Take advantage if Durban’s lovely Beachfront

Recently Durban has improved its beachfront area by connecting Ushaka Marine World theme park to white kettle shaped Moses Mabhida World Cup Stadium. Starting near the stadium is a wonderful network of scenic bike paths that allow visitors to enjoy a sea side bicycle ride. There are also varied opportunities to surf, swim, walk, and SUP Paddle. On the first Friday of each month a mass cycling event is put on by Critical Mass. It is now possible to enjoy a 3 hour long cycle ride along Durban’s newly restorated beachfront area.

Try a Bunny

Durban established Indian population has developed a unique local dish called bunny chow. Also often just called a “bunny” this dish is a half loaf of bread that is hollowed out and filled with chicken, mutton, or vegetable curry.  A nice place to try this regional dish is a restaurant called Goundens. Always savory and filling eating a bunny will give you a taste of Durban.

Pay Tribute to two revolutionaries 

While in Durban it is possible to pay tribute to both Nelson Mandella and a lesser known, though greatly important local revolutionary, M.K. Gandhi Mand. Back in 1994 Mandela delivered his first vote for an elected leader of South Africa at Ohalangee High School – the first school built for black South Africans. There is a statue outside this school now that commerates Mandela and this moment. M.K Gandhi (check if this is Gandhi from India???) used his position as a lawyer and activist to fight against apartheid.

Eat a Durban Township Braaing 

During a trip to Durban its advised to definitely eat braaing – or barbeque – in South Africa. There is wonderful meat to be had and eating it can be combined with a tour of one of Durban’s townships. Inside the townships, though perhaps materially disadvantaged, the people are still filled with life and enthusiasm. Barbeques become huge social events were people eat communally with cooked meat placed on a wooden board along with chilies, tomatoes and cooked maize meal. People grab and eat with their hands together as a group.

We all know that taking to the road and exploring different places and things is definitely a way to extend one self and stretch the mind into new places. Naturally when many gifted writers and thinkers traveled it inspired them in the form of some wonderfully inspiring quotes. The following list coming from the likes of Jack Kerouac, Henry Miller, and Mark Twain to name a few speak of the raw excitement of travel as well as some of its harsh realities.

- “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

- “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

- “A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.” – John Steinbeck

- “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain

- “Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac

- “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

- “Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” – Paul Theroux

- “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

- “Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by.” – Robert Frost

- “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

- “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” – Mark Twain

- “Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.” – Benjamin Disraeli

- “I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within.” – Lillian Smith

- “Travel is glamorous only in retrospect.” – Paul Theroux

“When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clifton Fadiman

- “Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.” – Mark Jenkins

Goa has become a very popular spot for Western travelers coming to India. Well known for having great beaches, nature and an active night life there is plenty of fun to be had. This doesn’t take into account Goa’s past as a place to come for spiritual enlightenment. Any trip to India should invariable require a healthy dose of time here in Goa. A few must see things in Goa include:

Ajuna Flea Market 

The Anjuna flea market is held each Wednesday (except during Monsoon Season) on the Southern edge of Anjuna beach. This market has multiplied in size over the last few years now including more than 500 stalls. There is a huge variety of different wares including clothes, foods, jewelry, and other varied ornaments and nick knacks.

Goa’s Beaches 

Graced with long stretches of sandy coastline Goa is well known for its beautiful beaches. The beaches are put to a variety of uses from luxury resorts, to small individual huts, and Goa’s international renowned beach trance parties. Each month a famous full moon dance party is held. Be sure to try Goa’s different beaches that include Baga, Arambol, and Agonda beaches.

Old Goa

This section of the city connects to Goa colonial past when it had ties to Portugal. There are a handful of churches and cathedrals that are amongst the largest in all of Asia. Also look for Goa’s archaeological museum which details Goa’s past.  (add to again as part of this was deleted. )

Spice Plantations 

Another of Goa’s attractions is a trip to the spice plantations near Ponda. The tropical climate around Goa makes it ideal for growing spices. One of the most acclaimed nearby spice plantations if Savoi Plantation which is reached by a fantastic drive through the jungles and hills of Ponda. It is possible to have organized tours through the plantations and even at some of them to arrange activities such as elephant rides.

