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12 March 2010
Jerusalem’s Festival of Lights will be hitting the city again this year between 9-16 June 2010. This is the second time the festival will be taking place after the huge success last year.
The Jerusalem Festival of Light is a huge and impressive artistic event that takes place in the Old City of Jerusalem highlighting the [...]
10 March 2010
When in Caesarea you’ll find yourself surrounded by the magnificent ancient ruins built by Herod the Great, not just on land, but also underwater. Don your wet suit and dive into one of the most intriguing museums where you’ll be able to float up close and personal to the untouched remains of Herod’s harbour.
It took [...]
09 March 2010
bargain of a time in israel’s market
Israel’s market scene is bustling to the brim so here’s the lowdown on which markets you should be making your way to when you’re next out.
The Mahneh Yehuda is Jerusalem’s famous open-air market that sells anything and everything under the sun: from fresh fruits and baklava, to menorahs and traditional barber shops.
Off Tel Aviv’s beach [...]
04 March 2010
travel from the comfort of your home
We live in a world where everything is accessible through the web. So it was only a matter of time before we could actually travel virtually.
Google maps has pushed the boundaries again. Well not really. They’ve basically complied 40 videos that film the entire Trans-Siberian Railway journey from start to finish. The video is interactive [...]
25 February 2010
We are a year away from the Venice Biennale, a major world contemporary art showcase which takes place every two years in Venice, Italy.
But what’s this got to do with New Zealand you ask? Well at each Biennale showcase, there are over 30 national pavilions which are filled with artists from around the globe. The [...]
24 February 2010
Comparison websites have largely missed out on the finer things in life, preferring to concentrate on car insurance rather than the more important stuff such as what bottle of wine you should be drinking. There’s nothing more frustrating than thinking you’ve bagged the ultimate bargain at one store when it’s the fraction of the price [...]
18 February 2010
put your mark on auckland’s super city
The hunt is on for Auckland’s new Super City logo allowing every Aucklander the chance to put their mark on the new Super City
The decision to allow the public to submit their design for the Super City’s logo has come after the failures of New Zealand’s past logos such as Auckalnd’s City Council’s wavy ‘A’ [...]
17 February 2010
retrace new zealand’s first settlers’ footsteps
For a truly unique experience head out to Central Otago this month. Every year in February, the Goldfields Cavalcade retraces the footsteps of New Zealand’s early settlers across some of the country’s most remote and dramatic landscapes.
The event is based on the first Cobb & Co stage-coach trip which left the Provincial Hotel in Dunedin [...]
You’ll be in for a surprise if you’re planning to visit Lake Taupo, in New Zealand’s central North Island, this month as a new dress code will be in town.
From the 12-21 February Lake Taupo will be first to host the New Zealand Body Art Festival outside of Auckland, and heads will definitely be turning [...]
12 February 2010
Call it whatever you want, barbie, barbeque or BBQ, the act of cooking on a red hot grill in the bright sunny outdoors is the essential part of New Zealand culture and culinary experience.
The great Kiwi barbie most often takes part in the backyard of any New Zealander’s home, but keeping the heat out of [...]
11 February 2010
New Zealand, much like our neighbour Wales, has long endured jokes about the extent to which they are outnumbered by sheep. Surprisingly in 2009, New Zealand’s sheep population actually dropped leaving no fewer than eight sheep per person! Still a pretty big statistic if you ask us. But unfortunately there is another gag looming in [...]
10 February 2010
wild food on the wild west coast
Calling all gourmet bush tuckers: worm sushi, bush bacon butties and deep fried shark will be on the menu at New Zealand’s iconic Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, held annually in March on the remote South Island west coast.
The Hokitika Wildfoods Festival is a celebration of the weird and wonderful in the world of New Zealand food. [...]
05 February 2010
Nelson is known for world class wine, amazing scenery and sun, but little do people know it’s also New Zealand’s only hop growing region. And with hop comes….you’ve guess it, beer! This explains why Nelson is home to the most craft brewers than anywhere else on the island.
Craft brewers use traditional brewing techniques and local [...]
03 February 2010
New Zealand’s Department of Conservation has listed a real-life dream job: ‘caretaker required for a remote New Zealand island, D’Urville Island, located in the sunny Marlborough Sounds.’
They’re looking for a willing volunteer or two to look after a pristine conservation area, Moawhitu Reserve, on D’Urville Island. Whilst the job comes with no pay, what’s included [...]
02 February 2010
She is a robust dame, fast becoming a Kiwi superstar, with roots in all corners of the country, and next week she will be the toast of more than 12,000 glasses in Wellington.
Pinot Noir New Zealand 2010 is the fourth event since it began in 2001. Between 1-4 February, wine lovers will be celebrating great [...]
If you’re looking for the most romantic place to propose to your lover this Valentine’s Day forget Paris or Venice. Make a grand gesture and head down south to New Zealand. After all, one of the top 10 places in the world to propose on Valentine’s Day is found on New Zealand’s North Island, in [...]
28 January 2010
There has been a recent rise in New Zealand in the traditional practice of ‘ta moko’. This unique Maori tattoo is being embraced by Maori men and women, as a sign of their cultural identity and a reflection of the revival of the Maori language and culture.
Ta moko is distinct from the usual tattoos we [...]
27 January 2010
There’s nothing quite like the experience of travelling long haul in cattle class. You’re tired, groggy and you feel like a prune. You’re eyes keep rolling back in your head. The person behind you constantly uses your chair as a personal human lift. The person in front of you might as well be sitting in [...]
22 January 2010
Five aspiring film makers from across the globe have been named as the lucky few to compete in ‘Your Big Break’- an international short film competition sponsored by Tourism New Zealand.
The competition involved applicants submitting a three-minute screen-play that captures the spirit of New Zealand, the ‘youngest country on earth’, and the country’s extraordinary landscapes, [...]
21 January 2010
avatar language based on maori
James Cameron’s latest blockbuster, Avatar, involves a storyline surrounding a fictional alien race named Na’vi. It has been revealed that the Na’vi language was actually based on the Maori language, ‘te reo Maori’.
Cameron, along with the help of a language expert, molded the Na’vi language by mixing Maori with European and African languages.
The inspiration for [...]
20 January 2010
There has been a dramatic attempt on a new skydiving record this week as a daredevil tried to parachute through the famous Hole in the Rock in the Bay of Islands. Hungarian born adrenalin junkie, Laszlo Cszimadia, has been thinking about the challenge ever since he first saw the infamous hole on a postcard and [...]
18 January 2010
Tatler UK has been on the hunt for the best 101 hotels for 2010. And making that list is Edenhouse of Nelson, New Zealand’s sunshine city.
Tucked in the green and gorgeous Orinico Valley, Tatler states that at Edenhouse you’ll find a bit of West Sussex and a touch of Knightsbridge all mixed with Kiwi common [...]
14 January 2010
Thanks to Neighbours and Home & Away, most of us are pretty much in-the-know of some Aussie slang. But what about the New Zealand talk you say? Fear not. We at Black Tomato have put together some crucial words so that you won’t feel like a ‘drongo’ (a fool) whilst down south.
New Zealanders are a [...]
