Today I have a guest post that going to push us onto a different path, the less traveled one, as we visit another side of Europe. —- Many of us, who have traveled Europe extensively, know the continent’s greatest and most popular resorts and have grown tired of the tourist traps and overcrowded summer seasons.  With so many well established resorts available, it’s easy to overlook some of Europe’s most charming destinations that are just a bit off the beaten path.  These are destinations that can offer the same level of services, better views and a guarantee that you will still have the best holiday ever, with a wide range of prices to suit every budget.  All the great stuff, but without the melting pot of tourism. So open your hearts and minds and dare to explore Europe all over again with a vacation that is a little bit different, yet special and fun.

Alentejo, Portugal

Most people when looking for a summer vacation in Portugal will visit the Algarve, famed for its beaches, nightlife, golf, etc. But positioned just above the Algarve region is the biggest region in Portugal, Alentejo; yet few venture here. Cuba, (no, it is not a spelling mistake) is a quiet little village nestled deep in the Alentejo countryside that offers up beautiful hotels, wonderful restaurants and local gastronomic delights. This lovely and historical place offers a friendly and warm welcome from its locals who will share stories with you on the origins of the village’s name.  Some locals that it comes from when the Arabs ruled Portugal, the name Cuba or “Coba” means tower, while others will tell tales of how Dom Sancho I conquered the village from the Moorish in the XII Century discovering many barrels of wine known as “Cubas”. Tradition is big here, with weekly summer parties and an abundance of wine tasting. The miles and miles of open fields provide you with a backdrop that will tantalize your eyes and offer you the opportunity to witness wildlife and nature at it’s best.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia will inspire anyone with its beauty and places of interest, with so much to choose from, it can sometimes be hard to decide where to go. Dominating central Slovenia, the capital city of Ljubljana and its surrounding area are worth seeing.  Nestled below the hill of Ljubljana castle, and set on the river on which mythological Argonauts carried the Golden Fleece, the city is rich in heritage from the Roman Empire and was once the capital of Napoleon’s Illyrian provinces. Ljubljana boasts the greatest exhibition of Architect Jože Plecnik and offers a lively cultural life with numerous theaters, cinemas, museums and galleries. Home to one of the oldest Philharmonics in the world the city hosts thousands of cultural events each year, including ten international festivals; the Ljubljana summer festival, the Ljubljana Graphics Biennial, the Ljubljana Jazz Festival, the LIFFE Film Festival, and the Druga godba Festival of Alternative Music, and much more.

Kinderdijk, Netherlands

This particular small piece of heaven is a village belonging to the municipality of Nieuw-Lekkerland, in the South of Holland, approximately 9 miles east of Rotterdam. Translated from Dutch, the name Kinderdijk means “Children’s dike.”  The village  offers  4 lovely hotels, a wide selection of restaurants offering local cuisine and warm, friendly and excellent service where ever you may go. One charming sight are the town’s 19 windmills, that in the 2nd week of September are lit during the night in an artistic event called “mills in the flood light”. Visitors to Kinderdijk are able to visit one of these famed windmills in the summer season for a tour of how the mill works and the lifestyle associated with it.

Cinque Terre, Italy

The Cinque Terre (pronounced CHEEN|kweh TEHR|reh) consists of five small villages (“cinque terre” means “five lands” in Italian) which cling to the Ligurian cliffs along Italy’s western coast. They are usually thought of and visited collectively, mostly because they’re so close to one another that you can walk from the first to the fifth in a matter of hours, but each does have its own personality. The primary attraction of the area is the hike along the cliffs from village to village offering beautiful scenery. However Cinque Terre also boasts a delicious regional dessert wine called Sciacchetrà, excellent seafood, in particular fresh anchovies and a few nice sunbathing beaches. Easily accessible by train, less so by car or bus, and the closest town of any size is La Spezia to the south of Riomaggiore. You may undoubtedly find some hostel and hotel listings which claim they’re in the Cinque Terre, however they are more likely to be in La Spezia.

