The Tourism Report

A family holiday in the Riviera Maya

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:36:16 +0000

Lucky are those who can say they have experienced the Riviera Maya. Also known as the Mayan Riviera, is a tourism district which parallels the Carribean Coastline of the Mexican state Quintana Roo. It is indeed worthy of a visit and the type of place that everyone should have the pleasure to visit at one time. This statement is suppourted by other reports and reviews from other travel advisors. Many families prefer going back to Maya land so that they can continue their tours from where they last left off. That said, the more the adventures that are there to be discovered, the more the visitors are fascinated. Taking this into account, it is a clear indication that many families have developed an interest and a certain level of trust that continues to bring them back to this region.

The great adventure in Riviera Maya has created a permanent mark in the lives of many thus making it the area of choice. Such families trust the fun associated with the Mayan land and continue to holiday here. The Mayan temple and the Mayan ruins caught the attention of the world in early twentieth century. These structures were built during the Mayan empire where these were embraced as godly structures. The people of the Mayan empire worshiped their Gods to provide them divine protection from their veracious enemies who they believed were capable of striking and attacking them at any time.

Riviera Maya has a rocky limestone shoreline. This makes it very attractive for people interested in snorkeling. Snorkeling is free in many places which gives you the oppurtunity to experience the underwater beauty at no cost. You have to see it to believe it.

During the holiday season there are many adventure tours which interest people. Tikal tour is a great way to begin your tour in this area. In this locale people are provided with facilities for camping out along the Caribbean Sea. From this point one can see some of the most incredible surrounding Caribbean islands and large ships which approach the bay from the deep sea. Arrangements for sea travel are made from here and families are given a chance to see what is hidden in the deep blue water. Indeed, the aquatic life is breath taking. This sums up why adventure travel vacations in this region are quite memorable all the time. People in this area are allowed to fish as well. Kite surfing and bike tours are conducted in Riviera Maya too. A bike tour is directed on a flat area where tourists cycle through well designed tracks amidst the natural surroundings.

Accommodation in a travel lodge is quite affordable in this Caribbean bay, making it more financially friendly when compairing it to other parts of the world offering similar services. With such affordable and high quality accommodation standards, vacationing families have a strong sense that they are taken care of in terms expenditure and the minimal costs incurred during their stay. Apart from the accommodation, food is also available in plenty of varieties and styles. From the native style of course, you would also find regular American and European food blended with the Caribbean style.

The experience of holidaying in the Mayan land is above all. You can compare no other part of the world to this mystic land of magic, adventure, architecture and fun. This place is indeed one of the best holiday spots in the world. You have to visit to believe it all!

Duende Tours offers excellent adventure trips and Riviera Maya day tours.

photo: flikr/jikatu

Keeping up with developments from the world of travel.

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:03:50 +0000

Be it adventure travel, eco-tourism, backpacking or business, every possible theme within and around the world of travel is covered in detail on one of the internets leading travel directories. The number one point of reference on the web for whatever information you’re in search of. With an extensive selection of blogs, freelance travel writers, travel idea exchange, reccomendations as well as regularly changing and developing listing additions. This website will make sure you remain in the know.

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Entering ”backpacking” into the sites internal search engine yields a number of sites that deal all topics concerning backpacking, including backpacker networks for Australia containing comprehensive information regarding backpacking guides, tips and tricks, backpacker meals, Australia guides and more, as well as sites dedicated to showing you how to travel and live overseas on a budget, you can find it all at besttravelwebsites.com

Corsica, France’s Isle of beauty

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:09:04 +0000

The island of Corsica is referred to in common speech as a “région” of France, is located in the Mediterranean Sea, west of the Italian peninsula, slightly north of the Italian island of Sardinia and south east of the French mainland. Despite its relative seperation from France and its status as a territorial collectivity (collectivité territoriale) it is treated, for the most part, the same as the other 26 régions of France.
Corsica was formed as an island through a series of violent volcanic explosions, it is known as being the most mountainous island in the mediterranean. It is 114 miles long at is longest point and 52 miles wide at its widest. Its mountains, which comprise around two thirds of the island, its 200 beaches and many extensive forests are just some of the reasons why people visit Corsica.
The island was incorporated into France in the late 1760′s and this incorporation had a stark influence on its culture. Its location in the Ligurian Sea and proximity to Italy has also had a great influence on the island and its inhabitants and has resulted in the development of a hybrid French-Italian culture. The most obvious result of which is the Corsican language, which makes Corsia one of the few regions of France to retain its own language in everyday use. The langauge is more closely related to Italian than French and is spoken by just under 70% of the population. French is understood, however, by the entire population as it remains the sole dominant language of commerce and media on the island.

