The Caymans - My Guilt Free Pleasure

After 40 years of the Civil Service, the wife and several kids, who tend to forget we’re still alive, I wanted something new. The wife and I have been on more holidays than I care to remember and there aren’t many countries we haven’t been too. Just another two weeks somewhere didn’t seem that appealing.  I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but we’ve worked hard to get where we are and now finally the mortgage is paid; the cars are free of finance and I have an imminent retirement to look forward to, I needed something new.

I was old enough to stop working, but still young enough to want to live my life, here were my options:

The Best Places to Stay in Liverpool

If you are looking for good accommodation while visiting the city of Liverpool, take a look at the following options. This guide lists five of the best places to stay in Liverpool.

Top 5 European Hiking Holidays

Thinking of taking a leisurely hiking holiday in Europe?  You’re not alone.  Europe is famous worldwide for its inspiring scenery and beautiful locations and extreme holiday destinations to visit.  Hostelling, especially, is one of the more common pastimes that travellers both young and old embark on.  However, if you’re willing to see a bit of nature in addition to the varied cityscapes across this continent, Europe also offers dozes of the best hiking trails imaginable.

Why not take a trip through a few of them and see them for yourself?  Whatever your preferences might be, you’ll find something to suit you.  Here are some highly recommend areas of interest for travellers looking to explore Europe on foot and off the beaten track.

Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy

A City Guide to Helsinki, Finland - Something For Everyone

Helsinki is a city full of glorious extremes; golden summer days that last for more than 19 hours and crisp winter air which can reach -10. However, whichever season you choose to experience in Finland you can be sure of a magical time.

The capital of Finland, Helsinki nestles deep into the southern coastline and as well as offering visitors a bustling metropolis, it also stretches across numerous bays, peninsulas and islands.  Despite being voted the World Design Capital for 2012 for its contemporary architecture, the city’s past still peers out from around every corner with neoclassical buildings and clear Byzantine-Russian heritage.

Officially the area of Helsinki covers a large part of the sea as well as land, but whether you opt for water-based activities or prefer to stay on terra firma, there is plenty to see and do. Here are some of Helsinki’s highlights.

Art and culture

Helsinki prides itself on its diverse art programme and this is never more evident than during The Helsinki Festival which takes place every August.

Five Awesome Aussie Destinations to Visit

Australia has plenty of great locations to offer for first time visitors and returning vacationers. Some of the best places include  Kakadu National Park and Ayers Rock, but there are many more locations to explore...

Broome, Australia

Located in Western Australia, Broome is an exotic mix of colors, sights and sounds. The indigo blue water of Roebuck Bay provides a mesmerizing backdrop for the pearly white sand of Cable Beach and the luminous, red seaside cliffs. This carefree, cosmopolitan city is a haven for adventurers, artists and entrepreneurs. Established as a center for pearl diving, Broome’s experienced divers once harvested the majority of the world’s mother-of-pearls. A unique optical illusion occurs in this area from March to October. On the days that follow a full moon, the nighttime glow that reflects off the mudflats appears to be an iridescent “Stairway to the Moon.” The pristine water makes Cable Beach a top destination for water enthusiasts on the quest for sun, sand and waves. In nearby Gantheaume Point, you can survey a dinosaur footprint that is millions of years old during low tides. Map

Catching the Ferry to Calais

For those living in the South of England, catching a ferry to France, either from Calais, Folkestone or Portsmouth is easy and usually an inexpensive getaway for a weekend break or holiday in the north of France.


One of the most common weekend breaks by ferry is to catch a ferry from the south coast of Dover to the northern French town of Calais.  If you have chosen this route, here are some things for you to do on your weekend away:

Calais Lighthouse

Close to the Calais ferry terminal stands the tall Calais Lighthouse.  Noticeable from distances away around town, you can enter for a €2.50 entrance fee you can climb the 271 steps for a view over the Channel and town.

