06.30.2008 | 7:13 am | European Destinations
If you’re going to Portugal for a holiday you’ll most probably visit either Lisbon or the Algarve. Visitors to the Algarve normally head straight for the beach, but the provincial capital Faro is perfect for a minibreak, or a day trip from the resorts.
This quaint city has a population of just over forty thousand but it buzzes with life. See history on display in the old town of Cidade Velha, and experience the seamless mix of old and new which makes Faro so charming. Getting around the city is easy on foot, and taxis are reasonably cheap. The beaches are only three kilometres away over the bridge.
The climate in Faro is wonderful for much of the year but spring is the perfect time to visit - the weather is perfect and the city is thriving.
Start your discovery of Faro at the 18th century Arco da Vila – the gate to the old town. Inside this district, known as the Cidade Velha, you’ll find many historic buildings in a mix of Roman, Moorish, and Portuguese styles. This part of town is home to shops, cafes and eateries. Look out for remnants of the medieval city walls.
The eye-catching Capela de Ossos, or Chapel of Bones was built about two hundred years ago. The chapel’s exterior is lined with human skulls and bones and is part of an older Baroque church, Igreja do Carmo, which has two impressive bell towers.
Faro’s old cathedral, the Se, is another architectural gem, mixing Gothic and Renaissance styles. The Gothic tower can be seen from much of the city. The highlight of the cathedral has to be the 17th and 18th century tiles inside.
There are some excellent museums in Faro as well. The Museu Municipal, Museu Maritimo, and Museu Ethnografico Regional all show aspects of Faro’s rich history and culture. Many of the exhibits reflect the city’s fishing heritage, with replicas of historical boats and ships, and some great photographs.
Step outside the city for a rare glimpse of Roman Portugal. In the beautiful countryside of Milreu stand the ruins of an ornate villa. It dates from the first century AD and was built in the peristyle tradition - a gallery of columns surrounding a courtyard. Also worth a look is the is the the Palace of Estoi just north of Milreu. This 19th century rococo building is famous for its blue and white tiles and overgrown gardens.
When night falls, head to the Rua do Prior where most of Faro’s partying happens. The street in the heart of town is lined with night cafes, local bars and English pubs, as well as dance clubs that stay open until dawn. Rua do Prior is great during the day too.
Find the cheapest flights to Faro at FlightComparison.co.uk.
06.27.2008 | 11:52 am | Pensive Traveller
This week our whimsical wanderer muses on travelling companions old and new.
It was late afternoon. I was sitting on the terrace of my hostel on the outskirts of a small village in the north of Bali, sipping from a bottle of beer and listening to the cicadas warming up for their evening chorus. A man coming up the road caught my eye. He was clad in the normal traveller garb - baggy hessian trousers, old t-shirt and a cowry shell hanging from a leather cord around his neck - and I almost didn’t look at him twice. Then, as he approached, I recognised him.
“Sam?”
I couldn’t believe it. Laughing as we embraced, I remembered how we’d shared a room in a Delhi hostel back in 2004. He’d had to leave early so we never exchanged numbers. What were the chances of us ever meeting again? But here we both were in a remote part of Indonesia. I guess with world travel being so easy nowadays it’s not so strange that old friends should meet along the well-worn routes, but even still it made me sit back and take stock.
As Sam and I reminisced over dinner that night we both agreed that the people you meet along the way are the main reason we travel. Sure, the temples, jungles and cities of the world are attractive in themselves, but it’s the people who make it special.
After a brief spell staying in hotels around the world I realised that hostels are more my thing. In one backstreet auberge in Budapest I met a man who was travelling from London to Shanghai over land. Last Easter in Rome I joined the hostel owner for a lavish lunch spread with his entire family - you just don’t get that in the Hilton.
Facebook means that you don’t have to lose touch with your new-found friends once you part company. And who knows, it’s such a small world that you might just end up meeting them again.
Find cheap flights to world destinations at FlightComparison.co.uk.