Tourism plays a big part in the Corsican economy. It has seen signifcanlty lower levels of intensive development as other area of the Mediterranean region and this can be counted as one of the reasons why it is It is popular among tourists. Its 620 miles of coastlines, mountains and pleasant climate, warm summers and temperate winters allow the island to maintain a sustainable level of revenue from tourism throughout the year. Economically speaking, Corsica is the least developed region in Metropolitan France.

Corsican cuisine and wine is well known for its quality and is enjoyed throughout the French Republic, as well as farther a field. The variation in the islands geography, its mountains, plains and sea means that various ingredients play a role in the Corsican kitchen. Seafood and river fish such as trout is enjoyed, as is Game such as wild boar. Special types of cured pork are made traditionally and stored. The island is also well known for cheeses such as Brocciu, casgiu merzu, casgiu veghjum whcih are made from goat or sheep milk.

Image: Kjunstorm/flickr.com

St. Micheals Mount, Cornwall.

admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:35:25 +0000

The coastline around St Mount's Bay is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque locations in Cornwall, and one of its most popular tourist destinations. The old harbour town of Marazion nestles tranquilly at the edge of the bay, its narrow winding streets lined with quaint little shops, art galleries, old inns and fisherman's cottages. The surrounding hillside is a walker's paradise, affording excellent views across the wide sandy beaches, popular with windsurfers, kite surfers and sailing boats. The soft sandy beaches here in Marazion are among the best in the West Country, offering a safe and clean environment for swimming. Marazion's central location along the west coast also makes it the perfect base for touring around the rest of West Cornwall. The town has a good selection of accommodation, including hotels, inns, guesthouses, camp-sites, caravan parks, and self catering accommodation.

The area's key attraction is St Michael's Mount, which rises dramatically out of the bay, just a third of a mile off the coastline. In its time it has been a monastery, a fortress and a port, and is now home to a small community who live and work there. The island is connected to the mainland by a cobbled causeway that can be walked across at low-tide. Regular boat trips are also provided at high tide, from both Marazion and nearby Penzance.

The island is steeped in legend and has been an important trading station since Roman times. It is said that mount was named after the Archangel Michael, who appeared in a vision to a group of fisherman in 495. The island was later gifted to the Benedictine monks of Mont St Michel in France. A monastery was founded on the island during the 11th century, the remains of which have been incorporated into a fairytale style medieval castle that now sits majestically above the mount. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries it became a royal fortress, and in 1659 it was purchased by the St Aubyn Family, who have lived there since. The castle site is now run by the National Trust, in partnership with the St Aubyn Family, who provide regular public tours around it.

The castle is surrounded by subtropical terraced gardens, filled with exotic plants that cascade down the steep granite hillside. The castle's elegant interior is augmented with fine Georgian Gothic decor and intricately carved period furniture. There are also a fine collections of armour and paintings by local artists. Connections to the castle's monastic past can be found in the Chevy Chase room, originally used as the monk's refectory, where the walls are covered with finely decorative plasterwork, depicting hunting scenes.

Visitors to the island can also enjoy a leisurely walk around the stone built harbour or visit the exotic 'Mount Gardens', which incorporate a small garden centre, where you can purchase many of the plant species grown in the gardens. There is also an island gift shop and a restaurant with uninterrupted views over Marazion and St Mount's Bay.

