Little Travel Co.

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Thursday 22 June 2017

My visit to Delhi #gadventures #goldentriangle #salaambaalaktrust


When you tell people that you are going to India they often ask Why?    I think a lot of people are nervous of the crowds, the dirt, the smells, of something so different to what we are used to in North America and Europe that it scares them.     But to me that is part of the attraction, the charm, the fascination.

However, I was a little nervous flying in Delhi for the first time myself.    As I boarded the plane for the 14-hour flight I was saying in my head why, why can’t you just go and sit on a beach like other people?   Why do you get these ideas of going on an adventure?   But the answer is, I want to experience the culture and the people for myself.

Landing in Delhi airport was quite disappointing, it looked like any other international airport, nothing different at all, even leaving the airport to get the taxi to the hotel was less intense than I had anticipated.  I had expected hoards of people, kind of like in the movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, but it was quite normal really, except that the lines on the highway and the traffic lights are more for decoration than rules to be obeyed.

Touring Old Delhi with our amazing guide was fascinating, an assault on the senses, absolute chaos, from every sort of mode of transport, going in every direction, to the chaotic maze of electrical wiring above your head, to the smells of spices, incense and food.  

We were fortunate to visit the Salaam Baalak Trust, a non-profit organization which provides shelter to street kids.   We were shown around by a young 16 year old man who had been kidnapped as a 6 year old and taken to Delhi to beg on the streets.  Fortunately, he was able to get away from his captives, but then found him self alone, with no knowledge of where he came from and no way to get back.    He was helped and sheltered by the Trust and now gives back by giving tours and educating people about it.  It really gives you a different perspective on life.  




Saturday 20 May 2017

Get your (Science) Geek on in Switzerland

If you, or someone in your family, has an inner science nerd, Switzerland is where you can feed your appetite for exploring the mysteries of the universe (as well as your appetite for chocolate and cheese  - but you already knew that!)


CERN

Professional scientists, enthusiasts, and even your favorite TV comedy physicists all have Switzerland's CERN (pronounced 'Surn') on their travel bucket lists.  CERN is the world's largest physics laboratory.   The site straddles Switzerland and France outside of Geneva. Thousands of scientists from member European countries work together at CERN on questions of matter, anti-matter, the particles that make up all things in the universe, and the forces that link them.
It's best known for the Large Hadron Collider, a ring 27 kilometres around and 100 metres under the earth's surface.  The LHC accelerates particles into extremely high energies, making them smash into each other.  Scientists use very precise instruments to collect information about what happens during those collisions. 
Visitors can discover the mysteries of the Universe and the work of the world's biggest physics laboratory as a group, with friends, individually, on foot, on your bike, or virtually. CERN's 2 permanent exhibitions are free to visit.

(Above photos courtesy CERN)

CERN's gigantic Globe of Science and Innovation is a symbol of the Earth, and, at 27 metres high and 40 metres in diameter, bigger than the dome of St. Peter's in Rome!  Inside, the 'Universe of Particles' exhibit takes you on a journey of the building blocks of the entire Universe, where those particles come from, how they behave, and the questions of modern physics that scientists are exploring at CERN.  The 'Microcosm' exhibit allows you to discover the wonders of CERN's monumental experiments using the Large Hadron Collider, and meet the people who built and operate it.

(photo credit)

The Sphinx Observatory

From underground to 'The Top of Europe'.  Jungfraujoch is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a glacier 'saddle' at the top of Europe's largest glacier, connecting two four-thousand meter peaks.
Take the historic Jungfrau railway from Interlaken to Grindelwald, a scenic glacier village that is one of Switzerland's oldest and most popular resort areas at the base of snow-capped mountains.  The view gets even more breathtaking from there to Europe's highest train station at Jungfraujoch.

(Photo credit)

Don't settle for the  spectacular views here.  Do what scientists do and aim higher.  The Sphinx Observatory dates from the early 1900's and is named after the 'Sphinx' peak of a breathtakingly steep ridge where it's perched at a height of 3572 metres (11, 719 feet). The Sphinx Observatory is the highest construction on the continent.  Amazingly, there's an elevator tunneled into that rocky mountain peak connecting the Jungfraujoch railway station to the observatory.  The observatory serves researchers in fields as diverse as glaciology, medicine, cosmic physics and astronomy, with multiple laboratories, weather observation station, a enormous telescope and even electricity, water, phone and internet! 
Check your vertigo at the door and inhale pure mountain air, as well as unmatched views of the Alps, the glacier, the scenery over 11,000 feet below, and sometimes, all the way to Italy and Germany.

Stay in a 'Space Suite' in Zurich

Zurich's Kameha Grand Zurich boutique hotel is in up and coming Glattpark.  The growing neighborhood is a new business center in Switzerland's global city of banking and finance, so business travelers who value lifestyle have a place near their meetings with solid design credentials.  And its proximity to the Zurich airport makes it perfect for a stay on leisure travelers' way into or out of a wider tour of the country.
The hotel's design creativity extends to themed suites.  If you were the little kid who wanted to grow up to be an astronaut, or you're traveling with that little kid, the Kameha Grand Zurich's space suite is the hotel equivalent of sleeping in your favorite space hero pajamas.   The little kid will love the treat.  The little kid inside you will grin at the tongue in cheek design.  It leans on 'space age' without being kitsch.  
Designed by artist Michael Najjar, the Space Suite transports you to the stars with silver, black and moonscape textures, a gravity-defying, sleek. floating bed, pictures of galaxies, hovering astronauts and models of rockets, together with curated selections of literature, music and films about space travel, as well as original works by the artist.   

