Tag Archives: vacation

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – A Once in a Lifetime Experience… That I cannot wait to do again!

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Like many travellers I had “Climb Mount Kilimanjaro” firmly written on my bucket list, but if I am honest, I never actually thought I would have the opportunity to do it.

Climbing Kilimanjaro 7 Day Machame Route Summit Attempt

Fortunately, my travel-mad husband also dreamed about climbing Africa’s highest mountain, and one sunny afternoon in June last year he booked the flights to Kilimanjaro International and told me I had just 15 weeks to get ready for this trip of a lifetime!

Am I fit enough to climb Kilimanjaro? Can I afford to climb Kilimanjaro? How long will I need to train for Kilimanjaro? Were just some of the questions that came in to my mind, but once I got over the initial shock, I decided to grasp this amazing opportunity with both hands, and immediately started training for our hike to the Roof of Africa.

Being both highly disciplined and very determined, I developed my own training plan, and thanks to our base in the Austrian Alps, I had the perfect training ground on my doorstep.  Hiking, biking, swimming and running became part of everyday life, and before we knew it, we were on our way to Tanzania.

After spending many hours searching for a good Tanzanian climbing company on the internet, we eventually settled on Big Expeditions, who are members of KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Program) and IMEC (International Mountain Explorers Connection), and it was possibly the best decision we have ever made.

The service provided before our arrival in Arusha and on site was second-to-none, and we knew that if any company was going to get us to Uhuru Peak, it would be this one!  So after a night’s rest at Planet Lodge, we set off to the Machame Gate for day one of our Kilimanjaro Expedition.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a life-changing and rewarding experience, and while some days are tougher than others are, those long hikes, cold nights and dizzying headaches all seem like a distant memory once you reach the snow-capped peaks of this 5895-metre mountain.

Climb Kilimanjaro 7 Day Machame route with Equatours Limited Day 3 Shira Camp

Those following our blogs will know that we did make it to Uhuru Peak, and we crossed this once in a lifetime experience off our bucket list, but there is something magical about Mount Kilimanjaro, and for some unknown reason we feel compelled to return…

May Day, May Day – It’s Time to Book a Holiday!

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White Rabbits and Pinch Punch, the 1st of May has finally arrived and it is time to pack away the winter woollies, spring clean the house, and start thinking about that summer holiday!

The winter seems to have gone on forever this year, but with the cows back in the fields (it’s an Austrian thing), the daffodils in the garden, and the sun raising its head for more than a few minutes each day, I feel like summer is just around the corner.

May Day, May Day – It’s Time to Book a Holiday!

My favourite season of the year, summer is all about picnics by the river, sneaky weekends away, and barbecuing with friends, and unless you are one of the unlucky ones who suffer from hay fever, it provides us with the perfect opportunity to move outside, enjoy the fresh air, and dust off those winter cobwebs.

Then, of course, there is our summer holiday to think of.  With just 3-weeks until half term, and 12-weeks until the schools breakup for summer, now is the time to start browsing online for that dream holiday somewhere warm and exotic.

A recent report by TravelZoo indicates that two-thirds of us are still to book our summer holidays due to ‘nerves out finances’, but thanks to the UK narrowly avoiding a triple dip recession, the British pound is getting stronger by the day, and the outlook is somewhat brighter than we might have hoped.

So whether you are spending the day at work, dancing around a Maypole with friends and family, or spring cleaning the house and garden like me, don’t forget to spare a few moments to search for your summer holiday, after the ghastly winter we’ve had – you most definitely deserve it!

 

Connoisseur Travel – Eat & Drink Your Way Around the World!

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Definition of Connoisseur: An expert judge in matters of taste

Definition of Taste:  The sensation of flavour perceived in the mouth and throat on contact with a substance: A persons liking for particular flavours

Whether you regard yourself as a Connoisseur, or simply as someone who appreciates fine dining and great wines, there is no better way to indulge your senses and tickle your taste buds than with a trip around the world.

In Europe, one can enjoy the old world wines of France and Spain, and soak up some history in the stunning wine regions of Champagne, Bordeaux, Riberia del Duero and Rioja, while enjoying tiny morsels of delicious chorizo, cheese and the freshest olives you have ever tasted.

Those with a passion for new world wines will find the most wonderful offerings in South America, especially in Argentina and Chile, and if you are partial to a good steak, you may just think you have died and gone to heaven.  When we visit Argentina, our daily diet consists of steak, salad, sparkling water and Malbec, and we would quite happily have that for breakfast, dinner and tea!

