Archive for April, 2010
Explore The Ancient Incan Ruins
Many children will only know Darkest Peru as the place from which Paddington Bear started his long journey to England. But outside Michael Bonds fictional world of his marmaladeloving bear is an exciting modernday Peru offering the unique opportunity to discover and explore an amazing ancient Inca culture.
Taking your children to Peru will ignite their imagination in a way that a beach holiday never could and perhaps can even spark a lifelong interest in ancient history the country is home to some of the most fantastic ruins to be found in the world. However you should only consider taking children old enough to appreciate such fascinating culture and that also possess the stamina to endure lengthy spells of air train and bus travel!
There is much to discover on the celebrated Inca trail which culminates at the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu; precariously perched on a hilltop 8000 feet above sea level in the Urubamba Valley in the Peruvian Mountains. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 this settlement was never discovered by the conquering Spaniards of the 16th century and its relatively intact ruins hold so much historical interest.
Built around 1460 at the height of the Incan Empire the Lost City of the Incas was abandoned less than 100 years later. Theories abound as to why that happened with some historians believing the cause to be smallpox spread amongst the local population by Spanish invaders thus causing a catastrophic impact on the settlement without ever finding it! Others believe that the native occupants left for other reasons before the Spanish conquest even started. Regardless the ruins at Machu Picchu incorporating sophisticated and elaborate stone carvings are a mustsee on any visit to Peru.
But even getting to the ancient city itself should also be considered an adventure in its own right. The first part of the journey is relatively easy and merely involves getting scheduled flights to Peru. Next a domestic flight to Cuzco from where you will board the train to Aguas Calientes for a three hour ride. The last leg is a scenic five mile bus ride to the ruins which are guaranteed to take your breath away not only because of the beauty of the ruins but also due to their elevated location above sea level.
Located only 50 miles away from stunning Machu Picchu is the Incan capital of Cuzco in the Southern Sierras. Also a UNESCO World Heritage site the city was said to be designed by the Incans in the shape of a puma. Now significantly larger modernday Cuzco boasts a population of almost 400000 and in addition to a plethora of ancient relics also offers museums and a host of modern entertainment. From here it is possible to hike all the way to Machu Picchu taking in several other important Inca settlements including the fortresses at Ollantaytambo and Sacsayhuaman.
And whether you go by train or by foot travelling the Inca Trail can leave an indelible imprint on your childrens memory.
About the writer: Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote but should be considered professional content.
Hotel Saves The Day
These days its not often that air travel ends up as a disastrous failure but I am minded of a time some years ago when this is just what happenedand how eventually everything resolved itself.
My plan was a relatively simple one; fly to Amsterdam drop off my luggage at my hotel be picked up by a representative of the firm that I was visiting conclude my business and overnight at my hotel until my departure the next day. Now this seemed simple enough but I had not bargained for a Europe wide blanket of fog to scupper my plans.
My departure from Heathrow and the subsequent 45 minute flight to Amsterdam went as it should have done; just before landing though the pilot judged conditions too hazardous to make a landing and after circling for a while was diverted to an alternate airport and when this too was judged unsuitable I developed a nagging feeling of worry.
The next port of call was a military airport on the Belgian border and I was gradually realising that we would have to land this time whatever the conditions as our fuel was getting worryingly low. Im happy to say that after three attempts and a very rough landing we did finally make it.
We were bussed along with our luggage to our original destination Amsterdam Airport from where I caught a taxi to my Amsterdam hotelI was now some six hours late and my nerves were understandably frazzled. Languishing in my taxi I cursed my circumstances and reflected that this was my worst business trip ever but as I pulled up to my destination the Gresham Memphis Hotel in Amsterdam I cheered slightly.
The Gresham was positively salubrious and as the smart courteous and understanding reception staff expedited my check in my mood thawed a little more. When I saw my room I decided that the grand surroundings that I found myself in should make me resolve to make the most of the situationthat said I headed to the bar/ restaurant for some dinner. There I enjoyed some hearty fare and as I sunk into one of the bars armchairs I finished the night off by sampling some of the extensive cocktail menuafter all I figured that the Companys expense account at least owed me that much!
The next day I felt on top of the world. A great evening in the most congenial of surroundings had turned my whole situation aroundeven more so as I started the day off in just the right way with a hearty breakfast in the Greshams Breakfast Room. On offer was an extensive Buffet Breakfast of the traditional Continental variety as well as the hot British varietyI had bothall washed down with lashings of strong black coffee.
Its amazing how failure can suddenly turn into success and my wise choice of Amsterdam hotels had certainly achieved that; I hired one of the hotels well equipped conference rooms that morning and arranged for the company that I was visiting to have our meeting there. I was all done by 1 Oclock had lunch and caught the 4 Oclock flight home. As Voltaire might say; Id had the very best outcome in this best of all possible worlds.
About the writer: Fledgling Travel Experiences Writer
Catch Some Rays Closer To Home This Autumn In North Africa
Many Brits who counted on this summer to be a repeat of last year are now regretting not planning their summer holidays abroad in warmer environs but it is not too late to plan a trip for this autumn. Although many sun seekers may head to the Caribbean in the upcoming months for their essential dose of vitamin D the countries of the Middle East provide just as much sunshine are much closer and there are no hurricane threats. As well as practically nonstop sunshine the Middle East also offers visitors a rich and varied history and culture to discover.
Sun drenched beaches world class diving superb snorkelling and all inclusive resorts may not come to mind when thinking about holidays in the Middle East and North Africa but it should. Many parts of these countries are taking advantage of their hot climate clear blue seas and their rich histories offering holidaymakers a variety of sports activities and relaxation.
Visitors can take day trips to ancient cities such as Luxor in Egypt or Fes in Morocco shop in the modern metropolises of Dubai and Abu Dhabi or even take a luxurious Egyptian cruise down the Nile. Britons that feel cheated by the wash out UK summer can take their strong pound and plan a relaxing holiday in the region while having the option of seeing some of the greatest sights in the world.
Fes is the spiritual and cultural centre of Morocco and a great place to go if you have been enchanted by the Moorish style that Morocco exudes. Here you can visit the oldest medina in the country visit mosques dye pits and tanneries and also dine at fantastic restaurants shop in the open air markets and people watch at the cafes. Mint tea is the beverage of choice a refreshing drink after strolling through the ancient city where you can explore the narrow streets and be glad you escaped the rain and lacklustre weather back home.
The great pyramids are emblematic of Egypt and are probably what first comes to mind when people think of a holiday there. The majority of visitors travelling to Egypt will most likely go and see this great wonder of the world but there are other things in Egypt that should not be missed. Egypt has some of the highest class hotels and resorts in the world offering renowned dive centres and water sports as well which employ experienced teachers to take on first timers or help the advanced improve.
If you are planning your autumn holiday in North Africa or the Middle East it may seem hard to choose but at least it is easy to find a place that has everything you require for your vacation.
The Caribbean may conjure up images of white sands and palm trees but the sunshine of North Africa clearly rivals even the sunniest spots of these islands while having no threat of hurricane season. If the rainy wet miserable weather of the British summer is giving you itchy feet to get out and catch some rays dont pass up the hot sun closer to home in the ancient cities or warm beaches of North Africa and the Middle East.
About the writer: Elisha Burberry is an online freelance journalist and keen moviegoer from Scotland. Her interests include travelling cooking and photography.