Where to stay in Istanbul
Spectacular Istanbul is a fascinating city spanning many different periods of history as well as the continents of both Europe and Asia. It offers many accommodation options across several areas of the (very large) city but most visitors opt to stay near the centre on the European side in either Taksim or Sultanahmet. Read on for more information that can help you decide where it is best to stay during your visit. This post is based upon these two areas of Istanbul because they are the areas with the highest density of visitor attractions and hotels (for more information on what to see in Istanbul click here) and also because…
Spectacular Provence Beaches
Having grown up only a whisper away from France, in the UK, I had always rather disregarded the beaches, assuming they would be very similar to UK beaches, with shingle and cold murky water. In northern France they have vast sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Being the other side of the channel, the water is not very different. But with regards to the Provence coast, how wrong could I be? What a difference a land mass makes Of course Provence is on the south coast of France and the Mediterranean. This makes a huge difference. The water is generally sheltered and beautifully clear. Don’t be…
LARCing around in 1770, Queensland
The Queensland town of 1770 has a unique environment to explore. With creeks meeting the sea along this coastline a variety of ecosystems exist. Doing them all justice as you explore could be tricky unless you go on a LARC. “A what?” you say? Read on; I will explain. The Town of 1770 sees large differences in high and low tide levels so Lighter Amphibious Resupply Vessels (LARC) provide a simple solution as they can be operated both on land and through water. Originally used as military transport in coastal areas (not painted neon pink presumably) the LARCs of 1770 Environmental Tours now devote their days to showing visitors the…
Nerja – The Bustling Balcony of Europe
There are not many towns around the Mediterranean that claim to be the Balcony of Europe but, on account of its fantastic seaside promenade, Nerja on the Costa Del Sol does. This town on Spain’s southern Mediterranean coast has a town centre that must be the envy of many. Perched high above the sea on a clifftop the Balcon de Europa offers visitors sweeping panoramic views along the coastline and out to sea. It was so named after a visit from King Alfonso XII who visited in 1885, who it is believed took in the view and was so impressed he declared, “This is the balcony of Europe.” King Alfonso’s…
Australia – Two Years on
I realised last week that I have now been in Australia for just over two years. When I can so clearly remember the chaos of leaving London and the wave of fatigue that hit me when I arrived in Brisbane it seems incredible that two entire years have passed. Read on for an idea of what two years in Australia feels like. The Plan and the reality When I came to Australia the plan was to spend a year here and travel around the country. Rather unexpectedly, due to a job opportunity, I ended up in rural Western Australia, just about as far away from family and friends as possible…
Travel quotes and giggles
Travel is great but like anything can also provide frustrating experiences. Have a chuckle as you read these humourous quotes about travel so that next time adversity strikes you can laugh in its face. Do you have a favourite travel quote that has you howling each time you hear it? Please share it in the comments below. Photo credit: Kathmandu
Counting kisses in Europe
Do you suffer a flash of fear at the thought of how to greet people in Europe? Is a kiss inappropriate? Should you double or triple kiss? Is a handshake a bit formal? Allay you concerns, read on. With the vast number of countries at such close proximity, each with their own ideas about what is standard by way of greeting, Europe offers a plethora of options to put your foot in it. Practicing graceful social etiquette in such circumstances can be a tricky business. Never fear, wherever you go people are people, and most understand that if you are not local you may have different customs. Dive into new…
Childhood Memories of the Greek Islands
I keep hearing in the news that after a long and harsh winter spring has finally sprung in Europe. While I am in no way envious of the cold winters (they are something I am more than happy to miss out on while I live in Australia) I do get jealous of those who spend time around the Mediterranean in summer. I have wonderful memories of childhood summer holidays by the Mediterranean, especially in Greece. The Greek Islands represent a significant slice of my childhood travel memories. I wonder if it was the magic of losing my first tooth while on holiday in Zakynthos and the tooth fairy giving me…
Thailand’s favourite floating market
Floating markets offer visitors to Asia a fascinating and unique experience. The market activity is colourful and friendly and offers many unusual sights. Who knows you might even end up cuddling a snake? Damnoen Saduak is the most popular floating market in Thailand. It is an hour’s drive from Bangkok and it is worth going early in the morning to catch the best of the market, which is open daily until noon, and avoid the worst of the heat. It is possible to walk along the banks of the river and witness all the action from dry land, but some of the sellers, and their produce, will be out of…
Ripley Castle, Yorkshire
Ripley is a village in North Yorkshire that is famous for its ice cream, but less well known is the fact that the town also has a castle in spectacular condition that is well worth a visit. The UK is one of those places that oozes history. It seems like every town and village in the UK is proud home to a building or ruin that has a story to tell and contributes to the rich history of the country. Ripley is no different. Ripley Castle is owned by the Ingilby family and has been handed down between 26 generations of the same family for over 700 years. The Ingilbys’…
