Where to go is the big question to answer. However, Mediterranean is one place that must be included in your list since it got a lot of fancy and wonderful sites. Besides, it offers fantastic things to do.

• Cycle the tour de France. Even though this route are for professionals, there is no stopping you to experience the route and with supervision.
• The Abruzzo Ski. Italy’s Abruzzo region will give an amazing skiing experience.
• Hiking in Atlas.  Stunning sceneries paired with culture adventure.
• Slovenia’s waters. Superb Julian Alps in Slovenia’s emerald green waters that will give mesmerizing view.

Indeed, Mediterranean sites are wonderful and explicitly beautiful. Hence, it will not bore you out all throughout the trip.

Even discounting the gorgeous beaches, the snow-capped mountains, and the dense forests, Canada has a lot going for it. The cities are vibrant, with great restaurants and a fantastic nightlife, and you of course have the Rockies and the breath-taking Niagara Falls.

But forget all that – everyone knows those things. Boring! If you want something memorable, something special to talk about in the future, you’ll want to visit somewhere unique. Somewhere like one of the following suggestions:

Experience the Chill of the Diefenbunker

In Ottawa you can find the Diefenbunker, the only Cold War museum in Canada. With a number of fantastic exhibitions and attractions, you can learn all about the nuclear apocalypse that the Cold War was only one step away from.

The bunker was built as a failsafe, just in case the worst happened and the Russians attacked Canada. It was to protect the Canadian government from the nuclear blasts, and is now a National Historic Site, where you’ll be able to watch a documentary about the time, visit the emergency broadcast studio and step inside the war room for a fascinating insight.

Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before

Okay, so many people clearly have been here before, but the sentiment is there – in the small Canadian town of Vulcan you will come across the Vulcan Tourism and Trek Station. Constructed in 1998, the Museum pays looks like a hovering spaceship, paying homage to the fact that the town shares its name with the planet from Star Trek.

With space murals stretching from the floor to the ceiling, you’ll feel like you’re really voyaging through outer space, and you can even check out the memorabilia and pose in costume on the Green Screen. Don’t worry, you can’t miss Vulcan – it’s the town with the replica USS Enterprise outside!

Do You Think He Saw Us?

Head out into the scarily named Alberta Badlands for some adventure, but keep your wits about you – it is home to the world’s largest dinosaur! This Tyrannosaurus Rex lives up to its name (meaning “King of the Tyrant Lizards”), standing at a whopping 26 metres tall!

Made of fiberglass and steel, you can visit it for free, but if you want a more interesting time you should pay a small fee and walk up the dino! There are more than one hundred steps leading up to the mouth of the T. Rex, the walls lined with prehistoric bones and fossils.

Once you’ve had your fill of the toothy view, head down to the Royal Tyrrell Museum – dedicated to palaeontology, the museum is stuffed to the rafters with more than 40 dinosaur skeletons! If you’re looking to get around, book a rental car from AutoEurope.ca to find the best deals on car rentals.

There’s always lots to discover and enjoy wherever you go in Egypt, and the beautiful resort of Sharm El Sheik is no exception. The opportunities its white sandy beaches offer for swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling and other water sports are justly famed, but there’s far more to the resort than that.

You’re spoilt for choice as to where to stay- many major hotel chains run five star establishments in Sharm, the classiest of which may be the 5 star Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh hotel. With its 471 rooms, 12 restaurants, outdoor pools, a water sports centre, kids’ club and even its own shop- Souk at the Hyatt, complete with authentic Bedouin entertainment- it’s tempting to say that you could probably have a great time in Egypt without ever leaving the hotel! But if you did, you’d be missing out on so much else.

Many of the Sinai Peninsula’s major religious and historic landmarks lie close at hand, along with coral reefs and the Ras Mohammed nature reserve. Sharm’s nightlife is also legendary, and available leisure activities range from golf to camel riding. And, of course, there are the town’s shopping facilities, which let you to combine retail therapy with seeking out those all-important gifts for the folks back home and a chance to encounter the local culture- foremost among them, the town’s Old Market.

Sharm El Sheikh has four main shopping areas- Naama Bay, IlMercato, SOHO Square and the Old Market. And it’s the Old Market that’s usually rated as the best- unlike Il Mercato and SOHO Square it hasn’t become too corporatised, while the hassle of the hard sell, though inevitable, isn’t as excessive and as wearing as it can be in Naama Bay.

