Exploring Wildlife Travel on Phillip Island

On May 10, 2011, In Active Australia & New Zealand Kid-Friendly Vacations, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Phillip Island, some 2 hours south of Melbourne, houses one of Australia’s most popular wildlife attractions – the Fairy Penguins.  These penguins, the cutest in the world,  are the only blue-feathered penguins in existence and are also the smallest in the world, with adults approximately 33 cm tall and weighing just over 1 kg.

Fairy Penguins

The Penguin parade

The island is home to the largest  Fairy Penguin colony in the world, the biggest attraction being the Penguin Parade.  The penguins make their home on Phillip Island’s Summerland Peninsula, where they burrow sand dune nests to later lay their eggs.  At first light of day, these enterprising locals make their way to fish in the clear waters.  At sunset, as the Fairy Penguins emerge from the sea, the magic of the Penguin Parade begins.  Hundreds of wild Fairy Penguins waddle from the sea, marching in groups across the beach to their burrows.  This amazing spectacle brings with it squeals of delight from young observers.

Koalas at Koala Conservation Center

Though the Fairy Penguins are Phillip Island’s most prized highlight, there is more to wildlife on this island.  Koalas can be observed in hordes at the Koala Conservation Center.  Here, elevated boardwalks afford superb close viewing in a bushland setting  of these lovable animals.  The Koala Conservation Center is also home to a host of Australian wildlife, including swamp wallabies, nocturnal brushtail and ringtail possums, echidnas and over 150 species of birds. Nearby French Island is home to a colony of over 1500 koalas in their natural habitat.  Koalas are nocturnal creatures, so an overnight camping adventure affords the opportunity to see them at their liveliest.

Echidnas

Wallabies

The Seal Rocks at the very end of the Nobbies, two huge rock stacks at the western tip of the Summerland Peninsula, host the largest colony of some 16,000 Australian Fur Seals.  These can best be viewed up-close on the wildlife cruises on offer, especially during Australia’s summer months.

Seals at Seal Rocks

 

Phillip Island is an adventure into an incredible range of native wildlife that calls Australia home.  Wildlife travels here culminate with the not-to-be-missed Penguin Parade, an adventure travel experience for the entire family.

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Adventure Holidays UK

On March 25, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad

Adventure is available all over the UK and whatever you`re into it can be catered for here. Mountain Climbing, canoeing, white water rafting, pot holing and much more can be found all across Britain. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have their individual attractions for the adventure enthusiast and the list of activities is almost endless.

Wales is known for its spectacular scenery and imposing mountains. There are various ascents to the summit of Mount Snowdon, Wales` highest peak and these vary in their difficulty. Climbers may also like to tackle the Welsh 3,000`s: These are a range of mountains across the country, each with a height in excess of three thousand feet.

Climbing Mt. Snowdon

This is a challenge similar to that of the Scottish Munros and Scotland of course has its own opportunities to scale great mountains such as Ben Nevis. Scotland is also home to some great skiing and Aviemore is the most popular location for this particular sport.

View from Ben Navis

Scotland`s scenery is ideal for a whole host of activities and river based sports such as canoeing and white water rafting amongst others can be found in abundance here.

A more gentle pursuit but one that is still extremely rewarding is simply walking or rambling. From gentle ambles to more challenging walks, the UK has it all and if you are feeling particularly enthusiastic, you can undertake some of Britain`s longer walks such as Hadrian`s Wall, The Pennine Way or even the fanous Lands End to John O`Groats hike.

A Roman Fort Along Hadrian's Wall

Another great way to see the spectacular scenery that Britain has to offer is by horse riding. Tailor made horse riding holidays are available right across the UK and these can take in some of the best national parks such as the Lake District, the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales.

In the Yorkshire Dales

At the very south western tip of the UK lies one of the best counties for adventure holidays. Cornwall is home to many activities and it has built a reputation for being one of the best surfing locations around. Surfing enthusiasts descend on towns such as Newquay to take advantage of the waves and everything else that the county has to offer.