Get Fantastic Deals on Cruise Holidays

Getting fantastic deals on (cruise holidays) is a gamble unless of course one is constantly on the lookout for competitive deals, or a seasoned traveller who knows the ropes or a travel agent, the expert on the job. Expert advice and services, however, do not come for free. Seasonal offers may draw a large number of eager travellers, which would make it very difficult to exactly clinch the deals on time. Best deals are usually released during the ‘Wave Season’, spanning the first two months of the New Year. Planning in advance is a must if travel plans are not flexible, however, minor changes in plans may yield surprising results as far as discounts are concerned. Here are a few tips to bag great cruise offers:

7 Of The Most Isolated Islands On Earth

In our modern times travelling around the world is easier than ever, and journeys that would once have taken several weeks or even months can now be completed in just a few hours. However, people who have a strong sense of adventure will find that there are still plenty of remote islands that are just waiting to be discovered. Many of these islands can only be reached by boat, which is part of the charm for people who enjoy sailing.

Tristan da Cunha

Is not only the most remote island in the world, it is also one of the most picturesque. The island can be found some 1,700 miles from South Africa and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Tristan da Cunha is home to just 271 people and can only be reached by boat.

3 Must See Places in Massachusetts

Located in the New England region of the U.S., Massachusetts is widely known for its annual production of cranberries, great beaches, deep routed American history and historical landmarks, and vibrant and coastal cities with rich heritage. The fourteenth most populous state, the bay state is also known for being a state of firsts: the first secondary school, first public high school, and first college in the country, Harvard.

Whether you planned a two week long vacation or are visiting Massachusetts for a mere three days, you can't miss out on these "must see" places. Each location has its own unique appeal and offers visitors many attractions to see and activities to do.

The Cape and Islands  

Popular Tourist Attractions in the Maldives

Maldives Attractions Beguile Island Visitors

Not given to superlatives or effusion, the peripatetic professionals at tripadvisor.com describe the Maldives as, “A cluster of idyllic atolls in the Indian Ocean. About 200 of the Maldives' 1200 islets are inhabited. Another 100 are private resort islands. Turquoise lagoons, underwater coral gardens, swaying palm fronds and glorious white sand beaches are the big draws of this paradise perched on the Equator.” Yes, they actually wrote “idyllic,” “glorious” and “paradise,” yet travelers reluctantly returning from the Maldives insist they understated the Maldives’ beauty and wonder by some exponent of 10. Most will say poets have yet to invent the words properly to describe these seductive, sublime masterpieces of Nature’s seascape artistry.

Channel hopping: The UK and beyond

When it comes to exploring Europe, there aren’t many better spring boards than the United Kingdom. Basing yourself here means that you are only a train, bus, ferry or plane ride away from the rest of the continent. Whether you take a trip through the channel tunnel or in the clouds, within a couple of hours you can be in another cultural hub.

So, you’ve done the Lake District, explored the highlands of Scotland and enjoyed the delights of London – what next? Well, it’s time to discover all the countries a stone’s throw from the UK. We start in France.

Most Authentic Tour Sites in Israel

The goal of every traveler to a foreign country is to see the country as it really is, not some fabricated, commercialized tour that is pricey and lacking in authenticity. When you take a trip to Israel, you want to make the most of it. That means finding sites that were not just manufactured for tourists, but finding places that are real – places that speak of the true culture, history and life of the people of Israel. While there are certainly many tourists that visit the country every year, there are places that you can go where you can see buildings, people and cities that are authentic.

Old City Jerusalem

When traveling to Israel, one of the most authentic places to visit is Old Jerusalem. While Jerusalem does have a very modern section, when you want to see things as they once were, in all of their authenticity, you need to visit this area. Old Jerusalem has great religious significance and is still very important to many Israelites. While there, you can visit the Wailing Wall, the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The place of Jesus’ crucifixion can be seen in Old Jerusalem. You will also enjoy eating the food and visiting the vendors along the Old City streets. This area of the city can easily take a day of your tour and will leave memories of a town that is full of tradition and culture.