Monday 15 May 2017

Culinary School in Provence, France

Has it been your dream to go to a cooking school in Europe?  Immerse yourself in local produce, ingredients and culinary secrets shared by a chef in a scenic destination?

BestTrip.TV traveled to Provence in the South of France, a region famous for its sun, breathtaking vistas, vineyards, beaches and cuisine.  Our culinary school experience was learning to make aioli, which you sometimes see on menus called 'garlic mayonnaise'. But silky, mellow, aioli, made by your own hand - a glass of ice-chilled local rose wine in the other - as part of a Provencal meal on the terrace of an historic manor house?  Incomparable.


A memorable way to experience hands-on the cuisine of one of the legendary destinations in Europe for couples, a group of friends, even a girlfriend getaway.
Start your Trip!

Saturday 22 April 2017

Amazing things to visit in Ecuador


1. Cotopaxi
Ecuador is famous for its volcanoes. Cotopaxi is the second-highest mountain peak in the country, and one of  Its unique features is its one of the few glaciers located along the equator. Cotopaxi is near Quito, which makes for a  great day trip for visitors who are staying in Quito but looking to get out of the city for the day. 
2. Quilotoa
800 years ago this beautiful lake was formed high in the Andes when a volcano blew up. The lake is more than 250 meters deep and holds stunningly beautiful water in its basin. Try and explore it on a sunny day to witness the waters shift from eye-catching blue to an earthy green. 
3. The Basilica of the National Vow

The Basilica is the largest neo-Gothic cathedral in the Western Hemisphere never completed. Local legend suggests the completion of the cathedral will bring about the end of the world.  
4. El Panecillo

 El Panecillo stands watch over the city of Quito. This 45-metre tall representation of the Virgin Mary is made up of 7,000 separate pieces of aluminum and is one of the only structures of the Virgin Mary to feature angel wings. 
5. Malecon 2000
Guayaquil is a city with a unique youthful vibe, and Malecon 2000 is the center of its activity. This vibrant Riverwalk offers the fine art, museums, food and a place where community convenes. Malecon 2000is  a great place to have a meal, a drink or partake in world-class shopping while in Ecuador.
Thinking of a dream trip to Ecuador
Contact us today and let one of our travel specialists send you packing!!!

Saturday 15 April 2017

Where to Eat in Aberdeen in Aberdeen, United Kingdom


The delicious eateries around Aberdeen.
By Anita Draycott
  • Silver Darling
The Silver Darling Seafood Restaurant is renowned for its fine food, fine wines and a fine view of Aberdeen harbour and bay, offering fabulous local seafood exquisitely prepared by our French Chef. Highly recommended in the Good Food Guide, the dishes are excellent value and cover a wide range of prices. The rooftop conservatory restaurant in Aberdeen's former customs house offers terrific views of Aberdeen's beach, coastline and harbour. 
  • Cafe 52
Buried in a cave-like arch below Union Street, Café 52 feels more like Amsterdam than the Granite City with an authentic air of easy cool that style bars would die for. The atmosphere is laid back but the menu is ambitious. This includes chilli tzatziki sandwiches for lunch and satisfying Cullen skink, venison, and duck dishes for dinner. A golden cavern of cuisine, Café 52 is hip but probably beyond the purse of most hippies 
  • The Albyn
A Scottish bar and restaurant with a twist. The Albyn not only serves delicious food but also hosts a great night out. The Albyn is stylish and contemporary, with a modern dining menu. Relax in the bar area, dine with friends or dance the night away to the live bands and resident DJs. 
  • La Cafe Boheme
Tucked away down a lane in Aberdeen city centre, Le Café Boheme is a small intimate restaurant, with an authentic French décor: buzzing at lunch, candlelit and warm at night, with jazz in the background. A small and selective menu, serving the very best of modern and traditional French cuisine with a twist of individuality and passion. 
  • Books and Beans
Situated in the heart of Aberdeen, Scotland on Belmont Street just off the main thoroughfare of Union Street, Books and Beans has been going since 2003. They sell fantastic homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and panini as well as a range of excellent Fair Trade Coffee, Teas and Hot Chocolate. The atmosphere’s friendly and relaxed and you can choose to either stay in the main coffee area downstairs for your lunch or head upstairs to the main Bookstore, where you can browse 15000 titles, or indeed munch your soup and sandwich!