Connoisseur Travel Delheim Winery Stellenbosch South Africa

South African wines are, in my humble opinion, some of the finest in the world, and if you appreciate a crisp Sauvignon Blanc on a warm and sunny afternoon, I can highly recommend taking a Connoisseur Tour of the Western Cape Winelands.  Kleine Zalze offer the most amazing Sauv Blanc, Delheim produce a Rosé that dreams are made of, and Thelema’s Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Mint’ is in a league of its own – and they all offer fantastic wine tastings and dining options too!

In the US, we have the magnificent wines of California, Australia is now said to be the 4th largest wine producer in the world, and New Zealand is beginning to set new standards with its fantastic Sauvignon Blanc, so no matter where you are heading in the world, you can pretty much guarantee that good wine and good food will never be far away.

Connoisseur Travel is all about taste – and taste is a very personal thing!

Taking Children on a Safari Holiday – Is it Possible or Advisable?

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Well, the answer is ‘Yes’ to both, but some game reserves and safari lodges have age restrictions, so you need to do some careful planning before you leave home.

child friendly safari holidays Chitwa Chitwa South Africa

There is nothing more exhilarating than setting off on a 5am game drive in the middle of the African bush, and whether you are heading out into the vast plains of the Masai Mara or simply searching for the Big 5 in Sabi Sands, a safari holiday provides us with a unique opportunity to see wild animals in their natural habitat.

Experiential and educational, Safari holidays used to be something that only the wealthy could enjoy, but today there are numerous different options available such as self-drive safari’s, malaria-free safari’s, and family friendly safari’s, so there really is something to suit every budget and every taste.

One of the most common questions we get is “can we take our children on a safari holiday?” and while the answer is usually “yes”, not all safari properties accept young children and so you need to look out for a child friendly lodge.

You also need to consider the obvious ‘dangers’ (I use that word loosely, but you know what I mean), the risk of tropical diseases such as Malaria, and also the fact that safaris usually involve long periods in a 4×4 jeep looking for animals, which can be boring and tiring for some kids, but exciting and invigorating for others.

Child friendly Safari Holidays Chitwa Chitwa Sabi Sand South Africa

While I am not sure I would take a child under six or seven on a safari, there are safari lodges, such as Chitwa Chitwa in South Africa, that offer a full program for children of all ages, such as daily bush walks, making moulds of animal tracks, face painting sessions, and evenings spent roasting marshmallows whilst listening to folk-tales.

Children aged six and above are usually allowed to participate in game drives, and if you feel your children would enjoy the experience, the educational possibilities are endless.

‘Safari’ is a Swahili word meaning ‘journey’, and as Africa is now more accessible to international travellers than ever before, more and more of us can make that ‘journey’ with our entire family.

Destination Weddings – Combining a Wedding, a Honeymoon and a Holiday!

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If your idea of the perfect 2013/2014 wedding includes an exotic location, white sandy beaches,  warm sunshine, and a group of family and friends, you might want to ditch the traditional church ceremony, and opt for a romantic destination wedding in one of the world’s most beautiful resorts instead.

Destination weddings are growing in popularity, and as they combine a wedding ceremony with the honeymoon, they are idea for couples who are working with a tight budget.  That said, a destination wedding doesn’t have to be small and intimate, many couples hold extravagant destination weddings with over 200 guests, and as your guests will expect to pay for their own transport and accommodation, it can be the perfect solution for you if you want a big wedding without the big bill.

As someone who had a destination wedding (with just two guests!), I can highly recommend it, and while it would have been nice to have the whole family around to share our special day, we decided to concentrate on the ‘marriage’ rather than ‘the wedding’ and took the stress-free option.

Our wedding package included the ceremony, the flowers, a pianist, a photographer and videographer, and our hotel suite – so they only thing we had to do was turn up dressed in our best, say our vows, and smile for the camera!

The beauty of a destination wedding is that your friends and family get to combine their holiday with your special day, and whether you want to celebrate your marriage in a luxurious ballroom at a 5-Star hotel, or hold a casual beach party on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches – anything and everything is possible.

Of course, if your destination wedding is to go smoothly, you need to plan in advance. Many countries have a long list of requirements you need to meet to get a licence and marry legally, but with the World Wide Web at your fingertips, the answers to your questions are never far away, and if you are stuck, you could always ask a destination-wedding specialist to point you in the right direction.

Destination weddings provide a romantic ceremony in an idyllic honeymoon location, and as your friends and family get to come along for the ride – it’s a win-win situation for everyone!

The Top 25 Hotels in the World – How Many Have You Stayed In?

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TripAdvisor released their Travellers Choice 2013 list of the Top 25 Hotels in the world today, and I while I am a little sad to see that I have never stayed in any of the world’s top hotels (on this list), I am happy to say that I have added them all onto my bucket list and hope to be knocking on their doors sometime soon!