The Top Attractions of Jamaica

Home to many luxury hotels, Jamaica is a luxurious tropical paradise filled with beautiful sights, destinations and attractions to see on holiday. From vibrant Caribbean cities to breathtaking beaches and mountains, Jamaica offers something for every holidaymaker to fall in love with. Visitors to this splendorous island are treated excellent food, gorgeous weather year round and some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful scenery as well. Here are just a few of Jamaica’s top destinations to visit while staying at one of its luxury hotels or resorts.

Kingston

The colourful capital and largest city of Jamaica, Kingston hosts fascinating museums and galleries, great restaurants, interesting historical sites and much more. The city is home to renowned museums such as the National Gallery of Jamaica, one of the top art galleries in the Caribbean, as well as the Bob Marley Museum, the People’s Museum of Craft and Technology and the Arawak Museum, an institution that exhibits artefacts and cultural relics from the indigenous Arawak people. The ruins of Port Royal, the 17th century pirate city, are also worth exploring. The ruins play host to a museum that display’s the city’s history as well as the historic ruins of Fort Charles, Fort Rocky and St. Peter’s Church. The beautiful Hope Botanical Gardens and the Hope Zoo are other must-see attractions in this vibrant city. Elsewhere in Kingston, holidaymakers will find charming galleries, quaint shops and bustling markets to explore.

How to avoid an upset stomach in India

Getting an upset stomach, colloquially known as 'Delhi Belly', while travelling in India can really spoil the experience and cause you to miss out on planned activities and opportunities.

There are some steps you can take to reduce the chance of becoming sick and make your trip safer.

Unusual Places: The Cloud Forest, Ecuador

For a truly unique experience visiting the cloud forests of Ecuador takes some beating. Whilst most people will have heard of the rain forests, a cloud forest is a tropical or subtropical evergreen expanse which is also sometimes called a 'fog forest', with both names being obvious descriptions of the effect that is caused by the frequent or semi permanent low-level cloud cover.

Cloud forests mainly differ from rain forests due to its situation on slopes instead of flat ground. This leads to faster flowing rivers and streams and also means that the sun is able to penetrate deeper inside the canopy, which is irregular due to the undulating landscape.

Shanghai at a Glance

Shanghai is the largest city in China, as well as one of the four Chinese municipalities. She is located in the mid-point of the Chinese coastline, where the Yangtze River flows into the East China Sea. Shanghai boasts China's biggest industrial base, its largest international seaport, and a vast population of 200 million.

In its old days, Shanghai was just a little township, of which the largest supporting industries were fishing and fabric. Shanghai began to show its unique coastal advantage in the beginning of the 19th century. After the signing of Nanking Treaty in 1842, Shanghai became one of the five seaports in China to open to the outside world, and thus gradually developed into a commercial center. In the 1830's, Shanghai became the most prosperous commercial center in the Asia-Pacific region, with a soaring amount of trading and commercial growth, thus gaining the nickname "Paris of the East." However, almost all foreigners left the city after the establishment of the new People's Republic of China in 1949, and Shanghai began to lose its position. 1990 was an important year for Shanghai, as the Reform and Opening policy came into power and helped Shanghai begin to re-develop into the biggest trading port in the world and the most important financial center throughout China.

Top 3 Colorado Vacation Spots

The State of Colorado derives its name from the mighty Colorado River. This outstanding region of pristine lakes and rivers and broad valleys and plains is just a few of the many attractions available to welcomed guests.

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

A popular tourist and favorite local's destination, The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve covers Saguache and Alamosa counties. This superior park consists of over 84,500 acres of natural beauty. Included in the many exciting activities offered are camping, hiking, water activities as well as horseback riding. Each activity provides guided tours as well as maps for individuals interested in enjoying their own excursion. A safe outdoor sport exclusive to the park is the unique adventure of surfing the dunes. You may ski, sled and sand board down the breathtaking sand dunes made famous by this massive park. Visitors may rent high quality equipment and enjoy the activity year round. In addition, guests to the park have an assortment of accommodation available that best suit their needs. The park is open daily and detailed lodging information as well as scheduling accommodations is available on line and by phone.

