This June as South Africa braces to hold the first major global event on African soil, the FIFA World Cup, many people from around the world will visit this country. Many will come for adrenalin as fans of following 32 teams qualified for the final tournament. But most will stay for adventure and experience some truly exceptional sights.

The East South African Coast has a subtropical climate influenced by the Indian Ocean; the West Coast is cooler due to being at the Atlantic Ocean, becoming hot and dry towards Namibia. The Two seas meet at Cape Agulhas, although many believe it to be at the more scenic Cape Point at the tip of the Cape of Good Hope.

The best places to visit in South Africa include the stunning coastal towns of Hermanus, Cape Town, Knysna and Durban. Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa, is a highlight of any trip to Southern Africa. It is also one of the most culturally diverse cities in Africa and has a reputation for social tolerance. The natural beauty of Cape Town makes it one of the most attractive cities in the world. In the middle of the town is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city; that is Table Mountain, home to more than 1400 unique species of plants as well several mammals and over 100 invertebrates. From it’s top you can even see Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Cape Town boasts beautiful beaches some of the best in the world, so if you’re a sand-and-sea lover be sure to take some time out to relax and soak up the sun.

Cape Town boasts beautiful beaches as well as the impressive Table Mountain right in the heart of the city. The restaurants are world class, and so are the wines. Cape Town is also one of the most culturally diverse cities in Africa and has a reputation for social tolerance. When you visit Cape Town you’ll see a huge slab of sandstone, 1086m high and 3km long, smack in the middle of town. Table Mountain’s top is often shrouded in clouds commonly known as the mountain’s “tablecloth”. The mountain is home to more than 1400 unique species of plants as well several mammals and over 100 invertebrates. The views of Cape Town and its coastline from the top are spectacular (if the mountain doesn’t have it’s tablecloth). You can even see Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, in the historic heart of Cape Town‘s working harbour, offers a variety of shopping and entertainment options to visitors, intermingled with office locations, hotels (such as the historical Breakwater Lodge – once a 19th century prison) and luxury apartments in the residential marina. It houses the Nelson Mandela Gateway which offers boat trips to Robben Island, as well as the Two Oceans Aquarium.

If you want to see a colony of African Penguins go to Boulders Beach, near Cape Town. It’s a good spot for kids and while the main population of penguins are now separated from the swimming beach, there are still plenty of penguins who will swim alongside you.

Cape Town is home to some exceptional golf courses, many designed by internationally acclaimed players and all in all set in beautiful surroundings. Cape’s winelands are some of the most scenic in the world with its restored Cape Dutch farmsteads with their distinctive gables and thatched roofs, and the mountains that form the dramatic backdrop to all of this. South African wine has come of age and is now competing on the world wine stage.

The Garden Route is breathtakingly beautiful and densely vegetated stretch of the south-eastern coast of South Africa. It comprises 200km of indigenous temperate forest, pine plantations and thick fragrant bush known as “fynbos”, beneath the Tsitsikamma and Outeniqua mountains, running alongside rocky coves, glorious sandy beaches, a few lakes, lagoons, gorges and mountain passes. And with outdoor sports and delicious local food, there’s plenty of entertainment along the way. Although the most popular exploration of the Garden Route is by car, it is also the site of Africa’s last remaining passenger steam train, the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe.

No holiday in South Africa is complete without a visit to Zululand, the home of the legendary Zulu people. It lies a few miles north of Durban and the drive there, just for the sake of the lush vegetation, is a sight worth seeing. Their culture and tradition are deeply entrenched and still wildly current, even today. However, caution must be taken. Like many places in South Africa, it is not always safe.

The largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg is also the wealthiest and, without doubt, the economic powerhouse of Africa. the world’s richest gold fields were discovered in Johannesburg during the 1880s. The large black townships of Soweto and Alexandra lie within Johannesburg’s metropolitan area. Soweto may not be the most beautiful place you visit in South Africa, but it certainly ranks among one of the most important and interesting sights in the country as much of the struggle against Apartheid played out in the slums this township. Also one can visit the Apartheid Museum, located in Ormond, Johannesburg which is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20 th century South Africa , at the heart of which is the apartheid story.

North of Johannesburg there is Africa’s oldest established wildlife park (1898) called Kruger National Park, that boasts the highest variety of wildlife in Africa, which includes the “Big Five,” hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, cheetah, and much more.

About two hours’ drive from Johannesburg there is a luxury casino and resort Sun City. With a combination of features unmatched anywhere, it boasts magnificent sporting and recreational facilities including 2 world class golf courses, and the magical Lost City water-park, The Valley of Waves. Complete with white sand beaches, river tube rides, wave pool and waterslides, it’s simulated paradise at its finest and free for those staying at any Sun City hotel.

Safety tips: No vaccinations are required by law to enter South Africa. Both Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations are highly recommended. Most of the main tourist destinations in South Africa are malaria free, making South Africa a particularly good destination to travel to with kids. South Africa has one of the highest rates of HIV in the world so please take precautions if you are planning to have sex. Although there is a high crime rate in South Africa it is mostly restricted to the townships and not tourist areas. You should be careful when changing large amounts of money, make copies of your passport and keep them in your luggage and just be careful about walking around at night especially in the major cities.

For accomodation: http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/ that provides a wide range of holiday venues from Hotels, Game Reserves, Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfast, World Cup Accommodation and Self Catering accommodation to match your every need.

]]> http://www.bestplacetotravel.com/2010-05-the-republic-of-south-africa.html/feed 0 http://www.bestplacetotravel.com/2010-04-ile-de-re.html http://www.bestplacetotravel.com/2010-04-ile-de-re.html#comments Sun, 11 Apr 2010 15:24:22 +0000 admin http://www.bestplacetotravel.com/?p=319 Continue reading →]]>

Off the western coast of France, this island – a jewel of the Atlantic ocean – exudes its charm. Ile de Ré, also called “Ré La Blanche”, has plenty to offer for it’s visitors: long beaches on the south, rocky north coast, historic sites, relaxing and friendly atmosphere present in 10 picturesque villages, each unique and worth visiting. The island has a resident winter population of approximately 20,000 residents and a resident summer population of about 220,000.

This mostly low and narrow island is connected to the historical seaport La Rochelle by a 2.9 km (1.8 mi) bridge – the longest in France. This busy seaport town is one of the most picturesque and historically rich cities on the Atlantic coast. The best way to discover this island is by bicycle, there’s more than 100km of cycle tracks les pistes cyclables. Most of the cycle routes are along the water, salt marshes, vineyards, and woods. Spend your day visiting endless sandy beaches backed by powdery dunes on the south, art galleries, oyster farms, horse-riding, fishing, or eating fresh and tasteful seafood. At night, visitors can also watch the buskers, have a drink and enjoy the island’s delicious artisanal ice cream, all set in a family-friendly atmosphere. Buy the famous Fleur de Sel “Salt Flower”.

St Martin on the north coast, one of the island’s ten villages, is the historic capital of the Ile de Re. It is beautiful atmospheric north coast fishing port with whitewashed houses clustered around the stone quays of a well-protected harbor, from where trawlers and flat-bottomed oyster boats, piled high with cage-like devices used for “growing” Oysters, slip out every morning on the muddy tide. There is plenty to do here, from shopping on the narrow cobblestone streets, to relaxing at a sidewalk café or sightseeing. St Martin is surrounded by impressive Vauban fortifications, first set up in 1681. In town, a Gothic church dominates the skyline. From the top of its church tower, there is a good view of the formidable citadel which King Louis XIV built 300 years ago to protect the island from an English invasion. Now it is used as a prison. Shopping affords a large variety of items, such as comics, books, African articles, ceramics, clothes, artifacts, food, local specialities, tools and souvenirs. As far as historic heritage is concerned, don’t miss Ernest-Cognacq Museum, the Citadel, la Place de la République before reaching the next stopover.

On this island, three most important activities are salt farming, oyster farming, and wine production. Fish is a specialty everywhere on the island, especially the local oysters. Another is Pineau des Charentes wine. The island’s main visitor attraction is the Arche de Noe (Noah’s Ark) where nearly 200 exotic parrots fly free amongst the lush vegetation. Many are from South America and endangered in the wild. One of only three such sanctuaries in Europe, it also has displays of rare shells, butterflies and curiosities collected on far-flung expeditions by the owner’s great grandfather.

Ile de Ré is very famouse for its thalassotherapy centres. Thalassotherapy has naturally developed in this island because of its ideal sea environment: seawater, seaweed, marine muds, climate, sands, and any other substance extracted from the sea.

You will be offered every type of accommodation (hotels, campsites, bed and breakfasts, holiday villages, etc.) from which you will be able to explore Ile de Ré and its many faces. This is the best place to travel if you need sunny, relieving, revitalizing, relaxing holiday with very French maritime sophistication.

Stoupa, Greece – Stoupa is the new gem of Greece that becoming famous as the New Côte d’Azur. It is one of the south Mediterranean’s “coolest” and newest hot spots placed in fascinating area called Mani, on the coast of southern Peloponnese in Greece. This small and very laid-back town is very inspirational for artists, writers, musicians, philosophers. Also great for families and groups. Great atmosphere, clear turquoise water, fantastic not crowded sandy beaches and the mountain backdrop makes Stoupa even more spectacular. Just a coach ride away are the ancient ruins of Olympia and the Corinth Canal. There are some 20 restaurants strung out along the beach, a few small hotels, and many rental houses. You can’t stay at Stoupa without visiting the Inner Mani. the only part of Greece never conquered by invaders. The Maniots built tower houses, some of which have been restored, and holed up in them carrying out local feuds.The contrasting scenery on the two different coastlines is very apparent and you will not find more interesting and varied scenery elsewhere. It has a strange and mysterious quality to it with many ancient churches and the old villages with their tower houses, built to defend themselves from the other feuding villages.

Mersa Matruh, Egypt - one of Egypt’s best kept secrets. Mersa Matrouh lies 290 km west of Alexandria and it lies on a bay on the Mediterranean. It is distinguished by its 7 km long beach, which is one of the most beautiful in the world. The beach is famous for its white soft sands and calm transparent waters while the bay is protected from the high seas by a series of rocks forming a natural wave-breaker. Cleopatra’s beach is probably the most beautiful of Mersa, perhaps of all Egypt, but it offers bad chance for swimming.Agiba Beach is the pride os Mersa, even if it is nomore then 30-40 meters long. It is well protected with cliffs ans sand is cleaner and water purer. There are few important monuments and tourist sights (Ruins of the Temple of the King, Pharaoh Ramses II drown city of Caesar,drown Palace of Cleopatra, Rommel’s Hideout – - cave, hewn in the rock, where Rommel drew up plans of his military operations). As a very conservative and traditional town, Marsa Matruh is extremely safe. But unfortunately, there are still plenty of stories about Western women exposed to a very negative attitude from local young men. With few precossions steps you would be safe and enjoy this unique summer City.

Lithuania Curonian Spit – there is a skinny slice of land starting in the Russian territory of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea, with a tiny piece of Lithuania at its end: the Curonian Spit. This UNESCO HERITAGE site becoming more and more popular for its sandy beach, forest and desert-like sand dunes crowd onto a two-and-a-half mile wide peninsula. The largest town on the spit is Nida in Lithuania, a popular holiday resort, mostly frequented by Lithuanian and German tourists. Beautiful surroundings, variety of time spending and marvelous landscape of dukes, Baltic seaside and Curonian Lagoon compose an impression of admiring a real gemstone, that, according to UNESCO criteria “V”, is an “outstanding example of traditional human settlement, land-use and sea-use which is representative of a culture and human interaction with the environment”. The sandy marine beaches of the Curonian spit together with nice traditional resorts, mature pinewoods and the magnificent vistas over the drifting dunes and the Curonian lagoon form the most valuable tourism resource of the whole region. Thus making the Curonian lagoon a tourist destination of an international scale. July and August are the warmest months of the year with the main daily air temperature reaching +17ºC, so it’s perfect for tourists who like chillier summer destinations.

1. Gabon -f or travelers who love Africa this country is rare exotic gem. Although Gabon, situated in Western Central Africa, has rich diversity of holiday and leisure opportunities, its tourism potential is still something of a well-kept secret on the international market. So you’ll be stunned by what is shaping up to be Africa’s next best ecotourism destination: here you can explore endless white sand beaches, primate-filled tropical rain forests, rolling savannahs and estuaries. The capital, Libreville, is a modern multicultural city that overlooks the meeting place of the Komo Estuary and the Atlantic ocean. While most Gabonese are Christian, New Year’s Day is celebrated more than Christmas or Easter, so it’s fun and colorful this time of a year.
2. Jamaica is perfect winter destination for visitors who want a great deal to the Caribbean this winter – need look no further than Jamaica. Months of December, January and February stand as the most popular time to visit tropical dream island. Jamaica’s miles of pristine beaches, delicious cuisine, unique cultures and friendly people are sure to shake away anyone’s winter blues.
3. Malta is a wonderful little island, it is just lovely for a short stay, especially the town of Dragonara near Valletta. The historical scenery is beautiful, the people are very laid back and the weather is nice all the time. It is usually mild in Malta during the winter, with plenty of sunshine, with daytime temperatures usually 15ºC or above. Malta is mostly famous for its historical sights, but you will find an interesting night life, especially in St Julians – island’s answer to Ibiza. Carnival in Malta, which is usually held in February, during one whole week, is somewhat very popular. It is great fun consisted of masked balls, fancy dress and grotesque mask competitions, lavish late-night parties, a colorful, ticker-tape parade of allegorical floats, marching bands and costumed revelers.
4. Sicily - here is never a bad time to take a trip to Sicily. But during the winter time you will have rare opportunity for skiing, snowshoeing and horse trekking on the largest and highest volcano in Europe, and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Despite Etna’s southerly latitude in the warm seas of the Mediterranean, the 3350m elevation means that in winter it receives deep snows. Enjoy stops in the various sleepy old villages which offers plenty of warm Sicilian hospitality and wonderful authentic cuisine. Also the citrus harvest is in full gear and the almond trees are taking blossom.
5. Kiruna, Sweden is the largest Sweden municipality located in the very north of the country, just 145 kilometers north of the Arctic circle. People of this region decided to turn minus into plus and to create experiences from the natural resources available – cold, darkness, ice, snow and the Northern Lights. Mount Kebnekaise, more than 6000 lakes, seven rivers that run through the municipality create many possibilities for those who are not afraid of the cold! The Snow festival kicks off in January so Christmas is a critical time for getting the snow deep and bouncy – skoterhopp (snowmobile ramp-jumping), snowshoeing,lassoing, sledging, Husky safaris. Also meet Sami culture and delicious cuisine, their customs and artworks. Kiruna has polar night for 20 days, from the twelfth of December to the 31st of December. A new Icehotel is built every winter, and is then decorated and ornamented by artists from the whole world, and it has become Sweden’s most internationally famous tourist destination.
6. Bocas del Toro, Panama is famous as one of the best places in the world to dive. It is an archipelago of some 68 tropical islands surrounded by crystal clear waters, filled with astonishing variety of plants and animals that are found no where else in the world. Well maintained resorts, less expensive hotels and equipment, sandy beaches, many reefs and lagoons. There are also beautiful spots perfect for laying back and letting the cool ocean breeze wash over you. Bocas offers its visitors a perfect mix of beautiful locales, fine cuisine and a rich history and culture.
7. Istanbul, Turkey is busy with visitors year round. Now days winter has become favorite times to visit: sights are uncrowded, prices for hotels are lower, there’s less bustle. The weather can be dreary or gloriously sunny. Istanbul maintains a distinguished position among the metropolis of the world with its unique geographical location and a cultural heritage of thousands of years. As European Capital of Culture for 2010, Istanbul will launch the celebrations with a party on January 16, followed by a year of events in the visual arts and museums, music and theater, literature, cinema, and traditional arts.
8. Vilanculos, Mozambique – it does take some effort to get there, but the trip is well worth it. It’s not so much the town of Vilanculos but the tranquil haven of Bazaruto Islands off its coast. The islands (without permanent residents) are everything one can dream of: miles of untouched sand, limpid warm waters, coral reefs, fluorescent fish, dhows, extraordinary sunsets, seafood. Don’t forget to take a peek at the island’s interior. The sand dunes, mangrove forests and inland lakes are home to 125 species of birds as well as a variety of mammals and even one or two crocodiles.
9. Harbin, China is indeed an unusual and interesting choice for a winter vacation destination. The city is in the far north of China, near Siberia and Mongolia. It often referred to as the “Oriental Moscow” for its mix of western and Chinese culture. Harbin offers many attractions for tourists, especially in the winter. The International Snow and Ice Festival, one of four of the biggest in the world, is held in Habin every winter. It also boasts the best ski resort in China-Yabuli Ski Resort, besides, the Sun Island, Siberia Tigers Park and Chinese-Russian Market are also worth a visit.
10. Dubai – a world leading City of the Future. You can spend your winter holiday on the beach or in the 40 shopping malls. Dubai has some excellent beaches, some of the best hotels in the world, cheap shopping and for those looking for some adventure how does a desert safari, camel racing, sand skiing and driving 4×4 vehicle on sand dunes or just take some excellent golf courses.

If you want to have both adventure and relax holiday, this beautiful city in the province Rio Negra, Argentina is THAT place. Surrounded by lakes and mountains Bariloche serves as a base for many excursions in the region famous for spectacular scenery and for skiing, water sports, trekking, climbing, fishing. The city itself embodies a strange juxtaposition: an urban city plopped down in the middle of beautiful wilderness. Bariloche stands out for its architectural features influenced by German, Swiss, and English immigration. Compared with the crowded metropolis, Bariloche, with its hundred thousand or so inhabitants, still lives the life of a mountain village. This place offers its population panoramic vistas and a constant contact with natural beauty, you breathe fresh air in the streets, and the immense Nahuel Huapi Lake can be seen from any part of the town. Walking along the woodland trails is a marvelous experience of being by yourself and in harmony with nature, far away from the pollution and stress of large cities.

Bariloche is the gate to the Patagonian lakes – Nahuel Huapi, Gutiérrez Lake, Moreno Lake and Mascardi Lake. It is said that here starts the magnificent world of the Patagonia. The marvelous surroundings of the Nahuel Huapi will allow you to enjoy over 50 different excursions. Lake traditional and adventure promenades satisfy all kind of amusement during the whole year. Beaches by the lake such as Playa Bonita and Villa Tacul welcome sun-bathers and some brave lake swimmers (the waters, from melting snow, are always very cold). Lake Nahuel Huapi contains several islands, including Isla Huemul, which hosted the Huemul Project, the Argentinian secret research project on nuclear fusion in 1949-1952. San Carlos de Bariloche is actually in the midlle of area known as the oldest national park in Argentina – Nahuel Huapi National Park. The park covers approximately 7050 km² and is famous for its rich wildlife. It covers many biotopes, due to altitudes ranging from 700 to 3,000 m and precipitation ranging from rain forests with 4,000 mm/yr on the western slopes to steppes with less than 300 mm/yr on the eastern side. Its incomparable beauty extends through the polychromy of its flowers, gardens and lakes, the variety of trees and plants that ornament the mountains and valleys giving in this way a colorful spectacle with the species diversity of ñires, cipreses, lengas and pines among others.

The towering snowy peaks of the Andes to the west of the city allow you to have beautiful winter holiday. Located 12 miles from Bariloche, Cerro Catedral is one of the most important ski centers in South America with a skiable area of 2 km² (0.77 sq mi), over 100 km (62 miles) of ski runs, and a lift capacity of 22,200 skiers per hour. It offers variety of activities like skiing in all its modalities, alpine, nordic, snowboarding and adventure, motoskiing. July is the peak of season for skiing.

San Carlos de Bariloche is also famous for its chocolates and fine cuisine, mountain food prepared in a very characteristic way. The city hosts an amazing number of shops were they produce and sell all sorts of varieties of chocolate. Local fruits and licor make some of the fillings. The most renowned ones are Mamuschka, La Abuela Goye and Benroth. Bariloche offers a wealth of services, including the area’s largest and best-serviced airport. But if you’re looking for a quiet vacation, you’d be better off lodging outside the city center, on the road to the Llao Llao Peninsula or in the town of Villa La Angostura. Beautiful alpine style hotel Hotel Llao Llao built in 1939 (recently renovated), adds to the dramatic backdrop of the mountains. A classic resort: there’s a golf course, boating, and much for the wealthy to see and do.

There are few places in the world where the seasons are so well marked as in Bariloche. The snow changes the landscape abruptly in winter time, spring is full of colors, long and warm days in summer and spectacular color shades in the fall, and all these changes permanently accompanied by the welcoming friendliness of the people.

This is a place where the past and the present merge in perfect harmony. Romantic, old Finnish town, perfect to spend a weekend with loveone. Definitely perfect place to spend Christmas! Porvoo is situated about 50 km to the east of Helsinki, at the mouth of the river Porvoo (Porvoonjoki). This idyllic town grew up on the banks of calm and beautifull river in the 14th Century and it is a second oldest town in Finnland. It gives a perfect glimps of what Finland must have looked like few hundreds years ago.

Approaching the ancient town, first glimpse of Porvoo is a pea green river and the reflections of red, green and yellow buildings mirrored on the water’s surface. Along the Porvoonjoki (Porvoo’s river) are numerous red boat houses that have characterized Porvoo for centuries, and which have been depicted countless times by artists. The red color dates from the 18th century when the owners painted the buildings to honor King Gustav III of Sweden. Trade has been carried on for centuries under the black roofs of the red ochre shore houses. . The ships loaded butter, dried fish, timber, tar and flax, among other things, and unloaded exotic delicacies, such as fruits, wines and spices. The shore houses also served as intermediate depots of coffee and tobacco. Today the shore houses overlooking the river are mainly used as private living quarters and storage spaces. No painter’s stroke could duplicate the beauty of this spot: the emerald green of trees and shrubs on one side of the Porvoo River; small boats tied to their moorings, bobbing with the slow current.

Walking through the small paths and alleys of the Old town you can enjoy in beautifull and authentic finnish architecture – colorful old wooden houses, narrow curvey cobble stone streets, wonderful church up on the hill, great unique small shops and dozens of museums and galleries. The Baroque building sports a clock tower that will fascinate anyone interested in architecture of the period. The imposing salmon-colored building up the hill on Valikatu Street was once the Old Town Hall (1764) but is now the home of the Porvoo Museum. Actually, the Porvoo Museum is composed of two museums and two buildings: the Historical Museum and the Edelfelt-Vallgren Art Museum. The mission of the Historical Museum is to showcase the history and culture of Porvoo and the region through its collection of furniture, textiles, local artists’ work, glass, toys and the like which is shown throughout the first floor. The second floor is dedicated to the what life was like in Porvoo during Medieval times. The Edlfelt-Vallgren Museum concentrates soley on the work of two local artists who gained international recognition: Albert Edelfelt (1855-1905), and Ville Vallgren (1855-1940). Albert Edelfelt, one of Finland’s most well-known painters of the 19th century is perhaps best known for his portrait of Louis Pasteur, the great microbiologist. His studio, dating from 1883, provides a stellar look at the range of architecture that forms this unusual town. Another popular site is the museum that was once home to Finland’s former national poet, J.L. Runeberg. It is Finland’s oldest home museum, opened to the public in 1882.