Saturday 8 April 2017

Visit Kirriemuir - birthplace of JM Barrie, creator of Peter Pan

Kirriemuir the birthplace of the creator of Peter Pan, which contains an imaginative exhibition dedicated to his work.
Kirriemuir, known as the “Gateway to the Glens” makes a captivating base for exploring the beautiful braes of Angus. The town’s most famous son was the author JM Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan. His birthplace, now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, contains an imaginative exhibition featuring life-size figures, theatre posters and stage costumes. There is also a statue of Peter Pan in the middle of the town. 2010 sees the 150th anniversary of JM Barrie’s birth and a series of celebrations will take place throughout Scotland, from new stage adaptions of the famous Peter Pan stories to smaller events focusing on the author’s life in Scotland.
By Anita Draycott

Saturday 1 April 2017

Become Lords and Ladies of the Manor at Mar Hall in Glasgow, United Kingdom

Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort is the ideal spot to start and/or end your Scottland Vacation.
Just ten minutes from Glasgow airport, Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort is the ideal spot to start and/or end your Scottish romp. The baronial mansion overlooking the River Clyde, originally completed in 1845, has received a £15 million restoration to bring it back to its former Gothic grandeur.

Mar Hall boasts the Decléor Spa offering a huge list of therapies and afternoon tea. Gosia, my Polish masseuse began my treatment with a warm sudsy footbath. I’d like to describe the massage in more detail but I conked out after about ten minutes on the table. I wanted relaxation, so thanks, Gosia, mission accomplished.
In case you need to squeeze in a last round of Scottish golf, book a tee time at the resort’s Earl of Mar championship course designed by Dave Thomas Jr.

At the Cristal dining room, Mar Hall prides itself on its impressive selection of Champagne. Chef Sam Carswell puts imaginative and delicious twists on Scottish classics. Loch Fyne smoked salmon, for example, comes with an avocado emulsion, apple caviar. Beef, aged for 28 days, gets kicked up a notch with braised cheek, escargots and an onion/parsley risotto. Fancy some frog leg bonbons?

Mar, I discovered, was one of the seven Kingdoms in ancient Scotland and the “Earl of Mar” is the oldest title in Britain. The place has quite a pedigree. In fact, a couple of past visitors have included Mary Queen of Scots and Robert the Bruce.

By Anita Draycott

Saturday 25 March 2017

Get Thee to a Convent in Old San Juan


El Convento, originally a 17th century Carmelite convent, has been listed as one of the world’s best places to stay by both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines.
By Anita Draycott
El Convento, originally a 17th century Carmelite convent, has been listed as one of the world’s best places to stay by both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines. It’s difficult to believe that this Old San Juan landmark, kitty-corner to the town’s Cathedral, served as a dance hall and flophouse before becoming member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Take breakfast al fresco under the shade of an ancient loquat tree in the central patio and try the banana nut pancakes with maple syrup.
El Convento guests can enjoy the vibe of Spanish colonial San Juan, plus Puerto Rico’s surf scene because they have Beach Club privileges at El Convento’s sister properties on the sands of Condado Beach.

Saturday 18 March 2017

Marrakech: Feast for the senses in Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakech is an ancient caravan town, a gathering place where Arabs and Berbers mingle with Sahara nomads and mountain people.
By Anita Draycott
I felt like I had just stepped into a movie. Snake charmers, teeth yankers, fortune tellers, acrobats, water carriers—good guys, bad guys all putting on their nightly performance in Jemaa el Fna square, in the marvelous mayhem that is Marrakech.
Each evening as the sun starts to set the cast assembles, setting up stalls of street-food delicacies ranging from massive cauldrons of snails brewing in a mirky broth to lamb kabobs hissing on charcoal fires. Circling the square is a non-stop throng of rusty bicycles and mopeds, mangy donkeys pulling wagons, rattling petite taxis honking their horns. Marrakech is an ancient caravan town, a gathering place where Arabs and Berbers mingle with Sahara nomads and mountain people. Morocco is a feast for the senses and twilight at Jemaa el Fna assaults all of them.

Saturday 11 March 2017

Visit Aberdeen Area’s Best Castles in Aberdeen, United Kingdom



Explore magnificent castles located throughout Aberdeen.

  • Delgatie Castle
The home of the late Captain Hay of Delgatie, the castle has displays of fine paintings, armoury and Victorian clothes combined with the atmosphere of a lived in home. The castle has largely been in the Hay family for the last 650 years. It was taken from the Earl of Buchan after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, when Robert the Bruce routed the invading English army. Mary Queen of Scots stayed at Delgatie for three days after the Battle of Cirrichie in 1562. Her bedchamber is on view to visitors.

  • Haddo House
Unusual for Aberdeenshire in that it is not a castle, Haddo House is proud to be the most homely of the north-east of Scotland’s great houses open to the public. Designed by William Adam for the 2nd Earl of Aberdeen in 1732, but refurbished in the 1880s, the House elegantly blends crisp Georgian architecture with sumptuous late Victorian interiors by Wright and Mansfield. Haddo also boasts a terrace garden with geometric rose beds and fountain, commemorative trees, a lavish herbaceous border and secluded glades and knolls. A magnificent avenue of lime trees leads to Haddo Country Park with its lakes, monuments, walks and wildlife.