Short term travellers don’t need to worry about bringing as much as long term ones, but it is still helpful to have a basic idea of what you need to have on you. Just a simple search for ‘What should I bring on a trip’ can offer conflicting advice on everything from travel money (which is always handy to have) to an extra pair of shoes (which depends on your destination and purpose). Just in case you’re curious, here’s a basic list of the most essential things to bring on a trip!

Passport

This seems to be the most obvious thing to bring with you but this wouldn’t be a necessities list if it wasn’t mentioned! Simply put, you can’t get out of your own country and into another without your passport – the only exceptions being those places that are part of an international union, like the EU (but even then, they require something else). Be sure you have your passport in a safe place, it’s up to date and protect it with your life, as it’s not something you want to lose or forget!

Travel Money

These days more and more people are opting against bringing foreign currency with them in favour of using their debit cards once in the destination, but it never hurts to have a little bit on hand for whatever may come up. For safety reasons, don’t bring a large amount, maybe the equivalent to £50 or less, because there’s nothing worse than needing money and not having any on hand.

Emergency Numbers

Regardless of if you’re at the airport or in the middle of your vacation, it’s always a good idea to have contact information for all parties you may need to reach. Maybe you need to call your hotel to inform them of your delay of arrival, or the number of your friend who is meeting you at the station to pick you up (but forgot), it never hurts to be prepared.

Time Telling Device

Some people use their cell phones, mp3 players or aren’t bad at using the sun, but you really can’t beat a good old fashioned watch. It can be disorienting knowing what time it is and the last thing you want is to be late for something important or know when you need to get up. Don’t rely on others to have the time for you when it’s so simple to just have it taken care of yourself.

Here in 2013, New Orleans is hosting two big name events – one is the yearly Mardi Gras that brings out revellers each year, and this year’s Super Bowl. As you can imagine there is a lot of money being made for a lot of people. This might get a person wondering to themselves how can I be in New Orleans – and not spend an arm and a leg and even find a few free things to do? Well, if that’s you look no further as we have a few suggestions of free things to do in New Orleans.

A Walk down Bourbon Street

Now just walking down this iconic throughfare is totally free, but having the will power not to duck into one of the many live music haunts and bars along way… well that is on your willpower. Bourbon street is the centre of Mardi Gras each year – think the place where girls lift their tops to get beads. This is a special few weeks in New Orleans each year, but still when every you come Bourbon street is always fun, always lively, and always blaring out music of all kinds.

Jackson Square 

One of biggest points of interest of Bourbon Street is Jackson Square a one block area that is cordoned off and has ample green space as well as being pedestrian only. This square year around is filled with varied street performers, artists painting people, and musicians. Make  use of one of the many benches that inhabit the square and people watch, or enjoy the fantastic architecture which includes Cablido and Pontabala Apartments, which are believed to be the oldest in the United States, and St Louis Cathedral.

 City Park

City Park is the biggest green space in New Orleans with more than 1,300 acres of gardens, lagoons, and walking trails. This is a great place after enjoying the chaos of Bourbon Street to enjoy some of New Orleans tranquil side. New Orleans museum of art is also located in this museum and is also worth a look.

French Market 

If you want to enjoy a wonderful market dating back to 1791 the French Market will make a perfect wander around for you. Not just including food stalls, the market place has permanent shops as well as stalls set up that sell clothes, jewelry, other varied ornaments. The French Market is also home of deep fried sugar coated beignet which is a popular pastry originated in New Orleans.

However, this stretch of Turkish coastline offers visitors much more than the chance to top up their tans without breaking the bank. Located just a short distance from major resorts such as Antalya and Marmaris are a wealth of architectural and historical gems, many dating back thousands of years. As well as numerous picturesque towns, the region is home to countless natural wonders.