13 January 2010
NEW SPECIALS: nice little extras
added value for you to enjoy
Only two days to go till New Zealand’s biggest music festival, Big Day Out, kicks off in Auckland before touring down under.
Big Day Out started off in Sydney back in 1992 before spreading across to Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, Gold Coast and finally New Zealand in 1994. At each city, venues hold seven to eight stages [...]
12 January 2010
Stunning landscapes, world class wine, a rich culture, and great people, its no surprise to us that New Zealand has made it to 5th place in the ‘best country to live in’ index recently run by an American Magazine, International Living.
The index is pitched at those who are retiring or simply want to emigrate. Surveying [...]
08 January 2010
The hunt is on for The New Zealand Herald’s Restaurants of the Year 2009 and first up for nomination is a quaint rustic restaurant, The Shed, located on the serene island of Waiheke. The Shed, part of the award winning Te Moth Vineyards, recently shot up to fame this summer with the help of the [...]
07 January 2010
New Zealand’s oceans are abundant in marine wildlife and at Kaikoura, located on the south island, the marine environment is so rich in nutrients that it consistently attracts some of the most magnificent whale species through out the year. Among them are the giant Sperm whales, that can grow up to 20 metres in length [...]
06 January 2010
With more snow on the way, summer seems to be a distant memory that we may never see again. Good thing we can easily reach the hot rays down south. With the summer months in full swing in New Zealand, the researcher at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research have also just released [...]
one small step for man, one giant leap for new zealand wine
There’s something happening in the cyber world that’s shaping the world’s view on New Zealand wine.
Wine Vault TV (WVTV) is an online show that’s dedicated to wine buffs with a passion for New Zealand wine. With a strong online following, the show has come to attract wine connoisseurs and celebrity guests a like.
The purpose of [...]
22 December 2009
seen the amazon? now check out the pantanal
Animal lovers who also like travelling the world may have already seen the Amazon, one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world.
However, they may be less likely to have seen the Pantanal, which is a vast tropical wetland area in south Brazil. It is so huge that it even stretches into [...]
ethical travel around the globe
With Gordon Brown working overtime to hammer out a global climate change deal in Copenhagen, environmental issues are well and truly under the spotlight (albeit a low wattage one) - and that includes ethical travel.
Carbon footprints, CO2 emissions and global warming are all common parlance nowadays and with the pressure on nations and individuals to [...]
sigiriya - a dramatic wonder in sri lanka
If you’re on the lookout for a really dramatic place to take your next holiday, we recommend that you consider Sri Lanka.
This is the home of Sigiriya (Lion’s Rock), the ruins of a once opulent palace and fortress and it truly is one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth.
We were enthralled by its maze [...]
Sun, sea and sand are all in abundance in Costa Rica. So it only seems right that the country has ramped up its support for surfing.
Following the World Surfing Games, which took place on the country’s Playa Hermosa beach in the middle of August this year, Jose Urena, president of the Federacion de Surf de [...]
adventurous explorer kayaks around australia
It makes us exhausted just looking at this morning’s news, and we like to think of ourselves as adventurous when it comes to travel experiences.
We’re talking about the media coverage of Freya Hoffmeister, the 45-year-old German who has just finished a complete circumnavigation of Australia in a kayak, becoming the first woman to do so.
It [...]
halong bay celebrates 15 years as a world heritage site
Vietnam’s incredible Halong Bay has just celebrated 15 years as a Unesco world heritage site.
The area was praised by the global organisation for its incredible natural beauty and unique geography in both 1994 and 2000. And Halong Bay was also one of several destinations in Vietnam shortlisted for the New Open World seven natural wonders [...]
19 December 2009
see australia as it should be seen - fun, but laid-back and peaceful
As one of the Seven Wonders of the Underwater World, the Great Barrier Reef is understandably top of many people’s must-see lists when it comes to travel.
However, this probably means that you won’t find much in the line of peace and quiet when you get to the most popular sections.
So why not try Australia’s West [...]
14 December 2009
try a safari with a difference in alaska
Try a safari with a difference in Alaska
If staying on a tropical island isn’t your thing, or you don’t fancy a city break, then why not head to somewhere cold and have the adventure of a lifetime?
We’re not talking about northern France or Italy; we’d rather take you to somewhere completely unforgettable, so that’s why [...]
ever seen a polar bear on safari? we’ll show you how
This may sound like the opening of a bad Christmas cracker joke, but we’re serious - you really can go on safari and see a polar bear.
We realised that many of you might have already seen big game in Africa, so we decided to come up with something unusual to track down in a country [...]
walk to the world’s end in sri lanka
Fearless souls who want to enjoy nature’s most spectacular scenery on their trips abroad should definitely consider World’s End in Sri Lanka.
It’s really no wonder that the explorers who found this natural wonder named it as such, since it is a cliff edge with an almost 4,000 ft sheer drop - we can vouch that [...]
india - it’s the perfect place to have an adventure
Anyone whose experience of India has been limited to traditional destinations like Goa may not know that it is one of the best destinations in the world in which to have an adventure.
There are dozens of holiday ads for India at this time of year which may make you think that all there is to [...]
uganda - a safari destination with a difference
If we say safari, we bet you imagine the plains of the Serengeti teeming with lions, gazelle and herds of zebra.
But what if we could offer you a safari with a difference, checking out one of the world’s most fascinating and frighteningly endangered animals?
Given our propensity for travel with a difference, that’s exactly what you’ll [...]
channel your inner indy in jordan
If you secretly see yourself as an Indiana Jones type when it comes to travel, Jordan could be the perfect place to indulge your adventurous side.
The country has one of the most varied histories we’ve ever experienced, with a range of monuments and cultural attractions reflecting the influences of different peoples and rulers over the [...]
spice up your winter travel with a moroccan adventure
At this time of year, while we are very much looking forward to Christmas, we also long for something exotic to break up the monotony of dark mornings and cold nights.
That’s why we make sure we cheer ourselves up by thinking about our travel plans for the New Year, which preferably include jetting off to [...]
07 December 2009
discover a passion for conservation in rajasthan
If there’s one animal that holds us in thrall here at Black Tomato, it’s the tiger. It’s just tragic that these majestic big cats have been hunted almost to extinction and we can assure you that seeing one in real life is an experience to treasure.
For animal lovers, then it’s right up there with whale [...]
beirut - historical, cultural and full of adventure
It may have experienced more than its fair share of political strife over the years, but a trip to Beirut is sure to leave you feeling as though it’s a city that has risen Phoenix-like from the ashes.
We can’t speak highly enough of this cultural gem, which is the largest metropolis in Lebanon and sits [...]
04 December 2009
want to relax on a glorious beach? let us take you to brazil
We know you love the adventure experiences you book with us, but don’t forget that we can also provide something for travellers who simply want to sit on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
There are times that call for some serious chilling out, like honeymoons, for example. After the chaos of wedding planning, we [...]
find beautiful biodiversity in costa rica
If you’re the kind of person who has to be out discovering new things on your trips abroad, then you just have to visit Costa Rica.
We were just stunned by the country’s biodiversity the first time we headed there, with an array of fantastic habitats just waiting to be found - and it really feels [...]
perfecting your winter tan in sri lanka
The biting cold and rain that go hand-in-hand with any good British winter has arrived. And the situation looks like it might get worse - or at least colder.
