To travel is to broaden your mind, discover new things and try new experiences. It’s about getting to know the world and its people better. You as an individual benefit hugely from that, and the place you visit gains from the money you bring into the area.

That’s the theory, but in reality tourism can sometimes have a negative effect on the environment and local cultures. By following simple guidelines you can make sure you travel responsibly and make a positive contribution to the people of your destination and the environment.

You can start this before you leave by doing things such as recycling or passing on old travel brochures and stocking up on biodegradable toiletries to take with you, removing all unnecessary packaging.

By using ethical tour operators you can also help. Unfortunately there are no universal guidelines for deciding whether a tour operator is ethical or not and there are many bodies offering certification. Ask your chosen company what they do to conserve the environment and how they improve life for local people. Are they accredited or inspected by anyone? Is the accommodation they use locally owned?

Carbon offsetting to minimise the impact of your air travel is something you can easily do to help conserve natural resources. The amount of carbon used up during your flight will do more damage to the environment than any other aspect of your trip. By calculating the amount of carbon emissions you have contributed to, you can donate a recommended amount of money to a carbon reduction project (such as tree planting) to neutralise your footprint. For more information on this, see Carbonfund.org or Climate Care. For relatively short journeys, consider using other transport such as ferries or trains instead.

If you travel to a country that is poorer than your own, consider bringing gifts that will benefit the local community such as pencils and books for a school. It will go down well with the locals and it’s nice to know you are contributing directly.

On location, make sure to shop responsibly by avoiding products made from protected species such as corals and hardwoods or endangered animals. Buying certain products and importing them can lead to fines and prison sentences in your home country. A list of products banned from importation into the UK can be found on the UK CITES Souvenir Alert website. Also, help the local economy by buying local produce and crafts from local people.

Preferably book excursions that protect and respect indigenous cultures and wildlife. You should be able to find some cultural walking tours or wildlife viewing trips that are of interest. Choose your activities carefully and avoid things such as watching dancing bears and cockfights that are cruel to the animals involved.

Be careful with natural resources as they will be precious to the locals. For example, if you are staying in a village that has limited water, don’t have a long shower every day. Help conserve resources by turning off TV’s, lights, air conditioning and heating when not in use and don’t get your linen changed daily if you can manage without.

Walking or hiring a bike where possible avoids using fuel and enables you to explore the locality better. You’ll find you get to see more of a place if you are moving slower because you have time to notice more of your surroundings. For any travels further afield,  consider using public transport.

Don’t drop litter anywhere. Waste disposal is a major expense in poor countries and the facilities for recycling may not be as good either. Re-use bottles and plastic bags and take any used batteries home.

These tips should help point you in the right direction. Responsible tourism is not difficult to achieve and just requires a bit of thought. It promotes understanding and good will and is the best way to ensure that everyone benefits from travel.

Rebecca Tom is from England and loves to travel. Her first trips outside of Europe were to Israel on a school trip and then to Thailand years later with friends. She has since been to Australia, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and The Maldives. Next destination, Morocco.

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Route 66 © COFFY | MOTIONDESIGN

Written by: Craig Ablitt

Route 66, Illinois to California

The term ‘road trip’ and Route 66 go hand in hand. Land in Chicago, arrange your car hire and then head out on the journey of a lifetime like no other. The great American states of Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and finally California are all yours to discover, with the possibility for excitement and adventure untold. ‘Route 66’ itself no longer exists, but is in fact made up of several new highways and routes, however a map from the National Historical Route 66 Federation will detail the original roads as they are now plus all the must-do stops and sights along the way.

Coast of South Africa

The Garden Route, South Africa

Around 500km makes up one of South Africa’s premier tourist attractions — The Garden Route. The main N2 road runs from Mossel Bay right on to Tsitsikamma National Park, with a plethora of true wonders and sights to behold along the way. Expect spectacular mountain landscapes, magnificent beaches, incredible caves and lakes, amazing wildlife including dolphins, whales, elephants and more, plus an innumerable amount of outdoor pursuits to thrill yourself with; all sitting by the sumptuous ocean coast. Wonders simply do not cease for the duration of this unique voyage.

