Beaches

Boulders Beach – A Quaint Haven in Cape Town

written by Mae

Boulders Beach – People’s perception of Africa has tremendously changed over the years mainly because it has gained prominence as a worthwhile vacation destination. Quite a number of beaches in the country beckon beach bums and wanderlusts seeking to have a good time.

Cape Town, the second most populated city in Africa next to Johannesburg, is home to many breathtaking beaches. In fact, it’s famous for its harbour; thus, it is widely known as Africa’s most popular tourist destination.

Famous Beaches

One of the well-known beaches in Cape Town is Boulders Beach (or Boulders Bay). It lies just around the corner from Simon’s Town. Charming and quaint are two words that may be used to describe this sheltered cove of white sand beach. Massive granite boulders are aplenty on this beach, hence, the name Boulders Beach.

While most of the beaches in Cape Town have icy waters (these being part of the Atlantic Ocean), the waters of Boulders Beach are a tad warmer (the beach being on the Indian Ocean side of the peninsula). The beach is ideal for snorkeling and sheltered swimming. If you’re the type of person who likes to have a good time but want a more laid-back atmosphere, Boulders Beach is the place to go to.

Giant Boulders

The charming appeal of the beach must emanate from Simon’s Town itself, which is a former navy seaport. What lure people to this place may perhaps be the giant boulders found along the beach that provide seclusion and utmost protection from the wind.

January 4, 2018 4 comments

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Australia Beaches Queensland

Spend a Blissful Day at Whitehaven Beach

written by Mae

Why do you plan a getaway every so often? Are you like most people who do so in order to get away from the frenzied city life? Let’s face it; the hustle and bustle of everyday life is enough to put a damper on your sanity. This is even truer if you live in a big city like New York. The fast-paced life coupled with unpleasant news reports would surely make you want to make a run for it on your next vacation leave.

To escape from the cudgels of city living, albeit for a short period only, most people go to faraway places that offer peace and tranquility. One such safe haven is Whitehaven Beach found along Whitsunday Island. Incidentally, Whitsunday Island is the largest among the seventy-four islands that make up the Whitsunday Group of Islands located off the coast of Central Queensland in Australia.

December 30, 2017 4 comments

America Beaches Maine

Scenery, Food, and Northern Culture: 5 Reasons You Should Make Maine Your Next Stop for Fun

written by Mae

It’s almost the end of 2017, and I’m sure you’re looking forward to another year of memorable experiences. And you might also be planning about when and where to go for those free weeks to spend your allotted vacation. Of all the vacations you may have considered, Maine could have made it to your list. And it’s rightly so. From the fantastic sceneries to the plenty of activities that characterize it, there’s never a sad moment in Maine. Here’s why you need to take a vacation in America’s northernmost state at one point in your life/Make Maine Your Next Stop.

The Weather

Maine’s weather is splendid. Compared to most east coast states, it is a bit farther north, so it’s a little breezier and cooler. This is excellent because it doesn’t get too humid or extremely hot while enjoying the attractions of the outdoor scenery. Even a small amount of rainfall looks pretty in Maine!

Autumn in Ogunquit..

The Wildlife

Wildlife is abundant in Maine. It is well-known for its moose which can be seen when traveling further inland. Although they are attractive to see, it’s advisable to keep away from the moose as they could get aggressive. In the coastal areas, there are some amazing sea creatures. Fresh lobsters can be seen everywhere, but dolphins, whales, harbor seals, and porpoises are in the actual sea. Additionally, there are so many beautiful birds in Maine such as the bald eagle that breeds in the tall pine trees which line the islands.

The coast of Maine near Acadia National Park

Parks

The parks in Maine offer everything an outdoor enthusiast would ever hope for. The oldest eastern park, Acadia, has bike paths for the adrenaline rush, hiking trails, large granite parks, the oldest historic carriage roads, and some of the tallest mountains on America’s Atlantic coast. This is certainly the right place for you to get a breath of perfectly clean mountain air.