So before winter really sets in it might be an idea to plan your next luxury trip abroad (or even better get us to do it for [...]
enjoy a world from a dream in namibia
Namibia’s recent qualification for the Rugby World Cup got us all daydreaming here at Black Tomato - not because we’re die-hard rugger fans, but because we just love the country and have got some amazing memories from our time there.
If you’ve never been, the African country is like something out of a dream. It is [...]
forget winter with a fantastic safari experience - how does south africa sound?
Although we haven’t (yet) had the Arctic temperatures in Britain that we experienced last year, it’s fair to say that the weather is getting decidedly chilly in the UK now December is upon is.
We don’t know about you, but travelling to a warm country is starting to look particularly appealing to us here at Black [...]
why we love finland for the festive season
If you’ve racked your brains in an effort to come up with a really different place to spend your winter break this year, then stop stressing and let us tell you about Finland.
You may know from school geography lessons that it’s next to Norway and that the capital is Helsinki, but we can assure you [...]
morocco: so luxurious the stars can’t stay away
Morocco is easily one of our favourite holiday destinations. It’s the equivalent of sensory overload, and combines African, Middle Eastern and European culture flawlessly.
From Tangier to Marrakech, the sights, sounds and smells of Morocco add to the buzzing atmosphere that makes a holiday there a magical experience.
And it’s the latter, Marrakech, that has been under [...]
02 December 2009
award winning wine tasting in adelaide
The wine in Adelaide is always top notch. So waiting for a specific time to go tasting is unnecessary.
There are a huge number of vineyards and some spectacular varieties of grape on offer in the region. And since the Adelaide Hills region was one of the first places Europeans settled in South Australia the [...]
costa rica’s little amazon perfect for attenborough fans
The remote village of Tortuguero epitomises why Costa Rica is such as South American gem.
It is the place to be for serious wildlife lovers who think of themselves as a cross between the national treasure that is Sir David Attenborough and the gung–ho survival expert that is Bear Grylls.
Just a short trip form Limon along [...]
perth to become sculpture mecca
It was just over two weeks ago that Sydney’s Bondi Beach became the spiritual home of sculpture in Australia.
For 17 days the coastal walk that runs between the Bondi and Tamarama was dotted with more than 100 works of art as Sculpture by the Sea rolled into town.
But just as quickly as the national and [...]
namibia’s landscape is mind-boggling
Luxury travel in Namibia is something else. The country has an incredible landscape and a vast array of wildlife and the safari experiences to be had are out of this world.
Namibia is not like anywhere else in Africa. The rugged desert landscape offers up some of the world’s most incredible natural wonders – like [...]
27 November 2009
keswick island is an unknown treasure
Australia’s Whitsunday Islands are undoubtedly one of the country’s hottest destinations.
Dotted up and down the incredible Great Barrier Reef, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular with travellers.
The golden beaches, azure waters and amazing tropical fish pull in the tourists year on year and some of the better known islands can (understandably) get quite [...]
17 November 2009
fine wine and luxury go hand-in-hand down under
Australia is an exceptional place to go wine tasting - and it’s not just the grapes that make it stand out from the crowd. The country’s Tyrian and Taminga grapes (to name just a couple of the hundreds on offer) are undoubtedly fantastic and the endless varieties of fine wine will leave you feeling a [...]
09 November 2009
diversity is everything on a trip to costa rica
Costa Rica isn’t the biggest of places, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in diversity.
Tailoring holidays to Costa Rica is ideal for us simply because the country has so much to offer travellers. Cocktails in San Jose, climbing the active Arenal Volcano or simply unwinding on the Gulf of [...]
sri lanka vies to become second home of adventure travellers
Sri Lanka is the perfect place for budding adventurers looking for somewhere fresh to set foot. The country’s incredible geographical diversity is what makes it ideal for practically every kind of adventure sport going.
Heading from Sri Lanka’s golden beaches to the country’s imposing mountains can be done in a single day and it is possible [...]
04 November 2009
trekking after morning coffee on sydney harbour bridge
The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge is something we wander across almost every time we’re in the city. It offers a fantastic view of the Opera House, and if you want to head to the top we can even arrange a guided climb to the summit that will give you a view of the whole of [...]
botswana tops luxurious african safari poll
We’ve been yelling about Botswana being one of the greatest destinations for big game spotting for ages, but now the country has officially climbed to the top of the luxurious safari circuit in Africa. A recent readers’ poll conducted by Conde Nast Traveller has cemented the regions awesome reputation – and we weren’t in the [...]
us and cuba make gulf of mexico pact
The see-sawing that’s going on between Cuba and the US is enough to make anyone a little disorientated.
One minute the US travel ban looks like it’s soon to be a thing of the past, the next thing Cuba and the States seem to have a million miles of Ocean in between them.
But one thing that [...]
cuban festival dedicated to mexico
Cuba’s eastern city of Holguin will dedicate an entire three-day music festival to Mexico this November.
The 20th International Son Rhythm Festival of Mayari will fill the streets of Holguin with music, art and dancing and many of Cuba’s finest bands will descend on the city during the event, which will run from November 5th to [...]
sculpture by the sea takes bondi beach by storm
The amazing cultural centrepiece of Sydney – the Opera House – is a beacon for the arts in this vibrant city. And as you stroll down the quayside towards the monolith to contemporary theatre, the lively cafes and bars will draw you in and make it almost impossible to tear yourself away – always a [...]
getting out of shanghai and under the skin of china
Shanghai is undoubtedly the dynamo of modern China. It’s quite possibly the most vibrant city on the planet and seems to have shaken free from the past and has its sights firmly set on an exciting future.
Shanghai is one of the country’s great city destinations, but Guangzhou is a fantastic alternative for people who have [...]
first ever hanoi street festival kicks off
The cultural melting pot that is Hanoi has long been one of our favourite holiday destinations in south-east Asia. The Chinese and French influences on Hanoi’s architecture, food and way of life are unmistakable and despite the city embracing modernity, it has managed to preserve much of its ancient charm (and fantastically luxurious colonial apartments).
Hanoi’s [...]
31 October 2009
why i love australia - by darius sanai
Think Australia and you think sun, sea, beaches, wilderness, jungle, nightlife, wine and fun. And you’d be right, but that’s not why I love the place.
Countries you fall in love with invariably (for me anyway) have that swoosh of the unexpected that grabs you and attaches itself to your memory cells. Something that forms part [...]
29 October 2009
cusco has always been our fashionable favourite
As South American cities go, Cusco has always been one of our favourites. Its small-town charm and big-city persona sit perfectly side by side and its location makes it the perfect place to start your exploration of Peru and the Andes.
Another thing that Cusco is renowned for is mixing old with new.
Great colonnaded plazas in [...]
27 October 2009
green island project launched on koh samui
Thailand’s Koh Samui is an interesting getaway. It’s the country’s third largest island and is among Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations.
But despite receiving millions of visitors every year, it still manages to hold onto that isolated rural charm – as long as you head to the right places.
Our recommendation is the Eden Rock Villa. A [...]
26 October 2009
armchair travelling is not something we’d recommend
We’re huge fans of wine safaris. There’s nothing more extravagant than travelling around the world in search of the best grape varieties.