Surfing on Newquay Beach

Cornwall, like many sea based counties across Britain also offers perfect opportunities for windsurfing, speed boating and sea fishing amongst many other exciting pastimes.

Cornish Beaches Offer Every Kind of Adventure

If two wheels are your preferred mode of transport, then bespoke cycling holidays are widely available throughout the UK. Road cycling can take in some of the best areas of Britain and mountain biking takes you off the beaten track to explore some more testing terrain.

Across the UK there are purpose built outdoor pursuits centres where you can participate in many of the activities listed here. For the more adventurous you can even take in some extreme sports such as parachuting or bungee jumping.

Accommodation is plentiful across Britain and there are many locations with Allhallows Holiday Park offers available to help make your adventure holiday one that you will remember for a lifetime.

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Best Family Vacation Destinations – Active Holidays on Mallorca

On November 16, 2010, In Biking & Hiking, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain, is an adventure travel haven for families.  Beyond its sunny beaches, its amazing scenery, its wonderful rugged mountains, if offers up a feast of active vacation experiences for every age.  Ideal for families with youngsters of all ages and for multigenerational family travel, Mallorca promises an unforgettable holiday for all. The islands top 3 adventure pursuits include hiking, cycling and water sports of every sort: 

Walking and Hiking in Mallorca’s Northwestern Mountains

Tramuntana Mountain Range

Dominated by the Tramuntana Mountain range, the northwestern region is Mallorca at its most spectacular with its breathtaking scenery.  It is also a walker’s and hiker’s paradise with trails winding through pretty hill villages, tumbling at intervals to rocky caves and home to some of the most historical and picturesque towns on the island.

Boquer Valley with view to the sea

Among the many holidays on foot in the area, an easy walk takes you from the town of Puerto Pollensa through the spectacular Boquer Valley to Boquer Bay, where you can enjoy a cool swim.  Or start with a visit to Lluc Monastery, Mallorca’s most sacred site  nestled high in the mountains and home to a Baroque church built between 1622-24.  A good time to arrive is when the boys choir sings, daily at 11 am.  From here, a 2-hour climb among scented pine and cypress trees, spotting black eagles en route to Puig de Tomir, rewards you with an incredible view of the island.  There are many more walking and hiking routes in the region for all abilities.

 

 

Lluc Monastery

Cycling

Family holidays spent cycling in the mountains, on the coastline on this paradise island’s many biking trails offer the very best of adventures.  Cycling is very safe in Mallorca since most of the roads are virtually traffic free. A trip on wheels up the hills in the Northwest will take you to some truly breathtaking views, in the midst of plant and animal life at its best.

Valldemossa

 

Deia

A cycling trip between Valldemossa, a lovely little town with pretty houses and cobblestone streets at the top of a picturesque valley, and Deia, with its stunning setting to the backdrop of lush, green mountains, is an absolute must.  A family biking trip is not complete without visiting bustling Palma, Mallorca’s capital city.  Surrounding the city, you’ll pass through some stunning neighborhoods and interesting historical sights, including monuments from Roman, Byzantium, Italian and Arab times.  The remains of the Moorish mosque under the Gothic style Cathedral La Seu and Bellver Castle, a 14th century royal fortress surrounded by scented pine, are not to be missed.

Palma's Cathedral La Seu

 

Whether you’re looking to cyle near the coast to take in spectacular sea views or prefer biking inland around small villages which offer a glimpse into Spanish culture and life, there are biking opportunities for every age and level  in Mallorca.

Water Sports Galore

The biggest beach on Mallorca is at Alcudia in the north. Extending from the port of Alcudia for over ten miles, beaches of golden sand provide an ideal spot for aquatic adventures.  Thought there is a great variety of watersports throughout the island’s coastline – parasailing, boating, surfing, etc., this is the area for the greatest assortment of watersports and incudes windsurfing, sialing, kitesurfing, catsailing, sea kayaking and scuba diving.  Beyond magnificent watersports and beaches here, the nearby Parc Natural de S’Albufera, the largest wetland Nature Reserve in the Balearics, is home to many rare wildlife , plant and bird species. Alcudia’s Old Town walls still house ancient mansions from Moorish and Roman times, and the ancient city of Pollenta is not far away.

