient Mayan Empire. Rnormous pyramids surrounded by rainforest who over time have overtaken these lost cities. It is also here where you can venture in the jungle not seeing another soul for days where Jaguars, Tapirs, Peccary, Howler Monkeys, Morelet's Crocodiles and Macaws still thrive in good numbers.

Some call it the green hell but for the real adventurers and wildlife lovers it is a true paradise where you can wake up in your hammock under the jungle canopy opening your eyes and ears to an awaking world of roaring howler monkeys, over flying squawking Macaws and beautiful serenades of hundreds of tropical birds

Unfortunately not all is perfect in paradise and the beauty of Belize is threatened by loggers and poachers which have a serious impact on the environment and wildlife. Luckily there are many opportunities to join expeditions and volunteer abroad projects. These trips often go deep in to the jungle with the main goal to give the environment a sustainable financial value through responsible eco tourism and volunteerism. For locals the income through travels and volunteers is often the only alternative to the short term gain of logging and poaching.

For those who prefer the blue and underwater wildlife Belize will definitely not disappoint. By many acclaimed to be one of the best diving spots in the world, Belize houses one of world's largest intact coral reef systems. Second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, it is a divers paradise. With famous diving spots as the Great Blue hole, diving in Belize is an adventure not to be missed and a great destination to get padi scuba diving certifications.

For those who would like to do more than just observing the local marine wildlife there are many opportunities to help with the marine conservation of turtles, manatees and coral reefs systems.

One very different adventure trip Belize has to offer is the unique opportunity to join a ten day island survival experience. Participants first get extensively trained for days in the art of island survival. Following the training under supervision of professionals a helicopter evacuation is simulated at sea. After the simulated crash the participants swim to a nearby deserted island with the goal to survive with whatever means the island and surrounding sea provides.

Whether it is a luxurious beach holiday, a adventure trip or a volunteer experience Belize is country that should not be missed. It is a destination that has something to offer for everyone. For a country the size of Belize a responsible approach to travel is of outmost importance and key point to keep in mind for both the tourist and tour operator so that the unique blend of Belize can be preserved.

Patrick van de Velde (Founder of FRONTEERING TRAVEL SERVICES INC.) has had a passion for wildlife, travel and adventure since the day he could walk. Having travelled all over the world, he decided in 2006 to move to the suburbs Vancouver Canada.

A adventurer by heart he started up a volunteer experience program in some of the remote areas of Canada. His mission; to give opportunity to those who would like to volunteer with wildlife or like to help out indigenous communities. As part of his vision FRONTEERING aims to arrange volunteer abroad and adventure travel experiences in places less visited and unspoiled.

Having expanded to Guyana, The USA, Belize, Brazil and soon to Peru Fronteering's projects help with good causes in some of the last frontiers. Places where the need is greater, where there is more to lose and much more to gain if these last frontiers are sustained. To view our Fronteering volunteer opportunities and adenture trips visit: http://www.fronteering.com/

Join one of our Fronteering Volunteer Abroad projects and visit these last frontiers while they are yet unspoiled and hopefully through our combined efforts we can keep it that way!


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