Family Bonding

As mentioned, visiting Maine offers an excellent opportunity for people to take part in outdoor adventures, making it possible for families to bond. What better way to forget about technology and chatting than to hike for miles along the coastline of Maine or through its forest? There are numerous marked trails, and most of these trails are properly maintained to provide beautiful and attractive views as well as opportunities for families to take photos.

Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Portland, Maine

Wadsworth-Longfellow House for us, booklovers.

Hotels and Resorts

Apart from the outdoor experiences, Maine also allows for greater relaxation. The place has a lot of beautiful hotels and resorts that offer numerous packages for families and individuals. One of these hotels is the Fairfield Inn & Suites Brunswick Freeport that is located near the city of Bath. Some of the hotels and resorts in Maine have amazing amenities such as the swimming pools, world-class living rooms with 24-hour security, free Wi-Fi, among others.

In addition to the amenities, the resorts and hotels in Maine also offer the best cuisines you could hope for. Seafood lovers should visit Maine since fresh lobster among other fresh seafood can be found here.

Maine is known for its seafood cuisine, specifically clams and lobsters.

Make Maine Your Next Stop

With trips to other parts of the world – Europe, the Caribbean islands, and other exotic places – people tend to overlook the amazing places found right here in the United States. Maine, a beautiful state in America, is an excellent tourist location for both the locals and the foreigners. The aspects mentioned above are some of the factors that make it one of the most amazing places to be.

December 13, 2017 0 comment

Beaches Europe

7 Amazing Spots to Visit in Greece

written by Marie

Greece is considered to be the birth place of the European civilization. This country is known for its culture and heritage. Many would say that compared today, Greece is a lot different from how it used to be. Though modernized, you can still explore the charming ruins and walk around history in all is glory.

Greece has always been on the top of my bucketlist of countries to visit. That was why I was so ecstatic when I at least was able to go for a short time.

If you want to visit the amazing spots in Greece, here are some of our suggestions. We hope these will help you select the best places where to spend your vacation at.

Dionysiou Monastery in Halkidiki

Halkidiki is probably one of the more unpopular spots in Greece, but it’s not a place one should ignore when visiting Greece. There’s a Byzantinian-style monastery built upon the mountainside hanging above the sea that you can’t miss when you go on a cruise by. There are also a lot of beaches where you can rent one of Halkidiki villas that are just a few steps away from the shore. We really enjoyed Hanioti’s simple everyday lifestyle and the white sand beaches, walking barefoot doesn’t feel tiresome at all.

Dionysiou Monastery, Mount Athos

The Acropolis in Athens donkey. 😀

No cars allowed, travel by bike, donkey or foot

The National Archaeological Museum

Visiting this museum in Athens, make one really appreciate fully Greece’s culture. This Museum displayed the mysterious kouroi, archaic statues of gods, and other historical artifacts of ancient Greece. They also have a good many collection of Egyptian artifacts for you to explore. I was in historical bliss while moving about trying not to stumble onto any of the valuable pieces.

Antikythera Ephebe

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How about cruising through Greece from Venice? – Read here on what to expect on a 7-day Cruise.

Knossos in Crete

A very tempting spot in Greece. This is where you can find the Minoan Palace. The Minoan palace was built during the rule of King Minos over Aegean. Because this structure is kind of disorienting, there is a chance that one can easily get lost his way. But nothing to worry about, because there are available paid tour guides ready to rescue you.

ruins in Knossos

The Temple of Poseidon

Set in a position which overlooks Aegean Sea, this tourist spot is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Greece. The ruins, at Cape Sounion, will make you feel like you are in that epic movies you usually see. 😀 Watching the sun set from this spot will make it even more attractive and romantic.

Temple of Poseidon, east view

Crete Island

Crete Island is known because of its beaches and natural wonders which most tourists love. It’s friendly atmosphere would make one come back again and again. The Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour was worth a day’s trip, going about museums and eating fresh seafood then topping the day of with shopping. Vai, the largest natural palm forest in Europe might be difficult to access but it’s also worth seeing how this once garbage-laden shores turn out after clean up.

Vai, Crete

Island of Santorini

When you are looking for fun and adventure, this lovely island is a must! It’s paradise here and now. Santorini is considered to be one of the greatest tourist spots not only within the country but also in the entire globe. True, it could get crowded and touristy but it also comes as a charming factor.

