All Posts in "Travel Tips"

Discover South America with a Cruise Holiday

If you are searching for cruise holidays that supply culture, natural attractions, and adventure then visiting South America could be to suit your needs. And with a Holland America Line cruise, you can select the itinerary that fits the needs you have to ensure that you have a wonderful experience when you journey around South America.

With options to stop off at some of the continent’s most vibrant cities, including Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, and also the possibility to see some unique wildlife in locations just like the Galapagos Islands, you’re sure to find something takes your fancy.

There may also be a good amount of cruise deals on offer to be sure that your perfect South American journey will not break the bank either.

If you would like to look at the continent for a spot of culture then Rio de Janeiro will be in your planned itinerary.

Boasting a few of the continent’s most famous landmarks – such as Christ the Redeemer – in addition to a host of museums, historic sights as well as the largest library in Latin America, it is possible to shell out hours exploring everything that town has to offer.

On the opposite hand, in case you prefer arising close with a few of the native wildlife, a cruise around the Galapagos Islands is a must. With a range of species that are not found elsewhere on the planet, you’ll be able to spot some truly unique creatures.

Keep your eyes peeled for that marine iguana which often chooses to use the sea for any swim, or cast up your eyes on the skies to find out some of the birds which are residents about the islands. Among them would be the frigate bird, which is easily identifiable by its red … READ MORE -->

Nicholas Rocha by — June 19, 2020 in Travel Tips
Outdoor Adventure Travel in Canada

When the snow starts to fall, outdoor adventure travel in Canada heats up. Instead of hiding indoors for half of the year, there’s a lot of activities in, on or underneath the snow. And with most winter adventures only a few hours from a serious city, adrenaline-junkies do not have to travel far to obtain their fix.

Take a review of some travel suggestions from my Scenic Travel Canada staff:

Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding – Skiing and snowboarding are high-speed thrills that will make downhillers want a lot of white stuff! Vancouver has Whistler; Calgary has Banff and Montreal has Mont Tremblant. And there are a good amount of local hills to brush through to techniques at the start of the season.

Ski season starts in mid-November and runs until May. The busiest, and a lot expensive, time with the ski resorts is approximately Christmas and springtime when families go to the hills in droves. But with new high-speed ski-lifts, queues on the hill tend to be shorter compared to lineups in the parking lots and restaurants. The best time to visit downhill skiing is mid-week in the event the lift-lines are non-existent and the runs are uncrowded.  Snowboarding will be as popular as skiing now makes up more than 1 / 2 of all downhillers. Hotel prices are usually cheaper mid-week.

Ask on the concierge desk if lift tickets can be purchased in advance, usually at a discount. Discount lift tickets are available at the beginning of the time of year and provide savings that last through the ski-season.  Cross-Country Skiing – Not all folks are as courageous (or crazy enough) to strap boards with their feet and hurtle down a mountain. For those who are downhill-challenged, try cross-country skiing instead. It’s like walking but only faster; just like … READ MORE -->

Nicholas Rocha by — April 7, 2020 in Travel Tips
Hampi Karnataka – City of Fascinating Ruins

Hampi Karnataka - City of Fascinating Ruins

Hampi is a city of interesting ruins from the 15th-century Vijyanagar Empire. The city has more than 500 historical monuments scattered around the hills and valleys of this place. This is one of the richest Karnataka cities in terms of heritage tourism. Carvings based on intricate themes from each monument this place has its own story to tell. This is a paradise for art patronage and an institution for art students. Amidst giant boulders and vegetation ruins of Hampi lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area. The remains of palaces, gateways and temples are examples of human imaginations that are crafted in stones. The majestic beauty, supreme sculpture and crafted legacies ranked these scattered ruins in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the well known historic attractions of this place are:

AchyutaRaya Temple:

It is among the supreme example of Vijaynagara Style architectures. It was built around 1534 AD to honor Lord Tiruvengalanatha, the incarnation of Lord Shiva. This temple is known for its beautiful tall attachments known as ‘Prakaras’. External and internal prakaras are known for their carved monumental towers known as the Gopurams. The large pillars inside the prakaras are famous for their stone carvings based on various themes. The sanctum sanctorum temple is located between two rectangular courtyards. The architectural supremacy of this page captivates the attention of visitors. The majesty of statues, stone carvings, intricate designs of this temple attracts many visitors to this place throughout the year.

Shri Vijaya Vittala Temple:

It is the most extravagant and grandiose structure of Hampi. This is the prime attraction of this place which is known for its sculptured beauty, intricate carving, carved design of floral motifs, dancing girls, horses, elephants, soldiers and many more. The main attraction is Maha-Mantapa which is superbly carved out … READ MORE -->

Nicholas Rocha by — January 26, 2020 in Travel Tips
New York City Travel Guide

New York City Travel Guide

New York is a city with various races and cultures, iconic images and a sense of togetherness. With yellow taxis, skyscrapers, steam vents, and great people, you won’t find another place like that in the world. In other words, New York has a unique personality and is a place that everyone must visit at least once in their lives. Whether you enjoy shopping, walking in Central Park, experiencing the money building on Wall Street or just relaxing while having lunch at one of the many city visitors, New York has something for everyone.

After you experience this amazing city, you will want to come back repeatedly, every time you find something new. You can experience all the main suburbs by foot, taxi or bus. From Little Italy to Brooklyn and Chinatown to Manhattan, there is so much to explore and explore.

Eating out is a separate experience, with thousands of restaurants you will be truly spoiled for choice. Favorites include Diner which is a converted dining car, Chat ‘n’ Chew where friends gather for an old ‘chin-wag’ that is good on a large Holy Cow burger or delicious macaroni cheese and not forgetting the New York Institute which is the 21 Club.

Manhattan

The oldest Manhattan of the five regions in New York City, Manhattan is the main commercial, financial and cultural center of the United States. Manhattan has many famous landmarks, attractions, museums and universities. The other four boroughs are the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island.

The Bronx

This is the only area located mainly on land. Although the Bronx is densely populated, about twenty-five percent of its territory is open space which includes the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden, Pelham Bay Park, Van Cortlandt Park, and the Woodlawn Cemetery.

Brooklyn

This is the most congested … READ MORE -->

Nicholas Rocha by — December 24, 2019 in Travel Tips