Hvar, Croatia

This remote fishing village offers the sublime weather — not too warm and not too cold – making it perfect for its beautiful beaches and typical Mediterranean vegetation. Auto-proclaimed as the “sunniest place in Europe”, this attractive village boasts nearly 2750 hours on average of sunlight each year. The village holds a festival throughout the summer, starting in late June and ending late September, with national and international performers appearing almost daily. Located to the far end of the island, Sucuraj offers loads of hostels, hotels, restaurants and bars as well as a beautiful white sand beach and wild landscapes, making is the perfect place for the explorer in you to stay and discover the “lost lands”. Photo credit:  Courtesy of Shutterstock

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Keely Capel is a well known and respected member of the Holiday rentals industry who offers valuable and insightful tips on Travel and Holiday Topics. She owns and operates www.bidabooking.com -your online auction dedicated to holiday rentals. Simply, Look, Bid and Book.

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Today I have a guest post on a topic I know very little about – accessible travel.  I take for granted getting up and down stairs, walking down narrow cobblestone streets, and making plans with very little thought.  While not every traveler is as carefree with planning their vacation, accessibility is no longer the barrier to travel that it once was.

Here’s what you can expect from accessible London

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Many of the tourist attractions in London are wheelchair friendly, although some are unfortunately entirely inaccessible.  Here is a list of what I feel are the top ten wheelchair friendly things to do in London, but if you have something else in mind that does not appear on this list, just call ahead to check accessibility or to organize special assistance.  Calling ahead is particularly important if you are travelling as a group of wheelchair users.

1. The British Library provides excellent wheelchair access in the public galleries and the reading rooms. Disabled toilet facilities are available on every floor and guide dogs are permitted.
2. The London Eye, one of the most popular tourist attractions in London is fully wheelchair accessible. It is the tallest observation wheel in the world.
3. Kew Royal Botanic Gardens are fully accessible and disabled toilets are located at the entrance. Guide dogs are allowed in every part of the gardens and if you need to hire a wheelchair it can be booked in advance.
4. At the London Zoo, many exhibits are displayed at a height which is suitable for people in wheelchairs and most of the zoo will be accessible. Disabled toilets are available. Admission is free for the companion traveler of wheelchair users, but those with guide dogs should know that guide dogs cannot be admitted.  You can make arrangements to have a guide dog looked after while a zoo volunteer guides you around the zoo.
5. The Cabinet War Rooms, used as headquarters by Winston Churchill in World War II have 21 underground rooms and are a real must-see for any history buff. All rooms are wheelchair accessible, disabled toilets are available and guide dogs are permitted in the museum. There are also some visual and hearing impaired aids available.
6. Wheelchair users have access to the horror of the London Dungeons as do guide dogs. Disabled toilets are available.
7. The Tower of London, on the other hand, is largely inaccessible for wheelchair users due to the cobbled steps and narrow corridors. One area which is, however, accessible is the Crown Jewels area and an access guide is provided. Phone Visitor Services in advance to arrange for free assistance from the access guide.
8. The Gothic architecture and exquisite craftsmanship of Westminster Abbey should not be missed. Steeped in history with the weddings and funerals of famous Monarchs and the 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth, the Abbey has excellent wheelchair access.  Guide dogs are allowed in all parts of the building and visual and hearing resources are also available.
9. At St. Paul’s Cathedral only one part is inaccessible to wheelchair users – the American Chapel. Disabled access is via an elevator and assistance is available should it be required. Guide dogs are welcome and touch and audio provisions are in place for the visual and hearing impaired.
10. If you want to see some famous but waxy faces at Madame Tussauds it is strongly recommended that you book in advance as the museum has strict health and safety rules and only three wheelchairs are permitted into the museum at one time. Priority admission will be given to wheelchair users who have pre-booked their visit. Entry is free for everyone who holds a valid disability registration card.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Shutterstock

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This guest post was provided by Gowrings Mobility.  Gowrings are leading the way in wheelchair accessible vehicles, with a wide range of new and used mobility cars.

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Today I have a guest post about a fascinating part of the world, Egypt.  It offers so many things to see, do, and experience, it’s hard to know where to start.  Amanda starts with diving in the Red Sea.

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When vacationing in Egypt there are countless wonders to capture the imagination. From the natural coral reefs to ancient historical sites, Egypt will never fail to amaze.

