Ultimate Vacation Spots

posted by Travel Cat on Aug 3

Top 10 Reasons to Learn a Foreign Language

For some, learning a second language seems very easy - and to some learning a third or fourth is also easily achieved - however, for the majority it seems as though being fluent in a second language is a goal that is never truly achieved.

I was never very good at French at school - and that is all they offered to you - unless of course you were good at French, when they offered you Spanish and German???

I always wanted to learn Spanish, but was absolutely rubbish at French, really bad - to the point where I would try to hide in the lessons in-case the teacher (a French lady) chose me for any reason to answer a question. It was awful.

Time Flies….. 
Now as an adult, I have found that a second language is not so hard to learn (and how irrelevant French was to my adult needs). I am able to understand French and Spanish from text books and local signs when travelling - but it was the speaking of it that held me up - I didn’t have the confidence.

However - since spending a month in Costa Rica - I have found myself able to converse in basic Spanish and actually get things done like I would at home. I even had a word with the lady at the laundrette because she said that our clothes would be ready tomorrow but I needed them today!!! How’s that for courage. I really felt proud of myself and hope to improve for my return.

I am also part way through qualifying in my TEFL, so hope to live abroad at some point in a South American country, so will ‘keep up the good work’.

Basically there are too many good reasons to learn a foreign language, I have list 10 great ones, to hopefully get you spurred on as well. Some are standard, others are more personal.

1) To book a night in a hotel or ‘pension’
2) To order food and drink when you are travelling
3) To understand directions when trying to find places
4) To understand warning signs while adventuring and for your own safety
5) To have a grasp of local laws if you find yourself in a spot of bother
6) To be able to communicate about your health in times of sickness or injury

7) To befriend local staff in hotels and cafes, as a way of being polite
To become more involved in social events while travelling, and to feel more welcome
9) To chat to local children and help them to understand your journey and where you are from

10) Sometimes speaking the language can help you to get better service, advice and prices in certain locations. And it is no doubt one of the best ways to get the most out of your vacation abroad.

My trip to Costa Rica was certainly the better for my getting a head start on the language and culture. And to be honest, there were many occasions where the staff did not speak a word of English (and why should they really), so even parts of sentences were valuable at times!

I don’t think I’m ready for a 3rd language just yet - so I’ll stick the Central and South America for my travels for the time being…….

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posted by Travel Cat on Jul 10

Just the Two of Us!!! 

We all want a lovely beach vacation when it’s just the two of us, but if you have never been to an isolated tropical location or secluded European cove, you might want some pointers.

So I have listed below 10 of the most popular and romantic beach locations around the world where you can get to spend a lot of time with your loved one without being in the center of a city, or close to a giant harbour!

The Maldives - The best location I have ever found where you can guarantee peace and quiet are the islands of the Maldives, just south of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. Some of these beautiful islands have less than 20 rooms, and all you can see on the horizon across the azure waters are a few dotted islands and the splashes left by dolphins and turtles.

Fiji - Here in the south Pacific, there are plenty of islands to visit, all of which have their own secluded beaches and tropical hideaways for you to explore. Not only can you do nothing on your hammock here, you can also charter a small boat and day-trip to an uninhabited island all to yourselves.

A Villa in Italy - How many times have you looked at a cluster of terracotta buildings perched on a rocky slope overlooking a pristine cove and wanted to be there? Wanted to explore the tiny winding passageways from your room to the beach in the sunshine. Well, you can, and it’s in the Mediterranean.

Bermuda - These gems in the Atlantic certainly have the desired isolation and warm climate for total relaxation. With intriguing pink sandy beaches and a colonial feel, you will find sophistication and charm in the resorts with walking, cycling and water-sports all available without the high temperature and humidity of more tropical locations.

Bahamas - Need I say more? This place oozes romance; with great weather, stunning views and plenty of islands to choose from - and if money isn’t an object, why not charter a boat for the 2 of you to guarantee isolation and a view of whatever beaches you want!