The Old Market is in easy reach of the Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh. A series of shops, narrow streets and alleyways filled with kiosk outlets, it offers plenty to look at, but you can get around the whole place in about an hour. Painted papyruses, jewellery, vases and water pipes are always popular, as are rugs, silk shawls, perfumes and leather goods. It’s also the place where many of the town’s fish stores are based, so if you enjoy seafood you’ve come to the right place. If it’s your first time there, it can come as a bit of a culture shock, but keeping a few simple tips in mind will reduce the stress and make shopping in the Old Market a fun and memorable experience.

The first and most important thing is to haggle. Don’t be shy about doing this, as it’s standard practice- if anything, shopkeepers are likely to be offended if you don’t! As a general rule of thumb, if a shopkeeper’s asking for 100 LE (Egyptian pounds) for something, you shouldn’t be paying more than 30 or 40 LE.

Sales tactics include asking you to sign their guest book, translate a letter from a relative or write a postcard in English- all ploys to get you in the shop. Just say ‘no thank you’, or ‘la shocran’, and keep walking. Again, you’re unlikely to cause offence- you’re just showing you understand their sales tactics.

In the very, very rare instances the hassle gets extreme, threatening to phone the tourist police is usually enough to deter the most persistent sellers.

So there you have it. Sharm El Sheikh and the charms of the Old Market await you. Happy haggling!

]]> http://www.viva-trips.com/2013/06/a-souvenir-hunters-guide-to-sharm-el-sheiks-old-market/feed/ 0 http://www.viva-trips.com/2013/06/no-time-for-tea-active-activities-to-pursue-in-london/ http://www.viva-trips.com/2013/06/no-time-for-tea-active-activities-to-pursue-in-london/#comments Sat, 15 Jun 2013 02:32:14 +0000 admin http://www.viva-trips.com/?p=1431 London is the cultural centre of England and you will find no shortage of historic buildings and art galleries to visit here. London is also great for exercise and outdoor activities and you will soon discover that getting to and from the different sites in the city will be an event all in itself.

Walking

Taking one of London’s iconic red double-decker buses to get around the different attractions is something of a given for people who visit the city, but your feet can serve you equally as well. There are two ways to walk between the sites in London; one is to pick up a self guided walking tour map that will get you from Westminster Abbey right through to St. Pauls Cathedral and the various palaces.

The alternative is to take one of the many guided walking tours such as the Harry Potter walk, the Beatles walk or the London pub walk through the London Walks company. Another option is the Jack the Ripper tour offered by the Jack the Ripper Walk Company.

Dance

As a multicultural country, the capital of England has a multitude of different dance venues that cater for those looking to learn anything from Indian Bhangra to Salsa, while indie rock is pumping out of clubs throughout most of the week.

Dancing is a great way to stay fit and healthy, and while it may not seem very exhausting, ballroom dancing can in fact help you burn more than 200 calories an hour – imagine how much you’ll burn dancing in your favourite club! For a list of the best clubs of the moment in London check the city guides in your hotel such as TimeOut London.

Bicycle

If navigating the bustling streets of London on foot seems a daunting prospect, visitors to the city can instead choose to cycle. You can go about this in two different ways, either by renting a bike yourself or sign on for a bike tour around the city. Tours with the London Bicycle Tour Company include night tours, West-End tours of the famous sites such as Big Ben and Hyde Park and an Olympic tour which stops at the 2012 Olympic venues.

Cycling around the sites is a great way to explore London while exercising at the same time. London’s city centre is home to many royal parks which are enormous sites that you can cycle around in your own time, while enjoying the peaceful ambience away from the city. Picking up the bicycle itself is inexpensive, much the same as the cheapflights you can get to fly to London.

Olympic Park

The 2012 Olympics has had a great impact on sport in London giving it a massive boost. The various sites and stadia are now open for the public meaning you can have a look around or watch another sporting event. If you are interested in taking part yourself, have a look at London2012.com venues page for information about upcoming events and public openings, so you have a chance to take part or at the very least watch the sport you’re passionate about.

• Talcum Powder.Never forget to stuff in your bag the talcum powder. It is a drying agent that has a pleasing scent which is perfect during summer getaway.
• Sunglasses.Bring dark shade sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun as you get to view the wonderful sceneries in the place.
• Shorts, Flip Flops and Shoes. To comfortably roam around the city, wear a comfortable getup such as shorts paired with flip flops or shoes.

Having all the essentials will make the getaway hassle-free and truly enjoyable. Happy trip!

Melbourne

Cyclists regularly travel the city streets for commuting, recreation or sport. Melbourne’s mild climate combined with level topography make the location the perfect cycling environment. Bikes share the road with cars along specially designated lanes provided on many streets. Other avenues have a complex network of attractive off-road paths frequented by cyclists and pedestrians. The extensive roads available to cyclists span from the city centre to approximately 10 kilometres away. The railway network additionally allows cyclists to take bikes aboard the train.