Byron Bay

Sydney to Cairns, Australia

2,407km is the exact distance between the two points, but the drive between Sydney to Cairns will bombard the senses from start to finish. See the iconic sights of Sydney, arrange your car hire and then ready yourself for the magic that awaits, culminating in Cairns — the gateway to The Great Barrier Reef. Go surfing at the world-famous Byron Bay, ride the ferry across to the wild splendour of Fraser Island, visit the dolphins of Tin Can Bay, laze on the picture-perfect beaches of Whitsunday, lose yourself in the dazzling haze of the culture of Brisbane, or simply crank the music up and head north, hugging one of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet.

The Twelve Apostles

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Australia’s east coast is undoubtedly spectacular, but strong competition when it comes to natural beauty can be found along its south coast on the Great Ocean Road. Begin in Melbourne and head for the brilliant surf beaches of Torquay, where the route begins, taking in the formidable rainforests of Otway Park with it’s spectacular waterfalls. Visit the wreckages of the Shipwreck Coast and gaze at the wonder of the Twelve Apostles rock formations that stand high from the ocean bed. As the route comes to a close at Warrnambool there is still much to be explored in the region, with the dramatic landscape of Tower Hill Reserve just kilometres away, the wine growing region of Coonawara, and even Adelaide — all within hours of the designated route.

The Alaskan Highway

If sheer beauty and escapism are high on your agenda, very few road trips can compare to the famous Alaskan Highway. This is truly about getting away from it all as your journey clambers through the spectacular wilderness of British Columbia, through Yukon and then on to the serene nature of Alaska. It’s not just the small settlements, rugged mountainous landscapes and wide open spaces that will greet you, expect to see elks, sheep, moose, marmots and grizzly bears in their natural habitats as well as whales and dolphins as your journey culminates by the ocean.

Craig Ablitt is a freelance article writer who has travelled extensively around the globe which has given way to his career in writing travel articles. Now living in South of England he writes full time for various companies, newspapers and magazines.

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Written by: 24/7 Travel Insurance

Whether you are taking some time out to see the world before starting university or embarking on your career, backpacking is a great way to see new cultures whilst developing skills that employers often see as valuable.

When planning a backpacking trip, most travellers think first about where they want to travel. But arranging decent backpacker travel insurance cover is also essential. Imagine what can happen while you’re away. Hopefully it’ll be an adventure of a life time, but you’ll be visiting strange places where you may not even speak the language.

If you have the right backpacker travel insurance cover, you’ll be confident in knowing that should you have an accident or fall ill abroad you’ll be able to get the necessary medical treatment you need. Very few countries have a free healthcare service as we do with the NHS in Britain. You could find yourself facing a huge medical bill amounting to hundreds or even thousands of pounds if you fall ill abroad without the right travel insurance for backpackers. You should look for a backpacker travel insurance policy that offers cover of at least £1m for medical and emergency expenses.

When it comes to travel insurance for backpackers, it’s well worth planning ahead. Rather than just thinking about the exciting places you plan on visiting, consider the activities you will participating in, especially if you’re the adventurous type. Remember, some activities may be unplanned. Many backpackers find themselves taking part in a spontaneous bungee jump! So make sure that you have got the right backpacker travel insurance to cover the type of activity you may end up doing.

Backpacking allows you an almost unlimited level of flexibility with your travel itinerary and keeps your costs down much more than booking into expensive hotels. Buy a good guide book and research your destination(s) thoroughly before you travel. Planning your backpacking route and pre-booking accommodation and transport will save you time and money.

Gillian at the Hostel © Jorge Alejandro Preciado Oseguera

Know what you want to get out of your backpacking adventure and where you want to visit. There are many hostels and guesthouses along the backpacker routes which are a basic, but usually cheap and comfortable accommodation popular with travellers. They’re also a great place to meet other backpackers to exchange travelling stories with!

Remember, a visa may be required for some countries which can take up to a few weeks to get hold of. So make sure you give yourself enough time to sort out the paperwork.

You should also make sure all your regular jabs (such as tetanus) are up to date and check with your GP if you need any additional vaccinations or medication.

