PureTravel

Gems of Rajasthan: Mount Abu

Jules — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:46:45 +0000

Planning a holiday to Rajasthan? If so, you’ll be keen to hear all about the best spots to visit, and among the top places to include on your itinerary has to be Mount Abu. You’ll find it in the far south of the state, complete with attractions historical and scenic alike.

In fact, one of the best things about coming here is that there’s a great variety of things to see - plus, it provides a real contrast to Rajasthan’s desert plains. But just what are the best things to see and do while you’re here?

Nakki Lake

In Mount Abu, most of the activity centres round Nakki Lake. While for the most part you’ll see it full of people having fun on pedalos, some Hindus believe it to be a sacred place. This is primarily because it’s named after a fascinating legend that claims a god used his nails (or nakh) to dig out the lake. In any case, it’s a must-visit if you’re in the area, and it’s a great spot for a walk - particularly since it’s surrounded by parks and hills.

The Dilwara Temples

One of the things Mount Abu’s most famous for is its Jain temples (it’s a popular pilgrimage destination too), so you can’t pass up the chance to see these during your travels. Among the most exciting - despite their relatively modest outward appearance - are the Dilwara Temples.

These are said to rival any Jain architecture in the country, so expect to be blown away by what you see. The really impressive sights can be found inside, where you’ll be faced with all kinds of carvings in marble and images of Jain saints - or tirthankaras, as they’re known locally.

The oldest of the Dilwara Temples - which date back to between the 11th and 13th centuries - is Vimal Vasahi. As well as visiting its central shine, make sure you take a walk around the courtyard. This houses 52 smaller shrines, and in each of these you can see a statue of a tirthankara.

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary

Home to some amazing wildlife, India’s a great place to spot exotic animals and unusual plants. While you’re here, pay a visit to Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, which was created back in the 1960s. It’s a fantastic area for seeing all kinds of weird and wonderful plants and animals, including jungle cat, sloth bears and mongoose. Plus, you’re able to see loads of different varieties of orchids here - the only place in Rajasthan, in fact, where you can do so - alongside pretty wild roses.

Sunset Point

If you’re keen on seeing some great scenery, it’s pretty likely you’ll also be interested in catching a decent sunset. In Mount Abu, the aptly named Sunset Point is the ultimate place to do so - and it really is bound to impress. Coming here, you can watch the sun sink between two mountains in the distance. That said, while this is indeed beautiful, it’s worth bearing in mind that it’s not exactly a secret location, so you’re very likely to be sharing this lovely moment with lots of other people. It’s still well worth a look, though!

There’s plenty else you can in Mount Abu, such as going on organised hikes. This is a particularly good option if you’d like to see a little more of the area (or if you’re a keen hiker, of course!). There are various routes to follow, including ones that venture into the wildlife sanctuary and others that take you into little villages.

10 Essential holiday health tips and advice

Jules — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:10:46 +0000

Don’t let an easily avoidable calamity ruin your travels; follow these simple tips to stay safe and healthy whilst away;

• The most important piece of advice when it comes to travel health and safety is to purchase adequate travel insurance. Make sure it covers you for any sports or unusual activities you might try and make sure you are honest about any medical problems you already have, otherwise a claim may not be valid. Opt for an annual policy to save money if you take two or more trips each year.
• And if you do get taken ill whilst on holiday; let your insurance company know ASAP. They will let you know what you are entitled to and where to get treatment.
• Get all required immunisations prior to travelling, check with your doctor or health clinic who will advise what injections, malaria tablets etc may be required. And bear in mind that some immunisations need a few months to kick in, so plan ahead.
• If you have any existing health problems make sure your doctor declares you as fit to travel. And make sure your dentist appointments are up to date as toothache in a foreign country is not fun, or cheap!
• If you’re visiting Europe you can apply online for an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) which will allow you access to funded healthcare either for free or a fraction of the cost. It only covers treatment with the EEA (European Economic Area) and Switzerland, so again, check before you head off.
• Keep all receipts for medical related expenses as you’ll need these to make a claim once home.
• Use your common sense; if there’re something you wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) do at home, then don’t do it on holiday either. Bear your safety in mind as a first consideration.
• If you rent a car or moped abroad make sure you have all the appropriate safety equipment. This goes for a warning triangle, spare type and a spare bulb kit for cars – many items of which are a legal requirement across Europe. And if you opt for a moped, make sure you have an undamaged helmet and appropriate clothing.
• Ease up on the alcohol, which aside from making you more tired and lethargic will also make an insurance claim more difficult if alcohol was a contributing factor.
• And finally, take any regular medication with you in your hand luggage and have the actual prescription to hand in case of questions when you go through airport security.