  • Huntly Castle
Magnificent castle ruins including 12th-century motte and palace block erected in the 16th and 17th centuries. The architectural details and heraldic enrichments are particularly impressive. Eleven steps lead to the raised area where the castle stands. The castle can be viewed from outside and there is an interpretation board giving information about the property. Known also as Strathbogie Castle, the glorious ruin stands on the bank of the River Deveron. It is in itself a history lesson in the development of the Scottish castle from the earliest Norman fortress to the palace of the 17th century. The remains of a 12th century motte and bailey, a medieval L-plan tower house, and defence earthworks of the Civil War are still visible. The most striking features are the splendid heraldic doorway and carved fireplaces.

  • Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle offers an unforgettable experience. A dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress in a truly stunning setting. The extensive buildings - from the keep through the barracks, lodgings, stables and storehouses to the less-ruinous chapel and drawing room - underline the importance of Dunnottar, an impregnable Castle that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the Marquis of Montrose and the future King Charles II, all graced the Castle with their presence. Most famously though, it was at Dunnottar Castle that a small garrison held out against the might of Cromwell’s army for eight months and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels, the ‘Honours of Scotland’, from destruction. Crown, sceptre and sword now take pride of place in Edinburgh Castle.

  • Fyvie Castle
Dating back to the 13th century, Fyvie Castle is located a mile north of the village of Fyvie in Aberdeenshire. This stunning castle was once a royal stronghold, one of a chain of fortresses throughout medieval Scotland. The oldest part of the castle still stands today, dating from the 13th century, which houses a great wheel staircase, the finest in Scotland. Contemporary panelling and plaster ceilings survive in the 17th-century Morning Room and the opulence of the Edwardian era is reflected in the interiors created by the first Lord Leith of Fyvie. A rich portrait collection is also found in the castle including works by Batoni, Raeburn and Hoppner; and there is a fine collection of arms and armour and 17th-century tapestries. The grounds and loch were designed as landscaped parkland in the early 19th century. The 18th-century walled garden has been redeveloped as a celebration of Scottish fruits and vegetables.

  • Balmoral Castle
Set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside, in the shadows of Lochnagar is the Balmoral Estate. Purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848, the Estate has been the Scottish home of the British Royal Family ever since. The Estate covers about 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres) of heather clad hills and ancient Caledonian woodland, with the beautiful River Dee nearby.
Over the past 150 years, careful stewardship by The Royal Family has preserved the wildlife, scenery and architecture which is available for all generations to enjoy. In her journals Queen Victoria even went so far as to describe Balmoral as "my dear paradise in the Highlands".
The Royal Family are still in residence at Balmoral for a portion of the year, with the grounds, gardens and exhibitions closed to the public during August, September and early October.


  • Castle Fraser
About 16 miles west of Aberdeen is the stunning Castle Fraser, one of the grandest of the Scottish baronial tower houses. Built between 1575 and 1636 by the 6th laird, Michael Fraser, Castle Fraser is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland. The castle belongs to the same period of native architectural achievement as two neighbouring castles, Crathes and Craigievar. One of the castle’s most evocative rooms is the strikingly simple Great Hall. The castle contains many Fraser family portraits, including one by Raeburn, and fine 18th- and 19th-century carpets, curtains and bed hangings, and even Charles Mackenzie Fraser's wooden leg! The estate contains a flight pond, mixed woodland and open farmland, with two waymarked walks giving magnificent views of the local hills.

  • Crathes Castle
Crathes Castle is surrounded by woodland to the east of Banchory in the Aberdeenshire countryside. This late 16th century castle, with connections to King Robert the Bruce, provides a memorable experience with its towers, turrets and stories of its resident ghosts. King Robert the Bruce granted the lands of Leys to the Burnett family in 1323: the ancient Horn of Leys, which can be seen today in the Great Hall, marks his gift. The castle, built in the second half of the 16th century, is a superb example of a tower house of the period. Some of the rooms still retain their original painted ceilings and collections of family portraits and furniture. A visit is enhanced by the 1.5 hectares of walled garden, which incorporates herbaceous borders and many unusual plants, providing a wonderful display at all times of the year. The great yew hedges, fascinating examples of the art of topiary, date from as early as 1702

  • Corgarff Castle
Corgarff Castle, dating back from the 16th century, sits in the tranquil Aberdeenshire countryside.
Situated in stunning scenery with magnificent views, this tower house is thought to have been built in 1550 before being converted into a barracks for government troops in 1748. The castle’s last military use was to control the smuggling of illicit whisky between 1827 and 1831. Today the site is still complete with its 18th century star-shaped fortification.



Saturday 4 March 2017

So have you been to the desert in Chile?