Turks and Caicos - This beautiful chain of over 40 islands and cays is certainly a place to ‘get away from it all’. Breath-taking turquoise waters, powder white soft sandy beaches and a tranquil vibe sums up this location.

Brazil - A relatively undiscovered destination, with Buzios as an area famed for it’s 20 lush beaches and a bustling night life or Ponta Negro’s beaches can ‘wow’ you with the same vibrancy after dark! It is Brazil so your romantic vacation will not be boring…..

The Seychelles - A more expensive location - mainly to keep it exclusive. And you will want it that way - just you and the lapping ocean! There are a few more isolated spots away from the main island, and it’s these locations that will make you want to stay…….

Hawaii - The smaller resorts on these amazing volcanic islands could be your ideal beach vacation if you look around - it’s not all chain hotels and surfing here - you can still find pristine locations where it will just be you two and your dreams…..

South of France - You don’t need the beach for romance in this country, but the south coast of France has it anyway. Miles and miles of pristine beaches and lonely coves. The culture will make you feel like you are the only couple in the world enjoying it.

Plan Your Romantic Beach Vacation
Don’t let you dream romantic beach vacation be ruined by something avoidable otherwise you could end up just having another great holiday - rather than that special break.

The vacation you hoped would be the perfect dream of a quiet, sunny, and secluded vacation could become ‘nothing special’. Money and memories wasted.

So, to keep your romantic beach vacation just as you planned here are a few tips that will help you really enjoy that unforgettable and romantic vacation on a tropical or isolated beach.

• Plan in advance for your accommodation - otherwise you could end up settling for something not 100% what you wanted, but the dates were right.
• Think ahead for car hire and special trips or romantic meals. Popular trips and restaurants can book up in advance - leaving you without a thing. Don’t risk a last minute decision as you may be very dissapointed.
• Sun creams, insect repellants and mosquito nets may not be romantic - but if you are travelling to areas where you could be affected by sunburn or insect-bourne illnesses, these are essential. You don’t want to end up in pain, or in hospital!
• Holiday Insurance is vital if you are travelling abroad - even for just a few days - as you never know when anything unplanned could happen.
• Unless you are planning a family, make sure you are more than prepared for all eventualities as mild sickness or time zone changes could affect the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives!
• To help - always avoid tap water and ice if travelling abroad and make sure you only eat well cooked foods from busy restaurants, cook your own or eat at your hotel.

And above all - Enjoy your trip!

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posted by Travel Cat on Jul 4

Planning a Trip to Africa? 

Listed below are 10 experienced tour operators and the countries in Africa that they specialise in tours to - just to get you started:

Botswana: Africa And Beyond
From the lush Okavango Delta to the parched Kalahari Desert - this is a country of extremes. Landlocked in the south of Africa, this country is able to offer tours as different as walking tours, camping safari’s and even elephant-back guided hikes through the diverse landscapes tailor made to suit the individuals and the seasons.

Gabon: WildLife WorldWide
This small, relatively undiscovered, country on the Atlantic coast is home to Mountain Gorillas, Forest Elephants, Chimpanzees, Mandrills and Humpback Whales off the coast. Expect an amazing tour here with the specialists.

Kenya: Tucan Travel
As in South America, this company specialise in overland tours in state-of-the-art vehicles - powerful Mercedes-Benz trucks with custom built bodies and luxurious interiors. As part of the tours you get to camp under the stars, freshen up in small hotels and guest-houses and just soak up the whole atmosphere….

Madagascar: Nature Trek
This UK-Based company offer 2 week escorted tours to the intriguing island of Madagascar to view their host of endemic and highly restricted wildlife. Whether it’s lemurs, birds, bats, or one of the many other groups only found here - your expert guides will make sure you get close up and hands on.

Namibia: Chameleon Safaris
Neighbouring South Africa & Botswana, you can’t fail to find yourself in deserts one day and jungles the next. This eco-operated company is locally based, committed to training local people and supporting communities, using traditional and locally owned lodges.