By Julie Bowman on Google

Top 5 family adventure holidays

Jules — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:29:15 +0000

The term family adventure holiday might seem like a bit of an oxymoron at first. How is it possible for two weary parents with an extremely lively toddler to pursue any kind of adventure without becoming incredibly stressed?

You’d be forgiven for asking this question, but it really is doable - and without a tacky resort in sight! Here are five family adventure holidays that are perfect if you’re looking to do something different on your next break.

Tour Egypt

If you have a young toddler in tow, this is the ideal holiday for you! There are several tours available aimed at young families looking to take in Egypt’s top sights and enjoy its warm climate without being overly active - and while staying in comfortable accommodation equipped with child-friendly facilities.

You can expect to see the Pyramids and the Sphinx while in Cairo, before making your way along the banks of the Nile and exploring the Valley of the Kings. Toddlers (and grown-ups) will love activities like donkey rides and trips to local amusement parks, so there’ll be something fun for everyone! Make sure your itinerary includes a trip to the Red Sea coast to satisfy any longings for the beach.

Get active in the Pyrenees

Spanish holidays don’t have to involve lying in a half-catatonic state on a beach packed with other Brits. Perfect for families with teenagers to impress, a break in the Pyrenees offers a much more active prospect. You can choose from pursuits ranging from kayaking and abseiling to white water rafting and mountain biking for a great way to immerse yourself in the spectacular mountain landscape here.

If that sounds a bit too strenuous for your liking, it’s worth noting that tour operators offering this type of holiday really do ensure the activities are suitable for those with no prior experience of them - and that you only require a reasonable level of fitness to participate.

Explore Turkey

Turkey is a land steeped in history and culture - so you might be forgiven for thinking it’s not the best place to take a toddler on a family holiday. However, some specialist tours here really do deliver on all fronts, providing a great combination of educational sightseeing for adults and fun activities for little ones.

Head to Iztuzu Beach between May and October, for example, and you might see rare loggerhead turtles emerge from the waves to lay eggs in the sand. Lake Koycegiz offers an excellent opportunity to relax in hot springs and to get messy at the local mud baths - we all know which member of the family is most likely to enjoy the latter! Other highlights include visiting the sunken city of Kekova - a potentially spooky experience!

Stay in Romania’s Ice Hotel

Ice hotels are a relatively recent phenomenon, and Romania is home to the only one located outside of the Arctic Circle. Perched high up in the Carpathians, the hotel has to be rebuilt every winter using massive ice blocks and snow. Stay here and you can take advantage of the hotel’s ice bar, ice restaurant and even the ice church.

You can also try out fun winter sports like ice skating, tobogganing and snowshoeing as you explore the Transylvanian Alps. It’s possible to keep your family break at Romania’s ice hotel quite short here, with Explore offering trips starting at £445 without flights - perfect if you’re planning your trip around half-term holidays. Ideally, any children you take should be no younger than eight years old.

Spot wildlife in India

If your kids are aged five or over and love animals (and what child doesn’t?!), India could be a great destination thanks to its mixture of natural attractions and more grown-up cultural highlights.

As well as seeing all the main tourist hotspots like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, you can look for tigers on a game drive in Ranthambore, explore local villages in a bullock-drawn cart, go on a camel trek and see exotic birds in Keoladeo Ghana National Park.

Combine sports with community work for the ideal gap year

Jules — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:58:09 +0000

Everyone knows there’s nothing like a good kick-about to bring kids and adults together; after all, who can resist getting involved with a friendly game of football, basketball, rugby or cricket? If you’re planning a gap year and have a passion for sports, you can combine your travels with a spot of volunteer work in local communities.

There are lots of options to choose from, whether you want to work with children while you’re overseas or improve your own sporting skills and help out in other ways. Here are just a few suggestions of programmes you can choose:

Sports coaching

Getting involved in sports coaching with kids from local communities is one of the most rewarding gap year travel experiences on offer. Children who have had a difficult life will love the opportunity to let off some steam on the sports field - whether you’re playing football, cricket or volleyball.

You’ll be surprised by how much a quick game of five-a-side can make a difference and you’ll never forget the immense satisfaction you get from seeing the children you’re teaching enjoying themselves out on the pitch. You can even teach them to swim - an incredibly useful skill as well as a fun sport.

In addition to providing them with an enjoyable way to exercise, you can help them practise their English skills, as it’s unlikely you’ll speak their native language! Head to Swaziland in Africa, for instance, and you’ll be working with children from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are from families that have been affected by HIV or AIDs.