Whether it’s the Syrah vines of Turkey or the well-rounded Chilean Carmenere, we love to get hands on experience when it comes to wine tasting – and that means staying in luxurious villas as [...]
clean-up kicks off in the sacred valley of the incas
Hoteliers in the Sacred Valley of the Incas are taking environmental tourism seriously as they attempt to clean up the area.
As environmental concerns get pushed up the political agenda across the globe, responsible travelling is becoming more commonplace.
And concerns that the Inca Trail is being ruined by rubbish are being tackled head on.
Edwin Gonzalez, [...]
bhutan to boost national park protection
The government in Bhutan has decided to step up efforts to conserve the Manas National Park – which spans the Bhutan-Assam border.
At the foothills of the Himalayas, the Manas National Park is a unique gem. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to both elephant and tiger reserves – the latter covers a [...]
21 October 2009
igazu falls are top tourist destination for brits
This year’s Observer and Guardian Travel Awards have laid bare the changing attitude of the British traveller.
Readers of the newspapers voted for the stunning Igazu Falls as their favourite overseas attraction – knocking Peru’s Incan ruins at Machu Picchu off the top spot and pushing it down to third place.
The spectacular falls, which can be [...]
19 October 2009
After swiftly recovering from his life-threatening confrontation with an apis mellifera (a humble honey bee), Bear Grylls got back on the adventure trail and has been filming in China.
The ex-commando took his survival show to the extreme in the Middle Kingdom as he spent time traversing the jungles of southern China’s Hainan Island.
Filming for the [...]
unusual architecture adds to isla mujeres’ charms
The Isla Mujeres, off the east coast of Mexico, is renowned for its beautiful beaches.
Sat in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, between the lively town of Cancun and Cuba, the island is an idyllic getaway that screams both tropical paradise and luxury.
We have been touting its potential as an elite holiday destination [...]
16 October 2009
the height of black and white elegance
it’s probably best to travel to mexico before the apocalypse
The end of the world is fast approaching, so now could be a great time to take that dream trip to Mexico.
At least that’s what the doomsayers with a sketchy knowledge of the Mayan calendar are claiming.
The date for the apocalypse has already been set for December 21st 2012 (apparently).
It turns out 2012 was a [...]
15 October 2009
cancun’s beaches are getting more golden
Cancun is renowned for its incredible beaches. We’ve spent weeks cooling off in the sparkling waters surrounding the Yucatan peninsula, so we should know.
But the coastline of Mexico is about to get bigger as the powdery white sand in the region is topped up by the country’s government.
Mexico has been giving its beaches a helping [...]
13 October 2009
weird world: the eccentric’s travel guide
A new book which uncovers some of the world’s strangest cultural goings-on has been unleashed on the world.
Weird World, which is made up of 300 photos from a Wanderlust magazine reader’s competition, celebrates the bizarre and unveils cultural oddities in more than 100 countries across the globe. It includes a huge list of wacky events [...]
boipeba is a paradise true to brazil’s roots
With one hotel and no roads, Boipeba in Brazil is a true isolationist’s paradise.
Hidden off the coast in the tropical north-east of the country, the island is the ultimate getaway and counts the local flour mill and an offshore raft serving oysters as its major tourist attractions.
Sure, it doesn’t have the fast-paced nightlife of Rio [...]
07 October 2009
chilean ice cap challenge ends in marriage proposal
A pair of adventurers have abandoned their record-breaking Chilean ice cap challenge after severe blizzards, but have walked away from the ordeal with a new challenge ahead of them.
Katie-Jane Cooper and Tarka L’Herpiniere were 31 days into their 224-mile trek in the country when storms struck, damaging their tent and forcing them to find a [...]
chinese kung fu temple gets an upgrade
A holiday to China is all about old meets new, tradition and transition, and… Kung Fu.
As the country finishes celebrating its 60th year as a People’s Republic, its citizens are obviously looking forward to an exciting future.
We’ll be doing the same, and we’re hoping to be part of the huge cultural change that is taking [...]
viva rio as brazil scoops 2016 olympics
Two words summed up Brazil’s attitude to winning the 2016 Olympics bid. Viva Rio.
During the bidding process, Brazil played second fiddle to Chicago, which was widely expected to be the next host after London. And so when the winner was announced (making Brazil the first ever South American country to host the auspicious games), the [...]
03 October 2009
fine wine makes argentina the perfect honeymoon destination
When you’re looking for somewhere to honeymoon there are a few things that you must have. Good weather, somewhere luxurious to spend your evenings, top notch cuisine and a half decent bottle of plonk (all things that you can’t guarantee if you spend your first days as a married couple on the Sceptered Isle). One [...]
cuba to get more luxurious post-embargo
Cuba is already a hip, fashionable and luxurious hangout. But if the US embargo is dropped, the country, and particularly Havana, could be given a huge upmarket makeover. Or that’s what some investors are saying at least. For us this could be a double-edged sword which could see Cuba losing some of the charm and [...]
We love Panama. It’s a multi-faceted place with something for everyone. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the Spanish conquistadors, Panama is a fantastic place to start. Don’t be fooled by the gleaming skyscrapers of Panama City, once you get under the skin of this spectacular country you’ll see that history is [...]
02 October 2009
forget honeymoons, thailand wants to be a wedding destination
In many ways Thailand is the perfect honeymoon destination (we’d certainly consider it if we were tying the knot). For a start the pristine golden beaches are a perfect place to head after a hectic wedding ceremony. And while some of them can get a bit overcrowded during a full moon, a bit of island [...]
people’s republic celebrations wind up in fine style
The massive 60th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the People’s Republic in China were wound-up this week - with a huge firework display. The celebrations, commemorating the 1949 founding of the Chinese republic, were led by president Hu Jintao and more than 60,000 revellers joined him in singing Ode to the Motherland as the [...]
01 October 2009
We’ve been heading to Argentina for years to top up our Tango skills. We thought it was only right to put our Tango lessons to good use, preferably in a country where the dance is like a second language. And just as we started getting to grips with the lingo and could tell the difference [...]
hollywood stars get luxury croatian treatment
We’ve always said that Croatia is the hippest hangout on the Mediterranean coast. We love strolling the enchanting streets of Dubrovnik, sipping crisp continental lager in the city’s coolest bars, and doing a bit of celebrity spotting on Lokrum Island.
And if Croatia’s status as a celebrity retreat wasn’t a given, it looks like one Croatian [...]
30 September 2009
indonesia is a hidden treasure
We have often described Indonesia as a tropical gem. It’s our favourite sailing destination, which is why we’re so passionate about bespoke yachting trips in the country.
With more than 17,000 islands you’re spoilt for choice, and the sheer number of tropical fish and underwater wildlife make it a snorkelers’ paradise.
But Indonesia’s magnificent beauty is not [...]
bali set to rock the fashion world
Bali and fashion haven’t always gone hand in hand.
When we think of a holiday to Indonesia, we think tropical paradise, romantic honeymoon getaway and sailor’s heaven.
Indonesia is a true beauty, it’s completely steeped in culture and we reckon it has some of the best beaches on the planet.