Adelaide

The variety of terrain found in the city of Adelaide presents a cycling challenge, but also offers some scenic rides. The city estimates that approximately 8,000 residents commute to work by bike daily. Adelaide additionally offers free bike hire services as a means of encouraging health and fitness. Five paths meander in and around the metro area via tranquil back streets, along disused rail lines and mirroring expressways. The picturesque River Torrens Linear Park path takes cyclists out of the hills, through the city and to West Beach. The outlying areas of Adelaide also provides various paths that venture into wine country, through woodlands and up to Mt. Torrens.

Brisbane

The eastern coastal metropolis covers over 300 square kilometres. The city features more than 1,200 kilometres of bikeways and paths snaking throughout the area. A particularly interesting pathway traverses along the Brisbane River called the Riverwalk. Portions of the cycling/pedestrian friendly region include the Story Bridge, which extends onto the river and briefly follows the shoreline before returning to dry land. The city offers bike maps illustrating the various bike lanes, paths, bike hires and shelters situated in the various city districts, which makes Brisbane an extremely cycling friendly community.

Perth

The western Australia metropolis remains one of the most cycling friendly cities in the country. Perth created the Bike to Work Challenge in attempts at boosting bikes for transportation. Main roads offer exclusive bike lanes and the inner city roadways and train lines feature parallel cycling paths. The complex network of lanes, paths and trails rivals vehicle or train access and allows commuters to venture anywhere in Perth while riding a bike. The heat of the day during summer may pose a problem for cycling commuters making it necessary to carry water and wear sunscreen.

Sydney

The Sydney City Council developed the Cycle Strategy and Action Plan that proposed a convenient, safe and sustainable cycling network spanning 200 kilometres. Approximately 55 kilometres represent separated pathways. The majority of this project saw completion and construction continues. The cycling interests of community residents helped spawn the idea and 84 percent of the Sydney population surveyed deems a decent cycling network important to the city. While the many kilometres of road and off-road lanes make the city more easily bike navigable, the hilly terrain continues offering a challenge.

Among these Australian cities, Brisbane is possibly the most bike-friendly cities in the country. Brisbane also offers lots of other tourist-friendly services such as cheap backpacker accommodation, bike hire and foreign exchange in Brisbane CBD and the suburbs.

Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, Brazil

Remember to bring cash because this remote cove is ATM free and only accessible on foot or bike. You will be walking or biking 7.5 kilometres if you take the shortcut, but it’s well worth the effort for even a glimpse of this paradise. Go for a swim in the crystal clear water before visiting the vendor on the beach selling local delicacies. The small village nearby provides the perfect location for a late afternoon exploration, before you head back to the beach for another dip.

Renaca, Vina del Mar, Chile

Grab a drink from one of the many bars lining the sand and head down to Renaca, one of the most popular beaches in Vina del Mar. There’s even a money exchange office if you need to trade in the last of your Aussie dollars to fund your sampling of local food and cocktails. This beach is a mecca for young people, so be ready to meet new friends as you duck and dive through the azure water. The party really never ends at Renaca.

Almond Beach, Providencia, Colombia

If you’re looking for that last-people-on-earth, Leonardo-DiCaprio-in-The-Beach feeling, then head to Almond Beach. It’s a remote beauty where you can snorkel for hours, and then have lunch looking out over the water to San Catalina. It’s also one of the few beaches in Providencia where you can pitch a tent by the beach and stay for a while to take in the breathtaking views. Don’t worry about bringing your own food, as there is a lovely restaurant on site showcasing simple, authentic Colombian fare.

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Who could overlook the classic? Popularised in Barry Manilow’s 1978 song by the same name, Copacabana is home to dozens of bars, nightclubs, hotels and restaurants where you can shake off the sand and dance all night. Copacabana is the place to be for New Year’s Eve, or Reveillon as it’s called in Brazil, as partygoers don white clothing and prepare handmade boats loaded with offerings to please the goddess of water. New Year’s Eve at Copacabana is a riot of celebration and music no to be missed.

Playa El Yaque, Margarita Island, Venezuela

Internationally known as one of the best locations in the world for wind and kitesurfing, this is definitely the beach for watersport enthusiasts. Even if lying on the beach is more your speed, Playa El Yaque has something for everyone with its abundance of white sugar sand and easy to swim breakers. Grab your board and head to this beach for a sun-soaked afternoon you’ll never forget.

