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 In search of Winter sun

With average daytime temperatures of over 20 degrees Celsius all year round, the Canary Islands make an ideal Winter holiday destination for those in desperate need of sunshine during northern Europe’s dreary winters.  Located closer to the north west coast of Africa than to the Spanish mainland, the seven islands of the Canaries are popular with tourists from January to December.  Approximately 5 million tourists visit the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife, every year.

There’s plenty to do in Tenerife for everyone.  The Teide National Park containing Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, which rises to a height of 12,198′, is highly recommended.  Ride on the cable car to the top of the volcano and admire the views and the stunning volcanic landscape below.  Take the family to the Siam Water Park and have fun amongst the rapids and the water slides.  Alternatively, you could take a boat ride out onto the ocean for whale and dolphin watching. Swim in one of the many rock pools of the town of Garachico, visit the picturesque mountain village of Masca or explore the old buildings and browse amongst the shops and tapas bars of La Laguna.

There’s so much to do that you are bound to want to return the following year, especially if Winter at home turns out to be cold, grey and wet.

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 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.