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Wednesday 28 December 2011

Dubai - the land of the future

Dubai is a thriving metropolis, a point where east meets west, tradition meets modern living. It really is a unique place and feels like the centre of the world.
There is so much going on in Dubai, it is hard to comprehend. Construction is underway all over the show, and the results are quite spectacular. There are also many unique wonders in Dubai, the tallest building in the world, manmade islands in the ocean, 6 star hotels and ski slopes in the desert to name but a few.
The weather in Dubai is also somewhat uncharacteristic for most tourists, it is really hot and really humid, unbearably so in and around the summer months. A lot of time is spent indoors and air conditioning is a must.
Visiting Dubai is like a glimpse into the future, a testament of the ability man has to create and shape the world we live in. Previous impossibilities are realities here. Be prepared to be amazed.

How to get to Dubai
Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines operates out of Dubai, most Emirates flights connect in Dubai and packages are available for stopovers to visit this great city

Where to stay in Dubai
Through Emirates you can pre-book accommodation in many of Dubai's top hotels. This includes your visa and transport to and from the airport.

How to get around Dubai
Taxi's in Dubai are extremely cheap due to the oil price. Although you may have to wait in queues due to the demand (look to wait at Taxi stops where air conditioning is available).

Must do activities in Dubai
Take a day trip into the desert with one of many operators for an experience of desert life.
Take a tour of the city. Tour buses run frequently, alternatively catch a taxi and ask for a tour, this will work out cheaper and the taxi drivers are quite knowledgeable.
Visit the mall of the Emirates, the largest shopping centre in the world.

More information on Dubai

Monday 26 December 2011

Ios - Party like its 2008


Ios is the quintessential party island. Leave your room before 15:00 and you will find the place deserted. People sleep late and stay up later. Heck, clubs in Ios only open at 02:00.
The main town of Chora is wall to wall restaurants, bars and clubs. The town was built as a maze I’m told, and come 22:00 the narrow streets are crowded with holiday makers (predominantly rowdy youngsters). If it’s a party you are looking for, look no further, this little town has it all. The layout is very conducive of mingling, with most establishments not charging a cover fee, the streets bustling with activity and the distance between venues almost negligible, add to this little concoction alcohol (in copious quantities) and the general laid-back, friendly attitudes that most holiday makers bring to Ios and you have the successful formula for a great party, and a rough morning (or afternoon) after.
Ios however is not all about the Party (as is the case with most islands), there are also spectacular beaches on the Aegean sea, where the body beautiful frolic during the day. For holiday makers who  want to have some fun, Ios is among the finest destinations the world has to offer.

How to get to Ios
Ferry is the preferred means of travel when it comes to the Greek islands. Catch a ferry from Piraeus port in Athens, or from any of the other Greek islands (you may have to transfer).

Where to stay in Ios
There are many apartments, pensions and backpackers available. For peace of mind, book in advance online. Alternatively,  simply hop off the Ferry and get swamped by competing establishments. Remember to haggle!
Francesco's in Choras is a great place with a great vibe!

Most companies offer a free pickup and drop off services from the port, so no need to worry about getting to your accommodation.

How to get around Ios
Scooter is the generally accepted method of transport, although almost everything is within walking distance.

Must do activities in Ios
Definitely go to the beach! Don't get overly absorbed in the party, this is an island in paradise after all.
Francesco's in Choras is the place to be in the early evening for drinks to kick start the night out.
Choras after 22:00 ... just float around, everything is right there!

More information about Ios

Pictures of Ios
Ios main beach from above


Yachts in the Aegean sea surround Ios

Durban North Coast Vibes


Although growing rapidly, Durban north coast is still very seasonal. Quiet in the winters and teaming with life during the peak holiday seasons in Summer.There are many beautiful coastal towns along the coast from which to choose, below is a brief description of some of the major ones.

Umhlanga Rocks
Umhlanga has transformed from a quiet little seaside town north of Durban, into the top holiday destination on the North Coast. Huge hotels line the seafront and the newly built Gateway shopping centre brings up the rear of the town. Development is rife as the town snowballs.
The general vibe in Umhlanga is hectic with loads of people and lots to do. The main beach took a knock from the 50 year swell which recently hit the east coast of South Africa, and it is a shadow of its former self. Still it is a great place to be seen, and probably the busiest beach on the North Coast. Umhlanga is also the priciest of the North Coast towns especially when it comes to accommodation. This is definitely the place to be if you want to party ... not so if you are keen to just get away from it all.

Ballito Bay
Ballito is quickly following in Umhlanga's footsteps as development booms. It is however not so compact, and with two main beaches affords visitors a little more privacy. Ballito's layout is also more spacious with less skyscrapers and more apartments. This is my favourite town in the North Coast, It affords the convenience of being in a big town (shops, restaurants, bars, clubs etc) with the privacy of a small town. The main beaches of Willard and Thompsons are also some of the nicest beaches on the North Coast.

Umdloti
Umdloti is a great town to kick back and relax. It is made up mainly of houses, and most of the people who holiday there are regulars. There is more of a community vibe. The beach is nice and the break is great for surfing. The town does lack some amenities, but with Umhlanga just down the road, there is nothing you can get if you are prepared to drive a short way.

Zinkwazi
Zinkwazi is remote, over an hours drive from Durban central, it is the perfect place to get away, do nothing and relax. It is a very small scale town, with very few amenities. Self-catering is a must.