Despite the geological structure of the Red Sea often constraining the development of coral reefs, coastal Egypt is rich in these wonderful natural formations. As a consequence of this, the area has recently become a hot spot for divers with the area around Sharm-el-Sheikh fast becoming one of the best dive sites in the world. The site boasts 65 km of long reefs which are among the most spectacular of any on the planet. Exploring the reefs around Egypt is not limited to this area with other sites such as Jackson Reef, Gordon Reef, Ras Nasrani and Ras Mohammed making the country a top destination for both experienced and first-time divers.

Not to be outdone by the natural formations found underwater; on land the Egyptian landscape is home to some of the most spectacular and well known historical sites anywhere in the world.

If you choose an Egypt vacation, make sure that a visit to Cairo is one of your top priorities. Not only will this give a unique experience of an Egyptian city this is also the area where both the Sphinx and the pyramids can be visited.

These ancient Egyptian sites are still standing and are among the most sensational of structures that can be visited anywhere in the world today. For visitors to Cairo there is also the chance to see the fantastic Egyptian museum. This is home to many of the treasures once owned by the ancient Egyptian pharaoh’s, such as King Tutankhamun’s gold chair, burial mask and ceremonial hat. For those seeking an understanding of these famous times the museum is a must.

The history of the country is not just constrained to Cairo, ensuring those exploring Egypt are able to experience different areas of the country. South of Cairo is Luxor, a spot which is rich in ancient history. Luxor is home to a variety of temples and tombs including such sites as the Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Hatshepsut, Karnak and Luxor Temples. Luxor is also famous for the offer of cruise tours along the Nile – this can be an excellent way to view the country and take in sites of historical interest.

The home of bountiful coastal natural wonders and the fascinating history of the Ancient Egyptians, modern day Egypt is truly the most rewarding of African holiday destinations.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Amanda Hattersburg

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Amanda Hattersburg writes about everything travel related and in particular Egypt holidays. She writes frequently on these subjects and enjoys guest posting on numerous blogs throughout the Internet.

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Earlier this month, while I was in Las  Vegas for Blog World & New Media Expo, I had the pleasure of staying at the ARIA Hotel at City Center.

Over the years, I’ve spent more than my fair share of time in Las Vegas.  It’s a haven for conference, convention, and trade shows, and at only a couple hours out of Seattle, it’s a popular choice for a quick getaway weekend.  I’m not jaded at everything that the city has to offer, it’s just that I’ve seen most of it and so it takes a lot to impress me.

But impress it did!

Like most hotel properties on the strip, ARIA is best reached from the airport via cab.  The fare from the airport to the hotel will run about $15-16, including tip and the required airport add-on fee.  The Las Vegas Strip is full of impressive architecture (or garish, depending upon your point of view), but once you drive up the ARIA entrance way you’ll quickly forget that you’re even on the Strip.   The City Center complex features three hotels, ARIA, Vdarra, and the Mandarin Oriental, and includes residential condos along with upscale shopping and dining.

With a fountain in the middle of the circular drive, varying in its dancing display, along with a wall of water on the side of the entry way, walking into the lobby felt more like walking into a resort than a casino.

The lobby was bright and airy, as opposed to so many dark and dingy casino hotel lobbies.  Sure, it’s still new and all that (under a year old), but even walking across a portion of the casino floor to get to the hotel elevator bank, was a surprise.  At first, I couldn’t put my finger on it.  I looked about and saw plenty of slot machines, restaurants, people, and a shop or two.  But what I didn’t see, or smell, was smoke.  This might not seem like a big deal to a lot of people, but as an allergy sufferer, this first walk through the casino is the beginning of suffering for my stay.

Why no smoke?  If I was an engineer I could tell you in copious detail all the reasons, but really, all that matters is that it’s a system that draws the air out from both the top and bottom of the room.  And it works!  This fact alone is enough to convince me to make ARIA my choice of hotels in Las Vegas, but ARIA is also a LEED Certified Gold Hotel, meeting additional high levels of eco-standards.