If you’re backpacking around the world, you won’t want your backpack to be too heavy. Remember you can always pick up a bargain along the way. The beauty of backpacking is that by travelling light you can simply throw your backpack on and go!

Don’t take anything too valuable or sentimental like jewellery and expensive gagets. Lost luggage and theft is all too common and you wouldn’t want to lose anything that you can’t easily replace.

Carry your money in a secure form such as a Travel Money Card e.g. Post Office Travel Money Card and do not take too much in cash. Note: most travel insurances have a low cash limit, typically £100. Tell your bank you’re going overseas and ask if you will incur charges if you use overseas cash machines.

The importance of having travel insurance for backpacking

Some backpacker travel insurance allows you to choose cover for longer durations, typically up to a maximum of 18 months. It is important that you remember to check that the backpacker travel insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your trip before you buy it.

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Brand names from the US are popular worldwide, but there is a certain American quality that isn’t marketable yet.

The world is flat, says Thomas Friedman. Clearly, he hasn’t trudged up and down the streets of Europe, balancing shopping bags and a coffee cup in high-heeled pumps. But while I don’t agree with him on a literal level, figuratively he couldn’t be more right. Having been in and out of five different countries in the past two weeks, I got a chance to see firsthand this flat, even, comfortable terrain Friedman is talking about.

Starbucks' familiar sign offers solace to tired travelers at London's Heathrow Airport.

Dazed and confused by premature dawn after my ten-hour flight from Philadelphia to London’s Heathrow Airport – foggy English mornings are bad enough when they come with forewarning – I walked into a Starbucks kiosk in pursuit of much-needed coffee and that friendly green circle. The all-too-familiar sign is just another corporate trick, designed to gnaw at a human being’s comfort in the face of familiarity, drawing him into its serene interiors with as much the iced java chip frappuccino as the customary green and white cup.

An unambiguously British greeting (that decidedly tells apart the Heathrow joint from one of many on Market Street) and four dollars later, I sat down to admire terminal five, the airport’s latest and most impressive annex. Calvin Klein, Liz Claiborne, and other household American names peddle their wares across duty-free shops, enticing the weary traveler who is still somewhat suspended in time and space. It’s one thing to drink coffee from a friendly cup, but a whole different one to be accosted with impressive labels that mean the same everywhere: corporate hegemony playing havoc with your wallet.

A Dunkin Donuts café in Berlin.

Be it Berlin’s Ku’damm street, Copenhagen’s famed Stroget district, or Chennai’s Mount Road, retail chains and fast food giants are ingeniously similar worldwide, down to the color of their napkins and “buy one, get one free” offers. While some stores take excessive care to change nothing, others masquerade under pseudonyms carefully crafted to fit the crest and seal. Still others acquire new and better looks – it would be safe to say that no Dunkin Donuts in America comes with the Berlin joint’s custom umbrellas and matching set of chairs.

The only things the overseas counterparts seem to lack are American excesses. Your silverware comes wrapped in single ply tissue, and paper towels are rarely strewn across tables. Even the unabashed McDonald’s refuses to keep endless supplies of ketchup and cream on its counters (and you wonder why Americans are obese). Nonetheless, the meat of it all is uncannily familiar.

It’s hardly surprising then, that my shopping sprees through Europe rang drearily similar to an expensive Saturday back in the States, except for the occasional pause to snap a quick picture of a quaint comic shop, a couple hours spent poring over maps at an antique Copenhagen bookstore, and grappling with rapid-fire euro-dollar conversions and improperly-sized Danish kroners alike.

Then there was the frequent need to explain what I meant by “cream” for my coffee (European espressos are far too skinny for plain milk) and being momentarily stumped by a Danish barista’s smug “to go?” after I spent an eternity explaining to him that I’d like to carry my beverage with me. But Berlin’s rich history and Denmark’s beautiful waterways and archaic buildings more than made up for the little travails.

A Copenhagen bookstore: Obama is not just the "it" candidate in the US.

