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.

by ·Comments Off on A weekend away in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

If you are looking for a short break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, then pay a visit to medieval Tewkesbury.  Situated roughly halfway between Bristol and Birmingham, it has easy access from the M5 motorway.

Located on the confluence of the Rivers Severn and Avon, it is easy to understand how it developed as an important trading centre and market town for the local area.  The population of Tewkesbury is relatively small – just over 10,000 – but the town centre is full of high street shops, independent retailers, welcoming cafes and quaint antique shops.  Many of the high street shops still retain their original half-timbered Tudor frontages and wooden framed windows.  Explore the many tiny, narrow alleys with their strange medieval names or watch the world pass by from one of the many tea rooms.

Imposing Tewkesbury Abbey, just to the south of the main shopping area, is well worth visiting and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the country.  Tewkesbury Museum has exhibits of local life and the John Moore Museum, housed in a row of half-timbered cottages, explores the local countryside and natural history.

Once you are tired of shopping and sight seeing, then a picnic by the river or a boat trip along the Severn is highly recommended for rest and relaxation.

by ·Comments Off on Healthy Travelling in India

India has always been a destination which has attracted the gap-year backpacker, but over the last fifteen years, it has also started to appeal to older tourists who are looking to go somewhere a little different on holiday.  Films like “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and “Indian Summers”, currently being shown on TV at the moment, give a flavour of life in India, past and present.

Before you travel, it is very important to make sure that all routine vaccinations are up to date.  Travellers to India must have protection from tetanus, typhoid,and hepatitis.  Malaria is also common in many parts of the country.  Check with your local surgery at least 3 months before start of travel as to which vaccinations you may need.

There are certain items which need to be packed into a small first aid kit which you may require whilst on your travels.  It is strongly advised that you take a tropical strength DEET based mosquito repellent and some kind of bite cream or ointment to apply if you do get bitten.  Plasters and antiseptic cream are a must to prevent any bites (or other cuts and scratches) becoming infected.

Avoid drinking tap water, or eating salad or other foods which are likely to have been washed in local water.  Remember to brush your teeth using bottled or purified water.  Make sure your first aid kit carries a supply of diarrhoea treatment tablets and re-hydration tablets and you will be able to combat the effects of an upset tummy if you are unlucky enough to become ill.

by ·Comments Off on Budget Family holidays in Europe

Ever wanted to take the family away across the Channel to enjoy French food, Spanish sunshine or Italian culture?

It need not break the bank.  A budget way to take the whole family abroad is by driving to one of the very many European camp sites which have tents already set up for holidaymakers to use.  If you have visions of wet canvas and sleeping on stony, lumpy ground, then think again.  Several holiday companies have set up sites with large spacious tents which can sleep up to six people.  Beds and mattresses are provided in the sleeping area of the tent and there is usually a hanging rail for clothes too.  The living area has a small working kitchen, complete with cooker, hob, cupboards and all the usual kitchen utensils needed for a self-catering holiday.  There’s a big table and comfortable garden chairs to sit and eat around.  An electricity supply allows families to play games or read books well past nightfall. The spacious grassy area around the tent is available to soak up the sun’s rays or to allow toddlers to play nearby.

The camp sites themselves can vary greatly in size and amenities provided.  All will have good showers and washing areas, as well as washing up facilities and water stand pipes.  The bigger sites may also have games rooms, cafes and takeaway food bars, tennis courts and swimming pools.  Many sites operate children’s clubs for school aged children, especially during peak times.