My room was of the standard variety and located on the 24th floor (there are 61 floors).  The rooms boast state of the art technology, from the flat panel television on the wall to the control console that operated everything in the room.  Want a little mood lighting?  Set it from the console.  Want to read in bed?  Set it from the console.  Turn on and off the television, adjust the room temperature, set the music in the room, open and close the drapes?  Yep, all handled from the control console.  It served as an alarm clock, too, and the television remote was able to provide many of the same functions.  It took some time to figure everything out, and I hit the wrong button a time or two, but it’s pretty handy to be able to control everything from one spot.

The room was spacious and well laid out, with a king size bed, desk and work space, and sitting area.  It overlooked City Center, although hard to enjoy the view with filthy windows (a common complaint I have with hotels), and with both privacy and room darkening drapes, I was able to choose the mood that suited me.  The bathroom was equally spacious, offering double sinks and plenty of counter space for two people to get ready at the same time.  The toilet was situated in a separate doored area, and the shower/sunken tub is in the same enclosed area, a layout I had never seen before but seemed to work just fine.

Wi-fi is available in the rooms, for a $15 charge (24 hours), and this is where all the emphasis on technology seems to fall by the wayside.  I fired up the laptop and tried to log in.  No luck, as I got caught in a error loop that wouldn’t let me log in.  A call to the front desk, transferred to a tech support company, and over a half an hour and the error loop still couldn’t get resolved.  The connection was established remotely, causing additional complications down the road, but at least I had access.  For awhile.  For a $15 charge, I expect that internet access will be solid.  It wasn’t.  I continually was challenged with a signal going in and out, interrupting email being sent and IM chats.  OK, so perhaps the average guest doesn’t want to be as connected as I needed to be, and I know providing service can be difficult, but in the value for price analysis, this was a fail.  (And I’ll skip my mantra about wi-fi should be free.)

Another throw back to bygone days is the overpriced mini-bar.  I don’t need ridiculously priced bottles of water, wine, or snacks, although someone must , but what I’d really love to have is a coffee maker and complimentary coffee.  I’ll still hit the cafe for my latte and specialty drink, but I really need that first cup to clear my head before I hit the shower.  I can’t categorize this as a fail, since none of the strip hotels offer this amenity, but it would be a real chance for ARIA to continue to lead the way in room amenities.

ARIA

Although I didn’t have much time to check out the pool area, there are three pools connected by a series of landscaped pathways.  Although there were plenty of people enjoying the sun, the loungers were well laid out and it didn’t feel crowded or stifling.  Pool side service is available at a price — a delicious, super tall, spicy Bloody Mary priced about $27, not including tip.  Cabanas, rafts, an adult only pool, life jackets for kids, and a variety of other amenities are also available.

The hotel offers a crazy number of restaurants and bars.  For fine dining you can choose:  Barmasa, Shaboo, Julian Serrano, Sage, Jean Georges Steakhouse, Sirio Ristorante, American Fish, Blossom, and Union Restaurant and Lounge.  Prefer something a little more casual?  Try:  Lemongrass, Skybox Sports Bar & Grill, Cafe Vettro, Breeze Cafe, Jean Philippe Patisserie (offering fabulous pastries), Sweet Chill, The Roasted Bean, and the ubiquitous buffet.

After all that eating and drinking, you may feel the need to stop off at the gym or Spa.  That would be a great choice, actually, and I’ll have a Spa Review coming up soon.

If you’re feeling flush, you can step next door to the shops at Crystals, and plunk down some of your hard earned cash at upscale retailers like Louis Vuitton, Ermenegildo Zegna, and Prada.  You’ll find additional restaurants here, along with some impressive art (both in the shopping areas as well as on the walk here from the hotel).

Come evening, there’s plenty of nightlife, including Haze Nightclub, Gold Boutique Nightclub & Lounge, the Deuce Lounge, and more.  For a real treat, you’ll find a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on at Viva Elvis, the newest Cirque du Soleil production.

I enjoyed my time at ARIA.  It was comfortable, attractive, offered great amenities, and as if that wasn’t enough, the smoke-free environment sealed the deal.

Location:  In the City Center complex on the Las Vegas Strip.

Rates:  Vary based on date, room type, and promotions offered.  I checked the online booking calendar today, and rates in November are offered starting at $125 midweek on up to $300 on a weekend.  Rates for December were comparable, although went up during the holiday time, and in January rates dip slightly.