Glenashley 
Glenashley is a small residential suburb in Durban North. Though predominantly inhabited by locals, the town does cater for the relaxed holiday maker. 


How to get to Durban
Flights are available into Durban from all major airports in South Africa with airlines such as SAA, Kulula.com, 1time and Mango.
Durban is also within driving distance of South Africa's main airport - Oliver Tambo in Johannesburg. Driving from Cape Town is not recommended unless you want to see the Country.

Where to stay in Durban
Being coastal towns, there are many hotels, apartments and B&Bs for rent. In the off season accommodation won’t be a problem, but book well in advance for the high season from December - January.
Please check the resources below for accommodation options.

How to get around Durban
Most of the towns are small enough to get around by foot. Cars are advisable however for longer commutes as public transport isn't great.

Durban Nightlife
While most of the above mentioned towns sport their own bars (and even small clubs), the major town nightlife can be found on Florida Road in Durban centre. This road is packed with restaurants, bars and clubs and is sure to cater for each and every need. Do be sure to have a designated driver though, as Kwazulu Natal has a strict zero tolerance on drinking and driving.

Must do activities in Durban
Durban - Visit uShaka marine world in Durban central.
Durban - Watch the surfing at New Pier, a local break which some of the worlds top surfers call home.
Umhlanga - Visit Gateway shopping centre.
Umhlanga - The first week of December is  one of the most popular matric holiday destinations in South Africa.
Ballito - Chill out on Thompsons beach - best during low tide where you can wade out far into the ocean.
Ballito - The New Years Eve street party in Ballito is legendary.

More information about Durban

Lanzarote - the lively island


The Canary Islands are a small group of volcanic islands in the Atlantic ocean just off the west coast of Morocco. Although closer to Africa, they belong to Spain. The currency is the euro and the main language is Spanish, although due to the huge tourism industry, English, French and German are also common.
Lanzarote is the perfect holiday island (hence it’s huge popularity). The weather is great year round, with hot summers and mild winters. The constrast of the island is quite amazing. Enter the holiday towns of Costa Teguise, Peurto del Carmen or Playa Blanca and you will be in tourist heaven. These towns are built specifically to cater for the influx of tourists, with restaurants, bars and clubs to boot. There are beautiful beaches (especially Papagayo in Playa Blanca) and plenty to do. Costa Teguise is especially synonimous with wind surfing and Puerto del Carmen with scuba diving.
The true heart of Lanzarote however lies outside the typical tourist towns.
Famara in the North West is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with a spectacular mountain backdrop, it also happens to revolve around surfing. There are numerous surf schools in Famara, and finding a local who doesn’t surf takes some doing. It is definitely my favourite part of the island and a must visit.
La Santa just north of Famara is also surf mad with one of the meanest breaks in Lanzarote known as “The slab”. The quiet town is also home to a world famous fitness centre where locals will brag Brad Pitt acquired his buff body prior to his latest movie roles.
Puerto Calero has a small marina which often plays host to yachting races and deep sea fishing competitions. Watch the races from the shore or dabble in some deep sea fishing of your own on board one of the local boats.
Lanzarote also hosts the Ironman triathalon in the middle of the year, where some of the world’s finest athletes compete. A must for all fitness fanatics.
The Canary islands and Lanzarote in particular are also famous for their carnivals, with villages hosting parties throughout the year. The Spanish really know how to party, prepare yourself for a rough day after should you indulge in the festivities.
Getting off the beaten track and mingling with the locals is a must in Lanzarote, lest you find yourself in just another tourist trap.

How to get to Lanzarote
There are many charter flights available from Europe (mainly UK) with such airlines as Easyjet, Ryanair and Spanair (there are numerous more). Iberia also offer a flight from Madrid to Lanzarote.
The flight time from UK is around 3-4 hours. From Madrid the flight time is approximately 2 hours.

Where to stay in Lanzarote
There are numerous hotels and apartments for rent in the major tourist cities of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.I highly recommend staying in one of the smaller, less tourist driving towns. We stayed in Tabayesco, a small village in the North of Lanzarote. It was beautiful and relaxing. For more information visit http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187477-d1978371-Reviews-Casitas_Tabayesco-Lanzarote_Canary_Islands.html
Accommodation is also a lot cheaper than the coastal towns of the Mediterranean area.

How to get around the island of Lanzarote
Although existent, public transport is not ideal in Lanzarote. Hiring of a car is a necessity if you wish to see the island. Alternatively you can set up camp in one of the holiday towns and relax, all necessary amenities are within walking distance.

Must do activities in Lanzarote
Famara beach - take a surf lesson or rent a board and jump into the deep end. Marvel and the beautiful mountain setting from the surf backline.
Papagayo beach - rub shoulders with the rich and famous on this tiny picturesque beach.
Carnival - the main carnival is in February ... try get there for a week of mayhem.
Dolores - celebrate the Dolores  carnival held in the centre of the island in September.
Playa Chica, Puerto del Carmen - learn to scuba dive in a sheltered bay teaming with fish.
Peurto Calero - go deep sea fishing on board one of the local boats.
Nazaret - wine, dine and party at Lagomar , a great venue built into the side of a mountain.

More information on Lanzarote
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanzarote

Pictures of Lanzarote
Famara beach with mountain backdrop
Sea view from Tabayesco Village
Peurto del Carmen beach