by ·Comments Off on Tobago – the Caribbean island that has it all

The small but exquisitely stunning island of Tobago is well-known for its pristine coastline, transparently clear waters and coral reefs. For those with a keen interest in diving and snorkelling, there are plenty of spots on the island’s Buccoo Reef to appreciate the beauty of aquatic life undersea. If you prefer to watch the sealife in a more relaxing way, then there are many operators running tours from glass-bottomed boats allowing you to see the wonders of life underwater through glass instead.

For bird watchers, Tobago is a paradise of more than 200 unique bird species and the inland rainforest is wonderful for hikers and adventurers. Follow the steep hiking path through the jungle which leads to the terraced pools of the beautiful Argyll Falls.

Golfers will find stunning, landscaped courses at Mount Irvine Bay and Tobago Plantations and, of course, Tobago’s beaches are a haven for watersports, including kayaking and wind-surfing. After a day or afternoon relaxing on the beach, you can then try the Creole and Caribbean specialities served up in many of the beach side restaurants and bars.

If you need a break from the beaches, then spend a day touring the island’s ancient forts or wander around the quaint fishing villages of Castara or Scarborough.

If you are searching for party scenes and really vibrant night-life, then you could take a boat to Trinidad 25 miles away, but you probably won’t want to – happy to enjoy the beauty of Tobago instead.

by ·Comments Off on Staying in a traditional African rondawel

If you are keen to stay at one of the safari camps within the confines of Kruger National Park, then you may want to consider staying in a rondawel at Satara Camp. A rondawel is the name for the traditional circular hut with a sloping thatched roof which can be found throughout Africa. At Satara Camp, it’s possible to stay in one of these for a very reasonable price, making a safari holiday an affordable option for many holiday makers on more modest budgets.

The rondawels are arranged around the edge of large circles with a green, open area in the middle. Each rondawel has an open-air kitchen area with a small table and chairs and basic kitchen equipment including a hob, microwave and sink plus cutlery, crockery and other utensils. The fridge-freezer is located in an airy, but lockable, cupboard in order to discourage raids from monkeys and honey badgers! The bedroom and bathroom areas are located inside the rondawel and all have air conditioning.  Everything is simply furnished and the huts are clean and comfortable and have an old-fashioned charm which cannot fail to please.

by ·Comments Off on Camping on the continent

Traveling abroad with a young family in tow is never the cheapest holiday option but, in order to save money, you could consider a camping holiday. If you are already sighing and imagining the car packed full of pots and pans, bedding and tent plus two boxes of favourite foods and hot, grumpy children squashed amongst the suitcases, then do consider staying on a site where the tents are already erected and the equipment is already supplied.

There are several companies operating from the UK which offer these sorts of holidays in a number of European countries. Some have tents set up on large bustling sites with children’s clubs, games rooms, bars and restaurants, food outlets and even a swimming pool. Other sites are smaller and more intimate and are often located away from large tourist resorts at riverside locations or in mountainous areas. If you are able to travel outside of the school holidays, then you can really pick up a bargain, often with good deals such as paying for two weeks and staying a third week for free.

by ·Comments Off on Holiday Accommodation: Advantages of hiring a cottage

If you are considering going away for a few days with a large group of people, whether it is family, friends or 2 or 3 families together, then the ideal holiday accommodation may be a country cottage or house by the sea. There are plenty of companies which offer holiday accommodation from cosy one-bedroomed apartments for couples to rambling country houses which can sleep 12 or more.

A large country property can provide the perfect accommodation for large groups holidaying together and is usually much more preferable to booking a number of rooms in a hotel. Many rental properties are very well-equipped with full kitchen facilities, use of a garden, often with a patio area complete with barbecue, bedrooms to sleep everyone comfortably and plenty of living space for guests to watch TV, play games, entertain the children or simply to rest and relax in. If the property is detached, then you don’t need to worry so much about keeping the noise down and disturbing the neighbours. Many rental properties may also allow one or two dogs. A lot of places are happy for guests to really make themselves at home and the best places to rent may even have the use of bicycles in the garage, or have a stock of wood for an open fire or supply a selection of board games or allow guests to use the outdoor jacuzzi or hot tub.

by ·Comments Off on Recommended short city breaks: Madrid

Accessible from various UK based airports, with national air carriers and the budget airlines, Madrid is a 2 and a quarter hour flight away from London and is the perfect location for a short break.

The city is quite compact with good bus and underground networks. However, if you like walking, you will find a lot of the sights within close proximity to one another.

The Royal Palace is well worth a visit with its beautiful ornate, state rooms and painted ceilings. After a morning visit to the Palace, you can wander along to the busy undercover Mercado de San Miguel and make the most of sampling fresh seafood, crusty breads, olives and delicious pastries for lunch. Madrid’s main square, the vast Plaza Mayor is a few streets away from the the food market. You can walk around the large square, looking in the shops and then enjoy afternoon coffee at one of the many cafes.

If the weather is nice, then the Botanical Gardens and the nearby Retiro Park are lovely places for rest and relaxation. You can hire a boat on the lake or take a wander along the paths to the lovely Crystal Palace situated in the park. Not too far away, is the world famous Prado Museum, which has one of the best collections of European art.

For football lovers, Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium is a metro ride from Central Madrid. When you have have had enough of sightseeing, then it is time to make the most of the many cafes, restaurants and tapas bars and sample some Spanish cuisine and enjoy a glass or two of Spanish wine.