Photo credits: personal collection

NOTE:  I received a complimentary stay at ARIA during Blog World Expo; the opinions expressed here are solely my own.

Las Vegas Vacations

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You’ve seen Phantom of the Opera, and maybe even the sequel, Love Never Dies, so what’s next for your theatre breaks in London?

London’s West End is home to a number of theaters offering everything from the decadent larger musicals and big stars (Wicked, Jersey Boys, and The Lion King) to smaller venues offering the new, quirky, or debuting (The 39 Steps, The Woman in Black, Love Story).

If you’re a theater buff like me, pretty much any choice of show will be a good one. My tastes run the gamut and I’m game for almost anything – even productions that I’ve seen numerous times.  But if you aren’t sure what to see or how to choose you can throw caution to the wind and let someone else decide, or you can do your homework and make your selections.

Here are a few of the top shows for your consideration:

• Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies - “Based on a classic French thriller about a terrifying and legendary figure who emerges from the depths of The Paris Opera House and manifests the mythic opera ghost in terrifying reality” Phantom is one of the classics of theater.  It’s sequel, Love Never Dies picks up the story 10 years later.  These would make a great one-two punch for a weekend of theater.
• Wicked - “Experience this unforgettable, award-winning musical and discover that you’ve not been told the whole story about the land of Oz..”
• Chicago – “The kiss-and-tell story of chorus girl Roxie who kills her lover; Velma Kelly, the glamorous double-murderer and Billy Flynn, the slick and manipulative lawyer keeping them from death row while promising to make them stars, has all the topicality of our celebrity-seeking times.”

Want to laugh?  Try a comedy:

• Legally Blonde – “When her boyfriend dumps her for someone serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School.”
• Mamma Mia! – “On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past to the island they last visited 20 years ago.”  Full of rocking songs by ABBA.
• Priscilla Queen of the Desert – “PRISCILLA tells the heart-warming and uplifting story of Bernadette, Tick, and Adam, a glamorous Sydney-based performing trio who agree to take their show to the middle of the Australian outback.”

If you’re looking for fun for the whole family, consider these:

• The Lion King – “At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba – the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Prideland.”
• Shrek, the Musical – “Join Shrek, our unlikely hero, and his loyal steed Donkey, as they set off on an adventure to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from her tower, guarded by a fire breathing love-sick dragon.”
• The Wizard of Oz – “Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their heart’s desires.”

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend, a girls getaway, or a family night out, the London theater scene in lively and vibrant offering great choices for everyone.  What are you waiting for?

Photo credit: Andy Bird via flickr

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by Hotel Direct UK; the opinions expressed are those of the author.

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River cruising has become a popular option with cruise lovers, offering a smaller, more intimate experience, as well as the opportunity to visit destination not otherwise accessible by larger ships.  It’s also a way many novice travelers choose to visit more exotic locations, providing them with the security and comfort of luxury holidays while still allowing them a bit of adventure.  A little taste of a destination on a cruise often leads to a return visit.

A cruise in Egypt has become a popular choice, giving travelers an opportunity to see an ancient country fully engaged in modern day.  It doesn’t hurt that it has nearly year round sunny weather, either!  And seeing the country on a cruise gives travelers the security of fresh drinkable water, ice, and safe food.

When most people think of Egypt they think of the Pyramids and perhaps the Nile, but there is far more to do and see in this part of the world.

Most luxury cruises in Egypt begin or end in Luxor, the site of the ancient city of Thebes.  Luxor is like a real time history class, with ruins and other historical sites located everywhere you turn.  The city is divided in two by the Nile, with the sides referred to as the East and West bank, and travelers have plenty to visit on both sides.

Temple of Luxor, Egypt

East Bank

Ancient Egyptians connected the rising sun in the east to the creation of life, and that’s why you’ll find life-giving temples on the East side of the Nile.

Some of the sights you’ll see on the east bank include:

• Luxor Temple (actually a large temple complex), the Luxor Museum (with its small, but impressive, collection that includes Tutankhamun artifacts and the mummy of Ramses I)
• Karnak Temple (the largest religious site in the world, consisting of a complex of ruined temples, other buildings, with a sacred lake in the middle)
• Mummification Museum (that helps to explain the ancient art of creating mummies)

Luxor International Airport is also located on the East Bank.