For sheer adventure, take the kids for a swim on Formentor Beach.  Getting there is an adventure as dramatic and hairy as any child could wish – driving nearly  upside-down in a valley of holes and fissures!  Getting there is well worth the effort – the sea is azure blue-purple and the beach is a wonderful place for cool swims and relaxation after a worthwhile struggle.

Formentor Beach

Mallorca offers up cheap family holidays for the  many other adventure pursuits as well,  among them horseback riding, caving, climbing and even tennis – all can be experienced here!

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Plitvice Lakes – Adventure Outdoors at One of the Best Family Vacation Destinations

On August 24, 2010, In Biking & Hiking, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Plitvice Lakes Birdeye View

If the Dalmatian coast provides one of the most spectacular sailing adventure destinations, Plitvice Lakes National Park offers one of Europe’s best outdoor adventure travel,  back-to-nature experiences.  Located inland near the Bosnian border and about a 2-hr. drive south of Zagreb, this Croatian jewel is a richly vegetated and visually elaborate canvas of 16 lakes, waterfalls, streams, caves, springs and brilliantly colored water.

Driving on the old road between Zagreb and Zadar, a dense mixture of Alpine-Mediterranean landscape takes over.  As the sound of rushing water obliterates every other noise, you know you’ve arrived at Plitvice Lakes.  The park, a lush 8 km square, heavily forested plateau and valley features beech, spruce and fir trees and is home to rare wildlife, such as the European brown bear, wolves, eagles, owls, lynx, wild cats and capercailzies.  More than 70 bird species breed here as well.  The breathtaking turquoise, azure, gray and blue crystal-clear waters of the 12 Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera) and four Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera) are strung together by cascading waterfalls created through sedimentation of travertine, a particular type of limestone, and miles of pleasant walks. 

Put on your hiking shoes to get up close to the park’s breathtaking beauty:  A system of wood-planked walkways, stairways and dirt trails lead you along the lakes, past the cascades, natural barriers, pools, springs, caves and crags.  The paths literally lead right up to the middle of the waterfalls, where you’ll get great views of the travertine formations.  Climb through the slippery caves to the top of the Plitvice plateau for stunning vistas of the forested lakes.

Hiking in Plitvice Lakes Park

The park offers several hiking routes:  For those limited on time, the shortest one runs through the park within 90 minutes.  For enthusiasts wanting to experience nature at its best, the longest and most spectacular trail takes 6-8 hrs.  Be sure to take the boat ride along Lake Kozjak, the park’s largest lake, connecting the Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes, the lower part of the Upper Lakes being the most striking area of the park. 

After a full day of wandering through the mist, stop at one of the wooden strukli (strudel) stalls at the park entrance for a slice of apple, cheese or berry strudel, or enjoy great grilled trout at the Licka Kuca restaurant.  If you want to spend a few days in this Garden of Eden, there are hotels within the park limits, and affordable local villas and apartments for rent in the nearby vicinity.    To get to know the locals, lodging in a local Sobe (room for rent) is most affordable and highly recommended.  This area was involved in the beginnings of the Bosnian war and finding out about the region’s history from a local resident is a priceless education!   Sobes are everywhere and are easily found – all you need to do is drive up to one.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great active holiday and one of the best family vacation destinations when traveling in Croatia, especially with youngsters.  The spectacular wild scenery, the great hiking and back-to-nature adventure outdoors experience is not to be missed.

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Family Vacation Adventures Sailing the Dalmatian Coast

On August 13, 2010, In From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Chartering a boat to cruise the Dalmatian coast, where  scenic islands are just a few hours sail apart and protected harbors welcome overnight boats is probably the easiest and best way  to experience the beauty of the Adriatic Sea up close and to explore otherwise inaccessible islands, coves and villages. This was one of our best family vacation adventures ever!