The similarities don’t end with fashion and food. Barack Obama stares out of book covers in English and translated editions on store windows worldwide. Sarah Palin jokes elicit ripples of laughter in any audience. Weather breaks the ice during awkward social moments the world over, especially without the Yankees to fall back on. American sitcoms provide as much an excuse for laughs in Copenhagen as they do in New York City.

I would have been pretty oblivious in my world without borders, seamlessly moving from country to country had I just observed the sights and sounds, extricating the human element from them. Brand names and even buildings are often similar in cities everywhere, but what really distinguishes a place are its people.

With the exception of the man who growled at me from the passport checkpoint during my Danish exit, most people I met in Copenhagen were helpful and friendly, speaking in pristine English when requested, and interpreting my crumpled and dog-eared map without complaint. What I missed, however, was the easy affability I’d come to know and love in my seven years in the States. So it wasn’t surprising that the three people who engaged me in conversation for conversation’s sake during the entire two weeks hailed from Maryland and Texas and New Jersey.

Pizza Hut in Chennai, India

The Germans, however, make the Danes look exuberant with their tendency to stare down anyone who looks different, hand German menu cards to customers who are clearly foreign, and in making little attempt to speak beyond what is expressly necessary. My entry into India’s Chennai airport riddled more holes in my world-is-flat theory. A push, a shove, and a curt nod later I had no doubt that I had indeed landed in my homeland of billion-plus angry inhabitants.

I enjoyed my trip immensely, observing different people, their languages and cultures, and reconnecting with my own country. But at the end of my two -week sojourn, it was refreshing to land in Philadelphia, walk into a Starbucks café, and be greeted with the familiar “What can I get started for you?”

Eight-hour workdays, a whole load of coursework, and my nose back on the grindstone for the rest of the year, I thought. “A grande cappuccino, please,” was all I said. The rest is often left unsaid in a country where adrenaline is always running high, time is of the essence, and yet politeness and sociability never seem to take a backseat to the task at hand.

“Hope you had a pleasant trip,” said the man at the checkout counter.

“A terrific one,” I said. “But am I glad to be back!”

Karthika Muthukumaraswamy is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia. She writes about politics, media, Internet technology, science, tennis, travel and social issues. Her website is: karthikaswamy.com

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Written by: Jamie Ward

I don’t know about you but one of my favorite parts about overnight camping trips is having the option to sleep under a blanket of stars. If you’ve spent any amount of time living in the city or suburbs, then you know how little sky you have around you. Living amongst civilization, your view of the sky is obstructed by buildings, cell phone towers, power lines, and yes, even that big old oak tree. This is one of the many reasons why camping is the perfect escape. Not only are you escaping from the daily stress associated with your job or personal life, but you’re escaping civilization as a whole.

In addition to serving as an escape from “life,” camping also teaches us the ever valuable lesson of “how to pack light.” By forcing you take only what you need, you are left with very little wiggle room. How do you know what’s an essential and what’s a luxury? Well obviously you’re going to need your backpack, tent, and plenty of food and water. What else is absolutely necessary? Here’s a list of 3 of most important items you should bring along on your next camping trip.

Sleeping Bag or Air Mattress:

Even if you find the flattest, most perfect patch of grass to set up camp for the night, you’re not going to have a good night’s sleep without any sort of padding. Every camping trip requires either a sleeping bag or air mattress. You’ll find many styles of sleeping bags on the market all at a variety of price points to suit your budget.

Aerobed's Adventure Bed

The thing you need to keep in mind when shopping for a sleeping bag is where you plan on traveling and during what time of the year. Most retailers narrow down your sleeping bag search by climate and subsequent weight of the bag. You have cold weather sleeping bags, warm weather sleeping bags and 3-season sleeping bags. You also have super light sleeping bags, perfect for the extended camping trip, where you’re going to want to reduce the weight you carry on your back significantly. Whatever kind of sleeping bag you choose, splurge on a comfortable inflatable or foam pad that you place underneath the bag. They’re light weight, space efficient and you’ll be more comfortable.

Air mattresses are more ideal for a shorter trip or a weekend family camping trip. These aren’t going to be as compact as a sleeping bag and many of them require either a manual inflation or come with some kind of a manual hand pump. Either way the hassle involved might render it undesirable for any sort of extended camping trip. But if you and your family are getting together, throwing an air mattress in the tent or sleeping out, under the stars will surely provide for a more comfortable night’s sleep. AeroBed’s Adventure Bed is less than $60 and is a solid bet.

