Ultimate Vacation Spots

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?? 

posted by Travel Cat on Jan 25

Not often thought of as a great European destination, I have been finding out a bit more about this large and historic country.

Having only travelled through a small area the north of the country bordering the Netherlands, I was a bit disappointed with what I found and seemed to be constantly passing road signs saying ‘Centrum’. I got stuck on a never-ending ring road and ended up driving straight back into Holland without stopping for the night!

Since my recent studying of the country, however, I have found out where I went wrong on my journey (I was driving through the most industrialised sprawling conurbation in Europe - around Dortmund and Essen) and am regretting all the great locations that I had driven right past!

Below I have just offered an overview of the highlights of this beatiful and friendly country and hope that it’s not only me who is going to visit them this year.

The Castle or Schloss (spelt Schloß in German).
You will not believe some of the castles you will find across this country! They are like a fairytale come true. Many are perched precariously on hill tops, with giant towers and hundreds of windows. Most are also painted bright colors and some have secret caves beneath!

In the northern lowlands, they used water as a defence and needed to be stronger, so you will find huge moated buildings with gigantic wide towers, with wonderful symmetry and extensive gardens. Some look more like enormous English stately homes and are more plain in colour.

In cities and larger towns, there was more call for grandeur and less for security, and some of these are the most amazing buildings. They cover vast areas of land, with a whole array of supporting buildings for staff and guests. Many of these were commissioned by more modern rulers and were used for grand balls and for entertaining visiting nobility, all displaying the most ‘fashionable’ architecture of the time.

Medieval Houses:
Many towns in Germany - particularly in the west of the country - have a medieval history and you will find streets filled with white-washed half-timbered buildings. You will have to navigate your way around dozens of tiny winding streets packed full of history and 1000 year old architecture.

Old towns were originally small and circular - some within their brick-built city walls, and often beside a river for trading or on a hill for defense. Most towns today have outgrown their original city limits, but have kept their historic Aldstadt (old town) for all to enjoy. Industrial buildings are still in use or have been used a museums, and tourism is booming! And street names like Buttermarkt (Butter Market) and Domplatz (Cathedral Place) reflect their history.

Spa Towns and Volcanic Mountains:
Germany is filled with mountain ranges - many with a volcanic twist. As a result where these rocks hit the surface you will find thermal waters and mineral spas.

Nearly all locations will have the name ‘Bad’ at the beginning or less commonly at the end, and are famed for their medicinal or financial purposes. A large number grew up through the Roman period and as a result have great towns around them and are usually on show in some ornate gardens and decorative buildings.

The mountains themselves are a huge draw for the outdoor types, who want to explore hill top castles, deep valleys and volcanic crater lakes.

Large areas are covered by National Parks or smaller NaturParks, and there are endless trails and routes signposted across vast areas, with huge networks of further trails and cycle routes. Many are famous such as the Reinsteig across the Thuringian Forest and the Rhine Peaks Walks in Rhineland-Palatinate.

Wine Growing:
Huge numbers of people travel to Germany to see the vineyards - and to sample the fine wines. Many regions have implemented special ‘wine routes’ through their regions to help you pick your way across their countryside.

The most famous region is of course on the banks of the Rhine in Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, where huge tracts of land are cultivated for fine Rieslings among other wines. May to October is the best time to visit if you want to take advantage of the ‘free samples’ on offer and to see the grape harvests around September.

Join a tour or just follow the yellow signs with the grapes on them to see the best sights and get involved!

There’s plenty more to see in this vast country, but this was just a quick summary. If you want to know more, then watch out for further articles on Ultimate Vacation Spots in the future!!!

posted by Travel Cat on Jan 17

With their economy at an all time low at the moment - why not take advantage! The UK£ is very low compared to a lot of currencies - including the US$ - so why not hop on over to the little ‘vacation island’.

Accommodation will be cheap at the moment as so many people are trying anything to get the customers - including the stores - they have gone ‘discount crazy’ - even some of the great big companies like Marks & Spencer, a cornerstone of any British High Street.

Although you may have to search around for a cheap flight anywhere at the moment, they are out there. Sometimes it is cheaper to get 2 singles - or stop off somewhere on the way over - but it’s worth it if you want to see this wonderful little country.

What’s the UK like?
It is currently winter at the moment, so don’t expect to be wearing T-shirts around, but this means that you can snuggle up in a little cottage on a river with a real wood-burning fire warming the timber framed cosy front room!

You could be waking up to the view of a snow covered landscape or reading a great book while the rain and wind howl around your lodgings with you nice and warm inside. On the clear days, there will be plenty to keep you busy with horse-riding, hiring a canal boat, touring an ancient city with it’s castle or just wandering through cobbled streets and stopping for lunch in a quaint ‘tea shop’.

Scotland has plenty of winter sports to offer, including skiing, snowboarding, dog-sledding, reindeer tours, whale watching and even hunting with eagles! There is plenty of rare wildlife in these parts too, including seals, dolphins, red squirrels and of course - the Loch Ness Monster! Stop off in the historic hill-side city of Edinburgh to hear the cannon salute on your way past.

What about Wildlife?
Nature-lovers will love the coastlines of the British Isles for birding around this time. The Norfolk coast of England, the whole coast of Northern Ireland and estuaries of Scotland are all great locations for migrating birds - like the Barnacle Geese in the Solway Firth - and seabirds alike.

In more northern regions you will need to be on the look-out for bottle-nosed dolphins and whales as they hunt for food in these winter months - and the Scottish highlands hold reindeer, red deer and wildcats!

Man Made Fun?
Many theme parks are closed for the winter, but there are plenty of free museums in London and other main towns, and of course there are places that need to be seen to be believed. Take the Isle of Wight in the English Channel. This little island is filled with dinosaur bones - and you have every chance of finding your own while you are there. It also has brightly coloured sand making up one amazing cliff-line.

Many Zoo’s and Safari Parks are still open through the colder months, but you may not see many animals - they are no doubt hiding in their heated houses! On the other hand there are many native animals, like otters and wild ponies that can be seen better in these months as they depend on certain sources for food.

Ancient man-made landscapes are also amazing to see covered in snow, or on a frosty morning. The Tarr Steps in Exmoor cross a fast icy river, Stonehenge catches the low sunlight, and ancient castles and forts hide in a curtain of mist. You can even take a walk out across the sea bed at low tide to several islands on the south-west coast if it’s not too windy!

What Else:
Take your vacation in the UK and not only can you enjoy what it has to offer, you are also within touching distance of the whole of Europe. You can drive to Paris for lunch or have a weekend vacation in Italy. Many tour holidays are on offer if you want to go further.

If you only have 2 weeks then don’t even look at Europe - it will only tease you with it’s variety and make you consider ‘hopping’ around to destinations for a few days here and there. This won’t do any of them justice! Just select 2 or 3.

Consider at least a month, if you really want to soak up the atmosphere of several countries - and consider a flexible train or coach ticket. There are 60 or so countries in Europe - and there really is no need to rush them! They aren’t going anywhere!

Oui?