Mountain Biking Trails in Morocco for Beginners

Mountain biking is a great way to hit the trails while seeing the sights and sounds of a country but not from the traditional vantage point.  Morocco is one country where there is ample opportunity for visitors to take their love of biking and hit the trails to see the country in a new and unique way.  For some riders, however, the more advanced trails are just not something that they are able to do just yet.  For this reason, it becomes important to locate the mountain biking trails in Morocco that are perfect for newbies and beginners to the sport.  To help you on your journey toward a better biking experience and overall better trip, the following explains where you should go to get the most from your bicycling trip to Morocco.

Going against the Guidebook – Visiting Rome in August

Most travel guides to Rome advise heavily against visiting in August. The city is hot, overcrowded and noisy. Those of us constrained by school holidays however may have little choice but to visit the Italian capital in the height of summer and with a little planning it’s still possible to have a lovely and relaxed visit to the Italian capital. Indeed those visiting in the summer will be able to take in a huge range of festivals and special events running only in July and August. The key is to pace yourself, take plenty of breaks and understand that it’s not possible to see the entire city in a day (or even a week!) so decide what you want to see before you arrive.

There’s no shortage of guides to the city’s main attractions so this guide will focus on some of the city’s lesser-known attractions. Obvious the usual advice about drinking plenty of water and avoiding strenuous activity in the early afternoon when the sun is as its strongest still applies so we’ll be exploring some tips which you can use to break-up your day and unwind during the midday heat.

Swimming

From June to September central Rome plays host to a series of ‘pop-up’ swimming pools. While you won’t be doing lengths in them they are heavenly if you want to unwind in the early afternoon sun. Sadly there are no lists of Rome’s pop-up pools but if you take a quick stroll along the Tiber River in the height of summer you’ll quickly find one. There are also multiple sports clubs in the centre of Rome which offer access to their swimming pools for a fee. The Flaminia sports club in Viejo Park offers a large outdoor swimming pool which is fairly quiet on weekdays.

Holidays in Mykonos: The Essential Guide

Why Mykonos?

The biggest reason for choosing this island is probably that the people are very selective with regards to whom they target for travelling there. That is not to say it is a snobbish or elitist place to go, however there is a unique feeling of exclusivity and reward attached to travelling to the island. While tourism is the central hub of the island’s economy, Mykonos has remained relatively true to its roots, and has not become all bright lights and front like many of its nearby counterparts.

3 Of The Most Extreme Holiday Destinations

Some people like to spend their holidays relaxing at the beach, or taking a leisurely stroll around a city. Others like slightly different holidays. Extreme holidays can take many different forms, but generally involve going off the beaten path to explore new places, and to engage in adventurous activities. Some of the best extreme holiday destinations are those that represent personal and group challenges, or that stretch the boundaries of what a journey can mean in terms of cost and physical exploration. Some journeys even go beyond the Earth itself, but with the drawback of being very expensive, at least for now. From scaling Mount Everest to orbiting Earth, and descending into the deepest parts of the sea, these are some of the most extreme holiday destinations:

1 - Mount Everest

Mount Everest - Base Camp

Long a challenge for mountaineers, Mount Everest remains one of the most difficult and rewarding destinations for travellers. The highest point of the Himalayas, Everest reaches up to 8848m, and falls on the border between China and Nepal. The nearby mountains of Lhotse and Uptse provide lower climbing points. Mountaineering trips have been running up Everest for decades, with improved oxygen supplies and tools helping to make it easier to overcome natural obstacles. Many people now make the ascent after acclimatising themselves to Everest’s altitude at Base Camp. Sherpa guides assist with guided paths, and provide support for altitude sickness. Most expeditions are made in May each year before monsoon season starts.

Great New Restaurants in Charlotte

Charlotte is home to one of the world's greatest chefs, Wolf Gang Puck. In Charlotte he has opened a new pizza and bar themed restaurant that is one of city's best new restaurants. Here is more information about Wolf Gang Puck Pizza and some of the other great new restaurants in Charlotte.

Wolf Gang Puck Pizza and Bar

Things To Do In Bordeaux

The beautiful city of Bordeaux is known for its tolerant and relaxed environment. Bordeaux is the largest city in France and is sometimes referred to as “little Paris”. The city is full of tourist attractions and entertainment hotspots, it's certainly a great place for couples and families alike.