06.26.2008 | 8:54 am | World Destinations
Located close to the US border and year-round resort destinations, Vancouver is a hub of activity and culture. It is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse cities, as well as one of Canada’s commercial and economical powerhouses. It’s just as famous for its theatres, museums and parks as for its skyscrapers. The air is fresh, the people are friendly – what more could you want?
Vancouver’s best weather is in summer and autumn, so it stands to reason that this is when the city is busiest. It never gets uncomfortably busy though, so don’t be put off. Spring and winter are the wettest seasons of the year. Most visitors to Vancouver during these months are skiers and snowboarders, hitting the slopes during the day and bar-hopping at night.
With Vancouver’s large Chinese population, it goes without saying that Chinatown is something special. It lies in a busy part of downtown and is home to around 36,000 people. Here, the markets are thriving all day, and the aromas of cooking emanate from cafes and restaurants. If the bustle gets too much, head over to the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and Park, which is the only full-scale Chinese garden outside of China.
The Museum of Anthropology has art and artefacts from Asia and Africa. One of the best exhibits here is the world’s largest collection of totem poles. The museum’s exterior is special too. Vancouver’s art gallery occupies the old court house, and is known for its historical pieces as well as work by contemporary British Columbian, Emily Carr. Granville Island has three good museums including one devoted to model trains.
Canada Place, with its iconic white ’sails’ overlooking the harbour, was build for Expo ’86 and is home to the CN IMAX Theatre, cruise ship terminal, Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, World Trade Centre, Pan Pacific Hotel and many shops. From the promenade you’ll get great views of the mountains and Stanley Park.
Take a walk through Queen Elizabeth Park – the highest park in Vancouver, and the third largest. There’s a lovely sunken garden surrounded by miniature cliffs complete with artificial pools and fountains. Stay until sunset for some picturesque views of the city. The Bloedel Conservatory on top of the hill has tropical birds and flora from three climate zones. Just to the west of the park lie the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens with their famous Elizabethan Hedge Maze.
Another of Vancouver’s outdoor attractions is the 9km Seawall Promenade along Stanley Park’s shoreline. It’’s perfect for cycling, walking, jogging and rollerblading.
Once you’ve seen the city from street level, why not find out how it looks from 500 feet up? The Lookout provides stunning 360 degree views of Vancouver from the space needle observation deck.
Wreck Beach is only a twenty minute drive from downtown Vancouver, but it seems like a whole world away. With windswept beaches, wilderness trails, food sellers and artists, it’s a great way to escape the city for an afternoon. A big draw to Wreck Beach is the naturist colony along Acadia Beach down to Booming Grounds Creek, but it’s perfectly acceptable to avoid this area if you’d rather keep your clothes on! There’’s plenty to do for non-naturists.
Culture seekers will find plenty of entertainment in Vancouver including contemporary theatre, opera, symphony orchestras, jazz and folk festivals and comedy. Party animals are well catered for as well, with clubs and bars to suit every taste. Dining out is taken seriously here, and there’s some great food to be had.
For up-to-date listings, pick up a copy of the weekly tabloid, the Georgia Straight when you get there. Thursday’s Vancouver Sun has a weekly entertainment section called Queue, and the monthly Vancouver Magazine has listing details.
For the cheapest flights to Vancouver visit FlightComparison.co.uk.
06.24.2008 | 7:09 am | World Destinations, Features
If you want to visit somewhere unusual, colourful and interesting, Accra is the place to go. The capital of Ghana is a blend of life, warmth and excitement that dazzles the senses. From the bustling markets to the breezy beaches, Accra is a haven in the splendour that is Ghana. With a population of two million the city is full of life night and day. The weather is mostly hot and humid all year round although further inland it is drier. The tourist season is from June to August.
Accra is among Africa’s more expensive destinations, but hotels are cheap by western standards. Five pounds a day will get you a basic room and meals. If you want top-notch food and amenities like air conditioning, running water, and comfortable bedding, plan to spend upwards of thirty pounds. The seaside capital is an incredible place to see the traditions and heritage of Ghana, and even though it is a popular vacation destination, visitors aren’t as visible as you might think. There’s no need to expect the hotel pool to be crowded with fellow foreigners.