I absolutely love staying in luxury hotels, and while its indulgent (and sometimes expensive!), there is nothing like returning from a day on the beach, a full day safari, or a Singapore shopping trip to find a fluffy bathrobe, a pair of slippers, and a super king size bed with more pillows than makes sense!

So without further ado, there are the top 25 hotels in the world today as voted for by TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice, and if you have been to any of them, please let us know if you think they deserve a place on this list!

  1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’Upulehu, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
  2. Cape Grace, Cape Town, South Africa (We’ve been in the foyer… does that count?)
  3. Onyria Marinha Edition Hotel & Thalasso, Cascais, Portugal (Is this really better than Villa Joya?)
  4. Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate, United Kingdom (Hurrah for GB!)
  5. The Upper House, Hong Kong, China
  6. Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, Beau Champ
  7. The Samaya Bali, Seminyak, Indonesia
  8. Baros Maldives, North Male Atoll
  9. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey (wow, number 3 for Four Seasons!)
  10. Aria Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
  11. Hotel Belvedere, Riccione, Italy
  12. La Residence Phou Vao by Orient-Express, Luang Prabang, Laos
  13. Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (number 4!)
  14. An Lam Ninh Van Bay Villas, Nha Trang, Vietnam
  15. Veligandu Island Resort, North Ari Atoll
  16. Al Maha Desert Resort, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  17. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, North Male Atoll (5!)
  18. L’Hermitage Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia
  19. Hotel Alpenhof Hintertux, Hintertux, Austria (waving Austrian Flag for this one!)
  20. The Oberoi Mauritius, Pointe Aux Piments, Mauritius
  21. Neorion Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey
  22. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India
  23. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest, Hungary (number six… getting boring now!)
  24. The Milestone Hotel, London, United Kingdom
  25. Sol & Luna Lodge & Spa, Urubamba, Peru

So there you have it, the world’s top 25 hotels for 2013! Four Seasons’ certainly seem to the champion on this list, and it is nice to see such a mix of destinations!  How many have you stayed in?

Touring Chile – Holidays off the Beaten Track & in to Nature

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Stretching a whopping 4,300km over half a continent, the remarkable ribbon of land that makes up Chile is literally bursting with deserts, volcanoes, mountains, beaches, vineyards, lakes, and more character and charm than one could ever imagine in one country.

A land that shares its long lithe borders with Argentina, Bolivia and Peru, Chile remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in South America, and when you consider what’s going on between its narrow but elongated shores, it is easy to understand why this Latin gem attracts visitors from across the globe.

Starting in the north, Chile homes the world’s driest desert – the Atacama, which is surrounded by moonscape valleys and sparkling salt lakes that guarantee to take your breath away. An overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama is a ‘must’ for anyone visiting this region, and as it provides you with a gateway to some of Chile’s most spectacular scenery, the photographic opportunities are endless.

Heading further south to Chile’s central Pacific Coast, the ‘Garden City’ of Viña del Mar is a pretty seaside city of white sandy beaches, promenade cafes and romantic parks that are just perfect for a picnic.

A short hop and you arrive in Chile’s Seaport city of Valparaiso, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Developed on a steep hillside, Valparaiso has an amphitheatre-like setting with street side ‘elevators’ leading up to the vast collection of colourful colonial style buildings. While not the prettiest city in Chile, it is well worth a visit on your way to the capital of Santiago.

Much like every other large city in the world, Santiago is a vibrant, bustling metropolis, and it is from here that one can catch a tour to the world-famous Easter Island or Rapa Nui.

Further south you arrive at the magnificent Lake District, an area filled with sapphire blue waters, snow topped volcanoes, ancient forests, and resplendent waterfalls. The perfect spot for adventure travellers, Chile’s Lake District offers numerous hiking, biking, fishing, and water activities, and superb hotels and restaurants where you can enjoy great Chilean foods and wines.

After your fill of fresh air, you will be ready to take one-step further south into the magnificent region of Patagonia. A piece of land shared between Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is every bit as magical as one would imagine, and homes the most dramatic landscapes on earth.

The Chilean people are open and friendly, Chilean food is fresh and wholesome, and Chilean wines are simply stunning, and when you combine these three elements with the most spectacular scenery in the world, we think Chile is the perfect holiday destination.

What You Can Expect to See on a Wilderness Safari in 2013

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If you love adventure, seeing wild animals in their natural habitat, and support luxury eco-tourism, your holiday of choice for 2013 might just be a Wilderness Safari.