Northumberland and Holy Island

admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:15:21 +0000

Northumberland is set in some of the wildest, isolated though starkly beautiful countryside in northern England, which includes the North Pennine Range and the Cheviot Hills. It has a coastline of quite breathtaking beauty, dominated by a series of great medieval castles. Inland lies Kielder Water, the largest man-made lake in Europe, next to which are huge tracts of forest.
The county is steeped in centuries of history that stretches back to the Stone and Iron Age. The Roman Emperor Hadrian constructed his dramatic wall between AD123-136 to control entry to his most northern province. The remnants of the forts along the length of the wall give a wonderful insight into military life of the Roman legions. Chesters Fort, for instance, is a Roman cavalry fort where the remains of barracks, stables, the commandant’s house and most strikingly the bathhouse, are well preserved and clearly identifiable. A fascinating museum on the site exhibits many artifacts from the period. Middle-age warlords, constantly fighting over the border lands with their Scottish counterparts, constructed many castle strongholds, remains of which, in varying degrees of repair, can be seen such as Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Alnwick castles, the last of which is the home of the Duke of Northumberland and his family and sits in the pretty town of Alnwick. It dates back to the 11th century and still owes its outline to the Normans, despite many alterations over the centuries. Within its walls are many fascinating sites. For 200 years Alnwick (pronounced Annick) was virtually the capital of northern England and its most recent claim to fame was as a setting for Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter films.
Northumberland’s men of God, St Aidan, St Cuthbert, St Godric and The Venerable Bede amongst them, represented a stark contrast and a more thoughtful and spiritual side of the times. Holy Island, the ancient monastic site, also known by its Celtic name Lindisfarne, was one of the brightest beacons of Christianity during the early Middle Ages. A monastery was founded here in AD 634 by St Aidan and flourished for a number of centuries. St Cuthbert taught here until his death in 687, in which year he was buried in the local church but Viking raids in 875 led to the monks fleeing the island with St Cuthbert’s remains, which were eventually laid to rest at Benedictine priory, built in 1093.
A small castle was built on a rocky crag on the island in the 16th century, to defend the harbour from aggressors. It eventually fell into disrepair until 1902 when the celebrated architect, Edwin Lutyens received a commission to restore it. On the site of the former castle, he constructed the romantic Lindisfarne Castle that now dominates the island. In St Mary’s Church, visitors are fortunate enough to be able to see a copy of the famous and beautifully worked Lindisfarne Gospels, illuminated here in the 7th century and kept securely for centuries in Durham.
Holy Island would seem an ideal prospect for the secluded monastic life of contemplation; it is remote, barren and eternally windswept, surrounded by sand-flats which are covered twice a day by the tides. In fact the only way that one can get to the Island by land is by a causeway that is submerged by the sea for much of the day, so careful attention to the times of the tides is needed.
Apart from the history of the place the other attraction here is the swarming birdlife, much of it coming from the nearby Farne Islands. These islands also provide breeding grounds for Grey Seals, often to be seen basking offshore of Lindisfarne.
Northumberland is truly a spectacular place with much to offer the visitor – great hiking, walking, cycling or just simple relaxing in this stunning part of Britain. And if its history that is called for then few places can compete.
For more details about Northumberland and the sites referred to in this article as well as other places of interest in Britain, please visit www.history-tourist.com for a comprehensive guide to tourism in Britain.

Diverse Marmaris

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:39:22 +0000

Marmarmis is hardly recognisable as the sleepy fishing village that it was before the 1980′s. A boom in the construction industry during the last couple of decades and the subsequent development of its status as a tourist destination changed the face of this southwestern Turkish medeterranian resort. The rapid change in its infrastructure allowed it to change its main income source from fishing to tourism. It has, however, managed to retain its charm despite the construction boom. Its exceptional location between two intersecting sets of coatal mountains, have ensured that its beauty remain unaffected.
Summers here are hot and humid and temperatures often reach into the 40s. Heatwaves are not uncommon in July and August and the good weather usually lasts up until October when it remains warm and bright. The best thing to do when the sun is baking down is to head to the beach where the welcoming, crystal clear, mediterranean waters shimmer along the rugged coastlines. The more rural coastal areas of Marmaris are dotted with lush green olive, fig and lemon trees which fill the air with sweet scents in the evening time.
If you’re more interested in getting your dancing shoes on then you will not be dissapointed. With a population that increases by ten fold to around 350, 000 in the tourist season, this place is buzzing with life. Its nightlife is unrivaled anywhere along the Turkish coast. Visitors concerned about finding somewhere to stay need not be concerned. The city offers a large range of hotels, bed & breakfasts and villas to tourists of all different budgets.
For those who are looking for that little bit of something special or different, there are a number of luxury yacht hire oppurtunities with that are available from marmaris. These allow you to explore the coastline more intimatly and to be able to see its ruggedness from a different perspective.
The smaller beach resort of Ölüdeniz lies in sailing distance of Marmaris and is well worth a visit. It is frequently rated among the top 5 beaches in the world by travelers and tourism journals alike and remains one of the most photographed beaches on the Medeterranian.