Accra is served by Kotoka International Airport. Ghana International Airlines took over from Ghana Airways in 2005 and operates flights between Accra and London. The airport is served by other African carriers and major Western airlines. Flight time from London is around seven hours. Taxi and rental car are good ways of getting around town but to get a proper feel for Accra, we recommend walking.
Lots of hotels in Accra have beautiful pools ringed with palm trees which are perfect for relaxation, but the beaches are fantastic too. Located at the edge of the city, beaches such as Coco Beach and La Pleasure Beach offer great views of the Atlantic. Coco Beach is the more secluded, peaceful choice, but if you want to be surrounded by lively young Ghanaians, drive over to La Pleasure Beach at the weekends.
There are some great markets in the city where Ghana life can be seen in all its colourful glory. Makola Market is bustling with locals, and vendors selling everything imaginable. To the west of Accra is Kaneshie Market which sells food and spices. Another good place for picking up local crafts is the beachfront Arts Centre next to the Nkrumah Mausoleum. Here you’ll find all sorts of pieces from beads, drums and fabrics, to wood carvings and statues. Be warned - sellers can be pushy, so have your bargaining skills ready!
If you want to learn a bit about Ghana’s heritage, visit the Kwame Nkrumah Park. This grand monument is a tribute to Ghana’s founding father. There’s a crypt, museum and fountains, and just east of the park lies Independence Square, another place worth visiting. The National Museum holds hundreds of objects commemorating the traditions of the Gad, Akwamu and Asante people.
The Greater Accra Centre for National Culture is a fantastic place to find out about local music and dance. And don’t forget the visit the W.E.B. Dubois Memorial Centre of Pan-African Culture where you’ll see the book collection of the world-famous author.
So if you want somewhere a little unusual for your next holiday, give Accra a go. Check FlightComparison.co.uk for the cheapest flights.
06.23.2008 | 11:54 am | European Destinations
Basking in the sun on the Costa Blanca, Alicante is a town of thrills and traditions that will give you an insight into authentic Spanish. After centuries of war, foreign rule, and domestic struggle, Alicante has become a popular destination for holidaymakers. Originally a small port, it is now a bustling town famous for its festivals. From the beaches to the city centre, Alicante is a busy mix of fun and history, and a great place for a vacation.
It is hottest and most vibrant during the summer but also at its busiest and most expensive. Spring and autumn are good times to visit although it cools down towards winter.
The Spanish are well known for their fiestas and celebrations and Alicante is no exception. In late April the town holds the Muslim and Christian Festival which commemorates the expulsion of the Moors in the 13th century. Hundreds of locals parade through the streets wearing exotic costumes. The most famous celebration is the Festival de Sant Joan which takes place over a week in late June. The drinking and dancing goes on all night around a procession of extravagant floats. On the night of June 24th the festival reaches its peak, with a firework display and a bonfire. For the lowdown on the history of the festival have a look round the Museu de Fogueres.
The Castillo de Santa Barbara is one of Alicante’s most famous landmarks. Its enormous walls have long been seen as the symbol of the city. The castle sits at the top of Mount Benacantil overlooking the entire city and the wide spread of the Mediterranean. A passenger lift goes up to the Castillo from Postiguet beach.
Make your way to the Isla de Tabarca which is home to a medieval fort, a cosy beach and some great seafood restaurants. A great way of getting there is in a glass bottom boat from Alicante port.
To see how Alicante looked under the Romans take a trip to the ruins of Lucentum. The site is located in the middle of the La Albufareta suburb, but you’ll get a feel for the layout of the old town despite the modern high-rises.
