by Jules on January 4, 2012
Visitors to Hong Kong will probably take a trip on the Star Ferry, ride the tram up to Victoria Peak and gawp at the incredible daily light show on the Avenue of Stars Promenade. And what do these three locations in Hong Kong have in common? They all afford visitors an awesome view of what has just been crowned the best skyline in the world!
The property experts Emporis have compiled a skyline ranking report which calculates the visual impact of buildings on skylines across the world. Based on a points per building system, Hong Kong has been recognised as having the most high rise buildings anywhere, classed as twelve or more floors, with some 7,688 buildings falling into this category. In comparison, second on the list was New York which only has 5,937 high rise properties.
The top ten cities on the skyline ranking report are; Hong Kong, New York, Chicago, Singapore, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Dubai, Shanghai, Bangkok and Tokyo.
Check out the Hong Kong scenery for yourself on our recent video Where we’ve been; Hong Kong and check out the view from the Tallest hotel in the world which is incidentally also in HK.
by Jules on December 21, 2011
There are many things to see and do in the 1.6 kilometer deep Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. Many people choose to visit the easily accessible South Rim. The overlooks on the South Rim can be reached by car, and are the choice viewing spot for most individuals who want to see the Grand Canyon, without much effort.
Those who are up for adventure can go view the Canyon from the North Rim. While it is only 16 kilometers across the Canyon, It is a 354 kilometer drive, or for those sturdy individuals a 34 kilometer hike through the North and South Kaibab trails that go through the Canyon. This trek can only be taken part of the year. In the winter season, which goes from late October to mid May, the road and trails are blocked by heavy snows and closed for safety.
Below the Rim is the Inner Canyon and it is full of adventure. One can take a mule or backpack to Phantom Ranch. For those water loving folk, there are river trips through the Colorado River. These trips can take a few days or up to three weeks. A short trip is impossible; The Grand Canyon does not have one day river trips. It is just too big!
If you want to hike from the South Rim to the North Rim, you can take the South Kaibab Trail. This trail has a narrow foot bridge that rises 21 meters above the Colorado River. The trail takes a vertical descent into the Canyon, but what goes down must come up. There is a climb of 1.6 kilometers. Most hikers decide that this trip should be an overnight one, so plan accordingly.
Those who aren’t able to make the hike can use the one and only way to cross by car. It is a 231 kilometer drive through the desert, so make sure your car is well maintained and bring plenty of water.
The North Rim is at a higher elevation than the South Rim. So, a reward awaits those who journey there; beautiful and spectacular views of the Grand Canyon below.
by Jules on December 12, 2011
Now that the weather has turned cooler in the Northern Hemisphere, ski enthusiasts can start planning their next adventure. Suitable for all the family, beginners and experts alike, skiing offers stunning winter wonderland landscapes with a host of terrains to choose from. So whether your passion is for cross country, alpine or even heliskiing, check out these destinations this winter season;
Whistler Blackcomb is a ski resort located in British Columbia, Canada. Even beginners can enjoy a great holiday and attend one of their snow schools. The location of North America’s highest vertical drop, Whistler Blackcomb celebrates its official opening for the winter on Thanksgiving Day.
Chamonix in Mont-Blanc, France is known as one of the most famous skiing resorts since it hosted the first winter Olympic Games. However, it is surprisingly one of the more economical places to ski. The level of adventure is not discounted, though. It has slopes and runs to challenge even the most experienced skier.
For a holiday away from the busy traffic of life; Zermatt, Switzerland is a popular choice. The peaceful atmosphere can be contributed to its “no cars” ordinance. With resorts nestled high in the Swiss Alps, lack of fresh snowfall is never a problem.
Cortina in Italy is another place with little traffic. One of the first ski resorts in the world, it has hosted the Olympics. A great feature of this area is the ability to access over 50 resorts by purchasing a pass.
Kitzbuhel in Austria is the place to go if one wants to do more than just ski. The 700 year old village boasts a bit of history as the location for the development of some of the modern techniques for those that enjoy cross country skiing.
Head to northeast China for a skiing fix at the Yabuli Ski Resort, where locals have really got into skiing during the last ten years. The Yabuli resort is packed with wealthy businessmen and young trendsetters who want to experience the largest ski run in China at some 3,000 meters.
The USA offers two prime ski locations as well. If economy is not a concern; Aspen, Colorado is a great option. It is known to be a favorite of celebrity skiers. For a well-rounded trip to the same state; the galleries and museums of Vail, Colorado adds variety to the winter activities of cross country skiing and dog sledding.
by Jules on December 7, 2011
Just announced as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, we focus on the mighty Iguazu Falls in South America;
Whether by boat, helicopter, jeep, horseback or on foot, a visit to Iguazu Falls affords a uniquely- unforgettable experience. Situated on the southern border of Brazil and northern border of Argentina is a series of 275 majestically-cascading waterfalls believed to have been discovered by a Spanish conquistador in 1542.