Northern Chile is as diverse as the south but home of so many hidden geological and archaeological treasures
Tatio Geyser 
Calama is the gateway to the wonders of Chile’s high central desert and with less than 5mm of rainfall a year; it’s known to be one of the driest deserts in the world.   This area is very rich in natural resources recognizing Chile as the world’s largest producer of copper and sodium nitrate. 
Our private transfer would take about 50 minutes viewing unforgettable landscape to our final destination San Pedro.  Being over 2400 M above sea level you’ll want to take it easy as you may experience mild altitude sickness.  The spectacular Licancabur volcano presents a magnificent setting against the eternal blue sky for San Petro.  The beautiful Kunza Hotel & Spa would be my home for the next three nights.  This property offers 60 spacious rooms with various configurations, full service spa, on site excursion tour guides and complete meeting facilities.  The temperature in March during the day would be 26- 28C but the evening would quickly cool off and you’d welcome a warm fire.  The clear dark night’s promises to deliver a privileged star gazing experience and an opportunity to view constellations only viewed in the Southern Hemisphere. 
My first tour was Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moons) located about 19 km from San Pedro, in the Salt Mountains.  The impressive panoramic views with variations of coloured rocks and sand will no doubt resemble the surface of the moon.  Your tour will end with your return to the hotel about 8:00 pm but it’s an early night because the next morning will begin at 4:30 am
I would recommend for you to sit back and relax for the next 90 minutes while the bus begins climbing to an altitude of 4300m to the El Tatio Geysers best seen at dawn.  The roads twist and wind and at times you will wonder if the vehicle is actually driving on the side of the road.  What a beautiful site revealed when you arrive to see the valley of smoldering geysers.  This geothermal attraction also offers visitors a thermal pool and believe me people are not shy to remove their layers of clothes and jump in.  Once the sun rises, the valley comes alive and the scenery will delight any photographer.  If you are lucky when heading back, you may spot a herd of guanacos while admiring the magnificent views of the Andes Mountains.  The extraordinary natural scenery will provide an enjoyable return ride.
My last tour was to visit the Atacama Salt Flats, the largest in Chile.  Andean flamingos as well as other bird species can be found in this National reserve.   As far as the eye can see, you view white sharp coral like formations of crusty dried salt.  Although you feel this land is desolate and unproductive; think the opposite!  The natural resources in this area are very valuable.
How quickly my three days passed! My experience to the Atacama Desert was unlike any I have ever had and I will treasure the memories of each adventure.
This article was written by Esther Roemmele.
Contact our Leisure Travel Professional to help you plan your trip to South America.  

Sunday 26 February 2017

Scandinavian Natural Wonders: Best Places to Visit in Scandinavia

Scandinavian Natural Wonders: Best Places to Visit in Scandinavia

The magic and beauty of Scandinavia will take your breath away! Norway, Finland, Iceland and Sweden are all home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world. Each country has its own unique way of delivering that ‘wow’ factor you’re looking for
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
Reykjanes Peninsula is known for its lava fields, rugged landscapes and hot springs. It’s also home of the famous Blue Lagoon, named one of National Geographic’s 25 wonders of the world in 2012. It’s a wonderfully warm, mineral rich geothermal pool of sea water sitting right in the middle of a huge 800- year-old lava field. We highly encourage you to take a soak in this very special place.
The Northern Lights in Finland
The Aurora Borealis, also known as The Northern Lights, is nature’s most incredible light show. The burst of colourful flickering lights in the night sky is viewable on about 200 nights a year, and it can be seen from a wide range of places from igloos to luxury suites or even boat cruises. It’s truly a dazzling sight to behold.
Sweden’s Stockholm Archipelago
A few minutes away from Stockholm, this cluster of 30,000 islands, islets and rocks blends with rocky cliffs, wooded islands and sandy beaches to create a truly beautiful and diverse landscape. Some islands are uninhabited, while others are home to active communities both new and ancient. Visitors enjoy sight-seeing, shopping, and fresh, local cuisine lovingly prepared in charming cafes.
The Majestic Fjord Region in Norway
Visit the fjord region of Western Norway to see narrow fjords cut into tall mountains. Waterfalls cascade magnificently down mountainsides and the glaciers stand firm, never melting. See the seals, eagles and whales who make their homes here and enjoy incredible food made from local produce.
Norway’s Waterfalls
Norway is home to many magnificent waterfalls, but the “Seven Sisters” are among the most photographed and admired in Geirangerfjorden. They are more visible during May through July when the snow melts and are best seen by taking a boat trip. The legend is that the “Seven Sisters” were all single and the waterfall on the other side of the fjord is “The Suitor” whose attempts to court the sisters failed.
No matter where you choose to travel, the scenery will not disappoint. Nobody puts on a show quite like mother nature!

Kristen Gilbert - As a Digital Content Copywriter at Collette, Kristen has travelled extensively. When she’s not busy writing about fabulous tours, she’s dreaming of being in a place where she can sip an umbrella drink with her toes in the sand and a good book in her hand.
Blog copy used with permission from Collette.

Sunday 19 February 2017

Planning a Trip to the Galapagos Islands

 The Galapagos Islands are one of the most ecologically extraordinary places on the planet. The ecosystem that inspired Darwin – now a protected part of our world heritage - continues to fascinate. Free and fearless animals, different from any others found anywhere else in the world, awe visitors who make the journey to this remote destination.