They will certainly appreciate the time you devote to them and you can be confident you’re having a positive impact on the lives of these kids.

Community outreach with sports

Another option is to work on a community outreach project that encourages children in big cities - such as Posadas in Argentina - to do something constructive in their free time. In many South American countries, kids get involved in criminal activities at a young age, something you can help to prevent by offering them a host of other activities they can do instead.

Playing soccer in the streets with a bunch of Argentine kids is bound to be great fun - and, given the nation’s footballing prowess, you might find the children can show you a few tricks! The aim is to give them a constructive outlet for their energy, helping to keep them on the right track as they grow up.

As with sports coaching elsewhere, you’ll also be able to help these young people develop their English in a relaxed and informal environment - which may mean they grasp it much better than they do from reading books in the classroom.

Develop your sporting skills

Of course, you may not want to teach sports as part of your gap year, but there are still ways for you to be active on your travels while helping out in other ways. In Costa Rica, for instance, you can get involved in conservation projects that help protect the country’s amazing ecosystems and native creatures.

After a few weeks working in the jungle, you can head to the coast to learn how to surf in some of the best conditions in the world. What better way to reward yourself for a few weeks of hard work than by catching some waves and lounging on the nation’s most stunning beaches?

5 Weird and wonderful hotels in Vietnam

Jules — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:23:37 +0000

If you’re looking for a unique hotel in Vietnam then check out these unusual properties;

Hang Nga Guesthouse – The Hang Nga guesthouse in Dalat simply had to be number one on this list as it’s so bizarre, and so well known locally, that it even has its own Wikipedia page! (Image credit; Wikipedia). It’s better known around Dalat as the “Crazy House” or the “fairy take house” which is a little kinder. It is the creation of a Vietnamese architect, who is said to have been inspired by Gaudi. Dang Viet Nga saw his creation open to the public in 1990 who came to witness the rather random designs for themselves. The actual building is meant to depict a tree with caves, mushrooms and animals represented within the sculptures. It’s so bizarre that it regularly features in travel guidebooks and top 10 lists of notable hotels in the world. And yes you can stay there for around 60 USD per night or take a tour around the building instead.

Hilton Hanoi Opera House – If you choose to book this big-name hotel in Hanoi make sure you get the name the right way around – as the Hanoi Hilton is a whole different level of accommodation (I’ve been there and it’s pretty grim!) The name ‘Hanoi Hilton’ was coined by the American prisoners of war for the Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi town center where they were housed between 1964 and 1973.

The Nam Hai, Dien Ban District (near Hoi An) – This hotel is right up there as a wonderful getaway, situated on a one kilometer expanse of immaculate white sand and with every conceivable luxury on tap. But then fine dining, spa facilities and the golf course designed by Colin Montgomerie doesn’t come cheap – around 550 USD a night to be precise.

Whale Island, Nha Trang – Leave your mod cons at home and stay in a small bungalow on a deserted island off the coast of Vietnam. On Whale Island you can spend your days snorkelling, swimming and surfing. By night you can enjoy local fresh caught fish whilst watching the sun go down.

Topas Eco Lodge, Sapa – Take the overnight sleeper train from Hanoi, high into the lush valleys and mountains of Sapa. When you stay at the Topas Eco Lodge you’ll be surrounded by paddy fields and small villages dotted through the landscape. You can enjoy day hikes, swim in the local streams and meet local families. This lodge has a huge emphasis on ‘eco’ so expect to immerse yourself in the various nature and community programs on offer.

By Julie Bowman on Google

France can float your boat this summer

Jules — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:40:28 +0000

Summer is by far and away the best season to take a break in France. Only a short journey across channel, we Brits are very lucky to be so close to the most popular holiday destination in the world.

France offers so much to see, with sights such as Le Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and The Notre Dame Cathedral, and that’s without even leaving Paris!

The Notre Dame Cathedral is famed for the iconic gargoyles, originally built to aid water drainage. They still hold that function, but have become a huge attraction for tourists visiting the capital.

But it’s not just grotesque statues that make French architecture great, there are plenty of beautiful buildings both old and new to explore.

The food is the main thing that draws me to France. World famous for cuisine, the approach to food is truly unique. Bread is baked daily so that it is always consumed fresh, so you will always find a bakery close by. There’s no need to toast the last stale slices here, as you will always be able to tuck into fresh bread.

As a super scrimper from the South of England, I spent a lot of time looking at the best value ways to get to France. After a good deal of searching on the internet, the ferry was the standout winner for me.