With coral reefs scattered across the whole archipelago, [...]
borneo gets the attenborough nod of approval
If ever there was an accolade to aspire to, it’s being named as one of Sir David Attenborough’s most memorable moments.
That is something Borneo’s orang-utans can boast, after the much-loved naturalist and BBC presenter unveiled 50 of his favourite moments from a career spanning 30 years examining nature’s most incredible sights.
The 83-year-old broadcaster is at [...]
28 September 2009
mexico makes it three in the global top ten
We’ve always been huge fans of Mexico, picking it ahead of the Bahamas any day of the week and it seems that it’s not just us who have a special place for the Central American sun-spot.
With beautiful weather and beautiful beaches, Mexico is a perfect place to party, but it’s also known for its extreme [...]
26 September 2009
giant squid surfaces in the gulf of mexico
For those who thought that giant squids were the preserve of B-movies and hoary old sea tales, the Gulf of Mexico has just proved otherwise.
Scientists in the region have dredged up a genuine example of the genus, which could have some holidaymakers heading for the hills. In fact, at 20 feet long and 103 pounds, [...]
25 September 2009
archaeologists uncover trojan remains in turkey
Turkey is at the heart of European history and literature, and Homer’s story of the sacking of Troy is known the world over as one of the earliest pieces of recorded history on the continent.
But now archaeologists have uncovered the bodies of a man and woman who were believed to have perished around 1,200 BC [...]
british museum to re-write mexican history
There’s a fascinating exhibition opening at the British Museum this week which we’re not going to miss. It looks at the tumultuous history of Mexico – something that we fell in love with the first time we set foot in the country – and promises to re-examine the life of Montezuma, the last ruler of [...]
24 September 2009
mexico’s tourism is down but not out
Mexico has had a rough time of it lately, what with the global economic downturn and natural disasters hammering its tourism sector particularly hard.
But it takes a lot to keep the Mexicans down, and with the exceptional history and culture they have to offer, it’s unlikely they will be struggling for long.
So before the tourists [...]
23 September 2009
java soulnation pulls in the biggest hip-hop stars
Indonesia is starting to make waves in the music festival industry. The Java Soulnation festival will pull together some of the biggest names in soul and hip hop, and there’s no better place to see your favourite acts than on an island paradise.
Soulnation is just a month away, kicking off on October 30th, and gives [...]
art under the spotlight at contemporary istanbul
Istanbul is going to be the centre of European culture next year, and it’s getting the ball rolling this December with the Contemporary Istanbul festival.
It will be the fourth year that the event has rocked the modern and contemporary arts in Turkey, and this year is expected to a taster of things to come, as [...]
turkey is a top spot for paragliding
Paragliding is a fantastic thrill. There’s nothing like having the wind rushing past your ears while you’re soaring to unbelievable heights.
The sport is surprisingly accessible, and within a few hours of picking up your chute for the first time you’ll be flying solo. After two days you’ll feel at one with it.
It takes less than [...]
22 September 2009
tom, matt and james discuss thier top destinations for autumn
monkeys on motorcycles are an indonesian staple
Performing monkeys are a common sight in Indonesia, and while they don’t all ride motorbikes it is not uncommon to clap your eyes on a simian cutting through rush hour traffic on a mini-moto.
Watching the rather macabre scene of a macaque feigning his own death after coming a cropper at high speed is a strangely [...]
scuba diving in baja california
Baja California is renowned for its surfing, but there’s something this Mexican state does even better. Scuba diving.
The Sur is known as the aquarium of the world and the Gulf of California boasts more than 800 species of fish.
Stingrays, sea lions, dolphins and whales are all common sights, and the water is so clear it’s [...]
seafaring in mexico almost guarantees an encounter with whales
There are just 11 species of whale on the planet, and if you set sail on the west coast of Mexico at the right time of year you could spot eight of them.
Magdalena Bay, which is in Los Cabos, is renowned for its whale watching, but if you’ve got your own luxury private charter you [...]
Indonesia’s capital is experiencing a mass exodus.
Airports and train stations are swarming with people heading home for the Idul Fitri holiday season (which marks the end of Ramadan).
But with most people preparing to celebrate with their families it could be a great time to head to the country.
It might be worth avoiding major cities during [...]
19 September 2009
it’s going to be a red christmas
Forget about having a white Christmas this year, it’s high time you indulged in a red Christmas.
Let’s face it, it’s not going to snow this Yule (it never does) and if you want to get away from the grey, miserable weather that comes as standard with most British Christmases you could do worse than heading [...]
mexico offers more than just margaritas
Sitting on a beach in Mexico is an appealing proposition – especially now summer in the UK looks well and truly over.
And soaking up the sun while supping a strong cocktail is as far as some of you will get when it comes to making concrete plans, but if you are thinking of taking a [...]
18 September 2009
oaxaca stands proud on the day of the dead
The Day of the Dead in Mexico is an interesting proposition. But the Dia de los Muertos as it is known to the locals is not a macabre affair, and if you’re taking a holiday in Mexico this November you don’t have to feel like you’re treading on egg shells.
Quite the opposite in fact, it’s [...]
the world’s best fishermen head to west mexico
The west coast of Mexico is renowned for its incredible fishing.
So much so that every year it plays host to one of the biggest angling events on the planet.
And the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament is not just about marlin and yellowfin tuna, it’s about money.
The prize purse regularly swells to more than £500,000, and [...]
17 September 2009
sri lanka will be one of the hottest destinations of 2009
It always helps to be slightly ahead of the competition in the travel business, and we’re always on the hunt for new places to put our feet up and enjoy the sunshine (it’s not as relaxing as it sounds… honestly.)
And Sri Lanka is one of our new-found favourites. But it’s growing in popularity, so if [...]
indonesia is one of the top travel destinations
It’s official, Indonesia is one of the world’s top holiday destinations.
Sitting alongside the likes of Vietnam and Peru, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that the country is up there with the best of them.
And the top ten of the Wanderlust Travel Awards 2009 was littered with destinations we just can’t get enough [...]
radio reykjavik returns to the airwaves
Reykjavik is renowned for its amazing club culture, and for us there is one music festival in particular that stands out from the crowd.
We’re talking about the Iceland Airwaves Festival, which has been rocking the country’s capital since 1999.
It’s the world’s northern-most music event and has a long history of pulling in the best musical [...]
bali is the spiritual home of boarding… surely
Surfers all have their dream boarding hang-out.
Whether it’s the west coast of Mexico, the volcanic islands of Hawaii or the celebrity covered beaches of California, there’ll be a surfing guru out there shouting about it.
So it can be a tough task picking where to take your board once you’ve graduated from our surfing school in [...]
16 September 2009
peru is still an explorer’s playground
We fell in love with Peru the moment we set foot in the country simply because it feels so untouched. It’s like an isolated South American paradise awaiting to be discovered.
After hopping onto our motorbikes and riding across the Andes in search of the City of Kings, we were left in complete awe.
Peru is undoubtedly [...]
komodo is back under the spotlight
Everything Stephen Fry touches at the moment seems to turn to gold dust.
With the exception of his appearance alongside Paul Merton in the DirectLine advert, Fry’s in-depth knowledge of just about everything shines through.
So it’s understandable he has audiences captivated. And his latest travel show, Last Chance to See, is no exception.