Rwanda: Aim 4 Africa
This small, country in East Africa is fast becoming a tourist hot-spot with the mountain Gorillas being a great draw. Aim 4 Africa offer tailor-made tours far every individual taking into account age, experience and specific interests.

South Africa: Acacia African Adventures
Based at the tip of Africa, Acacia offer small group adventures and overland tours across the country. Whether you are looking for wildlife or just beautiful scenery, they can offer the tour to suit. With such a large area of coastline around the main ocean routes, you also have access to a whole host of whale migrations at various times of year.

Tanzania: Noah’s Ark Travel
This company claim to work alongside other ethically responsible tourist companies in this larger country bordering Kenya. With tours based on a small number of customers only they strive to ensure minimum impact on the wildlife and environment whilst offering ‘away from the crowds’ tours.

Uganda: Volcano Safaris
They call themselves the Number 1 Gorilla Safari Company, and offer tours doing exactly that. This eco-tourism business specialises only in tours to visit the endangered mountain gorillas, and have created eco-lodges close to the volcano habitats of these gentle giants, and have invested heavily in supporting the local communities and environment.

Zambia: Busanga Safaris
Whether you are single, a couple or a small group - this company can offer guided or unguided tours of the great national park. With advice on camps, lodges and tours this company really have this country covered and specialise in the Kafue National Park and Busanga Plains.

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posted by Travel Cat on Jun 26

Best Cities in Europe?

This is based on the places I have been in Europe (or are intending to go to in the near future after recommendations from friends!). It is only a brief description of the feel of the place, just to tease you to investigate further…….

We are still quite northern to start here - but it does get warmer from number 8! Promise….

6) Prague, Czech Republic
If you love the whole fairy-tale look, then you will love it here. Perched on a huge hill, across the wide meandering dark river and over the ornately decorated bridges sits a beautiful castle!

The whole city, although with all the modern trapping, looks like a story book. Tall, colourful buildings line the streets, surrounding cobbled squares and walled gardens. Nearer the castle, there are steep steps and small shops and cafes crammed in, and in all shapes and sizes. Enter one on the street and be amazed as it then splits off into different levels, and around corners. This place warrants a second visit, and go there in winter if you can, as the castle looks great in the snow!

7) Paris, France
The rumours are true about this place - even when it’s raining; this city is romantic. You’ll find couples sheltering in little bistro’s with a steaming cup of coffee, or running hand in hand through the streets to find an obliging doorway for their cuddles!

If you love food and art you should be right at home here, and even if you don’t, you will almost certainly find a part of Paris that suits your needs! Time after time people visit this welcoming place to spend a few short days wandering the streets, as they will always be guaranteed a great vacation.

As with nearly all great cities, Paris has a wide sweeping river running through it’s centre and the peace along it’s banks are well known - and painted by many! However, don’t hire a car here if you aren’t a confident driver, or don’t like small cars!!!

Venice, Italy
Even in the cold weather, this city will please the traveller. I actually stayed on a separate island to Venice itself, so I had to catch a boat in to town everyday - more exotic than the train or bus!

From my hotel, I could see the skyline of the whole island, making it’s allure more real than being right in the town looking out your window at the wall of someone else’s hotel. The town centre is so crammed in, that some streets are little more than 3 feet wide, as are some of the lesser used canals! This makes it great for someone like me who loves the whole ‘cuteness’ of this retained character from many years before.

Get a map otherwise you could end up trapped in it’s maze of lanes and paths - don’t rely on landmarks to escape either - we ended up like a silly cartoon and kept reappearing in the same square from another entrance, leaving again only to end up back in the same place! How can that happen to grown ups!!

9) Barcelona, Spain
Not having been here myself, I can only explain the delights that await the traveller, and the very things that are calling out to me to visit.

With an intense history or invasions and defences between fellow Spaniards and invading ‘moors’, this city really has got some great architecture and culture to rival any great city.  With the walled city and plenty of ornate churches to ponder over you may not have time to visit all the museums if that is what you were hoping to squeeze in! 

