Showing posts with label Visit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Visit. Show all posts

Thursday, 10 May 2012

Visit Hayle In Cornwall

The small town of Hayle is nestled in the crescent of St. Ives Bay. While the northern Cornish coastline is characterised by mostly rugged and dramatic cliffs, this small bay of golden beach makes for a charming surprise. The entire beach is safe for bathing and is popular amongst all sorts of holidaymakers, from families to surfers. Following are some tourist attractions that lie in and around Hayle.

Hayle is located at the base of the crescent, where the river Hayle meets the sea. The river cuts through sand dunes known as towans, to form a tidal estuary where it meets the bay. This south-western most estuary in the UK is special in that it never freezes, not even in the winter. It is a haven for a number of migratory birds and animals, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds maintains a nature reserve at the site, which is open at all times during the year.

This patch of dunes and marshland is an internationally significant conservation area, and is home to a number of annual as well as seasonal bird and animal species. The sand dunes rise up sharply from the beach, so you can get some of the most spectacular views of the bay from here. The Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary situated here has a tropical plant garden, and also has a number of family friendly activities such as a play centre and a 'fun farm' for kids.

St. Ives bay is one of the most visited British holiday resorts, so Hayle has a wide selection of accommodation for tourists. From hotels of all sizes to self catering cottages and flats, it is all here. Guesthouses and hostels are available too. Camping and caravan resorts are also a popular option among tourists. In recent years, St. Ives has seen an explosion of restaurants and cafes serving both traditional and modern cuisine.

There are a number of attractions that can be easily reached from Hayle. The charming town of St. Ives is just a few minutes away. Visit the Tate-St. Ives, an internationally famous gallery specialising in contemporary British and international art. It is home to famous works by artists like Derek Jarmen and Damien Hirst.

Also nearby, towards the northeast is the coastal village of Gwinthian. Gwinthian has a surfing beach and is a popular camping site. Another family attraction near Hayle is the historical island known as St. Michael's Mount. The island is steeped in history with an old abbey and a medieval castle.

A few miles inland to the southwest of Hayle lies the ancient village of Chysauster. This Iron Age settlement is thought to have been occupied 2000 to 3000 years ago. It is an amazing site comprising of 8 stone walled 'homesteads', each consisting of a central open courtyard and surrounding thatched rooms. The houses line the ancient village street, which can safely be called oldest high street in the UK! This captivating site is also home to a number of unusual species of birds and wildflowers.

St IvesThe contributor writes articles on issues relating to travel and leisure. From more information, please visit these important resources St Ives Cornwall and St Ives


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Wednesday, 14 December 2011

The Best Reasons to Visit Kenya, Africa

Kenya is a land of many things. This country is very cosmopolitan and has something for almost everyone. From some of the most modern and swanky shopping arenas in the world to the best wildlife reserves- Kenya has it all. It also has a rich cultural and historical background. Given the diversity of this country, it is easy to miss out on the top natural attractions. However, this article will ensure that you do not.

1. Lake Tukana

The first place on your list should be Lake Tukana. This is a must-visit for those who want to enjoy the wilderness of the country. It is the best known lake in the Northern Rift Valley and is one of Kenya's most visited tourist attractions in the country. The most amazing thing about this water body is that its color changes with the wind. This means that every time the speed and direction of the wind changes, the water becomes a different color! The Lake is also known for its crocodile sightings and is best visited in the month of July.

2. Malindi and Watamu

The small town of Malindi is one of the most beautiful places in Kenya. It is a coastal town and hence consists of beautiful beaches that create the perfect setting for an idyllic beach holiday. The famous Marine Park here is one of the best locations for snorkeling, parasailing and other water sports. Watamu is situated to the south of Malindi. This little place is known for its lagoons, mainly, the Turtle Bay and the Blue Lagoon. Just like Malindi, Watamu is also known for its water activities. The adventurous ones can engage in sailing, dolphin watching, sailing, sunbathing, diving etc. A cultural site that is very close to this place is Gedi, which was once an important destination in the Swahili Kingdom.

3. Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya is the second largest mountain in Africa and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kenya. It is very easy to reach both its peak, the Batian and Nelion. It is a very picturesque location surrounded pristine forests, hard rocks and snow. It is an ideal location for camping with nice, comfortable cottages nestled right between the mountains. This mountain also houses some rare species of animals. The best time to visit this mountain is between January-February and July-October.

Kenya is a country that is blessed with outstanding natural resources. However, in the short span of your vacation, the correct planning can help you get the best out of a country.

Before you go overseas, you may want to check out trip cancellation insurance. We can also help with travel insurance over 65.


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Thursday, 8 December 2011

4 Museums to Visit in Grenoble

In a city as cultural as Grenoble, it is no surprise that you are going to find a large number of museums here. When planning your Grenoble airport transfers, you may want to consider which attractions you are going to visit during your time in the city, and, if you're an art and history buff these museums may well feature on the list. Here are a few of the best to try and visit when you arrive in Grenoble.

1. Musée de Grenoble

The Musée de Grenoble is the art museum of the city, and it is well worth a visit even if you're just passing through on your Grenoble airport transfers. If you enjoy admiring beautiful works of art then you will find plenty to keep you occupied here. It contains a large collection of modern art, and amongst its impressive collection you will find a number of paintings by Picasso, Andy Warhol, Matisse and others.

2. The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is the place to go to discover all about the wildlife and geology of this region of France, and you will also find an aquarium here. The museum is located at 1 rue Dolomieu and is open every day - although it may be closed for holidays so make sure you find out before you go to avoid disappointment.

3. Musée de L'Ancien Eveché

This museum is located in the former palace of the bishop, and is a fascinating place. You will find many artworks and artefacts regarding the history of the region, dating back to prehistoric times. There is also a fascinating crypt located underneath the museum, and you should make sure you check out the Roman walls during your visit as well.

4. Museum of Resistance and Deportation

If you are interested in France's role during World War II then this museum should definitely be on your list of places to visit after your Grenoble airport transfers have dropped you to your hotel. Here you will discover all about the resistance efforts of the French during the war, providing details of a fascinating and important story in the history of France.

Enjoy the Cultural Side of Grenoble

Grenoble is not just a beautiful city, but a cultural one as well. When you are planning your Grenoble airport transfers, make sure that you spend a bit of time thinking about which museums you'd like to visit and allow plenty of time. There are so many museums here that you may not be able to see them all, but if you can see just a few of the ones above then you will have covered some of the more important ones.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct's Grenoble airport transfers route to the city and hotels in the region. Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don't miss your car on your holiday abroad.


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Tuesday, 6 December 2011

The Best Reasons to Visit China - The Natural Wonders

The geographically diverse China is home to the countless and splendid natural wonders. Blessed by different facets of nature, the country promises an unforgettable journey for the avid nature admirers. Exploration of sacred mountains, rivers, lakes, caves and waterfalls is facilitated by the guided tours and the enthusiasm of tourists to intermingle with the fascinating natural beauty. Get to know China's most popular natural wonders that are worth visiting once a lifetime.

Changbai Mountain with Ever-White Glory
Formed from pumice stones, the Changbai Mountain in the Jinlin Province enthralls with its white beauty. The month of August is the best time to visit this mountain which is accessible by bus and train. Changbai Natural Reserve in the area provides the opportunity to explore animal species like Siberian tigers and bears. Longwanqun National Forest Park, which accommodates a number of volcanic crater lakes, is another attraction of this place.

Li River with a Long Scenic Stretch
Part of a number of scroll paintings, the Li River stretch in Xing'an County is world-famous for its scenic stretch extended beyond 100 km. Be it the Mountain of Splendid Hues that feature beautiful colored rock layers or Reed-Flute Rock, an amazing limestone cave, the place is full of natural wonders. Elephant-Trunk Hill, Yellow Cloth Beach and many other attractions greet the visitors who can also participate in rafting, cruising and hiking adventures.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Jiuzhai Valley
The acclaimed Jiuzhai Valley located in Sichuan Province near the Tibetan Himalayan Plateau is no less than a nature's treasure box. Multilevel waterfalls and more than 100 gorgeous calcium carbonate lakes form the essence of this valley. The lakes in particular offer irresistible beauty due to their blue, turquoise and green appearance. Spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and snow-covered peaks are completely breathtaking.

