Ultimate Vacation Spots

posted by Travel Cat on Sep 3

Learn about the amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site before you go!

For example, did you know that the famous white marble domes that everyone poses infront of is only a small part of the whole Taj Mahal complex which took over 20 years to complete and covers over 22 hectares and includes a small town?

The Taj Mahal attracts from 2 to 4 million visitors annually, with more than 200,000 of those from overseas. Most tourists visit in the cooler months of October, November and February. It was also recently announced as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’ in a recnt poll, alongside Machu Picchu and The Pyramids of Giza.

Taj Mahal History:
A brief history of the Taj Mahal is as follows: The Mughal emperor Shah Jahn was grief-stricken when his third and favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died during the birth of their fourteenth child. So in memory of her life he set about the almighty task of building her a great mausoleum - the Taj Mahal (the Crown/Royal Mahal).

The Taj Mahal (also “the Taj”) is regarded as one of the finest examples of what has become known as ‘Mughal’ architecture; a style combining both Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.

And, while earlier Mughal buildings were usually built of red sandstone, Shah Jahan promoted the use of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones for the main building. However, as Muslim tradition forbids elaborate decoration of graves and hence Mumtaz and Shah Jahan are laid in a relatively plain crypt beneath the inner chamber.

Where Is The Taj Mahal Located?
The Taj Mahal is located on a small pocket of land beside the River Yamuna to the south of the walled city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Northern India.

Shah Jahan wanted this patch of land so much that he offered the Maharajah Jai Singh a large palace in the center of Agra in exchange for the land!

The completed Taj Mahal complex is bounded on three sides by crenellated red sandstone walls, with the river-facing side left open with the Moonlight Garden. Outside the walls are several additional mausoleums, including those of Shah Jahan’s other wives, and a larger tomb for Mumtaz’s favorite servant.

When Was The Taj Mahal Built?
Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, one year after the death of his beloved wife. The principal mausoleum was completed in 1648 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished in the following 5 years.

A labour force of an estimated twenty thousand workers from across northern India were employed in it’s construction. And the materials to be used came from all over India and Asia. And over 1,000 elephants were apparently employed to move the materials.

Components were from afar and included the marble from Rajastan, the jasper from Punjab, and both jade and crystal from China. The turquoise came from Tibet and the Lapis lazuli from across the hills in Afghanistan. Sapphire was imported from Sri Lanka and the carnelian was Arabian in origin. In total - 28 types of precious and semi-precious stones were beautifully inlaid into the white marble structure.

Who Was The Architect Of The Taj Mahal?
There is no definitive answer to this but Ustad Isa and Isa Muhammad Effendi of Persia who was coached by Koca Mimar Sinan Agha of the Ottoman Empire is frequently credited with a key role in the architectural design.

Ustad Ahmad Lahauri is also considered the most likely candidate as the principal designer of the complex and Ismail Afandi is credited as the main designer of the large dome.

And Finally:
Neighboring Bangladesh has made a life size replica of the Taj Mahal 18 miles northeast of the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka.

However, this version only took 5 years to build but was by no means cheaper! It still cost around $58 million for the wealthy Bangladeshi film-maker who wanted it built. He was reportedly building it so that ‘the poor of his nation can realise their dream of seeing neighbouring India’s famed monument’.

India aren’t too pleased though!

posted by Travel Cat on Jun 21

“How tall is the Eiffel Tower?” and “Where is the Eiffel Tower located?” are 2 of the many questions always asked about this majestic structure in the center of Paris, France.

Whenever travelers think of France, they think of the romance attached to the city and the tower itself!  They know other great sights in the city - but this is the one they can’t leave without seeing.  Even if they only spend one night in Paris - they want to see it!

Built in 1889 and named after it’s designer - the engineer Gustave Eiffel - it is the most visited paid for monument in the whole world!  Over 200,000,000 people have been here in the 220 years since it was unveiled beside the Seine!

How Long Did It Take To Build The Eiffel Tower?
Well, around about 2 years really.  The designer apparently wanted to build the tower in Barcelona at first!

300 workers were involved in the structure - joining over 18,000 pieces of iron together using over 2.5 million rivets!

It actually only had a license to stand for 20 years - and really was in the firing line for being dismantled in 1909 - until it helped the city with radio communication……

How tall is the Eiffel Tower?
Including the radio mast - that saved it from destruction - the Eiffel Tower is 324 meters high - that’s 1063 feet - about 81 stories high.

At the time of it’s completion it was the tallest structure in the world!  And it held this title until 1930 when the Chrysler Building was completed in New York.

Today, the Eiffel Tower isn’t even the tallest structure in France anymore - it is the 5th tallest - which it won’t hold for much longer……

Other Facts About The Eiffel Tower:
The whole structure weighs 10,000 tonnes - but the metal alone is 7,300 tonnes.