A company committed to satisfying our dreams of a luxury safari holiday while protecting the pristine land, flora, fauna and wildlife in the countries we visit, Wilderness Safaris has grown considerably since it was established in 1983, and now operates more than 70 of Africa’s finest lodges, camps and safaris.

With unique safari holiday destinations in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Congo, Zambia, and Malawi but to name a few, Wilderness Safaris can tailor make your perfect safari holiday, and if you decide to take the plunge in 2013, here are just a few sights you can expect to see during your stay in Africa…

Wilderness Safaris Africa 2013

Wilderness Safaris Eco-Tourism Africa 2013

Wilderness Safaris Eco-Tourism Africa 2013

Wilderness Safari Eco-Tourism Africa 2013

The 13 Best Places to Visit in 2013 – As Voted For by Travel Bloggers

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If you are superstitious, the thought of stepping into the year 2013 might have you shaking in your shoes, but worry not, Travel Bloggers from across the world have voted for the 13 Best Places to visit in 2013, and it looks as though it’s going to be one heck of a good year!

With five of my own favourite destinations featuring on this exciting list, the number thirteen doesn’t seem quite so unlucky at all, and just imagine how lucky you would be if you got to visit all of them in 2013!

So, without further ado, here are 13 places you should be visiting in 2013…

1. Brazil

Brazil is booming right now, and with the upcoming 2014 World Cup and the Olympics of 2016, this South American star is set to grow and grow.  When popular events like these come to town, prices soar, so it is definitely wise to visit Brazil in 2013 before the soccer madness begins!

2. Albania

The climate and the Adriatic coast have made this tiny country stand out with travel bloggers – who voted it the best place to relax.

3. Burma / Myanmar

It used to be quite tricky to get a visa for Burma, but thanks to the elections held last year, the country has opened up its borders to foreign visitors – and it’s definitely going on my bucket list!

4. Mongolia

Similarly, Mongolia is now more accessible than before with entry possible from China, so many intrepid travellers are sure to head over the border in 2013.

5. New Zealand

Love it, love it, love it, and after watching the Hobbit over the Christmas period you will LOVE IT too!

6. Bolivia

I am not surprise that Bolivia made it onto this list; it is the absolute gem of Latin America and has some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes on planet earth.

7. Sri Lanka

Sunshine, heat and the end of the civil war, makes Sri Lanka a popular choice for travellers in 2013.

8. Istanbul

Rich in sightseeing activities, Istanbul is both charming and enchanting, making a great choice for your spring holiday.

9. Iceland

While the financial crisis of 2008 put Iceland over many a traveller’s budget, it has now stabilised and prices are relatively low.

10. Singapore

Beautiful, clean and a shopper’s paradise, Singapore has got it all, and in 2013, the country will celebrate its 50th year of independence from the British Crown, so there are sure to be numerous celebrations.

11. Namibia

With endless safari opportunities, expansive deserts, and the world’s most unusual landscapes, Namibia most definitely deserves its place on this list.

12. Jordan

The set for the British epic film Lawrence of Arabia in 2012, Jordan is the place to go if you dream of riding camels along golden sand.

13. Zanzibar

As with Singapore, Zanzibar will celebrate its 50th year of independence from the British in 2013 (makes us Brits sound terrible!!), and as such, you can combine your Kilimanjaro climb or Serengeti Safari with a beach break on beautiful Zanzibar.

With holiday destinations like that for 2013, I cannot wait for the New Year to begin!

12 Days of Christmas – Travel Style

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I was going to write this on 13th December, but what with 12/12/12 and all the extra work that one finds on their desk in the run up to the festivities, I am a tad late… Oh well, here is my (tongue-in-cheek) version of the 12 Days of Christmas!

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…  A South African Safari…

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Five Golden Rings (don’t see a need to change that bit!)…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Six Luxury Suitcases…Five Golden Rings…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Seven nights in Rio…Six Luxury Suitcases…Five Golden Rings…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Eight days a sailing…Seven nights in Rio…Six Luxury Suitcases…Five Golden Rings…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Nine new adventures… Eight days a sailing…Seven nights in Rio…Six Luxury Suitcases…Five Golden Rings…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Ten weekend trips…Nine new adventures… Eight days a sailing…Seven nights in Rio…Six Luxury Suitcases…Five Golden Rings…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Eleven days in Chile…Ten weekend trips…Nine new adventures… Eight days a sailing…Seven nights in Rio…Six Luxury Suitcases…Five Golden Rings…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Twelve months to travel…Eleven days in Chile…Ten weekend trips…Nine new adventures… Eight days a sailing…Seven nights in Rio…Six Luxury Suitcases…Five Golden Rings…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

If anyone buys me perfume after that, there will be trouble! Merry Christmas!