Then there is the fantastic food, and the views over the Mediterranean and the amazing people you’ll meet and the fantastic weather……. 

10) Lisbon, Portugal
This country has a rich history for adventure and history, and it’s ships travelled the world collecting culture, artifacts and several other countries!

This harbour-side city is a mini reflection of that great era, where great buildings display their heritage, and main square after square in the city centre are filled with statues and monuments dedicated to various ‘heroes’.  And with an al-fresco feel throughout the day you can relax in the sun without the pressures of a normal city - and there is a lot of sun!
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posted by Travel Cat on Jun 24

Best Cities in Europe?

This is based on the places I have been in Europe (or are intending to go to in the near future after recommendations from friends!). It is only a brief description of the feel of the place, just to tease you to investigate further…….

This guide moves from north to south, and hopefully getting warmer with each hop…….. but seeing as we are starting with Iceland - still take your hat and gloves!!!!

1) Reykjavik, Iceland
If you want to see new pieces of Planet Earth growing out of the ice, then you cannot afford to miss this place. The land of Fire and Ice.

I have never made it here myself yet, as I am waiting for the great ‘northern lights’ display - but every year something gets in my way! But I will make it to this amazing and unique country while it is still that way. The history on this island is immense and the fact that most of the population of this country live in this one city has got to make it a busy but fascinating place!

2) Edinburgh, Scotland
Expect to be cold here, and in-fact, it’s probably better to go in the winter, as you will be almost guaranteed some snow to set this historic city off as it should be seen.

An ancient city, with it’s castle perched on top of a craggy volcanic outcrop, heavily defended by huge rising walls will silence any traveller who arrives here in daylight. The surrounding old town is full of old buildings, alleyways and vaults and some impressive buildings - it also houses a tiny pub, built into the hill underneath another pub!

You can’t escape the history of the place, and of all Scotland really, as well as a few ghost stories to keep you occupied. If you want to step back from it all for a while to give the city some thought of your own, then the best place is a short walk up to Arthur’s Seat and watch over the streets from this lofty natural peak.

3) Copenhagen, Denmark
This place was like a very clean little England. The style of the houses is different as they have the high facades with roofs running front to back with great colour and designs, but it just feels so normal.

The pedestrianised harbour side with it’s huge variety of little restaurants in buildings that seem to go on and on away from the streets is the place to be, and the bright colours and numbers of people just sitting around enjoying the place gives it a homely feel. There is a small amusement park right in the centre of town with some big rides, as well as some interesting museums and historical buildings.

Added to this, Sweden is only a few minutes away on the fast train, so make a day trip out there and feast on culinary delights in their huge heated ‘restaurant’ squares. Be prepared to spend some money in either location - prices are not cheap!

4) Dublin, Ireland
This beautiful city is a labyrinth of street and shops, with one shop leading into another street, or another shop even!  And the shops themselves are not always what they seem - one hardware shop I went int, had a bar down the left side with sports on TV, and a bike hire shop out the back……

The huge thundering river runs through the town, and is worth an hour of so on it’s own, just watching it and the world go by. There are bars just about everywhere, but also some gems of restaurants dotted all over as well - many al fresco in the summer.

This is a very busy area for stag and hen nights, so watch out for your weekends being overwhelmed by groups of women wearing fairy wings!

5) London, England
Only come here in the height of summer, otherwise you could be in for a miserable time! Sitting on an open-topped bus in the wind and drizzle really is as bad as it sounds!

In the sunshine though, this city will dazzle you. It has buildings that will fill you with awe at their sheer brute size and appearance; it has large open spaces right in the centre that will carry away your worries and relax your soul; and has a busy nightlife around the theatre district where people spill out of the shows into the cafes and bars to finish off the night!

There’s plenty of history for you here, with the London Dungeons and the Tower of London will certainly evoke past times, along with unbelievably modern additions almost next door, with the London Eye and the Gherkin (a giant curved glass building) dominating the ancient skyline that used to be all towers and cathedrals.

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