The tower can sway up to 7 cm in the wind!

It has over 710 steps spread over the floors - with markers along the way to let you know how many more you have to climb!

It takes up to 60 tonnes of paint every time it needs a new coat!  And they stagger the paint colors to look the same from the ground!

Where Is The Eiffel Tower Located?
Get yourself a map of Paris, as there is plenty more to see after you stroll under the massive leg-span of the Eiffel Tower beside the Seine.

Cross the river to the jumble of junctions that is the Arc de Triomphe and on to the great park of Longchamps.

Or, follow the Seine to the west and you will find the delightful Champs-Elysees leading to the Place de la Concorde on the other shore which becomes the Louvre Museum!

A little bit further down on one of the Islands in the great river is the famous Notre Dame Cathedral!

So much to see - and all the time in the world to do it!  Bonne Chance!

posted by Travel Cat on May 25

‘Where is the Statue of Liberty located?’, and ‘Why does copper turn green?’ are 2 of the many questions associated with this amazing US monument.

Yes, America has many other great monuments including Yellowstone National Park and the Washington Monument - but it is the Statue of Liberty that is often used to depict the whole country - and one that is widely recognised by everyone.

Built for 1886 on it’s own island: Liberty Island in New York Harbour - and also known as Liberty Enlightening the World, this statue is certainly a tourist destination for New York travellers and is a must on your tour of New York City should you ever visit!

So below, I hope to answer a few of those nagging questions that everyone will be asking about the Statue, and maybe a few of those your kids ask you and you just can’t answer!

So, What does the Statue of Liberty Represent?
Dressed in the Roman ‘Classical’ appearance, she represents Libertas - the ancient goddess of freedom from slavery, oppression and tyranny.  She is shown to be in mid-step - that is to say she is ‘moving forwards’ towards new ways of thinking.

She was also a gift to the American people from the people of France for their centennial - so it symbolizes the joining and friendship of nations as well.

Why is the Statue of Liberty green?
Lady Liberty is made of copper - and we all know from school that copper turns green (or technically gets a coating of green) when it is exposed the salt water or air over long periods of time.

This coating is known as ‘verdigris’ and is a type of copper carbonate or copper chloride and was used in ancient art as a pigment!

The original copper face of the statue is inside the museum and is still the original color as it was never exposed!

How tall is the Statue of Liberty?
From base to the torch, she is 151ft and 1 inch (46 meters).  But from the base of the pedestal to the torch is a whopping 305ft and 1 inch (93 meters).

Other Statue of Liberty facts include: length of hand - 16ft, 5 inches; index finger - 8ft exactly; length of nose - 4ft, 6 inches; width of mouth - 3ft.

Thickness of copper used - 2.5mm; weight of copper used - 60,000 pounds; weight of steel used for support - 250,000 pounds!

What is the quote on the Statue of Liberty?
Technically there is no quote on the outside of the Statue of Liberty - although this is often depicted as so on images of the Statue, however the inscription is on the inside of the pedestal.

It is entitled ‘The New Colossus’ (written by Emma Lazarus) and refers to the old giant statue that used to sit on the edges of the Mediterranean Sea in Greek history - one of the original Seven Wonders of the World.

This giant was supposed to be a huge statue of the Greek god Helios, and he too supposedly wore a 7-starred ‘crown’ and stood near a main harbour.

There are only 3000 passes available per day to get to the island - but you cannot get into the statue itself at the moment…..  So still worth a visit - but make sure you plan in advance.

posted by Travel Cat on Mar 24

If you are wanting to travel but are worried about malaria or the possible side-effects of treatments, then use this following list to find a destination that does not have an endemic malarial risk and therefore does not require prophylactic drugs.  All of the following are currently listed as Malaria-Free and therefore do not require medication.

The Americas:
Needless to say, the whole of North America and Canada do not have any risk of malaria so any vacations here (including Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands) will not require medication.

The Caribbean is virtually free of the disease, apart from the islands of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The only countries in Central or South America that are completely free are Chile and Uruguay.

Europe:
Every country currently in Europe does not have any malarial risk, including the whole of Russia.

Africa:
The only countries listed as completely malarial-free are Lesotho, Tunisia and Libya and the islands of the Seychelles.

Middle East:
Travelling to the countries to the north-east of Africa is relatively clear due to the harsh climate.  Countries here include Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon and Qatar.

Asia:
The islands of Japan, North Korea and South Korea are free as well as the expanse of Mongolia. 

There are 2 locations in south-east Asia that are completely malaria free amid the plenty of endemic regions and these are Singapore and Brunei.

Other:
Finally the Maldives in the Indian Ocean are a popular destination because of their malaria-free status, and of course Australia and New Zealand are risk-free!

