by ·Comments Off on Visiting the Paradise Island of Sri Lanka

If you like tropical weather, beautiful scenery and an abundance of wildlife all rolled up in one holiday then you can’t go far wrong with a visit to Sri Lanka.  Located a mere 30 kilometres distant from mainland India, Sri Lanka is similar to southern India in many ways and so different in others.

The weather is very similar.  Sri Lanka is an island which can be visited all year round. When the south-west monsoon strikes, the north and the east of the country is dry and when the north-east monsoon hits the north and east coasts, then the west of the island and the south is sunny and relatively dry.

The population of Sri Lanka is predominately Buddhist and Buddhist temples can be found everywhere.  The island is more relaxed and calmer than India.  Driving is noticeably less frenetic and safer compared to that on Indian roads.

The landscape is varied with beautiful beaches, particularly in the south and east.  Some are perfect for surfing whilst others are calm, quieter and safe for families with young children.  The many National Parks, covering forests, jungle, sand dunes and grasslands, are home to many species of birds and wildlife – including wild elephants, leopards and crocodiles and eagles, pelicans and parrots.  Visit the cooler hill towns in the south where tea plantations are plentiful or the ancient cities, further north, where temple ruins often merge with the lush, forested countryside.

There is plenty to see and do, so much to visit and enjoy that you are bound to want to return for a second stay the following year.

by ·Comments Off on Camping Holidays in the UK

You may be the type of person who loves outdoor life and camping under canvas.  For many (maybe saner) people, there is nothing worse than having to walk across a field to spend a penny in communal toilets or trek 30 metres to the tap over by the hedge for water to fill the kettle.  In that case, camping will definitely not be for you.  Keen campers don’t mind the chill in the air as bedtime approaches nor are shy about brushing their teeth in communal wash rooms wearing a onesie and wellies!

There are many different camp sites in the UK and it is easy to find them online.  Some are run by organisations like the Camping and Caravanning Club where the grounds may be landscaped and the facilities scrupulously clean.  However, other campers may find some of the camp site rules a little over zealous.  In which case, they may prefer a much more relaxed site, where pitches are not specified and where camp fires are allowed in the evening.  Some of the largest sites are particularly suitable for families with children as they often have playgrounds and games rooms for campers to enjoy.  Companies like Haven sometimes have camping areas on their holiday centres for holidaymakers who wish to bring their own tents and campers can make use of facilities like swimming pools, bars and restaurants, tennis courts and evening entertainment.

Whether you are after peace and quiet or somewhere to keep the children amused, you should be able to find a camp site somewhere in the UK to suit your needs exactly.

by ·Comments Off on Protection against contracting malaria on holiday

If you travel anywhere within the tropics, then you will be well advised to protect yourself against insect bites.  Malaria is spread by mosquitoes and is a serious tropical disease, which can be fatal. Symptoms of malaria include high temperatures, headaches, vomiting and muscle pain.  If you have been infected by malaria on holiday, then symptoms will usually occur within 3 weeks of being infected (but it may take longer) so it is something to be aware of on your return home.

The Fit for Travel website, set up by the NHS, informs travellers of malarial areas of the world and calculates the risk of contracting the disease.  Depending where you are travelling to, you may need to take anti-malarial tablets.  There are different types, depending on the type of malaria present, so make sure you follow medical advice carefully.  Some tablets need to be taken before travel so it’s important to seek medical advice from your surgery in plenty of time.

If the risk of contracting malaria is small, you are still advised to take preventative measures.  Make sure you cover up, especially after dusk.  Wear long trousers and long sleeves.  You should also spray yourself with an insect repellent containing DEET.  If you are sleeping in a room without air-conditioning, then make sure you sleep under a mosquito net.  You could also spray the room with insecticide or burn pyrothroid coils to further deter mosquitoes.

by ·Comments Off on Peace and Tranquility in the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

For a really peaceful and relaxing holiday, you can’t beat the Perhentian Islands off the north-east coast of Malaysia.  Accessible by boat from Kuala Besut on the Malaysian mainland, the Perhentians lie approximately 45 minutes off-shore.

The 2 largest islands of the Perhentians are Besar and Kecil.  Kecil has a small fishing village and reasonably priced accommodation for backpackers whilst Besar tends to appeal to families and those wishing to avoid the party scene.  However, with no roads nor cars on either island, they are a haven particularly for travellers keen to relax on the beautiful, white sand beaches or swim, snorkel and scuba dive in the clear, warm waters.

These beautiful islands are situated in a protected marine park and there is a small fee to pay on arrival.  Fishing, collecting coral and leaving litter is strictly forbidden.  The islands and the seas around are home to sea turtles which are sadly rapidly declining in numbers.  The best time to visit is between the months of June and October. Tourism is obviously important to the Perhentians but there is a balance between responsible tourism and respect for such a unique environment and a disregard for the reef and the marine life that lives there.

by ·Comments Off on Exploring Cambridge

If you like city breaks, then you won’t go far wrong with a short stay in the beautiful university city of Cambridge.  It’s easily accessible with good motorway links from the M11 and rail services from London, King’s Cross and Birmingham.

There’s something for everyone in Cambridge.  The commercial centre has a great selection of shops, small arcades and interesting narrow alleys including plenty of small independent shops and cafes. You can wander around some of the university colleges, some of which are open to the public.  Have a peep inside King’s College Chapel or take a picnic and sit out on the picturesque “backs”, next to the river Cam, looking towards the rear of several colleges including Clare College and King’s College.  If you are feeling energetic, you could try punting on the river or hire a bike and tour the city on two wheels.

Cambridge is home to several galleries and museums. The Fitzwilliam Museum on Trumpington Street holds world class collections of art and antiquities, some dating back to ancient Egypt and Roman times. For theatre lovers, there is often a choice of performances from student theatre to touring theatre and West End shows.