Here are just a few reasons for leaving the sun lounger behind for just one day.

Ephesus

One of 12 cities that made up the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era, Ephesus reached its peak under the Romans, emerging as the region’s economic and cultural powerhouse. And, even though only ruins remain, it’s still possible to gain an appreciation of the city’s former glories.

Highlights of the ancient city include the Celsus Library, which was built by Julius Aquila back in the year 110AD, the Terrace Houses that were once home to the ruling elites and the magnificent Ephesus Theatre. It’s also home to a large gladiators’ graveyard and several top souvenir shops.

The ruins are located just two miles outside of the town of Selcuk, an easy day trip from many of Turkey’s most popular resorts.

Bodrum

Situated on the southern tip of the Aegean Coast, the city of Bodrum offers a perfect mix of old and new. These days, it’s best known for its bustling harbour, a popular stop-off point for yachts, as well as for its vibrant nightlife.

Away from the noise of downtown Bodrum, you can take in the ruins of the old Mausoleum – one of the original Seven Wonders of the World – as well as stroll through what remains of the Castle of St Peter.

Although Bodrum’s beaches are nothing special, the town is just a few miles from some of the most beautiful parts of Turkey’s coastline, while there are also regular shuttle services to nearby holiday resorts and major hotels.

Pamukkale

A popular day trip from the resort of Antalya, Pamukkale is Turkey’s top mineral bath spa. Pamukkale, which is set in beautiful natural surrounds, has been welcoming visitors since the Romans first discovered the benefits of its warm spring waters. While it may get crowded over the summer months, a trip to Pamukkale still offers the chance to unwind while mixing with the locals.

Foca

Another seaside town that’s been a tourist hotspot since ancient times is Foca. Stretching across two picturesque natural harbours, this laid-back town is now a popular draw for windsurfers, while those looking for a more relaxed break can take pleasure cruises up and down the coastline.
As well as the impressive ruins of two small fortresses, Foca is well-known for its outdoor dining under the stars, with fine wine and freshly-caught fish both on the menu.

As a beautifully situated island ripe for holidays and vacations of all kinds, Tenerife in the Canary Islands is a place not to be missed. There’s always something going on at all points in the year, but just incase you need a few suggestions, here’s a list of the month by month activities taking place that may be a part of your amazing Tenerife holidays!

January – The biggest holiday of the year (which partially belongs to the year before), is New Year’s and you’ll want to make sure you book this well in advance as spaces do fill up. This is one of the few holidays that everyone is familiar with and taking part in it requires  you to do little more than show up!

February/March/April – Depending on the year, Carnaval is held either in February or March and this is a celebration known the world over, being right up there with the one in Brazil! In addition, Easter also may fall in March or April and all the celebrations that go along with it, honouring the Christian holidays and taking part in the revelations that extend to the locals as well.

May – Fireworks are popular in most celebrations around the world but on May 3rd, Los Realejos hosts a firework battle that is definitely worth checking out. Considered by many to be one of the best displays in all of Europe, you’ll definitely want to plan to attend well in advance.

June – Corpus Cristi is typically observed in June (although depending on the calendar, it can be in May) and has sand and flower carpets paraded through the streets in La Orotava – arrive early in the afternoon to see them before they are destroyed by the evening crowds!

July – In Puerto de la Cruz during July you can witness the Fiestas del Carmen where an effigy of the Virgin del Carmen is paraded through the streets to the water where it blesses the local fishermen by being put on a boat for a sea parade. Also in Santa Cruz in July (July 25th) you can take part in the anniversary celebrations for their victory over the English in 1797.

August – One of the major celebrations in the Canary Islands honours its patron saint, Nuestra Senora de Candelaria and is held on August 15th for a week. With approximately 250 000 people turning out for the festivities, you can be sure there are good times to be had!

September – Rural county/show fairs are held in September and depend on the village in question. The food is great and the entertainment is lively, but be sure to check for specific celebration dates depending on the locale.