If you're thinking about a trip to the Galapagos, here are some tips for your planning:
What makes the Galapagos Islands so special?
The Galapagos Islands are both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a World Biosphere reserve, the second largest in the world. Isolated and remote with a rich ecosystem, the archipelago is a living museum of natural history.
The pivotal moment came in 1835, when Charles Darwin visited the islands. What he discovered among the wildlife, related to - but very different from - any creatures found elsewhere, inspired his theory of evolution and the origin of species. Darwin's theories shocked the scientific world of the 19th century and put the Galapagos Islands on the map and on the lips of generations of curious nature lovers.
The Galapagos Islands have been described as one of the most unique, scientifically important, and biologically outstanding areas on earth.
Where are the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands are part of the South American country of Ecuador, but are hundreds of miles west of continental Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. They form an archipelago of volcanic islands on both sides of the Equator. Thirteen large islands, six lesser ones, more than 40 islets and their surrounding waters form an Ecuadorian province, a national park, and a biological marine reserve.
How did they get their name?
The most symbolic creature of the islands is the extraordinary, giant Galapagos tortoise. Its magnificent shell reminded explorers of a British horse riding saddle, which in Spanish is called 'Galapagos'.
When should I go?
Because the Galapagos is so close to the equator, it's a sunny year round destination. The average year-round temperature is 24°C. (76°F) with a rainy season in the early months of the year.
North Americans are more familiar with a 'four season' life cycle of wildlife, but in the Galapagos Islands, there are natural wonders year round.
Here are some highlights of what you may experience at different times in the Galapagos Islands:
January
· Marine iguanas get a bright coloring to attract mates.
· Hatching of Giant tortoises' eggs.
February
· Greater flamingos start nesting.
· Penguins migrate to cooler waters.
March
· Frigate birds mating season starts.
· Perfect time for snorkeling.
April
· Rainy season comes to an end.
· Sea turtles, marine iguanas and land iguanas nesting.
May
· Waved albatross lay eggs.
· Blue-footed boobies begin their world-known courtship.
June
· Whale shark and humpback whale sightings possible
· Giant tortoises migrate to lowlands searching for good nesting-places.
July
· Start of sea lion breeding season.
· Lava lizards mating season.
August
· Frigatebird chicks are hatching.
· Sea lions give birth during this time.
September
· Galapagos penguins courtship
· A good month to see baby sea lions.
October
· Blue-footed booby chicks can be seen.
· Galapagos fur sea lions' mating season.
November
· Chance of seeing whale sharks
· Green sea turtle mating season starts.
· Great for swimming and snorkeling with baby sea lions.
December
· Start of the warmer season.
A trip to the Galapagos Islands to get up close to extraordinary wildlife in one of the world's remaining pristine environments is on many nature lovers' travel bucket lists. For many, it's not just a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but life changing.
Start your Trip!

Sunday 12 February 2017

Celebrate Music and Modern Architecture in Hamburg


The landmark, modernist Elbphilharmonie, designed by 'starchitects' Herzog & deMeuron, has opened its doors at last this month. The complex adds three world-class concert halls, a hotel, and a public area with a panoramic view to the city famously associated with the music of Mahler, Brahms and the Beatles.

Hamburg is Europe's second largest port.  It handles large, ocean-going ships, so it's considered a seaport, even though it's nearly 70 miles (110 km) inland from the North Sea on the Elbe River at its confluence with 2 other rivers.
The Elbphilharmonie is in a unique location in Hamburg’s historic port.  It's part of Europe’s largest inner-city urban revitalization project, in direct proximity to the Speicherstadt warehouse district UNESCO World Heritage site. 
In location, in design, and in function, the Elbphilharmonie serves as a symbol of the city’s past, present and its future.

Spectacular Architecture

The renowned Swiss architecture firm Herzog & deMeuron designed the exciting structure to perch on top of a brick warehouse that used to store tea, tobacco and cocoa arriving from abroad. 1700 reinforced concrete piles support the modernist, glass structure, whose wave-like roofline rises above the water of the port that surrounds it on three sides.
The Plaza is the area that links the warehouse and the new structure, and it's the central meeting place in the Elbphilharmonie. There's a viewing platform here that's open to the public. Even getting to it is an experience: an 82-metre-long (over 250 foot-long) curved escalator transports visitors through the building. Once you get there, you have a stunning panoramic view over the city and port of Hamburg.

The heart of the Elbphilharmonie is the spectacular, Grand Concert Hall. 2,100 seats are arranged around a centrally located stage, designed to remind you of visits to terraced vineyards. Amazingly, no member of the audience is seated more than 30 metres (about a hundred feet) from the conductor. Being so unusually close to the action turns this new acoustic space into a place of unforgettable musical encounters.
In order to achieve optimum acoustics, the architects developed a special wall and roof structure together with internationally renowned acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota. 10,000 individually shaped fibre panels cut with millimetre precision ensure targeted sound distribution that reaches you in every corner. For the Grand Hall, the German organ builder Klais developed an extraordinary concert hall organ with 4,765 pipes that are located in, next to and even behind the audience stands.

A Boundless Music Experience

In addition to the one-of-a-kind Grand Hall, the complex includes the acoustically outstanding, wood paneled Recital Hall and The 'Kaistudios', the Elbphilharmonie’s interactive music education area for people of all ages. The 'Kaistudios' are also home to the new 'Elbphilharmonie World of Instruments': diverse workshops in which children and adults can try out instruments from all over the world.
Are you thinking this all sounds fantastic, but you really aren't a fan of classical music? Don't fear: there's a line up of concerts and performances that not only include orchestral and operatic performances with the best orchestras in the world; piano, string quartet and German 'lieder'; but also world music, popular, and even electronic music.   Music for every fan, and a reflection of a city that not only supported famous composers, but also has had a world-celebrated club scene since the earliest days of the Fab Four.
They call it 'a perfect symbiosis of architecture and music'.  We agree.  The new Elbphilharmonie highlights Hamburg on the map of must-see global destinations for lovers of music and celebrated modern design.