Flashlight or Lantern:

While this seems like a given, you’d be surprised at how many people leave without packing any sort of a flashlight. Flashlights and lanterns are good for setting up your camp site in the dark, starting a nighttime fire and a slew of other things. Since space is limited, try and find a flashlight that takes double A or triple A batteries, as these batteries take up less space and are easier to pack and you definitely need to pack extras. I happen to love my slim little Maglite, which takes 2 double A’s but some people might find its beam to be too narrow. It might be a good idea to purchase one of those flashlights which converts into a lantern, because items that can perform multiple functions are always welcome. Whatever you do, leave space for a flashlight!

Compass:

If you’re going to learn one skill before you go camping, learn how to read a compass. Being able to navigate yourself out of a difficult situation is a very useful skill to have. If you have your cell phone with you, don’t automatically think that you’re golden. Cell phones die, lose service, get dropped off a cliff – come on, we’ve all seen those movies. If you don’t know how to read a compass, ask someone who knows how to read one or go into your local outdoor store and have a sales person show you. Take it for a practice run in your neighborhood. If you’ve never been lost in the wilderness you don’t want your first time to be without a compass!

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Written by: Terry Baldwin of AskMen.com

Traveling by train in America used to be the only fast and affordable means of getting around when point A and point B were separated by a great distance. While that hasn’t been the case here for some time, train travel is hugely popular abroad. Here, it would no doubt take major upgrades to the American train infrastructure to make it world-class, but between rising gas prices and sagging air travel efficiency, maybe the time is right for trains to make a comeback.

These 10 trains have qualities that make them good models for domestic adaptation. To some extent, attributes like amenities, comfort, convenient routes and access to them, efficiency, reasonable fares, and technology are why these services made the countdown. The rank does not reflect individual trains or routes, but in each case a top route is listed as an example, and it’s one you should try if you happen to find yourself in that corner of the world.

No. 10 – VR

Finland

Scandinavia is generally underrated and under-visited, making it an unlikely place to bump into the familiar faces you’re trying to forget on vacation. Finland is one of those countries that just works because it’s exceptionally clean, efficient and trouble-free. The state-owned VR Group is no different. When you manage to pry yourself away from Helsinki, VR is probably the best way to take in the countryside as you tour outlying areas.

Top route: Helsinki – Iisalmi

No. 9 – Great Southern Rail Limited

Australia

Australian cities like Perth and Sydney are great to visit, but there’s so much more to the country. You need to see, well, the country. You could rent an ute, but all that driving is going to take a major chunk of time, even if you explore a region each time you visit. Your best bet is to span the continental coast and see a lot of the in-between on Great Southern Rail Limited. Two of its three routes are long, multiday affairs, but given the accommodations and scenery, you probably won’t mind at all.

Top route: Perth — Sydney (Indian Pacific)

No. 8 – AVE

Spain

It’s a worthwhile pursuit to live up to one’s name in the transportation game, despite what Greyhound would have you believe. On the other end of the spectrum is AVE. There’s kind of a double meaning going on here, since “ave” is “bird” in Spanish, though this is really an acronym for Alta Velocidad Española (Spanish High Speed). The duality is real, though. For example, service from Madrid to Seville is so consistent, fares are refunded if the train arrives more than five minutes late.

Top route: Madrid – Seville

No. 7 – KTX

South Korea

The Korea Train eXpress is a modern take on The Little Engine That Could. After the initial Seoul to Pusan route was finished in 2004, passenger numbers were short of expectations. That contributed to overall operational losses, and frequent train breakdowns didn’t help matters. Still, there’s progress. Line expansion is underway, and ridership is on the rise.

Top route: Seoul – Pusan

No. 6 – Russian Railways

Russia

If you have a lot of time on your hands and a burning desire to live the experience, you can sit on a train for almost 6,000 miles on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Incidentally, the state-owned railway’s spot on the countdown is largely in recognition of the ability to operate the challenging stretch under frequently adverse conditions. For the rest of us with more limited time, attention spans and vodka than that trip demands, this is still the way to go between the Russian areas you’ll want to cover on a visit. It beats renting a Lada, anyway.