October – Celebrations are held in Buenavista del Norte for the town’s patron and is a weeklong event filled with food, fairs, fireworks and all night parties.

November – The month starts off sombre and respectful with the All Saints Day/Day of the Dead celebrations on Nov. 1st and 2nd respectively but ends in a strange and raucous manner with Tablas de San Andres on Nov. 29th. On this last day, a party that is unique to the Canary Islands sees sledding down vertical streets, chestnut feasts and children making noise with metal – a sight to behold for sure.

December – Christmas is the obvious one here, in addition to New Year’s Eve, but also here is Constitution Day on December 6th and Immaculate Conception Day on December 8th. There may be some serious need for celebration if anyone nearby wins the El Gordo lottery on December 22nd, so be sure to be nice to everyone you meet!

This is again a continuation of a blog that tries to direct visitors to Amsterdam in some of the do’s and don’ts of Amsterdam. I have been detailing a little list of ways that you can maximize both your fun, your connection to the Dutch people, and your safety here in Amsterdam.

Do check out the Red Light District, but don’t snap photos

A trip to Amsterdam without going into the Redlight district (RLD) would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eifel Tower. This is one of the intriguing draws to this city and something you will not see anywhere else in the world so go have a look. People fear for safety here, but it is not a serious worry as the RLD is monitored by uniformed police officers, plain clothes police officers, and private security. While walking around you are allowed to look at the girls, even gawk at them… but if you do be warned they they will try to get you to come in. One thing that is not alright however is to snap photos. If you want evidence of the private security I mentioned snap a photo and you will be surprised how quickly a big guy materializes and tells you that is not allowed. Or one of the girls in the windows starts yelling at you… either way don’t do it, it’s not cool.

Don’t just go to Vondel Park… 

Vondel park is fantastic, it is huge – I recommend if you have the chance to ride a bike around its full circumference – you can spend much time here relaxing , BUT – remember it’s not Amsterdams only park. Both the Vesterpark and Osterparks (West and East) are also wonderful on a nice day. Going there also means you will escape all the tourists and view the Dutch there in action doing their great little picnics with friends.

Do go for a walk beside the Amstel River

The Amstel River is Amsterdam’s main river and the namesake of the beer of the same name. With all the litany of canals dotting the city sometimes this beautiful water way is forgotten about. A walk along it will show some of the fantastic bridges in the city as well as a view of Amsterdam’s most plush hotel the Amstel hotel. For a good walking (or bicycling) route, I recommend traveling next to the Amstel River until you get to a street called the Centuurbaan. At that point you would take a right and head along the Centuurbaan through de pijp, Amsterdam now bohemian and ethnic quarter – through to the oud zoud – Amsterdam’s new hip/ trendy spot – then to the museumplein – a lovely park and the home of the Rijk and Van Gogh museums and finally ending off in Leidseplein. You’ll appreciate this cross section look of the city!

Antigua is one of those destinations that has something for holidaymakers of all interests and ages. No matter if you’re a 24-year-old adrenalin junkie, a middle-aged married couple who love gourmet fare or a pair of newlyweds, I’m quite confident that no matter what you desire from your next break, you will get it if you come here.

If you do want to go on holiday to Antigua (and trust me, you really do), obviously the first thing you must do is book your flights and accommodation. Make sure you take plenty of time to search for great deals on breaks to Antigua, so you can base yourself in a high-quality resort that enables you to relax. Once you’ve done that, you can start planning what to do once you’ve arrived. I’ve put together a list of some of the things that I think are essential in experiencing everything this beautiful island has to offer.

Soak up the sun on the beach

While pretty much all the islands in the Caribbean are perfect for sunbathing, I believe that Antigua is especially well-suited for sun-seekers. Not only is the country famous for having 365 different beaches (one for every day of the year), but as it receives less rainfall than other nations in the region you really have a great opportunity to develop a golden tan!