The summer is a great time to hop on a ferry to France. You simply cannot beat the fresh sea air on a sunny day and the sound of the water hitting the bow. Seagulls bring a certain charm to your journey, and can be particularly partial to anything you may be eating on deck. On a ferry to France you can take your own car, and fill it with as many belongings as you care to bring. Don’t fill it up before you set off though, as you will want to leave room for souvenirs!

Once on the ferry there is so much to see and do, more so than on a plane. Browse the duty free, play in the arcade or even relax in front of a film. If you are feeling famished then there are always restaurants and cafes to refresh yourself with a quick bite and a coffee. Alternatively you can sit out on deck, which on a clear day is spectacular as you approach the French coast. The white cliffs of Dover are also a sight to behold.

I found that ferry travel was a great option when I went to France last summer, which is why I plan to do the same this year. Less expensive, less hassle – and most importantly, more fun.

Top 7 things to do in the Caribbean

Jules — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:18:35 +0000

There’s a Caribbean vacation to suit all tastes and budgets, there are more than 7,000 after all! Choose from the chic and sophisticated Antigua and Barbuda, the white-sand beaches, clear bluebell water and warm topical breezes of Barbados or the lively carnival setting of Trinidad and Tobago. Whichever island you choose, you’ll be guaranteed a trip filled with an abundance of wildlife plus a stunning diversity of flora and plant life. Your Caribbean days will be filled with adventure and activities and your nights will be filled with vibrant nightlife and an incredibly warm welcome.

Snorkelling
Due to its abundant coral reefs, the islands of the Caribbean are a snorkel paradise making the experience one not to be missed. The British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands of St John, St Thomas and St Croix are highly recommended for snorkelers of all abilities.

Dancing
The sound of calypso fills the evening air across the Caribbean as you return from your daily adventures, beckoning you to dance to the cool island beats on the white pristine beaches. And of course on Jamaica (and most of the other islands) reggae beats remain the number one choice, with many local artists singing and playing along to Bob Marley of course!

Food
The local cuisine is amazing too with fresh local fish and locally produced rum the order of the day. Soak up the luxurious atmosphere at one of the five star restaurants in Anguilla, Martinique and Saint Lucia, which are run by world renowned chefs. And try the black beans served in Cuba, the Johnny cake which is a speciality of the Cayman Islands and the Spanish, Cuban and Mexican influenced cuisines or Puerto Rico.

Historic sites
While the Caribbean is a popular destination for watersports and land based activities, there are also an abundance of historic monuments, buildings and sites. Take a visit to Jamaica’s Fort Charles located in Kingston and be sure to take your camera as you walk along the area’s 17th century city streets where pirates once buried their looted treasure and then made their way to back street English pubs to celebrate their ill-gotten gain with a warm drink of rum. Antigua boasts historic Nelson’s Dockyard and the captivating capital St Johns with its magnificent Cathedral. And of course there’s Cuba, probably the best destination in the Caribbean for culture and history, with vintage 1960s American automobiles on every street and faded colonial architecture at every turn.

White water rafting
The Dominican Republic is a hearty, exciting mix of Latin party attitude and relaxed beach life and a popular spot for white water rafting. By day you can travel to the high mountains and try a white-water rafting excursion then return to the lowlands as you board a boat to gaze at one of nature’s most special creatures during a humpback whale-watching tour.

Casinos
Class paired with opulence abounds on Aruba located in the Lesser Antilles, this island hot spot is filled to the brim with sumptuous treats, luxury spas, powder soft sand beaches circled by fantastic bright blue sea. Aruba boasts some of the finest hotels in the Caribbean and be sure to indulge in the island high roller night life at one of the Island’s stunning casinos. There are also casinos within many of the large hotels especially on St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and of course, the biggest of them all, the Bahamas.

Shopping
Duty-free shopping abounds (which is why so many Caribbean cruise ships also dock here). If you’re looking for a more leisurely pace for your retail therapy try Aruba’s Dutch inspired capital of Oranjestad on the west coast on a sightseeing tour sure to remind you of old Amsterdam complete with colorful colonial houses that recall a long-forgotten age.

By Julie Bowman on Google

PureTravel

Gems of Rajasthan: Mount Abu

Related Posts:

10 Essential holiday health tips and advice

Related Posts:

Top 5 family adventure holidays

Related Posts:

Combine sports with community work for the ideal gap year

Related Posts:

5 Weird and wonderful hotels in Vietnam

Related Posts:

France can float your boat this summer

Related Posts:

Top 7 things to do in the Caribbean

Related Posts: