Step Away From The Sand! Alternative Summer Vacations For Beach Bums

21 Jun 2017 Leave a comment

by Globe Runner in Photography

Does your idea of a vacation involve switching between a sun lounger by the pool and a towel laid out on the glistening golden sands? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the traditional summer beach holiday, but with so much to see and do, why not opt for something a little different for 2017? If you’re a self-confessed beach bum, and you’re hoping to try something new, here are some options to get you thinking.

The adventure break

If your summer vacation is usually a sedate affair, why not consider going out of your comfort zone and booking an adventure break instead? You can challenge yourself, enjoy a diverse range of activities and discover life in the great outdoors. You don’t have to spend every single minute up a mountain or trying to negotiate river rapids. There are plenty of places where you can combine action-packed activities with relaxation. If you visit Iceland, for example, you can wind down in a natural thermal pool after a day of hiking or kayaking. If you’ve been biking through the mountainous valleys of the Swiss Alps, you can treat yourself to a massage at a spa afterwards. If you tend to spend your days off basking in the sunshine, this kind of trip offers something completely different, and you may be surprised at how much you love it.

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Image from https://pixabay.com/en/alpine-switzerland-summer-mountains-1901472/

Sailing the seas

If you’re not willing up to give up relaxing in the sunshine, but you’re up for leaving the beach for a while, sailing holidays are a great option. You can explore fascinating places, swim and snorkel to your heart’s content, see the sights, and spend plenty of time catching rays out on the deck. Whether you’re traveling with your partner, a friend or a large group, you can choose from a variety of options including yacht holidays and cruises. Check out some itineraries online, find out about excursions, and start planning your trip. If you’re looking for ideas for locations, the Greek Islands and the Caribbean are excellent places to start.

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Image from https://pixabay.com/en/yacht-ship-sea-740610/

The cultural experience

Many of us go away to chill out and recharge our batteries, but traveling is also a great opportunity to learn new things and immerse ourselves in a different culture. If you’re used to spending your holiday in a hotel, or you rarely venture further than the nearest beach, why not broaden your horizons and discover a new culture this summer? If you’re keen on history and architecture, places like Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam may be appealing options. If you visit Thailand, you can learn all about the history and culture, visit monuments, monasteries, and temples, and enjoy a few days on the picture postcard beaches.

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Image sourced from https://pixabay.com/en/thailand-temple-famous-traditional-888185/

Does your summer holiday consist of kicking back and soaking up the sun? Most people love a beach vacation, but sometimes, change is a good thing. There’s a whole world out there ripe for exploration, so why not give the beach a break this year, and do something different? Celebrate your adventurous side, learn new things, sail the seas and enjoy once in a lifetime experiences. You won’t regret it!

North or South? Best Vacations in France

20 Jun 2017 2 Comments

by Globe Runner in Europe, Trips Tags: , , , , , , , ,

If you have not traveled to France before, then you are missing out. It is such a stunning country with so much to see and do. The country itself is quite large, as far as European countries go anyway. So it can be a good idea to divide the country in half and choose some vacation ideas based on what is each half. Have you done any of these before?

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The North of France

You can’t mention going to France without mentioning Paris, which is right in the heart of the north of the country. The city of lights is a must! The history that the city has is just amazing, and there are so many fascinating things to see and do. The Louvre Museum has to be one of the highlights, home to the world famous Mona Lisa painting. A trip up to the top of the Eiffel Tower is one of the top things to do too. You can even book a table at the restaurant at the top of the tower for a quintessentially Parisian experience. Notre Dame is magical to visit too, as well as munching on a macaron or two down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

If you are looking for something to do with the family, then Disneyland Paris is only a short train ride out of the city. Paris isn’t the most child-friendly city ever, so many families visit Disneyland instead. It isn’t as large as its American counterparts, but it still makes for an amazing day out for any Disney mad family members.

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The South of France

If you’re planning on a trip to the south of France, then the chances are that you’re looking for something quite romantic and relaxed. The scenery and views in the south are breathtaking, with large mountains and valleys to boot. The great thing is that you can enjoy the south of France all year round. You could enjoy St. Tropez and Cannes in the summer, and areas like Chamonix in the winter. So don’t just dismiss the south as only being a place that will work if you like the beach. The French Riviera is, of course, stunning. But the mountains are just as beautiful. So you could look for luxury ski chalets to luxury beach accommodation. There really is something for everyone.

The south of France is also a great area to explore and take in some of the French culture. You could enjoy the range of bakeries and patisseries that are scattered in the small towns, as well as discovering the many vineyards of France. So hiring a car is a really good idea. In the south, the towns and cities are a bit more sparse than they are in the north. So hiring a car means you’ll be able to see everything without missing anything.

Have you ever been to any of these areas in France? Would love to hear any of your top tips for traveling to France. Knowing some basic French phrases is pretty important, in my opinion.

Going To Spain? Take In The Sights & Avoid The Crowds

15 Jun 2017 3 Comments

by Globe Runner in Europe, Trips Tags: , , , , ,

Spain is one of the most stunning and vibrant countries on the European continent. Thousands of Americans travel there every single year to soak up the sun. However, some of the most popular beach resorts are jam packed with travelers during the summer months. That means they can become a little too hectic for people who just want to relax. Still, there is no need to stress because the perfect solutions are outlined below. Use the suggestions on this page to ensure you can take in the sights without having to deal with the crowds. You’ll thank me for these ideas when you return home and realize how much of a better time you had. So, let’s get started!

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Checking out the coastline

There are many ways in which you can see the Spanish coast without facing the crowds. For instance, you might like to book a boat trip from a nearby marina. You might also think about sailing the coast on a single boat or paddleboard. If you like the latter suggestion, you just need to visit local stories and get the best inflatable SUP. Some companies might also hire them to holidaymakers. Paddleboarding is always a fun and relaxing experience, and you don’t need any particular skills. You just have to balance on the board and use your paddle to get around. Of course, you need to make sure you are well away from boats and other vessels.

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Seeing the inner-city sights

Spain has many beautiful cities that many travelers never visit. The capital is probably the most popular destination. However, even in Barcelona, it’s still possible to avoid the crowds. You just need to find a local taxi driver who is willing to take you around all day. Ask them to show you the best sights and hang around to take you back to your hotel. You can also ask them to show you the best places to find authentic food. People who have a lot of money to spend could also see the cities from the air. Many specialists in Spain offer helicopter rides. So, you could see the country from an entirely new perspective. Most other visitors will never do that. Just make sure you take your camera!

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Spending time with nature

Most people spend their holiday on the beach when they go to Spain. However, the country is home to lots of mountains and walking routes. Visitors are free to join groups or explore on their own. However, it’s sensible to let someone know where you’re going if you select the latter. That is because it’s easy to get lost, and there are often snakes in untouched areas. So, you stand a higher chance of encountering them when you’re in the wilderness. If you enjoy spending time with nature, Spain is the perfect place. Just make sure you perform some research before leaving home.

Now you know how to get the most out of your Spanish trip, I hope you have a fantastic time. At the end of the day, there are always ways in which you can avoid the hustle and bustle. Sometimes you just have to think outside of the box to ensure you have the best experience possible. Whatever you decide, make sure you always have a camera to hand. You never know when you’re going to see something you’ll want to remember forever.

Make Malaysia Your Next Holiday Destination

14 Jun 2017 1 Comment

by Globe Runner in Asia, Trips Tags: , , , , , , ,

malaysia

(image: wikimedia)

There are many beautiful countries to visit across the globe, and one of the biggest reasons people visit new places is to integrate into a new culture while taking in the splendid sights around them. For these reasons, amongst many others, Malaysia could be the next holiday destination of choice. Located in Southeast Asia, the country is well known for its fabulous culture, colonial buildings, incredible rainforests and magnificent beaches.
While global travelers should invest in a plaza premium lounge klia credit card for lower interest costs on their travels, Malaysia is a relatively affordable place to visit.
When visiting the country, here are three places you may find particularly interesting.

Redang Island
There are many beautiful beaches in Malaysia, perfect for anybody wanting to spend time under the sun. If you want somewhere quiet to relax you should head for the beaches of Redang, a small slice of paradise with crystal clear blue waters and soft white sand.

One of the quieter islands in Malaysia, this is the perfect place for anybody wanting to get away from other tourists. When not resting or playing sports games on the beach, you should go snorkeling at the appropriately named Turtle Island with the local sea turtles, which are part of Redang’s conservation area.
For those who enjoy walking, taking a trek around the island is a must, with its rare plants, and wild animals including the long-tailed macaque monkeys and large monitor lizards.
Redang Island doesn’t have much of a nightlife, but there are bars and resorts available for those who like to stay up late and watch the sun go down. Karaoke is very popular amongst Chinese tourists, perfect for those who have the courage to sing in public! There are great eating places too, so you should savor some of the local delicacies including fish head curry, best served with banana leaves, and the gorgeous ice desert, Ais Kacang, which can be topped with syrup, fruit, and peanuts.

Gunung Mulu National Park
One of the most thrilling areas to visit in Southeast Asia, this world heritage site located in the middle of Borneo features so many natural marvels; you are spoiled for choice. With huge caves, tropical rainforests, and fabulous rivers, this is the perfect place for anybody wanting to soak in the country’s beauty. Cave tours and guided treks are a must for anybody wanting to explore further, whether you prefer to travel at ground level or one of the skywalks across the treetops.


Kota Bharu
Many travelers visit here as a stopover point while on their way to the wonderful Perhentian Islands, and with good reason. For those who enjoy shopping, there are many marketplaces teeming with local women selling tropical fruit, fresh vegetables, and craft goods. There are also plenty of museums to visit, including the Handicraft Village and Craft Museum for those interested in Malaysian culture, and a War Museum for anybody interested in its history. Night visitors should also visit the Fireflies Garden for an incredible display of color from these miniature marvels.

Awesome Asia – The Best Bits Unveiled

13 Jun 2017 1 Comment

by Globe Runner in Asia, Trips Tags: , , , , , , ,

Asia is certainly up there on many people’s must-see list. There are so many wonderful countries, each with their own incredible cultures. And then, of course, is all the amazing food you can sample from each region! So what would you most love to see in Asia next time you’re traveling? Needless to say, a long-haul flight or two will be necessary, but which bits of Asia would make it all worthwhile?

Vietnam

It’s hot, it’s humid, and it’s stunningly beautiful if you’re lucky enough to explore some of the countryside here. But did you know that you don’t have to be in the countryside to see the beauty and the charm of this country? Cities like Hanoi have an elegance and grace that reflects the time-honored traditions of the Vietnamese people. And in the city, you’ll find a much wider choice of food. Hanoi is the capital city that keeps on giving. There are some fabulous places to eat and some stunning architecture to admire. You’ll find beautiful Vietnamese parks to stroll through too.

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Hanoi image from Flickr

Japan

People most often come to Japan for two reasons. The first is business, which is understandable in the tech world! The second is for the beautiful cherry blossoms. You find these almost anywhere, but two cities really do stand out for their floral displays and their elegant architecture. Kyoto, with its Temples and Shrines rarely disappoints any visitor. Hakone has gorgeous springs, beautiful lakes, and a fabulous view of Fuji. Check ahead for the best anticipated dates for a full bloom.

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Japanese Cherry Blossom image from Pexels

China

From the moment you land at the airport, you can enjoy the best of modern China. You might start somewhere like your Xi An Hotel where you can enjoy a room with a view. From there, you might travel into the city to explore the marvelous Terracotta Army. Incredibly, these 6000 figures were only discovered about 40 years ago. After Xi An, you might explore more of this magnificent and historic country. Check out Shanghai for the best eclectic mix of ancient and modern China.

Indonesia

This nation is an absolute must for any traveler that loves the great outdoors. Indonesia is actually a large collection of volcanic islands. This makes for some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world. But the beauty of this place doesn’t stop there. It’s hard to find beaches anywhere else that are quite so lovely. Beyond the sandy coastlines, you can also find lush jungles that are home to elephants, tigers, and orangutans. Check out the Komodo dragon and listen out for the gentle gamelan music.

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Indonesia image from Pexels

Thailand

Many Thai communities live by or even on the water. Fishing is a big part of life here, so you can find some of the more flavorsome dishes you know and love made with fish. The Emerald Buddha Temple is a firm favorite among tourists, and it is certainly worth visiting this incredible place. Bangkok is a weird and wonderful mix of old and new and is far more modern in some places than you would expect. Enjoy your tour of Asia.

 

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