Known because of its fine restaurants, Atlantis legends, wines, missing Minoans and magnificent sunset scenes, you will surely enjoy every second of your visit in Santorini. The sunsets, will make you fall in love all over again.

The overly used Santorini shot, still took it anyway 🙂

Greece is, by far, one of our favourite countries. After all the history it has gone through, it was able to cope up with the changes of the world, yet it was also able to retain its rich culture and tradition. Plus points!

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November 14, 2017 1 comment

Africa Beaches South Africa

Shop and Drop at Cape Town’s Beaches and Markets

written by Marie

Cape Town tops the list of beach cities with its pristine seashores and it’s really no wonder why. Comprised of 3 regions, each boasts of beaches that could rival the most picturesque around the world. With a mediterranean climate of mild, moderately wet winters and dry, warm summers, there’s always a good reason to find yourself enjoying there.

Cape Town has also long been known for its fantastic range of markets carrying a vast array of different wares, but in recent years its popularity has well and truly exploded, giving rise to a renaissance of its market scene.

If you’re planning on making your way to the Mother City, you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t get yourself down to a market or two. With craft beers flowing and artisan foods cooking, there’s plenty to keep you going while you trawl through the designer goods.

muizenberg

Here’s how best to spend your weekend – shopping!

Friday

On your very first day in the lovely place that is Cape Town, you’ll want to head over to Muizenberg, a community in the south of the city, where you’ll find the Blue Bird Garage Food & Goods Market.

A late market, it doesn’t open until 4 in the afternoon, so you have the morning to explore your new surroundings, and it keeps trading until 10pm. Located in an old hangar that used to be used as the base for the southern hemisphere’s very first airmail service, the Blue Bird is a fun place to spend some time.

October 2, 2017 0 comment

Beaches Brazil South America

Ipanema Beach, the World’s Sexiest Beach

written by Marie

Brazilians refer to Rio de Janeiro as “Cidade Maravilhosa” or The Wonderful City and rightly so. The place is always filled to the brim with rhythm, color, sound, and joy. All these make this Brazilian city a hub for merrymaking. It’s noteworthy that very few places in the world can match the hospitality and natural charm in which Rio de Janeiro is perpetually swathed.
The city is squeezed into a narrow zone right smack cliffs rife with rainforests and the sea. Think of Rio de Janeiro as an artery that pulses with life amidst its setting, which many have aptly dubbed as ‘the world’s most beautiful city setting’.

One of the most striking features of the city is its plentiful beaches. Rio’s beaches seem to have been handcrafted by nature. Lush landscapes, waves that beckon surfers, attractive sand dunes, rows of coconut trees along the sandy coast, long stretches of multi-colored sands, colorful corals, and serene beaches – all these make up the outstanding and breathtaking design of Rio de Janeiro’s coastline. Little wonder, then, that the city is renowned worldwide for its urban beaches.

Ipanema Beach, Brazil

Copacabana is one of Rio’s beaches that has made quite a name for itself. In fact, Barry Manilow has a song with the same title that tells the story of a showgirl at the Copacabana hotel named Lola. Incidentally, there really is a Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio. This beach was where every tourist trooped to not so long ago.

However, over the last few years, Ipanema Beach emerged as one of the most sought-after Brazilian beaches. Actually, the real hip ‘cariocas’ (people who live in Rio) have been hanging out in Ipanema Beach since the 1960s, but it was only in recent years when it became a popular tourist destination.

July 30, 2017 5 comments

Beaches Europe Greece

The Amazing Red Beach of Santorini

written by Marie

One of the most famous and desired holiday destinations in Europe is Santorini, Greece. This island is supernaturally beautiful, with an amazing landscape and wonderful colored beaches. It has become one of the most popular honeymoon spots for newly married couples who want to bask in the glow of love amidst breathtaking sunrise and sunsets.

Aside from that, Santorini boasts of beautiful beaches, cozy villages, world-class restaurants, and luxurious hotels. In the villages, you’ll see dazzling white buildings, narrow streets, snow-clad mountains, gorgeous landscapes, and museums – attractions that would surely make your stay at Santorini very memorable.