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Sunday 5 February 2017

Shades of Northern Ireland

Shades of Northern Ireland



1. Northern Ireland completes the story of Ireland. Not visiting 'The North' is a bit like deciding to skip the season finale of your favourite TV show. 
2. It is the most beautiful part of the Emerald Isle. 
3. By visiting Northern Ireland we are actively supporting 18 years of peace. Tourism is one of the most important drivers of Northern Ireland's economic growth, and steady tourism is necessary to provide continued economic, social and political stability. 
 4. It's home to the Giant's Causeway, The Glens of Antrim, Game of Thrones, the Walled City of Derry (my favourite city – forget Dublin!), Liam Neeson, Titanic, St. Patrick, the Ejector Seat and the Delorean, C.S. Lewis, HARP, Bushmills whiskey, Air Conditioning, Rory Mcllroy, and the penalty kick!  
5. Our passengers are 'living history' when they visit Northern Ireland. Thirty or forty years ago, you'd be considered quite a daredevil if you went to Northern Ireland. Consider Northern Ireland somewhat similar to the unveiling of the 'Iron Curtain' after the collapse of the Soviet Union. American tourists flocked to catch a glimpse of the 'forbidden' cities of Prague, East Berlin, Budapest and St Petersburg. For many, a visit to Northern Ireland has this same sense of 'peaking behind the curtain' of a once off-limits destination now open – and safe – to explore. 
6. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, Northern Ireland is proof that good triumphs over evil, tolerance over prejudice, and love over hate.
Diana Ditto, one of Collette's Product Managers, has been travelling all her life. You can find her seeking out the best of Ireland, Scotland, England and beyond. If you see her out on the road be sure to say hello and raise a glass of Guiness.  Blog copy used with permission from Collette.

Monday 30 January 2017

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!  2017 is ramping up to be an exciting year of travel. So we thought we'd share stories about the hottest travel trends that are going to impact where - and how - you travel in the coming months and even years. What do we see in our crystal ball/ champagne glass?  
Whether you're planning family, 'bleisure' (business/leisure), solo, romantic or couple travels, gal or pal getaways, from the uber luxurious to the economical, 2017 travel will be all about:
  • Wellness and Adventure: Getting outdoors and being active, returning more healthy than when you left, doing something other than pounding pavement or cobblestones every day...  visitors have more and more new, healthy and adventurous (not necessarily dangerous!) ways to experience destinations.
  • Cuba: Travel to Cuba has changed forever now that relations with the US are normalizing. If you haven't already been, there are even more ways to explore one of the world's last restricted travel areas.
  • New Cruise Ships: Ocean or river, luxury or expedition, new cruise ships, with itineraries, designs, amenities, activities and celebrity entertainment or culinary partnerships that battle to outdo each other just keep on coming!  What WILL they do next on a ship? We'll keep you abreast of all the latest developments. If you're one of the last few people who still thinks cruising is about 'blue hair and buffets', you should take a look at the latest generation of cruise ships... and passengers.  There really is a cruise out there for every traveler.
  • Celebrations: Canada commemorates its 150th birthday in 2017, and it's also riding a wave at the top of nearly every 'best place to travel' list.  Did you know as many Americans travel to Canada every year as go to all of Europe?  And with the dollar and other considerations, it's never been a better year for vacationing close to home.  So throughout 2017, we're going to share some of our favorite stories about Canada to inspire your travels. 
  • Local and authentic: Local food, local artisans... everyone is looking for authentic, local production, creation, and consumption. There's a global awareness that we're all looking to be more connected with each other and the items we consume.  Products with provenance and people with passion and rejuvenated cities and neighbourhoods.  There's more and more of it out there to discover.
  • Connecting: Staying connected with those at home, and connecting with the people, Nature, and wildlife where you're traveling.
  • Customization:  It's never been easier to work with a travel expert to craft a trip of your dreams.  In the past, it may have been harder to tweak a trip to get exactly what you want, but a new age of crafting travel itineraries is upon us, at every price point.  If you're just saying 'yes' and dropping down your credit card, you're missing out.
We want to inspire your travel imagination in 2017... and then make those dreams come true!
Safe and memorable travels in 2017!