There are some great museums in Alicante. The Museo Arqueologico Provincial was nominated for European Museum of the Year in 2004 thanks to its collection of ceramics and Iberian art. The Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina is an art museum housed inside an imposing 18th century mansion. If you go, make sure you visit the Iglesia de Santa Maria nearby with its gilt altar and Gothic nave. The building that is now the Museo-Casa de la Asegurada was used as a prison in the 17th century, and houses an impressive collection of 20th century art by Gris, Miro, Picasso and Dali.
Alicante is often seen as a gateway to the resorts on the Costa Blanca, but the city is so much more than simply an airport. For cheap flights to Alicante check FlightComparison.co.uk.
06.20.2008 | 9:44 am | Pensive Traveller
This week our roving romantic talks about that bastion of la vie bohème, the Paris métro.
Paris. Pure romance in two short syllables. The view over the Seine at nightfall to the twinkling Tour Eiffel, Haussmann’s wide boulevards, the neon of Pigalle… Paris exudes passion potential, so much so that it’s almost a cliché. So I won’t dwell on the typical traits that travellers laud. Let’s talk instead of the subterranean city.
There’s something fascinating about the Paris Métro. The ornate art nouveau signs with ‘Metropolitain’ in those iconic dripping green letters are as evocative of Paris as Nôtre Dame. And then there are the names of the stops, which paint a technicolour map of Paris – Miromesnil, Gambetta, Javel, Oberkampf.
Even the Métro map is a work of art. There’s none of the spider-like limbs and garish colours of London’s Tube map, nor the clutter of New York’s nightmarish grid. The Paris Métro on paper is almost as beautiful as it is in real life. Muted colours, soft lines, wonderful names that make you wonder just what goes on there. Bir-Hakeim sounds like an aromatic spice bazaar; Arts et Métiers, a place of erudition where robed scholars and philosophers roam.
The Métro is one of Europe’s oldest underground rail systems. It has sixteen lines, 300 stations and a total length of 133 miles. Plans began in 1845 and the first line opened 1900 during the Exposition Universelle world’s fair. The network grew rapidly until the First World War and the main portion was finished by the 1920s. Extensions into suburbs were built in the 1930s. After World War II new trains were introduced to ease congestion and a sister system, the RER, was built to relieve the network in the 1960s.
Usable as well as beautiful, the Métro is well known for the frequency of its stops. It has the most closely spaced stations of any underground network in the world, with 245 stops within sixteen square miles. It also has the world’s biggest subway station, Châtelet-Les Halles and is the second busiest metro system in Europe after Moscow, carrying 4.5 million passengers a day.
Discover the romance of the Paris Métro for yourself. Find cheap flights at FlightComparison.co.uk.
06.19.2008 | 11:36 am | World Destinations
Florida is well known for its popular beaches, vibrant cities and tourist-friendly theme parks, but if you want something a little different, try Key West.
Famous for being Florida’s bohemian outpost, Key West lies at the end of the string of islands known as the Florida Keys. Connected to the other islands by the impressive Seven Mile Bridge, Key West is something of a contrast to the sedate holiday-home atmosphere of the other keys.
Key West has been home to writers, artists and hippies since the 1960s, and has a liberal, fun-loving atmosphere. One thing’s for sure, Key Westerners love to party. Among the island’s many events is the Hemingway Days Festival in July, when hundreds of Ernest lookalikes gather at Sloppy Joe’s Bar in memory of their hero. Ernest Hemingway called Key West his home for many years and his legacy lives on. One of the island’s most popular tourist attractions is Hemingway’s house at 907 Whitehead Street. If you go, and we highly recommend it, make sure you look out for the six-toed cats! Walking through the sun-dappled gardens and shady rooms, it’s easy to see why Hemingway took so much inspiration from Key West.
The PrideFest in June celebrates the island’s gay community which makes up nearly 30% of the population. The biggest festival is October’s Fantasy Fest - a mixture of Carnivale and Halloween. The Annual Key West Literary Seminar in January adds a more high-brow element to the island’s panoply of festivities.