It’s a fascinating tour [...]
turkey’s fashion week could put istanbul alongside milan
Turkey is not renowned for its fashion, but that could be about to change.
The country’s first ever fashion week was held at the end of August this year, and it’s hoped that future festivals could put Istanbul alongside the likes of New York and Milan when it comes to contemporary clothing.
Meanwhile, young designers from the [...]
croatia and luxury go hand in hand
Getting off the beaten track in Europe is no easy task, but it’s always worth the effort - especially when you leave someone like us to sort out the travelling arrangements.
And getting away from the tourist hordes doesn’t mean sacrificing those essential luxuries that make a holiday on the continent extra special.
We recommend taking a [...]
film and music put croatia on europe’s cultural map
It’s easy to pigeonhole European countries when you’re sifting through holiday brochures in search of something special.
Some places get crossed off the list prematurely and others don’t even get a look in.
With so many destinations to choose from, it’s difficult not to be overwhelmed.
But that’s where we come into our own. We’re never afraid to [...]
15 September 2009
bali’s kuta karnival is just a week away
Bali’s biggest festival, the Kuta Karnival, kicks off this Saturday.
Kuta Beach is the nightspot for people wanting to party in Bali, and during the week-long explosion of culture that is Kuta Karnival the revelry really is turned up a notch.
This year is the seventh anniversary of the first Kuta Karnival and the festival will be [...]
the gulf of mexico is a priceless treasure
The Gulf of Mexico’s Veracruz Coral Reef System National Park is a priceless treasure.
It’s a unique reef that has no equal in the Gulf of Mexico, and we think it’s the perfect place for divers to hone their skills.
We just can’t get enough of the interconnected system of 17 reefs, which cover a whopping 52,238 [...]
samba in style in rio de janeiro
Brazil is one country that really knows where the party is at. Talk of the carnival is never far away, no matter what time of year it is.
And with dancing and music ingrained in every Brazilian, it’s no wonder there’s more than one outlet for the musical soul of the country’s fun-loving residents.
Personally, when we [...]
hunt continues for missing mexican island
When an Island in the Gulf of Mexico goes missing tongues start wagging – especially when repeated searches for the paradies come up empty handed.
And it’s hardly surprising that conspiracy theories are starting to do the rounds.
The missing island in question is Bermeja, which is (or should that be was) central to Mexico’s oil claims.
And [...]
12 September 2009
amazon river race celebrates its 10th birthday
A decade ago the first international Amazon River race was held in Peru.
For three days and nights, all that stood between the four-man teams of rafters and the crocodile-infested waters of the world’s longest river were a few balsawood logs strapped together with ropes.
This year the event kicks off in Nauta on September 25th and [...]
11 September 2009
relaxing in kefalonia is going to take at least a week
Kefalonia is our favouite sleepy, paradise-like island off the coast of mainland Greece.
Despite being one of the largest, it avoids the assault of summer tourists that other parts of the country are subjected to, and will always be one of the best places in Europe to spend some time doing absolutely nothing.
If you’re wanting to [...]
brazil becomes a fishing mecca in september
Every September Brazil becomes the centre of the universe for the global fishing community as the International Fishing Festival in Mato Grosso rolls into town.
Ever since the event landed itself in the Guinness book of records it has been growing in popularity, and it is a spectacle to behold.
Cramming around 200,000 people into the small [...]
festival do rio puts brazil on the global movie map
Latin America has a massive film-making industry and it is celebrated in true style at the Festival do Rio.
Film buffs from all around the world head to the pulsing heart of Latin American cinema, in Brazil, to see the latest premieres and cutting edge shorts (us included).
Almost quarter of a million people are expected to [...]
10 September 2009
head to mexico’s west coast for top class surfing
Mexico is a hang-out for some of the most legendary surfers in the world, and travelling down the west coast you’ll soon see why.
There are loads of great spots to wax down your board as the sun comes up and dive into the swell before the small towns you’ve travelled through even start to come [...]
09 September 2009
dicing with death in san miguel
San Miguel is famous for two things. The first is a crisp, dry refreshing beer, which we are particularly fond of. It makes us feel like we’re on holiday in Mexico every time a drop touches our tongue.
The second is the annual bull run, which is modelled on Spain’s famous Pamplona.
The Sanmiguelada, which kicked off [...]
guanajuato invites the uk to the festival internacional cervantino
Every year the Festival Internacional Cervantino takes its place just left of centre stage in the Mexican events calendar. Second only to Independence Day, the event is the biggest, wildest and most fun gathering of its kind in the country.
The colonial city of Guanajuato is completely transformed as the streets come alive with theatre, dance, [...]
08 September 2009
sailing mexico’s west coast in search of the yellowfin
Setting sail on the Sea of Cortes in search of killer whales and leatherback turtles is something we would do every year if we could.
Better known as the Gulf of California, the Mars de Cortes (as the Spanish-speaking Mexicans call it) is home to some of the most spectacular migratory wildlife on the planet – [...]
demystifying the legend surrounding surfing
Surfing is an awe inspiring pastime shrouded in mystery. It has a cult-like status, and the dangers of riding big waves are promoted endlessly by its tanned practitioners.
Talk of 40 foot freak swells are the currency of modern surfing movies, and who can forget Keanu Reeves’ journey into the seedy world of surfing - which [...]
04 September 2009
helping pack the streets of mexico city on independence day
We’re not one for missing the biggest party on the planet, which is why we’ll be heading to Mexico this September.
You can guarantee that come Independence Day (September 16th) the streets of Mexico will be filled to bursting point with people shaking their thing and partying hard.
And we’ll be with them, winding our way through [...]
02 September 2009
sailing makes waves around the world
Sailing has been all over the news in the past week.
Mike Perham, a 17-year-old British lad, became the youngest person to sail around the world solo – taking the 28,000 mile record from Californian sailing enthusiast Zac Sunderland (who spent four-months longer at sea).
But just as Mike returned to the UK a hero, 13-year-old Laura [...]
cuba or brazil? how about both
Salsa or samba? Cuba or Brazil? These are important questions to ask yourself when heading on a trip around the world.
We won’t lie to you, picking between the two is no easy task (but we’re always here to lend a helping hand).
We often find ourselves torn between the slow-paced colonial streets of Havana and the [...]
01 September 2009
with the dead sea shrinking it might be time to visit jordan
Jordan has a lot going for it, but it is undoubtedly most famous for its landlocked body of water the Dead Sea.
Believed to have healing powers because of the shear amount of salt contained within, the Dead Sea is getting stronger (if that’s the right word) as it evaporates.
According to scientists, water levels are dropping [...]
costa rica is good for your health
Before today we would have said that taking a holiday to Costa Rica is a mind blowing experience that should not be passed up.
From tropical jungles to golden beaches there is adventure and excitement at every turn.
And the sun drenched Central American paradise is the place to start if you want a holiday packed [...]
madonna rules out gruelling moroccan marathon
Madge is a tough cookie and has survived the cloak and dagger antics of the music business for as long as we care to remember.
But when confronted with rumours she was planning on competing in a gruelling desert marathon she was quick to dispel them as nonsense.
"It’s not true", she said.