Thursday 5 January 2017

A Wee Dram in Aberdeen: Consider a Visit to these Distilleries

  • Strathisla Distillery

Seafield Avenue, Keith, Banffshire
With its distinctive pagodas, cobbled courtyard and picturesque buildings, Strathisla Distillery is arguably the most beautiful distillery in Scotland. Founded in 1786, it is also the oldest operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands.
  • The Glenfiddich Distillery

Dufftown, Moray
World famous working distillery. On Christmas Day in 1887, William Grant watched proudly as the first spirit ran from the stills at Glenfiddich Distillery. Five generations later the distillery is still owned and managed by the Grant family. Glenfiddich is unique in the fact that it is the only Highland Single Malt that is distilled, matured and bottled at its own distillery.
  • Balvenie Distillery

Dufftown
The Balvenie is unlike all other single malt Scotch whiskies, thanks to a unique combination of human craft and natural alchemy. Neither the craft nor nature’s mysteries have changed in over a century. A visit to the distillery in Speyside, Scotland, brings this all to life.
  • Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre

Craigellachie, Aberlour, Banffshire
No visit to Speyside would be complete without a visit to the Speyside Cooperage, the only cooperage in Britain with a Visitor Centre. Here you can watch the coopers make and repair the barrels for the whisky industry.
  • Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Crathie, Ballater, Aberdeenshire
Royal Lochnagar distillery is situated on the south side of the River Dee close to Balmoral Castle. Age old traditions and craftsmanship produce one of Scotland's most exclusive whiskies. A visit to Royal Lochnagar is a timeless experience. Visitors can see distillers tending to the traditional mash-tun and gleaming copper stills. At the tour end, a complimentary dram will confirm that Royal Lochnagar is a malt whisky worthy of the "Royal" prefix to its name.

Sunday 1 January 2017

Five myths about travel Consultants


by Everett Potter, Special for USA TODAY
Mention the phrase "travel agent" to many travelers, regardless of age, and they can't imagine why they would ever use one. It's easier and faster than ever to book a hotel, airline ticket or car rental online, and there are user reviews everywhere, so why would anyone need an agent? We found out when we looked at some of the myths about how they work.
1. I can easily book the same trip on my own without using a travel agent.
Sure, you can book a trip yourself, but it may not be the same trip that you'd get through a travel agent.
"If they book it themselves, they're just a credit card number" to a travel supplier, says Anne Morgan Scully, president of McCabe World Travel, a Virtuoso agency in McLean, Va. "I make a point of knowing the general manager of the hotel where they might be staying and I usually call the GM the night before one of my clients arrives and see if they might be upgraded. If they book with a good agent, they're known on arrival."
 Agents are especially useful on specialized trips, whether it's a honeymoon, a cruise or an adventure travel vacation.

"Anyone can book a hotel room and a rental car but I sell romantic trips and adventure travel to Africa," says Jonathan Haraty of Jon's Dive & Travel Services in East Longmeadow, Mass., a Tripology agency. "Do you want to take a chance on booking your own hotel or safari camp in Africa? Will someone be there to pick you up in the airport in Nairobi? I know people who've been stranded when they arrive. That's one reason you need an agent."
"They can read all of the hotel and resort reviews on the Web that they want," he says. "But will they really be happy at an all-inclusive resort? Do they plan to go out every night? What kind of room do they really want? The answers aren't readily available on the internet."
"It's simply knowing who to call," says Scully.
And when you're stranded because of a canceled or delayed flight, there's nothing like e-mailing or texting your travel agent to get you on another flight. They can often do it much faster than the airline.
2. I can get cheaper prices online than I can when booking through a travel agent.
"You could be correct," Scully demurs, "But it's not what you pay walking in the door, it's what you pay when you leave."
She's referring to the upgrades that a good agent can get for a client, upgrades based on a relationship with a hotel, a cruise line or a tour operator. Agents who send clients to the same properties get to know the staff. The hotels and cruise lines, for example, want repeat business, and might reward the agent's clients with perks like a room or cabin upgrade or a bottle of champagne. It could be complimentary breakfast during a stay or even a spa credit. These are much more than niceties. The value can add up quickly when the hotel in question is charging $25 or much more per person for breakfast or hundreds of dollars more per night for a larger room category. Scully says that even if a client finds a good price at hotel, she can often make a call and get a perk or two thrown in to sweeten the deal.
3. Travel agents steer you to hotels or cruise lines where they get a higher commission.
Not true, says Scully, who says that "we wouldn't keep our clients if we did that."
Instead, she plays what she calls "The Match Game," developing a relationship with a client and learning what their tastes are.
"I could be getting a huge commission from some cruise line but if the client isn't a fit, it doesn't make sense," she says. "It's all about finding the perfect match."
4. Travel agents charge surcharges and fees on top of the price.
Some certainly do. Travel agents get paid on commission by hotels, airlines and resorts, but many more are charging fees on top of that because of their time. Putting together an itinerary, particularly one involving a complicated trip, like a safari, or booking multiple tickets and transfers for an extended family vacation, is a lot of work. Charging a fee is a bit of insurance for all of the time and effort put into creating an itinerary in the event that a client ends up canceling.
"You could spend three weeks creating an itinerary and then a client could take it and shop it around for the lowest price," says Haraty. "When I plan a trip to Africa, it could be 100 e-mails back and forth, multiple phone calls, and two months before its finalized."
That said, everyone handles fees differently. Some agencies charge fees up front and then drop the fees when the client actually books.
5. All travel agents are the same.
"Absolutely not," says Scully. "It's like picking a lawyer, doctor or dentist. They need to be right for you and certified by the right organizations. I think people have to realize we are counselors and concierges and lifestyle planners. People should choose a travel planner the way they choose a financial planner."