A great place for a morning stroll is the cemetery. The island’s history has bequeathed a religious mixture that is easy to see among the graves. Christian and Jewish plots lie beside shrines devoted to Santeria - a mixture of voodoo and Catholicism that sprang up among settlers of different faiths. Key West’s dry soil means that a large proportion of the graves are above ground in individual mausoleums or banks several metres high - quite an impressive, if sinister, sight.
Key West’s nightlife is bright and varied. After watching the sunset down at Mallory Square, head to the Blue Heaven restaurant at 305 Petronia St. Prices are higher than average, but it’s a classic Key West experience. Eat Southern style food under the stars while cats and chickens run amok - sounds strange, but it’s pure Key West. There are lots of restaurants down by the waterfront serving local specialities like stone crabs, conch fritters and the famous Key Lime Pie. Some of the island’s most popular bars include Hemingway’s favourite Sloppy Joe’s, and the Green Parrot on Whitehead Street which is tucked away from the main tourist trap of Duval Street. Gay travellers are well catered for. Key West is one of America’s most Queer-friendly destinations and there is no shortage of bars to appeal to every taste from the über-scene to the low-key.
Hotels are generally expensive, especially in high season and around festival times. Key West is easily walkable but it’s best to be as close to the centre as possible to soak up the atmosphere. The Old Town has a great selection of guesthouses and bed & breakfasts in converted Victorian houses, and there are some cheaper hotels as you come in on Highway 1.
Great sunsets, easy-going nightlife and a bohemian atmosphere - what more could you want?
Find cheap flights to Florida at FlightComparison.co.uk.
06.18.2008 | 10:48 am | Travel Writers
If you’re looking for a book which will deliver a good dose of laughs along with some old-fashioned travel writing, pick up a Bill Bryson. His career spans a decade and takes readers from the backwoods of America to the dusty plains of Australia via Europe and Africa.
Bill McGuire Bryson was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1951, the son of sports journalist William Bryson. He studied at Drake University but dropped out to spend four months backpacking around Europe. This trip provided some of the material for his 1991 book Neither Here Nor There: Travels in Europe, and introduced his one-time buddy Stephen Katz - who would be Bryson’s greatest comic creation were he not 100% real.
Bryson moved to England in 1977 with his wife Cynthia and began his journalistic career writing for The Times and The Independent. It was during his time in the UK that Neither Here Nor There and The Lost Continent: Travels in Small Town America were written. Bryson wrote Notes on a Small Island on leaving Britain in 1995 as a memory of the country he was leaving behind. While his other books had been successful, it was this one which catapulted him to international acclaim.
Bryson’s other works from the 90s include A Walk in the Woods (1998) in which Bill recruits his old friend Steven Katz to join him hiking the Appalachian Trail. Notes from a Big Country, also published in 1998, was a collection of Bryson’s newspaper columns charting his return to the USA after many years away. He began the millennium with Down Under, an account of his trip to Australia, followed by Bill Bryson’s African Diary in 2002 for which all profits went to CARE International.
It’s Bryson’s love of the absurd that makes his writing so entertaining. Wherever he goes he will always come face to face with a city’s strangest characteristic, or become embroiled with the town’s most recalcitrant hotelier. His self-designed persona of the unfortunate, slightly baffled klutz makes for some laugh-out-loud moments, such as the following exchange with a waitress in Aachen in Neither Here Nor There:
“My waitress spoke no English at all and I had the most extraordinary difficulty getting myself understood. I asked for a beer and she looked at me askance.
‘Wass? Tier?’
‘Nein, beer,’ I said, and her puzzlement grew.
‘Fear? Steer? Queer? King Leer?’
‘Nein, nein, beer.’ I pointed at the menu.
‘Ah, beer,’ she said, with a private tut, as if I had been intentionally misleading her.’”
What is particularly appealing about Bryson is his uniquely unpretentious view of travelling. He quips “What an odd thing tourism is. You fly off to a strange land, eagerly abandoning all the comforts of home, and then expend vast quantities of time and money in a largely futile attempt to recapture the comforts that you wouldn’t have lost if you hadn’t left home in the first place.” This is Bryson all over - a deadpan view of a concept that most travel writers treat with hushed reverence.