Iguazu Falls was added to the World Heritage sites lists in 1996. An attempt to describe them was penned by Eleanor Roosevelt who said Iguazu Falls is 4 times larger than Niagara Falls and only compare to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Catwalks on the Argentinean side afford visitors the opportunity to literally walk around the top rim of the falls to see Devil’s Throat believed to have been created by volcanic activity over thousands of years. A rainforest train ride originating at the national park visitors center meanders through lush vegetation inhabited by monkeys, lizards and the quatras, which is a cross between a raccoon and armadillo. Moonlight excursions are conducted once per month by the park rangers. Perhaps the ultimate way for thrill-seekers to experience the falls is by repelling in specially-designated areas.
The Macuco Trail offers an easy-walking experience encompassing a two-mile trip beneath a canopy of trees home to the four-inch long White-bearded Manaking. For birdwatchers a highlight is to chance to watch black and white male birds attempting to attract and mate with green females. Along the trail one may encounter large Tucans always ready to pose for cameras. Another bird one may encounter is the Macuco resembling a chicken and unfortunately included on the endangered species list due to being hunted as a meat source for humans. Near the end of the trail, Arrechea Waterfall affords a swimming opportunity for those who dare to do so.
by Jules on November 28, 2011
Calling all adrenalin junkies! Check out these adventures with extreme machines; drive a tank, fly a helicopter and even try a zero-gravity flight! Lounging by the pool will never have the same appeal after these adventure activities;
Snowmobiling in British Columbia, Canada – Tried skiing – tick! Tried snowboarding – tick! Now try snowmobiling on the Pemberton ice Fields in British Columbia; hold on tight as these beasts can reach up to 120mph! Get off-track and hold on tight as the stunning Whistler ridges and valleys whistle past you!
Dune Bashing in Dubai, UAE - Dubai, the capital of glitz and luxury, also offers the tourists a thrilling adventure on the sands. Sit in a four-by-four SUV or a dune buggy that will churn its way through the dunes.
Drive a Supercar, Italy – What’s your supercar of choice? Lamborghini, Maserati or Aston Martin? Take your pick in Italy and then choose to strut your stuff on the winding test roads in Bologna or maybe even the Monaco and Imola race tracks! Make sure you check out Maranello, the home of Ferrari as well as the local wines, foods and stunning landscapes.
Tank Trips In Melbourne, Australia - Melbourne is a fascinating place that offers many scenic and spectacular sights and attractions. However, one can also enjoy the city in a different way. There is the option of a tank trip through the city’s districts and roads. You can sit behind a lumbering tank and make your way through the city in full-on style!
Jet Fighter Trips in Russia - Other than historic museums and legendary monuments, Russia also boasts hi-tech and supersonic jet fighters. Surely, nothing would be more thrilling and entertaining than sitting behind the controls of any Jet Fighter. In Russia, you can book a trip over the country inside a MIG 29 airplane. You will be assisted with a flight guide, who will guide you in the stunts and somersaults as well.
Helicopter Tours In Sydney, Australia - Sydney has so many legendary landmarks and buildings. Would you like to get a look at them from the skies above? Helicopter tours are available in the city. A one hour ride on the chopper will give you a full trip to the city’s looming buildings and monuments. So, it will be both thrilling and spectacular.
Ride a Harley Davidson across Texas, USA - A Harley Davidson motorcycle is a big, mean machine. However, if you think you’ve got enough spirit, take charge of a Harley Davidson yourself as you ride across Texas on an awesome ‘king of the road’ adventure!
by Jules on November 23, 2011
Back in January we learnt that giant pandas would return to the UK and now there are hopefully only a few weeks to go until their arrival! The pair which are named Tian Tian (sweet) and Yangguang (sunlight) will live at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland. The arrival of the pandas will be a fantastic Christmas and New Year gift as they are expected to arrive by the end of this year.
Tian Tian and Yangguang are a pair of breeding pandas that were born in 2003 and Edinburgh Zoo will play its part in the essential global breeding programme. It’s estimated that there may only be 1,500 to 2,000 pandas left in the wild. The earthquake in Sichuan Province in May 2008 seriously affected both the numbers of pandas at the Wolong Nature Reserve and in the wild. The number of pandas lost from the wild may never be known. The Wolong Panda Breeding Centre (which is where Tian Tian and Yangguang will come from) was established in 1963 and six pandas escaped as a result of the earthquake.
Edinburgh Zoo has published an FAQ section all about the panda’s arrival. So get set for ‘pandamania’ as soon as the final date is agreed. The last panda to live in the UK was when Ming Ming lived at London Zoo until she was returned to China in 1994.
And if you can’t wait for the pandas to arrive we have posted a complete list of all 17 places to see giant pandas in the world.
by Jules on November 16, 2011
So the new 7 wonders of nature have been announced, although whilst votes are officially counted, the seven shortlisted wonders are provisional at this stage, with the final 7 being confirmed in early 2012. So for now the 7 wonders are;
1. Amazon - South America
2. Halong Bay - Vietnam
3. Iguazu Falls - Argentina, Brazil
4. Jeju Island – South Korea
5. Komodo - Indonesia
6. Puerto Princesa Underground River - Philippines
7. Table Mountain - South Africa