The central point of the old town is the medieval, stone and brick Porvoo Cathedral which gave its name to the Porvoo Communion – an inter-church agreement between a number of Anglican and Lutheran denominations.The history of the granite cathedral dates back to the late 13th century. It was rebuilt or repaired several times. During WWII it was even hit by a bomb, but luckily not damaged. Inside the church a nice wooden tall ship can be seen. The interior houses a model of a tall wooden ship that is alone worth the trip. At the beginning of the 19th century, Finland was annexed to Russia as an autonomous grand duchy. Tsar Alexander I convened the first diet in Porvoo in March 1809. In Porvoo Cathedral, he gave a sovereign pledge in which he ratified the country’s religion, its constitutional laws and the rights of the estates. Outside, you’ll be able to explore the belfry that, unlike similar structures elsewhere, isn’t attached to the main building. Arrangements can even be made to get married in the cathedral, though you’ll have to plan a couple of years in advance, at least.

Brumberg Oy, a small chocolate factory is located in Old Porvoo, next to the cathedral. The production facilities include a small shop where you can buy chocolates and pastries handmade by the master chocolate-maker. A quality chocolate and candy factory with traditions going back all the way to 1871. Free samples of delicious wrapped truffles tempt the tourists.

In addition to Old Porvoo and the attractions downtown, travellers should consider a trip to the beautiful archipelago. Alongside the old islander life, there are summerhouse residents and boaters. There the choices include an archipelago cruise, summer markets and outdoor recreation areas as well as outings in the countryside. Also, there are many manors, an animal farm and nature trails. Boating, fishing, sight-seeing, and canoeing are some of the favorite summertime activities here.

For those who love golf there is Virvik Manor , an 18-hole golf course located 18 kilometers from downtown Porvoo, far from the rush and noise of the city.

The town has a surface area of 1 768 square kilometres, of which 654 is land and 1114 water. The town’s population is over 44 000, of whom 64 per cent are Finnish-speaking, 34 per cent Swedish-speaking and about two per cent others.

White ripples of sand formed in the pristine waters as small sailboats glided peacefully in the horizon. The water is beautiful with many different shades of blue colored like a pastel painting. Seeeing that it can be easily understood why Boracay Island was known as the “Jewel of the Philippines”. This pearl among tropical islands was well-guarded secret paradise, until 1970s. From around that time Boracay island slowly graduated from a private travellers hangout to a favourite tourist destination in the Philippines and place with the best beach in the world.

Boracay is a tropical island in the Philippines, an hour flight from Manila. The island is approximately seven kilometers long, dog-bone shaped with the narrowest spot being less than one kilometer wide. Island is famous for its powder-fine white sand, clear warm water and nice, pleasant weather all year round.

Take a boat trip around the island and you’ll discover many beautifull beaches. Boracay’s two primary tourism beaches, White Beach and Bulabog Beach, are located on opposite sides of the island’s narrow central area. White Beach faces westwards, it’s 4km long and can be crowded. Skimboarding has come to Boracay in a big way. Skimboarding is a clean and cheap sport, and has become popular along White Beach. The locals teach visitors the basics. A large variety of gourmet restaurants with food from many cultures are all within walking distance this magnificant white beach. Fine French cuisine, swiss food, several true Italian restaurants and wooded oven pizzerias, local Philippine food, sea food, Chinese and Thai food, Korean and many other food specialties. Bulabog Beach faces eastwards and presents the best kiteboarding and watersport beach in Asia, due to the unique wave breaking reefs and ideal wind situations. There are numerous competitions and events here as well. It is also less developed and quieter than White Beach. Visit Kingfisher’s Farm where you can fish for your lunch and the staff will grill up your catch. Diving is extremely popular around Boracay. The waters surrounding Boracay have excellent sites for beginners and experienced divers alike. The waters are packed with vibrant fish and reefs, wreck sites, caves and canyons. There are 30+ great dive sites within 30 minutes of Boracay.

On the north there is also the beautiful and undeveloped Puka Shell Beach which is an image of what most people expect on a tropical island: white sand, azure water, and relatively empty. This is where locals gather the small puka shells for some of the jewelry that is sold on the island. While here you can visit Bat Caves home to thousands of giant fruit bats. At twilight, thousands emerge from these caves and fly over White Beach in search of fruit on Boracay and other surrounding islands.

Shuttered in from the rest of the island by flamboyant greens and great hills, the Newcoast Beach at Boracay’s edge remains one of the best-kept secrets of Boracay where the old ways of enjoying the island are pretty much left untouched. The Dead Forest, a scenic spot believed to be populated by elemental spirits, is likewise located within the boundaries of village Manoc-Manoc. A product of ecological disturbance, the Dead Forest, also known as the Sunken Forest was created when a dam that kept off the saltwater broke down, destroying the swamp and killing off the mangroves that grew in it. With dead tree trunks sticking out of stagnant water, the Dead Forest presents a highly romantic scene surrounded by old folk tales about ghosts and goblins. Local folk believe supernatural occurrences take place here, particularly on full moon nights.

Boracay is a vacationer’s paradise, with luxury 5 star hotels, through traditional bungalows; something for anyone’s budget and taste. Choose from native, so-called nipa huts (cottage made of wood, bamboo and Nipa-palm leaves, modern and spacious cottages, all kind vacation houses along the beach and on hilltops overlooking the sea, and modern resorts and hotels with swimmingpools and spas. Boracay is above else famous for it’s nightlife, with pubs and bars of all kinds that are jumping until very late at night. If you are looking for perfect place to spend your honeymoon – look no further. Romantic scenery will surround you on every step you make on Boracay island.

High Season starts in October and ends in May, when the wind blows out to sea, leaving the beach pristinely clean and generally calm.

Open your eyes and heart and enjoy the natural scenery of this tropical pearl among Pacific islands. Perfect place to relax and enjoy life.

The city of Beppu is located on the east coast of Kyushu Island and it lies at the base of a slope of volcanic debris. In and around this city in northeastern Kyushu are more than 3800 hot springs, geysers and fumaroles (vents emitting gases and steam). It has the largest volume of hot water in the world aside from Yellowstone and the largest number of hot spring sources in Japan. Hot springs are regarded as sacred. The waters are sparkling, hot, mineral-rich and multicolored. Regional folklore and contemporary visitors report that the waters work wonders on both body and spirit. Because of the legendary therapeutic powers of its myriad springs, Beppu attracts over 12 million Japanese and foreign visitors each year.

Beppu contains 9 major geothermal hot spots, which are sometimes referred to as the – nine hells of Beppu. Hot spring ponds for viewing are called jigoku, literally meaning hell, because of their resemblance to the Buddist conceptions of hell. Famous hells include the Sea Hell because the boiling water of the pond is blue, and the Blood Pond Hell where red mud is emerging with boiling water.

There are an incredible variety of springs to choose from: huge, multi-pooled complexes operated by the resort hotels; small, family-run onsens (the Japanese word for hot spring) whose soaking pools are hundreds of years old and beautifully lined with wood and stone; great outdoor pools of bubbling blue and red mud; and great earthen cauldrons of steaming sand called Sunayu. Sunayu is hundreds of years old and has been managed by the same family for its entire history.

Walking through charming little town Beppu, you can see the steam rising from cracks in the sidewalks, sewer vents and half-pipes. Leave it to the Japanese to have cleverly harvested it’s power by turning potentially dangerous cravats of heat to stellar onsens where one can get anything from a therapeutic sand bath to a steam inhaling session. Beppu uses geothermal water to heat buildings and factories.

Another attraction is the Hihokan Sex Museum (literally “Secret Treasure Hall”), with displays of erotica mostly from Japan, India, Tibet and Paua New Guinea. At the edge of the city, Beppu also has an aquarium featuring dolphins at the base of Takasaki-yama (mt. Takasaki), which is known for its large population of wild monkeys (macaques). A 15-minute bus ride from Beppu Station there is Suginoi Palace, an amusement center with one of the best-known baths in all of Japan. Called Tanayu and built of natural woods and glass, it’s refined and spacious, with different kinds of baths both inside and out that take advantage of its hillside perch with great views out over the town toward the sea. One of the unique things you can do in Beppu is take a bath in hot sand, considered useful for treating muscle pain, arthritis, and indigestion. Although several public baths offer hot-sand baths, one of the most atmospheric places is the Takegawara Bathhouse.

There is a power to this place which makes a wonderfully invigorating and mind altering experience.

Most beautiful island in the Pacific, an exceptionally beautiful holiday destination which has become one of those secrets that visitors prefer to keep to themselves. Born from a volcanic eruption some seven million years ago, Lord Howe Island boasts the southern-most coral reef in the world. The island is listed as a World Heritage site for its rare plants, birds, marine life and its breathtaking natural beauty. Just 11 km long and 2 km wide, two thirds of its land mass is covered by Banyan trees, Pandanus and native Kentia Palm forests. The crystal waters that abound in marine life comprises over 400 species of fish, 90 species of coral, 4% of which is unique to the Island. Both visitors and the community are committed to the protection of its fragile and unique environment.

Lord Howe is the perfect place for nature-lovers, adventure seekers and romantic getaways. It is a paradise with serene opal lagoons, shallow warm ocean, pristine beaches, perfect golden sands, secluded bays. The Island has a spectacular underwater topography of trenches, caves and volcanic drop-offs. One of the Island’s icons, the majestic Ball’s Pyramid – the largest monolithic sea rock in the world – is part of the same undersea ridge called the Lord Howe Rise.

Lord Howe Island has a plenty of land and water based activities for you to enjoy. Expirience guided and self-guided bush treks, fish feeding at Ned’s Beach, bicycling, bird watching tours, cruising around the Island, kayaking, fishing, reef walking, snorkelling and scuba diving, or just laying around in a world class world heritage environment. Visit the palm nursery, Lord Howe Island museum,play 9 holes on the most picturesque course in Australia. And to ease tired muscles, there is a choice of spa treatments.