Valley of the Queens, Luxor

West Bank

• The setting sun in the west signified the end of the day, and of life, and the ancient Egyptians established their tombs and mausoleums on the west side of the Nile.
• Some of the sights you’ll see on the west bank include:
• Valley of the Kings (an ancient location for tombs of Egyptian royals and a major discovery spot of the tomb of Tutankhamun)
• Valley of the Queens (the burial spot for royal women and wives of the Pharoahs, including Queen Nefertari)
• Memorial Temples of Ramses II and III
• Deir el-Medina (the village that was home to the workers in the Valley of Kings)
• Deir el-Bahri (a complicated layout of mortuary temples and tombs)
• Malkata and the Colossi of Memnon (the palace and necropolis of Pharaoh Amenhotep III)
• Tomb of Nobles (another burial site)

These ancient sites are extremely popular with visitors and tourism is an economical force in the Luxor economy.  Despite the strength of the tourism economy however, visitors are still expect to comply with a few basic customs and traditions while visiting.  These include following rules concerning photography, generally photographing exteriors and purchasing photography permits when required) and to dress modestly and in a way as to show respect when visiting religious sites.  Long sleeves and pants are generally recommended, and bring a heavy pair of socks to wear inside temples as shoes are not permitted).

Egypt is ancient, exciting, and a fascinating mix of old and new.  It on my to-visit list, and seeing it by cruise ship has a great deal of appeal.

Photo credit:  Hajor via wikimedia (Temple of Luxor); Zureks via wikimedia (Valley of the Queens)

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by Sanctuary Retreats; the opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author.

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Adventure.  It’s different things to different people.  And when it comes to adventure holidays, those definitions are all over the map – literally and figuratively.  Fortunately adventure travel has become broad enough to include everything from cultural interactivity to adrenaline pumping action in a way that lets travelers create an experience that they’ll never forget.

Let’s explore the spectrum of adventure for a few ideas and possibilities, in turn getting you thinking about which adventures might turn into probabilities.

Adrenaline rush adventure. For me, this is climbing a mountain, scaling a rock formation, serious white water rafting, or some other high fitness, high adrenaline level activity.  (It often evokes thoughts of snow, very cold weather, and icicles forming on my eyebrows.)  This is not my cup of adventure tea, but I know several people who find these ideas exciting and I’ll eagerly look forward to seeing their photos and hearing all about it.

Active vacations. In this category I put the type of activities that would span the entire length of one’s holidays.  Whether it’s a week long rafting trip, horseback exploration in the jungle, skiing, or hiking or biking through a country, these travels are as much about the journey as they are the destination.  These trips are definitely not for the lying on the beach vacationer!  Some trips of this type seem fascinating, and although I have concerns about my fitness level, reputable tour companies will see to it that travelers are matched up with the right activity and group for their specific fitness level.  I’ll put this type of adventure vacation on the maybe list.

Mixed activity vacations.  For those that want activity, just not 24/7, combining the best of thrilling experiences with relaxation may be just what you need.  Trekking holidays that include some time spent in locations along the way, biking and wine tasting, or a rafting trip combined with slower explorations on non-river days, are all ways to combine action and culture.  I love these types of vacation, because they give me my fill of the relaxation that I need from everyday life, but keep me engaged with seeing and doing something new.  It’s the best of both worlds.

Luxury adventure.  A hybrid of mixed activity vacations, these let you have wonderful adventures during the day and pampering luxury every night.  These are more personalized experiences where you can enjoy your adventure without having to worry about the day-to-day issues of food and bed.  Think of luxury tents on a trek or safari, with all your needs handled by someone else.  I’ve not tried this type of adventure vacation – but I sure would like to!

Soft adventure.  These adventures are often suited for travelers who want a less strenuous vacation, and are often organized around a central theme or interest.  Wildlife and nature are two common themes, and you’ll often see adventure trips that take you up close and personal for a look at some of the most remarkable places on earth.  These trips seem to be more about the destination (and what you’ll see there) than on the journey itself, and are typically suited for travelers of a broad range of fitness levels.

