Travel Centre

Andalucia is probably one of Spain’s most varied areas with its mountainous regions leading down to the Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, Costa de Almeria and to the far west bordering Portugal, the beautiful Costa de la Luz. It is ideal for a holiday in winter as well as summer as there is skiing in the Sierra Nevada.

An Andalucia vacation has much to offer from its National Parks to a visit to Jerez for some sherry tasting. Also not to be missed are a day out to the wonderful city of Granada with its Alhambra Palace, Jaen or similarly Cordoba which also has much Moorish history.

The white towns (pueblos blancos) named because of the Moorish tradition of whitewashing the buildings are a glance back in time to traditional Spain. Towns such as Ronda, Gaucin and Jimena de la Frontera to name but a few.

Inland, rural Andalusia has three wonderful cities to explore, namely Cordoba, Granada and the capital of the region – Seville. In addition to these historic cities with their Moorish past, there are many traditional and picturesque whitewashed villages to visit, as well as nature reserves or simply walking or hiking in the scenic countryside.

Western rural Andalusia is home to the wonderful city of Ronda. It has a spectacular setting being located on a huge outcrop of rock. It is also famous for its bullring, which is the oldest in the country. The Punte Nuevo – ‘the New Bridge’ spans the gorge and links the old part of Ronda with the new. This part of Andalusia is also home to the whitewashed villages – pueblos blancos – of Gaucin, Jimena de la Frontera as well as picturesque towns and villages such as Alhaurin el Grande, Alhaurin de la Torre and Coin. Also in this area near the village of El Chorro is the geographical wonder of the Garganta del Chorro, a vast natural chasm in the limestone mountain. The national park of El Torcal is also popular with walkers, hikers and nature lovers.

In the east of the Malaga region Antequera is a busy market town within easy reach of Malaga for a day trip. It is a more traditional town and is well known for producing olive oil. It is possible to walk around the walls of the 13th century hilltop castle from where there are wonderful panoramic views over the surrounding area.

Some of the smaller rural villages in this area are Villanueva de la Concepcion, Alcaucin and the pretty white village of Competa. Here and in similar villages you will find a wealth of culture and a taste of real Spain. We have many holiday fincas and cortijos to rent as well as charming village houses all set in rural andalucian locations, yet the sea in most cases is within an hours drive. If you are looking for a vacation rental to get away from it all, then this is the area of choice.

Full of natural wonders, and offering an almost unparalleled levels of marine biodiversity, North Sulawesi has become one of the worlds premier destinations for ecotourism and adventure travel in recent years. Today, large numbers of scuba divers travel to this distant part of Indonesia, to sample some of the finest dive sites to be found anywhere throughout South East Asia.

The diving in North Sulwesi is focused in two main areas, the Bunaken National Marine Park and the famous muck diving capital of Lembeh Strait. There are other destinations where good diving is on offer in North Sulwesi, including the dive sites in Sangihe Island and Pulau Bangka, however it is the dive sites in Bunaken and Lembeh which draw large numbers of scuba divers here year after year.

The Bunaken National Marine Park was established in 1991, and the deep waters of the park offer one of the greatest levels of marine biodiversity to be found anywhere in the world. A home to over 70% of all fish species found throughout the Indo-western pacific region, the waters of Bunaken are home to an incredible array of coral and marine life.

The scuba diving in Bunaken is predominantly characterised by the awesome vertical walls which almost surround the island. Along these walls, an array of cracks, caves and crevices are home to a wide range of fish life during the day as well as the night. Dive sites including Fukui Point and Black Rock provide divers with access to stunning corals as well as stunning array of smaller marine life.

Lembeh Strait is widely acknowledged as being the ‘muck diving’ capital of the world, and offers what can only be described as a truly unique experience in diving. The diving itself is shaped by the black sandy bottom of the ocean in the region, which is home to a wide selection of critters and smaller marine life. It is for this reason that underwater photographers often choose to make the longer journey out to Lembeh Strait, to sample some of the finest opportunities for underwater macro photography to be found anywhere in South East Asia. Octopus, flying gunnards, frogfish and dwarf lionfish can all be found throughout the numerous dive sites in the Lembeh Strait.