According to the tabloids, Madge [...]
shanghai to become a foodies’ heaven
Shanghai is hoping to become the top destination in China for food buffs. The city’s opening gastronomic gambit will be the launch of this year’s Shanghai Tourism Food Festival.
The massive event will start on September 13th, with the Cuisine Exhibition Week, and will run until October 6th.
The huge range of dishes on offer make [...]
passing through syria is not just for storks
Being a hub of the Arab world for millennia, Syria is used to travellers passing through.
But twice a year the airborne migrants don’t disembark at Damascus International Airport, because they’re not people, they’re birds – storks to be exact.
And it’s not just the storks that avoid the hot summers of Africa by heading north. There [...]
28 August 2009
picking a honeymoon destination can be a stressful proposition
Picking the right honeymoon destination can be a tall order for anyone. And arguments over where to go can lead to a rocky start to the long and winding road of matrimony.
But one thing is for sure, it has to be somewhere special.
And with the Caribbean seeming a little par-for-the-course in terms of honeymoon destinations, [...]
venice will never lose its cool
Venice is a busy city. We won’t lie to you. 16 million people head to the place every year.
The reason? It oozes charm, charisma, class and luxury.
Every step you take in this wonderful city leads you into the past – with stunning architecture and awe-inspiring art around every corner.
But if you’re looking for Europe’s most [...]
cambodia exceeds global expectations
The unusual wildlife in Cambodia is one of the many spectacular things on offer. Especially if you’re looking for something different from a trip to south-east Asia.
And one of the most famous creatures in the country is the Ibis – a spectacularly rare long-beaked bird found wading in the pools of the country’s most north-eastern [...]
finalists named for natural wonders competition
When people start touting the ‘phrase wonder of the natural world’ you usually have to take what they say with a pinch of salt.
But when the whole world can vote on the places they think are the most amazing, it could be worth while listening.
Final results for the global competition are due to be released [...]
rhino riding ? could this be the next big extreme sport?
When you’re on your first safari holiday in Africa there are a few things that are guaranteed to happen.
The first is being absolutely amazed when you spot your first lion pride hunting or you see an elephant herd bathing in the dust on the parched savannas.
Second is the slight feeling of fear when you slip [...]
26 August 2009
new york loses its inhibitions (and clothing)
New York has been laid bare by a young photographer courting controversy (and plenty of attention from the local authorities).
Zach Hyman has been taking to the streets and subways of New York with his camera and models in easily removable clothing for a new exhibition which opened at the Chair and Maiden Gallery in the [...]
ibiza rocks ? for months on end
Ibiza’s club scene is evolving (and for the better we reckon).
The days of glow sticks and Stella Artois are slowly being pushed aside by something altogether more chic, exciting and intoxicating (musically intoxicating).
And it shows what a long way the white isle has come when trance giants like Pete Tong and Armand Van Helden, who [...]
21 August 2009
shop ’til you drop - but not where you think
Shopping, shopping, shopping. Some of us can’t get enough while others just can’t stand it. But whatever your take on retail therapy, there are a few places that are renowned for it – and understandably so. New York City, Paris, and even London spring to mind when we think of the words ‘extravagant shopping spree’. [...]
20 August 2009
trekking holidays not extreme enough for you?
Trekking holidays in Morocco are all the rage at the moment and it looks like they might be breaking their way into the mainstream.
Ben Fogle, Bruce Parry and even Chris Moyles (yes, even Chris Moyles) have been yammering on about the fun they’ve had trekking around the globe.
And we can hardly blame them. We’re always [...]
19 August 2009
Mozambique is one of Africa’s most exciting countries.
It has all the vibrant city life that European nations boast, a huge array of tropical beaches and isolated getaways, and – how could we forget – some of the most incredible big game on the continent.
But even Mozambique needs a little helping hand when it comes [...]
croatia is taking the wine world by storm
It’s true that when it comes to wine we like a fresh French Muscadet with fish, or a robust Italian Brunello di Montalcino with something a little more gamey – like wild boar for example.
But recently our pallet has been turned onto the glorious grapes of Croatia – somewhere we usually associate with paradise-like relaxing [...]
18 August 2009
brits help maintain the delicate balance in the galapagos islands
The wildlife on and around the Galapagos Islands is unique. There’s no other way of putting it.
And the perfect example is the archipelago’s now famous Lonesome George, who is not only the last giant tortoise left on the islands, but the rarest living creature on the planet (according to the Guinness book of world records).
But [...]
photography masterclass comes just in time
When it comes to arranging thrilling and unusual holidays around the globe, we’ve got plenty of experience.
And we always have something up our sleeve to make that holiday of a lifetime extra special.
But we think that some things are best left to the experts, which is why our latest trip to Istanbul includes a photography [...]
17 August 2009
exciting alternative to public transport in peru
The fascinating country of Peru has some of the most spectacular rail routes in the world.
Crossing the Andes in a luxury cabin can be a fantastic experience, and a group of travel writers in Peru were so taken by their country’s transport network that they wrote a book about it.
Peru’s first ever train route guide [...]
13 August 2009
colombia golden child heads for cuba
Colombian rock god Juanes is set to travel to Cuba this September to perform in Havana.
According to El Espectador (The Spectator we reckon), the guitar hero, who is little known over here in the UK, fell in love with the beautiful island of Cuba when he visited it last year – and you probably would [...]
benicio del toro returns to havana
Veteran actor Benicio del Toro has wound up back in Havana – this time to pick up an award for his much celebrated role as Ernesto "Che" Guevara.
The actor, who took the lead in the two-part film Che, presented the film at the Havana Film Festival to rapturous applause last December, and its seems the [...]
Syria is one of our favourite destinations, and it seems people are finally cottoning on to how beautiful this Middle Eastern country really is.
Despite political turmoil in the region, people are heading to Syria in their droves.
And we can hardly blame them, it has an exotic mix of history and culture that nowhere else in [...]
11 August 2009
urban elephants hit the headlines (again)
Thailand’s urban elephants have been all over the news lately.
But we thought that with Bangkok deciding to move its indigenous population of lumbering giants to the provinces – changing the face of the city forever – we’d start hearing a lot less about them.
That said, the animals are such a major part of the country’s [...]
costa rican national museum uncovers hidden tunnel system
Tunnels rumoured to be hidden under the Costa Rican National Museum have finally been excavated.
Myrna Rojas, director of the department of anthropology and history at the National Museum, said that the discovery, which was made during the installation of a wheelchair ramp, finally answered the long-running question of whether they actually existed.
It is believed that [...]
ancient syrian culture festival officially opened
The Syrian minister of culture Riad Naasan Agha has opened the 21st Borsa International Festival, which promises to delve into the ancient culture, folklore and theatre of the most exciting place in the Middle East (at least we think it is).
This year’s festival, which is held at one of the most beautiful theatre’s in the [...]
08 August 2009
castro’s thoughts to be laid bare in havana
Former revolutionary communist leader Fidel Castro’s hopes and dreams are to be laid bare at a lavish book launch ceremony in Havana next week.
The book, which is called the Dictionary of Thoughts of Fidel Castro, will be unveiled on the eve of the former leader’s 83rd birthday.
Written by Salomon Susi Sarfati and touted as a [...]