Image: yilmaz ovunc/flickr.com

St. Anton am Arlberg- where ski dreams come true.

admin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:13:13 +0000

Austria beats the rest of the alps for snow. Only about a quarter of the total area of this country is considered low lying and this is what bring droves of tourists back year after year and gives the country its long standing association with skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports. There is something for people of all levels in Austrias many skiresorts, so whether you’re a professional or a beginner you’re guarenteed to find something that suits you. There is one ski resort in Austria that started to become popular with tourists in the early 19th century but until the concept of Alpine skiing was pioneered, to a great extent by the men of this place, it was not well known as a winter sports centre. Today this is no longer the case and this beautiful part of Austria is held in high regard within the circles of winter sport enthusiasts.

St. Anton am Arlberg is one of the most renowned ski resorts in Austria and even around the globe. It is located in one of the regions with most snow in the entire Alps which is why the fun of skiing lasts far into springtime. Here you can explore nothing less than 460 kilometers of trails. So, even if you decide to extend your holiday and stay a bit longer there’s no danger of you getting bored in a hurry. There really is something for everyone here. In addition to 112 km of the easiest trails and 138 km of intermediate trails this ski resort also offers 33 km of trails of the most difficult category.

While adventurous and very experienced skiers and riders often find it difficult to find trails that challenge them, they find plenty of runs where they can fully open up and go for it, using all of their skills. As well as the extensive trails there are also 180 km of ski routes available with No 18 being the most spectacular. It is therefore only reccomendablefor seasoned skiers.

Nonetheless, beginners can also have a great time in St. Anton am Arlberg thanks to a widespread network of beginner trails which enables them to get around the entire ski resort without having to switch to difficult trails. Moreover, there are several beginner areas at the foot of Gampen mountain including a kidspark and the slopes of the local ski schools which offer programs for any taste and ability level. Parents who would like to ski for a while without kids can bring them to the ski-kindergarten where trained staff takes care of the little ones and they can find new friends.

St. Anton am Arlberg is also a paradise for snowboarders. Self-evidently, most of the trails are also perfectly suitable for snowboarding. Yet, here you also have the opportunity to carve the snow aside of the trails and to enjoy the fresh powder snow. Furthermore, At. Anton Park deserves to be mentioned as it was rebuilt in 2009 and offers great obstacles and features. There are three different lines: pro, kicker and jib.

Finally, St. Anton am Arlberg is also a fantastic place for all those who love Aprés Ski. St. Anton is known for its numerous Aprés Ski bars. You can find lodges and bars all over the resort. Yet, also down in the valley there are plenty of bars and discos to party all night long. Here you can find everything from Cuban cocktail bars to traditional Austrian pubs.

City trip to Riga

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:45:55 +0000

Riga is the beautiful capital of Latvia. With extensive renovations being carried out on many of Riga’s historical and monumental buildings, the city has become one of the most attractive places to visit in Europe. Famously known for its largest concentration of German Art Nouveau architecture, Riga is filled with artistic and impressive sights for all to enjoy. Riga’s impressive historical and cultural background is not all there is to this wonderful city, it has also been noted for its excellent nightlife.

What to do in Riga city centre
Divided into two sections by the river Daugava, you can choose to enjoy the old world charm or the historic merchant past. Walk along the cobblestone streets in Old Town or relax in one of many great city parks. For a truly breathtaking experience take a trip to the top of the magnificent St. Peters Church and witness a 360 degree view of the city. With cosy cafes, tea houses and homemade bakeries, Riga is oozing with charm and character.

Where to stay in Riga city centre
There are so many great hotels and apartments to stay in during your trip to Riga, and it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. Choosing a centrally located hotel will mean that you can fully immerse yourself in what the city has to offer. The cheaper alternative of an accommodation is a hostel where you have to share a room with more travellers.