Diving is possible in North Sulwesi throughout the year, although the best conditions are to be found from late March through to November. From January through to March, heavy rains and strong winds can be found throughout the region, leaving the conditions unfavourable for scuba diving.

Without doubt, the diving in North Sulawesi is of the highest standard, and the region fully justifies its claim to be one of South East Asia’s leading scuba diving destinations. The superb dive sites of Bunaken and Lembeh undoubtedly ensure the longer journey time to reach here is worthwhile, and leave you only thinking of when you can return!

A land of lofty summits and monumental peaks, Sikkim is truly a paradise for trekkers. Mountains of Sikkim make a part of the huge array of Himalayas. Khangchendzonga is the third highest peak in the world, towering umpteen mounts in the vicinity. The ambience is cool and calm and can be viewed from all parts of Sikkim. The peaks are ringed by small deities.

Cross highland hayfields, and past yak grazing lands, lakes and glaciers, this trek ascent up to Dabla Khang, the summit from where the Sikkimese swayers adored Mt. Khangchendzonga, the protective goddess of the state and the third highest peak in the world. This is the most close-knit you’ll get to experience.

A trek in Khangchendzonga allows you to have a deep insight of Sikkim, the place; the people and all that go with them. The non strenuous and short treks are set mid altitude up to 2,800m. You have an enough time to experience the rural area.

This glorious trek is an extraordinary amalgamation of culture, trekking with awe-inspiring surprising sights of the remote places around. The day temperature normally rises to max of 15 degrees Celsius. During the hike it can be plunged to few degrees below zero.

During, you can explore the majestic Khangchendzonga Park, where you will find some rare Himalayan faunas species such as Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard, Bharal, Himalayan Black Bear Musk Deer, and wild ass etc. The birdlife include sun birds, Imperial Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Lammer geyer etc. These birds are the most important species discovered in this area.

One of the most popular treks of Himalayas, Khangchendzonga begins from Yuksom to Goecha la Pass. Forests rhododendron and alpine pastures will come on your way to Goechla. Here you will find yak grazing to the high vales. The beautiful valleys are bounded by pleasant glaciers and snowy peaks.

This route further traverse through rice wood hills nestled in rich flora and fauna. Hundreds of variety of unusual birds and orchids can be found. Trek towards Bakhim, where there is a forest bungalow. You get a chance to spend night in this bungalow.

To reach Dzongri, you need to hike for 8 km. A trek to Dzongri will lead you to the world of famed massive of Kanchenjunga. The magical and splendid beauty of environ is worth appreciated. The spectacle dawn and dusk is cherished on the camping sites.

An unforgettable excursion towards Dzongri and Rathong Valley is worth experiencing. A small pass moves to west of Kabur peak. You will be stopped by the gorgeous glacier of Rathong which is set very near to Rathong Valley. This route further meets a steep ascent to Dzongri.

Take a trail from Dzongri to Thangsing. Around 4 hour trek passes through meadows and pretty vales, at the foot of Jupono peak. Arrive into the camping grounds, set in a huge valley. Cross a wooden bridge to reach majestic Pandim.

Another short hike will take you to Chemathang, set the foot of Pandim. Chemthang is around 8 km from Thangsing. A hike is still steeper and higher, about 5 km. This trek is the loftiest point of 4940m.

On the way back, you get a chance to view high altitude birds and blue sheep. You may find them wandering amongst thick and low bushes. Cherish the wilderness of high cliffs and snows. Four or five hour hike will lead you through forests Rhododendron.

Enroute and reach Chowrithang at an elevation 4380m. Stop by an attractive and pleasant falls Chowrithang at the Rohtang glacier. Striking and exciting sights of the peaks Kabru, Ratong, Frey are captured easily in your camera. Trek from Chowrithang where the glacier will bring you to the Houe-Chu Lake. The milky water of this lake is the special feature.