Hukou Waterfall with Mysterious Stones
One of the most amazing natural wonders of China is the Hukou Waterfall. Formed by the Yellow River, it is the only waterfall on the planet with yellow water. It is truly captivating to watch the powerful rush of water. A mysterious stone, locally called guishi, can be seen shining below the waterfall. The rainbow formed by the mist of the rushing water adds worth to this mesmerizing site.

Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon - The Longest and the Deepest
Also known as Tsangpo Canyon, the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon is the longest and the deepest canyon in the world. The snow-capped mountains form the gripping sites for the visitors. The mysterious and spiritual appeal of this canyon makes it even more wonderful. Dense forest areas, rushing torrents and diverse ecological system adorn the area and make it a unique marvel of the planet.

Huangshan - The Subject of Photography, Painting and Literature
Popularly referred to as the Yellow Mountain, Huangshan is worth mentioning in the list of China's top natural wonders. Sunset views and the spellbinding sights of floating clouds define the beauty of this mountain range. Painters and poets since ages have been appreciating the beauty of the granite peaks and lush green beauty of pine and cypress trees. Photographers are simply attracted to capture the unadulterated beauty of Yellow Mountain.

The presence of such natural wonders authenticates the status of China for being the land of mysteries and surprises. Visiting any of these sites can be a fulfilling experience that will remain fresh in your mind forever.

Before you go overseas, you may want to check out trip cancellation insurance. We can also help with travel insurance over 65.


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Monday, 5 December 2011

Beaches to Visit on a Luxury Safari in Africa

Exotic Beaches to see on a Luxury Safari Holiday

A luxury safari holiday in Africa not only brings with it the chance to see an incredible variety of wildlife but plenty of beautiful beach scenery too. Every year Africa's pristine sandy beaches attract thousands of visitors who combine a safari in the African bush with a relaxing exotic beach location. The most popular beach destinations are along the east coast with the Indian Ocean in the countries of Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania. Along the east coast of Africa from northern Kenya down to the South African coast there are miles of beaches and the waters of the Indian Ocean are perfect for enjoying all sorts of water sport activities like diving, kayaking or deep sea fishing. Of course you can just choose to relax with a cold drink on a lounger and enjoy the views. Honeymooners and families choose to combine the thrill of a safari with some relaxation on a tropical beach and you can also choose to do both during your trip.

Zanzibar

A visit to Zanzibar makes an idyllic beach holiday with white sands, crystal clear waters and coconut palms. Most people come here to relax on the beaches or enjoy one of the many water sports available. Zanzibar is the ideal place to end up after a luxury safari in Tanzania or Kenya as it is only an hour away by air. Commonly referred to as the Spice Island of Africa, Zanzibar has a mix of cultural influences through its trading history including Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, Arabic, Egyptian and British. The Old Stone Town is one of the best places to visit in Zanzibar. Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a fascinating place full of character and history with finely decorated buildings of carved wood and brass fittings. The best way to explore the town is on foot winding through the maze alleyways, cathedrals and mosques. The vivid market in the town is filled with spices, fabrics, jewellery and art, perfect for souvenirs.

Luxury Safari Honeymoons and Beaches

Many newlyweds choose to book a luxury safari in Africa for their honeymoon. Couples can enjoy time on safari and experience close up encounters with wildlife in their natural habitats as well as seeing African culture at its best. Then, it's off to a romantic beach hideaway where there are a number of luxurious lodges and exclusive camps for candlelit dinners and special spa treatments. The Seychelles is the perfect location for an unforgettable honeymoon experience with an array of breath-taking beaches and miles of turquoise waters. The paradise island of Mauritius is another honeymoon favourite boasting magnificent scenery, palm fringed beaches and stylish five star resort hotels. Whether you prefer a cultural and wildlife experience, a relaxing beach holiday, or both, your luxury safari organiser will have plenty of experience putting together the perfect honeymoon package to suit you.


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