Malaria Countries:
Don’t panic if the country you wish to visit isn’t on the list here.  Many countries have only certain pockets that are at risk, and many tourist-dense cities and vacation resorts don’t have malaria carrying mosquitoes at all!

Make sure you visit your travel clinic or pharmacy to check your risks and get the right anti-malarials for the region you are travelling to.  Not all treatments work in the same countries and it’s pointless taking drugs for the wrong destination, as you will not be protected!

Bite avoidance is an obvious first step in any location - as it is not just malaria that is transmitted by insect bites!!

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posted by Travel Cat on Mar 4

Stunning peaks and the wildest terrain can be found high up in the South American Andes - and it is also breath-takingly beautiful!

So massive that it runs from the tropical Caribbean to the freezing Antarctic, and so expansive that it covers land in 7 countries. It is the longest un-interrupted high barrier in the world, the second highest mountain range after the Himalaya and contains the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere - Aconcagua at 6962m or 22841ft.

These fertile highlands and valleys have been home to the native population for centuries and contain an astounding variety of plant and animal life, including the elusive puma, the flightless rhea and the unusual monkey puzzle tree!! Whatever the season there will be a part of the range suitable for hiking and climbing.

They are however young mountains and as a result are home to frequent volcanic eruptions and devastating earthquakes. The landscape reflects this violent past and allows for some inspiring scenery and challenging mountaineering.

Andean Life.
The cultures found in the Andes are extremely varied due to the distances covered by these mountains, but all share common themes such as colorful traditions and festivals. Traditional clothes abound in the villages and towns you pass through when travelling.

There is also the great opportunity to see the cultures that stretch it’s length, including Quechua and other smaller Indian populations (there are up to 80 different groups in Columbia alone). You will also have the chance to celebrate fiestas with whole communities or share the homes of individual families during your stay.

Much of the population farm the land but there is a rising population involved in the tourist industry - and make sure that you use them for your travels.

Whether you are backpacking alone or using a fully-organised tour group - make sure that you respect the locals and keep the money and the jobs local. There are guidelines for using porters to help with the more difficult climbs - and of course local people know the land, know the wildlife and know how to live off the land should the weather or circumstances change. Travelling with others also increases security.

What Offers What?
Here is a quick summary of the countries you can choose from when exploring the Andes range.

Patagonia- This covers both Argentina and Chile and is wild and desolate. As the most southern part of the range - it is the coldest - but also one of the most popular with the Torres Del Paine National Park and the amazing and unusual landscape of Tierra del Fuego.

With Ice Caps and Glaciers everywhere and volcanic zones so close together, you certainly won’t run out of places to see here and you will be beguiled by the deep blue lakes, waterfalls and thermal springs. Just make sure you bring your waterproofs!

Bolivia- The country of gold mines! First the Incas then the Spanish have come to this region to mine for metals - where infact the Andes get their name. You can get to almost any part of the range from the La Paz/ Lake Titicaca region - and you are right in the heart of the Andes here on the Altiplano.

Bolivia also has the most festival and celebrations of any other South American nation so this location is great for the more cultural trekkers.

Peru- Not only the home of the Inca Trail and the mystical Machu Picchu, but to many varied and exciting treks and ancient Inca sites. Also the home of the mountain city of Cuzco - filled with amazing architecture and a fantastic and friendly culture.

These stunning and dramatic mountains are the source of the mighty Amazon - and also the location of many mines and mountain pathways lined with temples and terraced landscapes.

Ecuador - This is a country of physical extremes. With towering mountains and deep valley jungles, and with 30 active volcanoes the climate is anything but boring!

There is an amazing variation of habitat across the country and the culture is certainly a reflection of their relationship with the very elements themselves. 50% of the population are Indian, and their lives are ruled by the sun and moon - and the weather.

Columbia - Not a country widely visited by travellers, there is still plenty to see if you research your destination carefully and take on a guide. Nearly half of the country is mountains and most of this is covered in jungle - just waiting for those first few visitors to explore.

Columbus never even arrived in the country named after him - and it is still a land of myths and legends. There is an amazing natural and cultural diversity here with over 80 different Indian groups still living in the rain forests. It has had a very turbulant history, but there are areas that are safe to travel through and you would be one of the first to do so.

Venezuela - Where the Andes meet the Caribbean. Although lower and warmer than the rest of the chain, there is still plenty of adventure here. With over 40 National Parks protected in the country, much of the jungle is intact and requires an experience machete-wielding guide to pass through!

The unique geography of the region makes for some unusual treks - and almost a step back in time. The culture here in the highlands is certainly different to what you are used to - but the local people are very welcoming. And you won’t regret that when the weather suddenly changes leaving you out in the cold!

Has it tickled your fancy??