A mere 280 people are lucky enough to call the Island home. Lord Howe Island allows only 400 visitors at any one time which means you can have your very own little piece of this exclusive paradise. Lord Howe Island is not a ‘resort’ island: almost all the accommodation is owned and operated by islanders and ranges from self-catering cottages and apartments, to traditional guesthouses through to boutique luxury lodges. Lord Howe is less than two hours by air from Sydney or Brisbane.

Lord Howe’s premier retreats are Arajilla and Capella Lodge. For more information look here.

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Perfect place if you are bored with mass tourism and seeking an enlightening holiday experience which you will remember forever. Zanzibar islands lies 25-50 km (15-30 mi) off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar Archipelago consists of numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, informally referred to as “Zanzibar”), and Pemba. Over time Zanzibar Island has seen the change from the trade center to a romantic island where people come to seek the quietness of the blue-waters, relax on the sandy beaches, go diving or snorkeling.

Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world. The majority of them are along the East Coast, where shallow tirquiz water allow you to see a wealth of life just beneath the surface – starfish, small minnows, anemones. This is where you can truly relax as the beaches are uncrowded, no major resorts, only beautifull untouched fishing villages. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun. The beach is just magnificent, crystal blue water. Under the water a coral reef provides the backdrop for great snorkelling and world-class scuba diving. Above it, windsurfing, kayaking and state-of-the-art big game fishing are favourite holiday pastimes. Nearby is the Mnemba Island and an untouched atoll off the coast of Zanzibar, a prime dive site known world wide. Selected by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the three most romantic ocean destinations in the world, Mnemba surpasses all expectations.

Zanzibar has some amazing history. It was originally believed that Zanzibar first settled by Africans, 3000 to 4000 years ago. Many centuries later, inhabitants from Greece, Egypt, Persia, China, India, Arabia, Europe began to settle, each leaving behind a legacy of their stay. An incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds.Through all the intermarriages, the language of Kiswahilli was born. This forms the base of the present day language Swahili, which is the language spoken in Zanzibar and extensively in East Africa.The population of Zanzibar is about 800,000, 95% Muslim and 5% Christians and they all live in harmony. The people are very friendly and helpful.

The island has a rich history as it used to be the epicenter of the spice and slave trade in Africa. So there are many interesting places to visit in Zanzibar. Stone Town, the National Museum, Livingstone House, House of Wonders, Peoples Palace, Old Fort, Hamamni Baths, Cathedral Church of Christ, Tippu Tip House, Kizimkazi, Maruhubi and other ruins at Chuini, Dunga, Kidichi, Kizimbani and Bungi, Jozani forest reserve, Changu or Prison Island, spice plantations etc. Freddie Mercury (Queen) the famous rock star was born in Stone Town Zanzibar. His house is now made into a little restaurant, outside is a board with pictures of him and a brief about him, that was very cool to see.

Full of variety and above all fragrant, Zanzibar is the Spice Island, a place with romantic allure that thrives on its centuries old association with aromatic cinnamon, white cloves and cardamoms. You can taste fresh peppercorns, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, coconut- it still grow wild there.Exotic forests are scented with the delicate fragrance of ylang-ylang, hibiscus and jasmine and the heady aroma of cloves and cardamoms. There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar, and forest areas such as Jozani are inhabited by rare Red Colobus monkeys, bush-pigs, small antelopes, wide variety of birdlife and a large number of butterflies in rural areas. Civets (and rumour has it, the elusive Zanzibar leopord!) and various species of mongoose can also be found on the island. On the south coast of Zanzibar lies the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a sea turtle protection area for the endangered species that come to breed on the island. Stunning coral gardens are home to more than 350 fish species recorded. The diverse aquatic life off Zanzibar’s coast includes frequent sightings of turtles and dolphins, as well as occasional sightings of humpback whales and whale sharks!

Stonetown is the main city on the island of Zanzibar, and was the true heart of the spice and slave trade. Today is a World Heritage Site. Reputedly the only ancient town in East Africa still flourishing, Stone Town has changed little since the 19th century. It’s a delightful place of narrow alleys, crumbly mosques and grand Arab houses with giant brass-studded wooden doors.There are more than 500 ornately-carved doors. In this colourful, highly scented labyrinth, veiled women bargain noisily in crowded craft and food shops. Many of the buildings in the this town are built with local coral. Stone town is an excellent place to purchase arts, crafts, and antiques.

Zanzibar experiences ideal holiday weather for most of the year, with the exception of April and May which are seasonally subject to the long rains. Short rains can occur in November, but, do not last long. The heat of summer is seasonally often cooled by windy conditions, resulting in pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the North and east coasts. Being near to the equator, the islands are warm all year round, but officially, summer and winter peak in December and June respectively. Zanzibar is blessed with and average of 7-8 hours of sunshine daily.

Some recommendations: Stay at the Zanzibar Serena or Tembo Hotels in Stone Town, Amani Kempinski Hotel, Blue Bay Resort or Karafu in the East Coast.