07 August 2009
international kite festival in borneo
The vast jungles of Borneo are a talking point for most veteran travellers.
Trekking through the lush rainforests in search of extremely rare orang-utans is an adventure not to be passed up.
But if you raise your head above the canopy of Borneo’s rainforests this weekend you could be dazzled by another spectacular sight.
This Sunday will see [...]
It seems that the experts down at the Met Office got our summer forecast wrong and we are going to be seeing a lot more rain than previously thought. Typical.
And it appears that the so-called ’staycationers’, who were happy to spend their summers at home when they thought they would be lazing in the garden, [...]
baldness not a hindrance in laos
Hair loss is a fact of life for many. Despite this it’s something that some people find difficult to come to terms with. Instead of standing proud they end up hiding behind a bad comb-over. But hair loss doesn’t seem to bother the striking new species of bald songbird discovered in Laos last week. Deep [...]
orang-utans in borneo get butch
It’s dog eat dog in the rainforests of Borneo. With predators abound (good news if you’re trekking the jungle in search of big game) putting on a threatening show is a matter of survival for many of the less aggressive creatures found under the lush canopy. And scientists have recently discovered that orang-utans, with their [...]
06 August 2009
tourism in borneo gets environmentally friendly
Travel to Borneo and you’re in for a truly exotic treat. What’s more you can keep an eye on your carbon footprint while you’re there. We’ve been organising trekking adventures in the luscious rain forests of Borneo for as long as we can remember and although we can’t quite put our finger on it, [...]
04 August 2009
catching big waves and even bigger fish in costa rica
Anyone who’s taken a trip to Costa Rica will tell you that the surfing is second to none. But riding huge waves on the powerful Pacific swell is not for everyone – at least not all of the time. And if (like us) you enjoy a bit of time away from the tourist havens that [...]
cuban travel-ban protesters starting to be heard
US sanctions on Cuba have been in place since the end of the 60s, but with Barack Obama hinting that icy relations between the two nations could be thawing, protestors dodging the travel ban are starting to shout louder. And it could be just a matter of time before America opens the flood gates and [...]
A number of Hollywood stars hit the streets of Havana recently to see Che star Benicio del Toro receive an accolade.
Bill Murray, Robert Duvall and James Caan enjoyed a trip to Cuba to see their pal receive the International Tomas Gutierrez Alea Prize and a spokesman for the group hinted that they are planning on [...]
digging under the skin of syria
It seems that not a week goes by without a major archaeological find turning up in Syria. The country’s location has made it a melting pot of trade and culture for millennia, and much of that history is on show as you wonder the streets of its beautiful cities (we’re thinking Damascus first and foremost). [...]
The craziest travel trend we have heard in recent weeks has got to be heading on holiday with your pets.
We love animals as much as the next person but can you really see yourself trotting around the streets of Bangkok or trekking through Peru’s jungles with a canine or feline companion in tow.
A quarter of [...]
blow the wedding budget on the honeymoon of a lifetime
It’s incredible how much people will spend on their weddings. One headline that caught our attention this week was that the average wedding debt outlives most marriages, according to figures from You and Your Wedding Magazine.
We’ve never been a fan of fussy weddings and rather than splashing out on fancy food and a glam dress [...]
modernity and tradition on show in syria
Despite the bleak image of Syria painted by the US government, the country is actually an incredible place to visit.
In fact it has some of the friendliest people you could wish to meet, an astounding history and plenty of money to throw at its major cultural events.
With the launch of the 20th session al-Mahabba Festival [...]
grown up gappers show the kids how it’s done
The latest holiday trend is for the grown up gap year, in which people in their 30s who have been made redundant or just fancy getting away from the economic doom and gloom in the UK take the trip of a lifetime.
Research from Travelex shows that 78 per cent of people who have recently been [...]
workers forgoing holidays to impress the boss?
We were shocked to see that a tenth of Brits are not making use of their annual leave this summer due to work worries.
One in ten of us will spend a week of our holidays behind our desks rather than unwinding and recharging in some tropical location, according to research by BT Business.
We think that [...]
Summer has hardly even begun and it seems the papers are already full of the goings-on of Brits abroad.
Frankly we don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Excessive boozing, getting up to no good on the beach and stealing from bars, it’s no wonder we have something of a reputation in other nations.
And while [...]
warm weather behind incas’ success?
Forget military organisation and skill, it seems the weather deserves the credit for the 400-year reign of the Incas.
Researchers have suggested the expansion of the Incas’ territory can be attributed to rising temperatures between AD1100 and 1533, which enabled them to maximise agricultural productivity.
"Yes, they were highly organised, and they had a sophisticated hierarchical system, [...]
orang-utans’ moves not just for show
When orang-utans swing and sway from branch to branch they are not simply showing off some slick moves, they are ensuring they stay upright.
Experts over at the universities of Liverpool and Birmingham have done some research into our favourite animal and discovered that the clever creatures have developed a unique way of travelling tree-top style [...]
details of new kid on bangkok’s skyline announced
We have visited Thailand so many times we can find our way around Bangkok with our eyes closed but now there is going to be an exciting new development on the city’s skyline.
Work on the MahaNakhon skyscraper is set to begin this autumn and after seeing some images of the design we have to [...]
It seems that we are not the only ones heading on holiday to Cuba, with newly-released stats showing that an increasing number of people are being lured to the nation by its beautiful beaches and bustling cities.
The country’s statistics office states that a whopping 1.37 million tourists headed to Cuba in the first half of [...]
We were brimming with excitement when we found out that our favourite foodie Rick Stein travelled to Asia for his latest BBC TV series.
Experiencing other cultures’ foods is one of the best parts of travelling and the spicy delicacies of nations such as Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam are guaranteed to make our mouths water.
However, as [...]
an extra day to enjoy some holiday sun?
Newspaper headlines this week have been hinting that a new bank holiday may be introduced in England and Wales and while we know it is nowhere near a done deal we could not help our mind wandering over all the things we could do with an extra day of holiday.
The obvious choice is to spend [...]
relax with a glass of wine on a holiday to argentina
It’s no secret that we enjoy a tipple or two and a refreshing glass of Argentinean wine is perfect for helping us unwind after a hard day at the office.
However, we’d rather be enjoying a glass of our favourite red on a holiday to Buenos Aires.
As the fifth leading wine producer in the world, Argentina [...]
see brazil’s wonderful waterfall
We’re no stranger to some of the world’s most amazing natural sites but even we think that it’s going to be a tough task to decide which seven are worthy of the new natural wonders of the world titles.
But this is what people across the world are being asked to do and with [...]
foodie fun on a holiday to thailand
We love nothing better than a Thai takeaway on a Friday night – except indulging in some khao pad and phaneangy curry on a holiday to Thailand of course.
Sampling a nation’s gastronomic delights is one of the best parts of travelling and we are always willing to stuff our faces in the name of [...]
kayaker breaks world record with 186 ft fall
Now we like water sports as much as the next person and frankly a holiday to Indonesia isn’t a proper trip without spending some time peacefully paddling along on the nation’s jungle shrouded rivers.
However this does not mean we will be hurrying to emulate the antics of kayaker Tyler Bradt who plummeted 186 ft down [...]