Korcula

We started out in Dubrovnik and set sail toward Split, focusing on the southern Dalmatian coast, which boasts some of the most spectacular wooded islands and warm crystalline waters. The many isles we passed- Lopud , Mljet, Korcula, Vis, Hvar and Brac – just a few of the over 1100 islands found along the Croatian coast, were picturesque,  white limestone-laden and pine-clad.  We anchored in beautiful fishing village coves, where we relaxed and swam,  enjoyed spectacular views, ashore adventures and great seafood.  

Veliko Jezero

On Mljet  island, we took a side trip, one of the highlights of our adventure, to scenic Mljet National Park where we hopped on bikes and cycled around Velliko Jezero, the salt water lake with a remarkable 12th century Benedictine monastery set upon an islet in the lake’s center. 

Korcula at Sunrise

We neared Korcula early morning, where we had one of the best photo opportunities in all Croatia – the early morning sun shining on the orange-yellow-ochre of the stone walls, towers and tiled roofs of the Old Town served to create an awesome artists’ portrait.  This walled pedestrian town is a delight, full of architectural treasures and its centerpiece, the beautiful 13th century Cathedral of St. Mark. 

We anchored in the lovely small fishing village of Komiza, on Vis Island that evening.  The quay lined with restaurants beckoned us invitingly.  Here, the streets gently climb the hills into tiny residential areas whose homes embrace walled gardens where fruit trees abound.  High  above the village, a formidable castle illuminated the night sky giving a fairy tale aura to an already enchanting town.  A small boat excursion the next day took us to nearby Bisevo Island, home to the Blue Grotto, with its amazing cobalt-blue waters.

Blue Grotto

Sailing north, we moored in StariGrad, once known as Pharos and the oldest settlement on Hvar Island.  Endless lavender fields and vineyards cover this lovely island and Hvar town is not to be missed! Making our way towards Split, our last stop was Brac Island where we anchored in Supetar harbor, a small, peaceful village exhibiting the authentic high-quality stone used for many sculptures and in the building of the With House.  This was the ideal finale for a perfect sailing adventure.

Our sailing trip on the Dalmatian coast was the crowning highlight of our trip to Croatia – a boating paradise of turquoise waters, safe harbors, hidden coves and swimming holes, plenty of adventures ashore, and one of the best family vacation destinations!

Hvar's Lavender Fields

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A Cable Car Ride to Heaven

On July 6, 2010, In Family Vacation Adventures in Asia, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad
Cable car to Heaven

Imagine hopping on a cable car for a 15 minute heart-stopping, palm-sweating 45 degree climb straight up the slopes of a mountain in mid-air with nothing beneath you but green jungle tops.  That’s what it’s like visiting the top of Mt Mat Cingcang on Malaysia’s Langkawi Island.  Located close to Thailand, off the north western coast of Malaysia’s mainland, Langkawi is one of the world’s best family vacation destinations and a ride up Mt. Mat Cingcang is one of the best highlights of a visit to the island. 

Telaga Tujuh Falls

 

Personal thoughts of safety, however, quickly give way to the awesome beauty of the aerial view of Langkawi and the surrounding isles.  Of the 99 islands comprising Langkawi, only 2 are inhabited.  As we climb, the nearby waterfall, Telaga Tujuh Falls   (Seven Steps Falls) is clearly visible.  So named because the cascading waters are broken by a series of seven natural pools, the falls are mystical, with the lush green surrounding forest highlighting its natural splendor.  According to local legend, fairies used to come down to the waterfalls to bathe and frolic.

Pulau Dayang Bunting and Lake

 

On the horizon, Pulau Dayang Bunting  juts out.  The second largest of the isles, and known as the “Island of the Pregnant Maiden”, its shape resembles the belly of a pregnant woman.  This island is famous for its lush rainforests, mangrove swamps and wildlife, with over 90 species of birds and indigenous animals.  In the distance, Gua Langsir, The  Cave of the Banshee,  is also visible.  Here, a very dark cave has held locals back from setting foot in it- according to legend, a vampire inhabits the cave.  A visit to the cave  is limited to serious cavers with extensive mountain climbing experience.