One unique vacation destination in Santorini is the Red Beach. It is located near the ancient site of Akrotiri. The first thing you will notice when you set foot on Red Beach is the startling display of large red and black rock slabs that surround the beachfront. The beach is aptly named because of this and because of the red sand, which are actually volcanic ruins. These deliver a striking contrast to the cobalt blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

This dazzling display attracts thousands of beachgoers and adventure-seekers year in and year out. In fact, some tourists visit the Red Beach simply because of the photographic scenery that can be summed up in one word – amazing.

July 6, 2017 7 comments

Australia Beaches Western Australia

The Unique Wonder That Is Shell Beach

written by Marie

Australia is an awesome country that offers many choices to people who are looking for wonderful activities to enjoy while on vacation. The country has many beautiful tourist destinations that have been certified as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. There are also plenty of beaches offering people of all ages that much-needed seaside escape.

If you would much rather immerse yourself in the culture of Australia, you can join tour groups that visit the countryside for a unique R&R experience. Winery tours at some of the most famous wineries are offered, too. Indeed, Australia is a place that can satisfy wanderlusts all year round.

July 2, 2017 17 comments

Beaches Europe Spain

Gandia Beach – Far from the Maddening Crowd

written by Marie

Spain is probably one of the most beautiful countries one can explore. It is a traveler’s haven, what with its awesome historical places, delightful scenic spots, and stunning beaches.

One area in Spain that is famous for its beaches is Gandia, also known as La Safor. This gorgeous area is located on the mid-eastern seaboard of Spain and just below Spain’s third largest city, Valencia. It’s on the cusp of northern Costa Blanca and southern Costa del Azahar, both long stretches of Mediterranean coastline. Hence, it’s not surprising that the delightful smaller towns, estates, and villages of Gandia extend inland and along a breathtaking coast of beaches that have earned their Blue Flags. (A Blue Flagged beach means that a beach or a marina has been certified by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) for meeting its rigorous standards).

Nevertheless, despite the seemingly attractive promises that Gandia holds, it’s quite odd that it doesn’t get as much attention from international travelers unlike other places in Spain. Imagine 11 kilometers of wide, golden, unsullied beaches left untapped by many tourists.

Ironically, it is those savvy locals who spend time in Gandia. Apparently, they have made it their alternate destination to get away from “rowdy” tourists (who may have had one drink too many) and just enjoy a blissful day at sea.

June 26, 2017 8 comments

Asia Beaches Thailand

Lose Yourself in the Desert Island that Is Railay Beach

written by Marie

Railay beach is touted as one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches. It’s a small peninsula sandwiched between the cities of Krabi and Ao Nang. Immense limestone cliffs surround the beach amidst a backdrop of lush jungle. Because of the cliffs, mainland access is impossible; thus, you can only reach the beach by boat. At any rate, this lends a desert island feel to the beach.

Railay beach is composed of a couple of beaches – East Railay (or Sunrise) Beach and West Railay (or Sunset) Beach. The former serves as the docking point for boats that come in from Krabi. However, since dense mangrove covers the majority of East Railay, it really isn’t suitable for swimming. In any case, you would still find plenty to do there, since there is a commercial area that runs along a promenade at the northern end of the waterfront. Here, you would find various establishments such as restaurants, bars, and more. The Diamond Cave, another tourist attraction, is also accessible through East Railay.

railay1

West Railay Beach, on the other hand, connects to the East side by paths lined through the large resorts. You can also reach West Railay from East Railay through the trails found among the jungle cover. The limestone cliffs mentioned at the get-go are actually here on the West side. Long-tail boats and ferries are available here if you want to go island hopping. Nevertheless, just like East Railay, there also are some restaurants and shops found on a short walking street.

Rock climbing is easily the most popular thing to do in Railay Beach. In fact, it is one of the coolest ways to have fun and meet new friends while vacationing in Thailand. You’d be surprised at the diversity of people you would find climbing the vertical rock walls of Krabi. That’s because tourists from other countries have discovered how popular rock climbing is in Krabi; thus, they also want to share in the fun.

June 20, 2017 1 comment

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