Bryson’s use of hyperbole is another ingredient in his comic success. Of a bus ride in Scandinavia he writes “I have seldom been more certain that I was about to die. The man drove as if we were in an arcade game”.
What makes Bryson’s career even more impressive is that travel writing is not his only forte. He has written three excellent books on the English language - Mother Tongue in 1990, Made in America: An Informal History of the English Language in the United States (1994) and Bryson’s Dictionary of Troublesome Words (2002). In 2003 he tried his hand at science with A Short History of Nearly Everything, followed in 2006 by his memoirs, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, charting his Midwestern upbringing.
Bill Bryson is an all-rounder, but it is his travel writing that sets him apart. Read a Bryson book and you’ll be laughing long after you’ve turned the last page.
06.17.2008 | 11:21 am | Features
Green is the buzzword of the moment right now, with governments, companies and individuals pledging to do what they can to save the environment.
The travel industry has been eco-aware for some time. Ecotourism comes out on top as its fastest growing sub-section, as tourists have realised that it’s possible (and highly rewarding) to give something back while taking a vacation. The United Nations named 2002 the International Year of Ecotourism, and the industry has never looked back.
Peregrine Adventures, World Expeditions, Explore Worldwide and Intrepid Travel are just some of the companies promoting responsible tourism. Intrepid focused on environmentally, culturally and socially responsible tourism with maximum trip groups of twelve travellers to minimise impact. Intrepid will be a carbon neutral company by the end of 2009, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from their premises and trips as much as possible and offsetting the rest.
For young people who might not be able to afford world travel but still want to do their bit, Christian Aid is launching Platform2, a scheme which sends British 18 to 25-year-olds to volunteer in a developing country for ten weeks. Volunteers will visit countries such as Ghana, South Africa, Peru, India and Malawi to work with local communities. On their return, they will be asked to document their trip through blogging, art, photography or film, to spread the word and raise awareness of ecotourism. Funded by the Department for International Development, this scheme is a great opportunity for young people who might otherwise have been unable to afford to volunteer and travel.
If you’re 18 to 25, have a UK passport and would like to take part in Platform2, visit MyPlatform2 for details of how you can apply.
To find out about ecotourism in general, visit Ecotourism.org.
06.16.2008 | 12:19 pm | European Destinations
Whether you’re looking for a destination for a mini-break, a four night stay or a longer trip, versatile Lisbon is a great choice.
If you’re there for two or three days you’ll get a great feel for the city by simply walking the streets. The heart of Lisbon is the Baixa or city centre which was organised in a grid system after the 1755 earthquake which ruined most of the original medieval city.
The Castle of São Jorge stands at the top of Lisbon’s tallest hill and offers great views over the city. Lisbon is famous for its squares including the Praça do Comércio, Rossio Square and Restauradores Square - perfect for an evening stroll. Because of its layout, Lisbon has several lifts connecting the high and low districts. The most famous is the Gothic revival Elevador de Santa Justa built in 1900. As you’d expect from a European capital, Lisbon has some beautiful churches. There’s the decorated Church of São Roque, the Baroque and Neoclassical Estrela Basilica, and the Manueline Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower down by the river. If you’re around that part of town make sure you see the Monument to the Explorers - an impressive carving commemorating Portugal’s seafaring history.
If you like museums you’ll love Lisbon. The most famous are the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, the Museu do Azulejo and the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian which has collections of both modern and ancient art. Lisbon has Europe’s largest oceanium, and several niche museums like the National Coach Museum which has the largest collection of royal coaches in the world.
The town of Sintra is worth a look if you’re staying in the area for several days. Just a short train trip from Lisbon, Sintra is one of Portugal’s major tourist attractions. Sights include the multicoloured Pena Palace and the Castelo dos Mouros with its stunning view of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and mountain range.
Further out of town are several popular beaches which are definitely worth a look if you’re in the Lisbon area for longer than a weekend.
Find cheap flights to Lisbon Here.
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