Sky Bridge

Soon, the middle cable car station comes into view.  Langkawi’s   curved Sky Bridge awaits visitors willing to brave its 6 ft. wide walkway here.  Perched some 700 m. (2300 ft) above sea level over a precarious chasm, it is one of the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges and resembles a work of modern art.  Indeed on can only marvel at the engineering feat of its construction.

On a clear day, views as far as Thailand’s Tarutao Island are visible.   Also on offer are amazing views of the Andaman Sea, Langkawi’s green jungles and pristine calm beaches.  I am told that on a cloudy day, one has the lunar experience of walking over clouds. 

From afar, eagles hovering over the waters below are visible, though no eagles are seen above.  A large statue of a marble eagle adorns one of the main squares on the island.  The symbol of the eagle, representing the island’s name Langkawi meaning marble eagle) has been elusive.  An island-hopping eagle-feeding tour sheds light on this. After drifting slowly to an inlet, over 100 reddish-brown eagles suddenly and amazingly swarmed overhead and swooped down majestically   to scoop up their feed, thrown to the waters.

The view from the bridge is fantastic.  From the middle station a jungle track leads to the top of the mountain.  From here one can opt to brave the half hour walk to the top, or continue with the cable car.  The top station, only a 5 minute ride longer, offers a 360 degree panoramic vista that is simply indescribable in words – standing high above God’s creation, we gaze out upon the natural beauty of Southeast Asia.

View from the Sky Bridge

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Snorkeling Vacations on Egypt’s Red Sea Coast

On June 29, 2010, In Eastern Mediterranean Adventures, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Sharm El Sheikh – Marine  Life Paradise

Sharm El Sheikh

One of the highlights of a trip to Egypt is a “beach break” on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.  Sharm el Sheikh, on the eastern Gulf of Aqaba is home to some of the best underwater adventures.  This magnificent resort area is famous for its snorkeling and scuba diving sites, its glistening white beaches, its warm crystalline waters and its abundance of marine life.  The multi-colored reefs, the fantastic array of colorful fish and the underwater activity here is some of the most spectacular in the world. The sun’s rays, glistening on the azure blue waters of the Red Sea, against the backdrop of the yellow-red-brown stark Sinai desert with take your breath away.

Sharm el Sheikh has something for every age and every interest.  The sheltered beaches and calm waters make it one of the best family vacation destinations and a paradise for multi-generational adventure travel holidays.  Here families can enjoy the rest and relaxation of a breathtaking beach destination as well as underwater adventure geared to every level.

Coral Reefs

The shallow barrier reef, accessible from the beach, is an ideal location for snorkeling or the novice diver.  Splendid red, blue, green and yellow coral towers hundred of meters deep , colorful exotic fish, moray eels more than 2 meters long and the occasional reef shark greet the underwater visitor.  For non-swimmers, a glass bottom boat trip or just wading knee-deep into the shallow waters of the beach and gazing into the crystal clear waters below unveil a veritable amazing fish tank.

Though known for its underwater activities, families can enjoy a multitude of overland adventures outdoors here – desert safaris, camel trips, dinner in the desert under the star-studded sky or a trip to St. Catherine Monastery are just some of the options available.

Sharm el Sheikh is one of the best of the world’s snorkeling and dive sites with marine life beyond what the most creative mind can imagine.

Hurghada – A Red Sea  Beach Vacation for Everyone 

Hurghada's blue Waters

Situated on the Gulf of Suez is the Red Sea resort town of Hurghada.  Whether looking for diving and water sports, a great beach, sports, historic sites or an active adventure vacation, Hurghada has something to offer everyone. The western coast of the Red Sea is a popular draw for windsurfers and kite boarders as well as families.  Here again, the natural beauties of the Red Sea are striking – from coral reefs to abundant colorful marine life.  The region offers a great experience for families with young children, who cannot swim by themselves, yet want to see what’s out there!  From here,  Egypt’s ancient sites such as Luxor or the Valley of the Kings are easily accessible.