Since some of these beaches are well hidden gems, you’ll need an experienced operator to help you find your way. Visit http://www.myadventurestore.com/ and let them be your guide to the most amazing beaches in South America.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio has a vibe in a league of its own, with the legendary party scene on the Copacabana Beach a major tourist draw card. As a way to ring in the new year, Copacabana’s million strong beach party makes it one of the ultimate destinations in the world. The balmy January climate means swimwear is the outfit du jour, and icy cocktails are essential to keep cool. Locals and tourists mingle on the golden sands, and the atmosphere pumps day and night.

Goa, India

A Portugese colony until 1961, Goa’s culture retains a relaxed and laid back feel. The region is a popular holiday destination for western tourists, and is packed with lively nightclubs and bars. While a far cry from the crowds of Rio, Goa’s beach parties first gained notoriety in the sixties, with hippie travellers revelling in the freedom the area offered. These days their legacy lives on in sunset trance parties and psychedelic music. Anjuna beach in North Goa is an ideal location to experience the best of a bygone era.

Ibiza, Spain

This Mediterranean island has lengthy reputation as a party island, attracting northern Europeans in search of the sun. While it attracts partiers year round, it’s in the summer months that Ibiza really comes into its own, with the island’s population swelling to accommodate over 2 million visitors throughout the season. Nightly parties with drummers, fire twirlers and bonfires attract crowds and the pounding beat of music gets everyone in the mood for dancing until dawn.

KohPhangan, Thailand

Thailand either conjures images of temples, rainforests and spectacular scenery for a relaxing getaway, or the infamous Full Moon Party. A hedonistic mecca, Full Moon parties take place, as the name suggests, on the eve of every full moon, meaning that visitors who wish to take part in this experience aren’t locked into one date a year. Crowds of between 20 -30 000 people are attracted to each party, with drugs and alcohol a drawcard to the predominately youthful clientele.

Cancun, Mexico

This fantastic location has it all: gorgeous beaches, plentiful crowds, and a phenomenal atmosphere. If a truly electric feel is what you’re after, Cancun during the American Spring Break is the place to be. The already busy tourist town is full to the brim with partiers, and beachside concerts and events mean you’ll never be short of something to do.

Our best picks for beach partying can all be reached by booking your flights through www.studentflights.com.au – start clicking and you’ll be on your way to a brilliant beach holiday!

Photo Credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net

The Central European countries are popular destinations for road trips, and for a good reason. The roads are in great condition and the scenery is beautiful. The mountain roads in Switzerland, Germany and Austria are particularly scenic.

Road Trips in Switzerland

Switzerland’s small size makes it ideal for road trips, and the mountainous landscapes provide stunning scenery. It really looks like a postcard: snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes, meadows and wooden chalets. You only need to drive for a few minutes to get out of even the big cities, and you will find yourself driving through beautiful countryside. There are many panoramic routes for road trips, and most of them include some mountain views. The Swiss National Tourist Office has more information about the best places to visit in Switzerland.

When planning a road trip through Switzerland, it is important to stay informed about weather conditions. In the summer months, June to August, the weather is generally good in most areas. However if you are planning to drive over the high mountain passes in the spring or the autumn, check for snow warnings. There can still be snow on the passes in May, and the first snow might arrive in the high mountains in September.

Exploring Germany with a Car

Germany is many drivers’ favourite European country. Its highways take you to most places fast, but the most scenic routes are often on the smaller roads, so remember to leave the Autobahn sometimes. The Bavarian Alps are a beautiful area to drive through; there are mountains, forests, lakes and castles. There are also many interesting cities to visit in Germany, especially if you like history, culture and architecture, such as Berlin, Munich, Leipzig and Frankfurt.

If you are flying from the UK to Germany, airports are the most convenient places for hiring a car. All the major European car hire companies, including Alamo, have offices in Germany.

Driving Trips in Austria

Austria is another popular road trip destination. The Glossglockner High Alpine Road is one of the most popular scenic trips in Austria. It is a short drive that can easily be incorporated into a longer driving tour, and it is famous for its mountain scenery.

The Romantic Road in Austria is a scenic 380-km journey, and it is highly popular with visitors. This road passes mountains, lakes, castles, small villages and towns, and there are places to stay from bed-and-breakfast style accommodation to comfortable hotels. The Austrian Tourism Office has suggestions for driving in Austria

A valid European driving license is essential when driving in Central Europe. A license issued in any European Union member country is accepted in all other EU countries and also in Switzerland. Make sure you understand local traffic rules before starting your road trip.

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