Cultural adventure.  It’s more about a sense of adventure, rather than strenuous physical activity, and these trips focus on the destination, its history, its people, and their traditions.  Here’s a chance to learn about someplace totally different from home, as you take a close look at exotic locations.  Tour temples, pyramids, and other cultural and architectural landmarks as you learn the importance of these sites to the people who live there.

My adventure preferences are generally of the mixed or soft adventure type.  I want to enjoy the destination as well as the journey, and learn a little something in the process.

How about you?  How do you define adventure travel.

Photo credit:  SXC

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by The Adventure Company; the opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author.

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I became fascinated with UNESCO World Heritage sites a few years ago when I realized the incredible diversity in the type of places and things on the list.  Whenever I’m researching a new location, one of the first things I look for are the sites that are on the UNESCO list.  While it’s not the be-all nor end-all of places that I’ll eventually visit, it helps me learn a lot about my eventual destination and get a feel for where I’m going.

Mount Tongariro in New Zealand

The island nation of New Zealand has three sites on the UNESCO list, just part of the reason that New Zealand holidays are popular with visitors from the U.K., United States, and Australia.

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Island – The five southernmost island groups (the Snares, Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands and Campbell Island) are referred to as the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Island and were added to the UNESCO list in 1998.  Although there was once a scientific research station there, the islands are currently not inhabited by humans.  However, the area is rife with animal population and is known for its incredible biodiversity, including significant populations of birds plants, and other animals.  The islands serve as nesting grounds for large populations of  pelagic seabirds and penguins, and some bird species found in the islands breed nowhere else in the world.

Most of the islands are located near the mostly submerged continent of Zealandia, a land mass that broke away from both New Zealand and Antarctica millions of years ago, making the area seem like it’s something out of a science fiction novel.

Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand – This UNESCO site includes several national parks, including Aoraki/Mt Cook, Fiordland, Mt Aspiring, and Westland, and covers over 16,000 miles.  The dramatic landscape of the park takes you from lakes to waterfalls, from rocky coasts to glacial fjords. Two-thirds of the park is covered with southern beech and podocarps, some of which are over 800 years old. The kea, the only alpine parrot in the world, lives in the park, as does the rare and endangered takahe, a large flightless bird.

Tongariro National Park – This is the oldest national park in New Zealand and the 4th oldest in the world, and was added to the UNESCO list in 1993.  The landscape of the park includes three active volcanoes, a number of lakes and forests, and a diverse range of ecosystems.  The mountains of the park also have deep cultural and religious significance for the indigenous Maori people, symbolizing the spiritual link between the Maori community and the environment.  Much of the park is open to visitors, with hiking, climbing, skiing and snowboarding (in winter) all allowed.  There are also options for hunting, game fishing, mountain biking, horse riding, and rafting, further indication of the diversity of what the park has to offer.  Film buffs may remember this site from the hit movie Lord of the Rings, and several of the film sites are available for touring.

There are several ways to see New Zealand, whether you opt for New Zealand package holidays, seeing the country by car or RV, or maybe even exploring by train, giving you lots of options to find explore not only these UNESCO sites but the rest of the country as well.

Photo credit: Mirko Thiessen via wikimedia

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by Qantas Holidays; the opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author.

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If a visit to New York City is in your plans, you’ll enjoy today’s guest post outlining your options from getting into the city from the area’s three major airports.  One method not mentioned, and I think worth exploring, in the train/subway connection.  Do your homework and you’ll save time and money.

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Whether flying for business or leisure, planning transportation can often bet the most challenging part of a trip. Not only that, but if there is something that travelers typically forget to plan for, transportation and parking is often that one thing. Thus, many travelers have to settle for the most convenient transportation and parking options, which aren’t always the most economical.

This couldn’t more so be the case than in NYC, which has multiple airports, including the big three, LaGuardia, JFK and Newark. As one of the largest metropolitans in the world, it usually takes some planning when traveling to and from New York City’s airport and can often times make for a stressful experience if not carefully planned out.