Gazing into the waters

Young or old, family or couple, “guys” or “girls” getaways, whatever the circumstances, Egypt’s Red Sea coast offers something that everyone will love.  On land, the red-yellow hues of the Sinai desert, with its breathtaking sunsets, crystal clear star-studded skies – underwater, the rainbow of marine life colors – come together to create an out-of- this-world contrast in a region not to be missed.

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Short City Breaks in Europe: Strasbourg

On May 28, 2010, In Archeology & Culture, City Breaks, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, By Sylvia Arad

Strasbourg, a cozy cosmopolitan Alsatian gem of a city sits on the French bank of the Rhine River, where the river forms the border between France and Germany.  At the crossroads of Europe for its central location, Strasbourg is a vibrant symbol of European Unity. A decision taken as early as 1952, at the start of a move towards a European Union, makes Strasbourg the headquarters for the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court for Human Rights. Strasburg’s symbolic location on the border with Germany, its complex and fascinating history  and its cultural blend of French and German architecture, cuisine and language make it very different from other French cities.

Cathedrale de Notre Dame

The city possesses an Old World beauty with its serene canals, pastel facades and breathtakingly beautiful  Cathedrale de Notre Dame, which dominates the landscape over much of Alsace.  Built between 1284-1439, this impressive architectural achievement, which stands on the original site of a Roman temple, is one of the finest of great Gothic cathedrals.  Its central spire towers 142 m (465 ft.) into the air with a stunning depiction of the Last Judgment.  Its arched entryways are carved with figures and its stained glass windows are especially beautiful when the sun shines through them.  The Cathedral’s massive Horlogue Astronomique (astronomical clock) attests to the craftsmanship of 16th century Swiss clockmakers.  At a daily performance at 12:30 pm, tiny apostles march out of the face of the clock and a rooster greets St. Peter.   A 300 steps climb up to the Cathedral’s platform provides stunning panoramic views of the city.

La Petite France

 On the Grande Ile (main island), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ill River winds its way in a Venice-like path splitting into a number of canals, where it cascades through La Petite France, a picturesque riverfront neighborhood which looks like something out of a fairy tale.  Arguably one of the best neighborhoods in all of France, – its timbered buildings bursting with blooming flowers that earned Strasbourg the prestigious four-flower ranking; its picturesque river with many footbridges, its remnants of 13th century tower s and city walls and its scents of fresh-baked pastries and inviting restaurants – all are there to be enjoyed by the wandering visitor!

Among its museums, the Musee Alsacien, housed inside a quintessentially Alsatian half-timbered building, showcases rural Alsatian life in the 18th and 19th century, with typical regional images and characteristic interior reconstructions.   The Palais Rohan, a magnificent 18th century building, houses 3 museums- the Musee des arts Decoratifs is stunning,  with its gold encrusted ceilings, majestic portraits and expanses of marble;  the Musee Archeologique illustrates the ancient history of Alsace and the Musee des Beaux-Arts displays a solid art collection from the 14th – 19th century.

 Unique to Strasbourg, the Kronenbourg Brewery, though no longer functional, guides visitors through the different stages of beermaking and includes a “degustation”.  To learn about Alsace’s wines, the cave Historique de Hospices de Strasbourg offers the best quality of regional wines.

Strasbourg’s most spectacular park, La Orangerie, seems to have something for everyone – promenades, gardens and pagodas are perfect for a leisurely stroll, while a zoo and miniature farm filled with Traditional Alsatian storks provide fun-filled diversions for children.

Whether strolling through its winding streets, its numerous lush parks or flat paths, Strasbourg is a pedestrian’s dream and can easily be explored by foot.  The Ill River plays host to many relaxing and informative boat tours enjoyed by all age groups. Strasbourg makes it easy for young and old to enjoy its charms and appreciate its cozy medieval yet modern atmosphere.  A spirit of tolerance and humanism has given Strasbourg a distinctive history; undeniably a French town, it makes a very unique stop and one of the best family vacation destinations in France.

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