Obviously, there are way too many beaches for me to go into detail about them all but there are a few that I think are amazing. Among these is the north-west stretch of Galley Bay, where you can gaze out at the crystal-clear Atlantic Ocean from your position on the shore. If you want to be a little more active, however, you’ll be glad to know the beach is also popular among surfers and joggers.

Alternatively, you may wish to visit either Ffryes Bay or Darkwood Beach. These are both located on the south-west coast of Antigua and are perfect if you want somewhere that is quiet and a little less developed than some of the beaches close to the country’s biggest tourist resorts.

Trek up to Shirley Heights

While Antigua is most definitely a wonderful sunshine holiday destination, there is so much more to the island than just pretty beaches. Indeed, it has a fascinating history which you can find out more about by exploring the Shirley Heights military complex.

Situated on top of a hill that is around 490 ft high, this fortress was built in 1781 and is named after Thomas Shirley, who was the governor of the Leeward Islands (a region that also includes Saint Kitts and Montserrat) when parts of the Caribbean were under British rule.

Today, the complex is deemed one of the most important structures on the island, though if you want to see it for yourself you should be prepared to embark on a challenging hike.

You’ll get to take in some of Antigua’s diverse flora and fauna on your way to the summit, but I don’t think anything will match the 360-degree panoramic views that are on offer. Make sure you bring your camera with you to capture these vistas, while the onsite restaurant is an ideal place to grab a bite to eat.

Take to the road on Fig Tree Drive

My last must-do Antiguan experience is to ride along Fig Tree Drive. This is widely regarded as one of the island’s most picturesque driving routes and, by renting a car and following the path, you will have the opportunity to soak up great views of its natural landscape.

Starting in Antigua’s low-lying central plain, you’ll travel through a set of ancient volcanic hills as you go south-west. Sea views, little churches, ancient sugar mills and banana trees (which are actually referred to as fig trees by the locals) are just some of the amazing things to be seen from your car window as you drive.

This is a continuation of some of the do’s and don’ts in the fabulous city of Amsterdam. The intent of this blog is to give you a local’s perspective on different ways to have your best time in the city and not piss off the locals. Continuing right along…

Don’t just spend all your time in Amsterdam near Central Station, Dam Square and the Red light district…

Walking out of Central Station, which is a most impressive building in of itself, you are immediately greeted to the spectacle of Amsterdam. Nearby is Dam square – the central navigating point of the city – and close to that is the Red Light District (RLD). With so many little side streets in-between you can, and you should get lost in this area, for awhile, BUT – don’t spend your whole trip here. Many tourists do just that and that is why the image of Amsterdam being a vice filled, sleazy place is predicated around the globe. In the areas I mentioned it is sleazy… That is why you need to task yourself to go beyond these locations.

Do explore the Jordaan District, the Canal rings, Leidsplein, the museumplein, Vondal park…  

The places just noted in the title of this section are but a few of the beautiful places to see in Amsterdam away from Damn Square and the RLD. Buy a map and go to these places… it is so worth it and it will forever change your view of Amsterdam. The old sections of town – the Jordann district and the old canal rings the Herengracht Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht – are filled with quaint charm, varied restaurants, and the amazing views that make this city famous. Leidsplein provides an alternative to the grotty bars around the RLD and offers the places that Dutch people actually go for fun like music venue/clubs – Paradiso and Melkweg. Vondal Park is one of the worlds prettiest parks and a place for thousands of Dutch to picnic on a warm day. Go explore these places; you will be thankful you did.

When visiting coffee shops, again get away from the Redlight District and Damn Square… 

Coffee shops near the Red Light District are cheesy, set up for tourists, and both rip you off and give you far less quality of pot then you can get elsewhere. Though a local could point out a few good coffee shops in these areas, perhaps Hill Street Blues for instance, as a rule head away towards Leidseplein and you will start finding better coffee shops that actual Amsterdamers go to. A few suggestions for coffee shops include the Dampkring and the Rokkery both of these places have a great vibe and offer good value for money.