Unless you’re traveling with a large family, most travelers settle for just taking a taxi to and from New York City’s major airports. This is typically the easiest and takes the least amount of effort. However, depending on where you’re going, a taxi cab ride to and from the airport can easily put you out $100 unless you’re sharing a cab. If taking a cab, this of course, is the most ideal situation if traveling with a friend or colleague. However, the cab is usually the most expensive option for getting to and from NYC’s airports.

Although taking a taxi is typically regarded as the most expensive transportation method to the airport, it’s not exactly the most pricey. If traveling with a family or group of colleagues, you may consider a luxury sedan or SUV, which typically start around $69. This is certainly the classiest and most comfortable way to get to the airport, but at a little more cost than a taxi.

The best case scenario for getting to and from New York City’s airports is typically going to be by taking an airport shuttle. Airport shuttles often vary in services and prices. The cheapest airport shuttle is usually going to be a shared shuttle that is picking up multiple passengers. This requires some planning as it means you have to be ready to leave much sooner than if you were just taking a cab. Shared shuttles can often cost as little as $10 each way, but is more usually closer to $15 or $20.

Although the number of hotels that offer it can be few and far between, using your hotel’s airport shuttle service can be one of the most convenient and economical alternatives for going to and from the airport. Hotels close to the airport may offer a complimentary shuttle. The farther out from the airports you get, the more you’ll be paying for a hotel shuttle, as well as the less likelihood that the hotel will offer a shuttle. Those hotels that do offer a shuttle typically run them in 15 to 30 minute intervals.

If staying in Manhattan and flying in and out of LaGuardia, taking the city bus is a convenient and economical option. The M60 runs to all LaGuardia terminals, and travels from the East Side, West Side and Astoria. It runs from 5 am to 1 am between 106 St. and Broadway. Travel time on the M60 depends on your location, but is often between 40 minutes and an hour.

There are many factors to consider when choosing whether or not to use a taxi, shuttle, sedan or public transportation. The most important factor of course is time. If you have the time before your flight and want to save some money, than publication transportation on the city bus or catching a shuttle is often the best choice. Early morning flights are typically going to require a taxi.

Photo credit:  via flickr

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Olvera Street, also known as El Pueblo Historic Monument, is the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles.  The block-long street, one of the oldest in the city, features historic buildings lining a traditional Mexican style plaza, and is home to one of the most colorful marketplaces that you’ll ever see.

The street was originally a short lane called Wine Street.  The lane was eventually extended, and the name changed to honor Agustin Olvera, the first county judge of Los Angeles.  Although it became a dirty, unused alley for a period of time, the area was eventually rehabilitated, closed off to vehicles, trees were planted, and a large wooden cross was put up at the south end of the street.

Olvera Street officially opened on Easter Sunday 1930, and provided a place for Mexican American vendors to sell their goods and preserve their customs and culture.  The first restaurant in the city to sell authentic Mexican food opened that same year, and is still there today.  Stop off and give La Golondrina a try.

In 1953 Olvera Street was designated as a California State Historic Landmark, and today it has evolved into a center of Mexican commerce, culture and tourism, attracting over two million visitors a year.

As you wander the market, you’ll find shops carrying the typical wares that you’d find in a market in Mexico.  You’ll also find numerous restaurants and outdoor cafe serving traditional, and authentic, Mexican food. Check out the merchant directory to get an idea what to expect.

On weekends the plaza is full of entertaining musicians and dancers.  It’s also a great place to be for many of the important annual fiestas, including the Blessing of the Animals, Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo, and upcoming Dia De Los Muertos.

When planning a visit, I’d recommend allowing a couple hours.  There are lots of great photos opportunities, and you’ll want to spend some time wandering through the various stalls and shops, enjoying the sun and soaking up the culture.

Be sure to allow time for a bite to eat.  You’ll be tempted by all the delicious aromas wafting the through the plaza, and you’ll regret it if you don’t have time to succumb to that temptation.

Olvera Street is located at 845 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles.  It is open daily from 10 am – 7 pm, although some stores keep different hours.  It is free to wander through.

Photo credit:  All via flickr.  Marcy Reiford (building); Ray (street scene); Jason Lam (tacos pastor)

Los Angeles Vacations

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