You traverse through one of the most striking forested areas of Sikkim while moving via Janlingthang. This whole route becomes more beautiful and scenic in the spring when the giant magnolias. In spring ten kinds of Rhododendron bloom. Travel through the garden of colorful flowers.

While passing from Yuksom to Darjeeling, explore Peshok Tea Gardens. In Darjeeling, you drive to Tiger Hill for sunrise. Pay a visit to the Yiga Choling (Ghoom) Monastery, War Memorial on the way back. There are other places to explore such as Zoological Park and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

This trek is one of the treacherous treks and the most remarkable one. Camping along with Green lake is the most breathtaking experience and popularly known as a take off point. This pristine lake is adjacent with many peaks of Himalaya.

Many people dream of having amazing adventures like one might see in the movies. Other vacationers decide to vacation at the same unadventurous location. If you are looking for a change from the ordinary and want to bring some real adventure into your life, you might want to consider taking an adventure tour for your next vacation. An adventure tour can be made up of a number of different components, but the end result is that you get to explore the best that the world has to offer in a hands-on way. Keep in mind that adventure tours are not for everyone; read these examples of common adventure tour components to see if one is right for you and your family.

Most adventure tours involve hiking at one point or another, generally in conjunction with camping. Some of the hikes may be relatively short, serving as a down-to-earth method of transportation between larger components of the tour. Other hikes can be quite long, comprising a major part of the tour’s attraction. Many of the longer hikes have basic recommendations for your fitness level or they may ill require that you have a certain amount of hiking experience before you take them simply because the distances would be difficult for an out of shape individual to cover safely and in time with the rest of the group.

White water rafting is a common component of an adventure tour. Tours exist that take you on all grades of rivers, though the higher grades usually require a certain amount of rafting experience, which helps prevent you from being a danger to yourself and others. Some tours may even take you across different grades on different days, letting you build up experience over the course of the tour, allowing you to be ready for larger rapids later. Most rafting tours involve camping and may include hikes in between river sections as well.

Although not as common as rafting, a number of tours include a kayaking component as well. A number of these tours are featured in Alaska, where kayaking has somewhat of a cultural component; Alaskan kayak tours are often done in the open ocean. Kayaking is generally not the largest component of the tour, though dedicated kayaking tours do exist.

Another element that is incorporated into a number of adventure tours is rock climbing or rappelling. There is a larger element of danger involved with rock climbing than with a standard hiking tour, but the sense of accomplishment and adventure is well worth it. Many adventure tours that feature rock climbing or rappelling are centered in mountainous regions where climbing may be the primary focus of the tour. There are some hiking tours, which feature rock climbing as just a single component of the tour.

Other extreme sports may also be featured in adventure tours, though they are not as common as the elements that have already be mentioned. Some adventure tours incorporate bungee jumping, cliff diving, hang gliding, and similar activities in addition to hiking and more common components. Finding these tours may be a bit more difficult than finding a basic hiking tour, but if you are looking for a major thrill, these tours can definitely provide that extra sense of excitement.

It should be noted that not all adventure tours are wilderness based; many adventure tour companies have packages, which allow you to experience the adventures of modern life. Tours can go to cities like Las Vegas and San Francisco are relatively common, and some of them even manage to mix city entertainment components with wilderness adventure in the outlying natural parks as well. Other tours are based out of an RV, which you take from one location to the next for each daily event. Some adventure tours contain components such as paintball or other team competitions as well. These are all exciting activities, which are excellent if you are looking to escape from the traditional trip to the beach. Although these may not be as relaxing as the beach, they sure provide excitement and a new thrill to your life.

Regardless of which type of adventure tour you choose, you can expect to have a great time while on the tour. Many adventure tours consist of hiking and camping, but they may also have secondary components such as kayaking and rock climbing. If these are not what you are looking for, there are adventure tours that include extreme sports such as bungee jumping, cliff diving or hang-gliding. The length of the tours can vary from 2-3 days to up to 2 weeks or more, so you should be able to find a tour that meets your exact requirements. If you are looking for a non-traditional vacation, it is highly recommended to try an adventure vacation because it provides an experience that should last a lifetime.