A Guide to a Newcastle Night Out

Newcastle upon Tyne has gone through rapid regeneration in recent years. From the relics of a declining coal industry, Newcastle has transformed itself into the cultural and historical hub of England’s North East. The city’s contemporary identity merges seamlessly with its industrious past, exemplified by new art galleries built in old factories and its myriad steel bridges that still dominate the cityscape.

Built on the sloping banks of the Tyne, Newcastle is a very compact city and it is easy to take in the sights without breaking into a sweat. There are various shopping, eating and drinking opportunities, not to mention discovering echoes of Newcastle’s industrious past. And, if that isn’t enough, there is still the once-in-a-lifetime experience of meeting one of the locals, the proud and incomparable Geordies. 

Family-Friendly Things to do in Dubai

Dubai is not just about insane architecture. There is quite a lot to do for the whole family that will be both memorable and fun. Sure, checking out the architecture is cool, but that's only a small part of what Dubai has to offer. You won't have to compromise for everyone to have a great time.

4x4 Desert Adventure

If you're bringing older kids, they'll have a blast on a desert safari. If you and the kids like to snowboard, you can still feel the invigoration of the sport without the snow and cold by going sand boarding instead. Hire your own four wheel drive vehicle and head to the dunes and take a thirty-minute or sixty-minute spin on a quad bike. On your tour of the desert you can stop at a camel camp, ride a camel, and get your picture taken. You can even stop and get a henna design. Enjoy some barbecue and even a belly dancing performance. 

12 Places to Dine in Sedona, AZ

Find the best places to dine in Sedona AZ, or visit us to learn more about Sedona tours and Activities.

Elote Cafe Sedona

Dahl and Diluca

Dahl and DiLuca offers fine Italian dining located conveniently off of the 89A highway. Chef Lisa Dahl has taken her award winning recipes and turned Dahl & DiLuca into a world class restaurant. Their menu is composed of refreshing and decadent antipasti, salads and soup, pasta, and grilled fare. In addition, Dahl and Diluca offers a comprehensive wine list, guaranteeing the perfect glass to go you’re your meal. Reservations are suggested. Directions

7 Great Activities at the Grand Canyon

Best Grand Canyon tours at the palm of your hand

Air and Helicopter Tours

Air and helicopter tours are the perfect way to get a priceless view of the Grand Canyon. From the air, you will be able to see the colorful and panoramic canyon like never before. It is a truly magnificent experience that is completely safe. This option is ideal if you want to sit back and relax while soaking in a breathtaking view. 

How to Choose Your Vacation Apartment

An apartment may not be the first option that comes to mind when considering where to stay while on vacation, but it can have many benefits over the common hotel experience. Tellavista.com offers a convenient, comprehensive service to effectively help you choose your perfect vacation apartment.

Tellavista allows you to set your parameters so that you can get that cozy, one bedroom eclectic apartment with a patio, or you can score a posh Manhattan apartment with plasma televisions in the bathrooms. Tellavista offers everything in between, the choice is yours!

Must try recommended Hong Kong dishes

Hong kong is a city of life and colorful. It is not only shopping city of the shopping lover but Hong kong is also a fantastic city fully of various food and one of the most attractive city in Asia confirmed by tourists around the world.

The Hong kong menu is quite similar with Chinese menu but combining the traditional Chinese dish with the West style made fabulous Hong Kong menu. With their uniqueness let see what is the most 5 recommended Hong kong menus you must try when you visit Hong kong.
     

Cart Noodle

( address : 22 Mandarin plaza East   (TSIM SHA TSUI)
Although there are currently no noodles are made from the cart. This style of the noodles are still remain to be seen. It is adapted from a wheelchair to sit and eat to be the air condition's restaurant. Customer can decide what type of noodle they want. What is the topping they require such as (pig)blood cube, kale, radish, fish ball, etc which will increase the number of balls/topping put into the dish. Nowadays there also have other modified menu item like Tom yum noodle.