How to get there
One option how to get to Riga is travelling by plane to the Riga International Airport. A huge selection of airlines offer flights to Riga International Airport from all over the world. The airport itself is located only a short distance from the main centre of the city, which can be accessed via shuttle bus, taxi or train. Riga can also be visited by bus, with international bus connections from anywhere in Europe. As Riga is located on the banks of the Gulf of Riga, the ferry is also an option. With prices starting from as little as €103 between Stockholm and Riga. With a train station only a stone’s throw from the city centre, travelling via train is another ideal solution to your travelling needs. Book tickets in advance to benefit from the best prices.

Picture: Dieter Schütz/ pixelio.de

Carnival celebrations across the world

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:04:38 +0000

Carnival is a name given to the festival season which usuallyconsists of a parade or street party and can go on for days. Carnival often has religious connections and is celebrated by a variety of religious communities in many countries around the world. Each country has its own take on this period of festivity and the variety seen in tradition accross these countries is one of the most interesting aspects of the carnival season.

The carnival season alway begins during the period leading up to lent. People often dress up, wear masks, watch colourful and interesting parades and processions which mark the overturning of daily life in the respective cities in which it takes place. It is traditionally a Catholic festival and although its origins have religious roots in a modern setting it is often viewed more secularly and celelbrated by people of all religions.

The city of Venice on the Italian peninsula has a long history of carnival celebrations but these traditions lay dormant up until around the 1970′s when the government revived the old tradition. Art, culture and the well known style of Venetian shopping and fashion were suddenly rejoined by carnival and this festival swiftly rejoined the citys repertoire of famous tourist attractions. The culture of mask wearing has strong roots in the Venetian carnival tradition. This was seen as a way of enabling social engagment and breaking down, or at least hindering soical barriers.

The biggest Carnival in the world takes place in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro is the Capital City of the State of Rio de Janeiro, and is the second largest city in Brazil. This year the Rio de Janeiro festival will take place from the 18^th -21^st of February and huge numbers of visitors are expected to descend on the city to take part in the celebrations. A parade takes place every day during Carnival. The Sambadrome is the setting for the parades and members of all the samba schools take part in it. The parades start at 9pm and continue on into the early hours. Each school competes during the carnival, they each take between 70 and 80 minutes to make their way along the route.

Carnival in New Orleans is a one day festival called Mardi Gras and takes place this year on February 21st. Fat Tuesday is another name for this festival, which always takes place on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. During Mardi Gras the whole of New Orleans shuts down for the day to party. People spend the day walk around enjoying the parades and admiring eachothers costumes

Carnival in Germany takes place this year from the 20^th until 22^nd of February. Munich, Cologne and Mainz are the centres for Carnival celebrations, which see a wide variety of celebrations including parades, balls and costumes and the traditional election of the Carnival King.

The festival in Dublin in Ireland is slightly different to the others as it’s celebrated on the same date every year. The St Patricks Festival is celebrated over a few days, culminating in an elaborate parade on March 17th which is the feast day of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Picture: iz4aks/ flickr.com

Afford yourself the luxury of an Ibizan paradise

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:56:31 +0000

The island of Ibiza is well known for its ability to attract tourists in droves. This, the third largest of the Balearic islands and popular with holiday-makers across europe, has in recent years become synonomous with its party and club culture. The island is not however, entirely overrun by the revellers and peace and quiet is never too far away on this beautiful island.

Whether here with the family wanting to chill out by the pool or on the beach or with friends looking for that taste of the ibizan nightlife one thing that plays an importat role in how enjoyable your holiday is, is the place you decide to stay. The standard Ibiza package holiday including packed pools, noisey hotels and regimented meal times are slowly becoming things of the past as visitors are starting to take charge of their own holidays. Deciding where they stay, when they eat and what excursions they take has given rise to the emergence of more and more luxury villas on Ibiza.These are enabling tourists to be the masters of their own experience, while not restricting them from doing the things that they are here to do.

The villas often have private pools and cater for small and large groups, which means no more cramming into the pool at hotels. Many operaters have been able to negotiate prime locations for these luxury villas, often they are built in more quiet locations an array of views ranging from panoramic ocean views to views of the spanish countryside, but more often than not they’re located in the vicinity of that glorious ibizan sand as well as other practical commodities. If you’re lucky you might be able to get one with a tennis court, a gym, a cinema or even a disco if you fancy giving the wild ibizan nightlife a miss and partying in luxury at home instead!

Picture: victoriapeckham/ flickr.com