Top route: Saint Petersburg – Moscow

To read about the top 5 trains, head over to Top 10: Trains at AskMen.com

On a side note, I can understand why the writer chose these trains but I was suprised that SBB in Switzerland didn’t even make the top 10.

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“In addition to supplying some of the finest wines to the world, these destinations offer visitors outstanding hotels, restaurants and wine tours,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor.

1. Bordeaux, France

An incredible wine-tasting experience awaits visitors to France’s Bordeaux region, one of the world’s most sough-after wine destinations. Its vineyards produce everything from table wines to the costliest bottles in the world.

2. Napa Valley, California

Each year, millions of wine enthusiasts travel to Napa Valley to enjoy sensational wine and stunning scenery. With an ideal Mediterranean climate, the valley is home to nearly 400 wineries that offer a variety of grapes, from Zinfandel to Cabernet Sauvignon.

3. Tuscany, Italy

A magical location to taste the local “vino”, the Tuscany province of Italy combines natural and historic beauty with unique vineyards and cuisine. Renowned for its reds like Montalcino and Chianti, Tuscany is one of the most renowned wine destinations and a true delight for the senses.

4. Champagne-Ardenne, France

With carefully tended vineyards in the midst of a striking landscape, the Champagne region is famous for the much-loved sparkling white wine that shares its name.

5. Barossa Valley, Australia

Highly praised for its beautiful surroundings and robust varieties of red wine including Shiraz, Barossa Valley in Southern Australia is a terrific destination for both sightseers and wine connoisseurs.

6. La Rioja, Spain

Because of the delicious vanilla flavors and the oak aging, Spain’s most well-known wine region offers especially characteristic wines. Acknowledged for its exceptional reds, La Rioja is divided into three areas: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja.

7. Sonoma Valley, California

Featuring picturesque towns, gorgeous surroundings and well-attended vineyards, the Sonoma Valley was nicknamed the “Valley of the Moon” by once Sonoma local and celebrated writer Jack London.

8. Valle Central, Chile

The Curicó’s chardonnays and the Maipo Valley’s cabernets attract wine lovers from both near and far away. Set among the Andes Mountains and Pacific Ocean just outside the capital Santiago, the Valle Central is an internationally acclaimed wine destination.

9. Stellenbosch, South Africa

With more than 100 wine cellars to visit, Stellenbosch belongs to the Cape Winelands region and is home to one of South Africa’s most popular wine routes.

© Miro Schaap

10. Marlborough, New Zealand

Recognized for its adorable Sauvignon Blancs, Marlborough is widely seen as New Zealand’s birthplace of winemaking.

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Got a blinging ride ?! Then you’ll want the finest valet parking service when you’re off on your holiday.
Murphy and his family run business will take care of your pride n joy – as long as you don’t mind a few extra dings !

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Located on the extreme western coast of the African continent, Senegal is an amazing destination for any traveler.  Far from being a primitive, backward nation, travelers will find welcoming people, numerous resorts, incredible beaches and a blossoming tourism industry.  The nation offers numerous things to see and do, enough to tempt anyone to overstay their vacation by a few days!

Dakar - The capital city of Dakar rests on the Atlantic coasts and is one of the busiest port cities in Africa.  You’ll find numerous things to experience in Dakar.  The city boasts a population of over 1.5 million people; an incredible nightlife filled with nightclubs, bars and live entertainment, as well as some of the best restaurants in the country.  Art galleries and markets dot the streets, while street musicians and colorful performers can be found throughout the city.  Dakar is the best place to begin your exploration of Senegal and offers you sea and land routes to the rest of the nation. If you’re interested in visiting Dakar, you can find a hotel by searching Hotels Combined.

Saly Portudal - The amazing area known simply as Saly is home to some of the finest resorts in Senegal.  All-inclusive resorts vie with hotels and cabanas for their share of the glorious sunshine.  You will find numerous benefits to visiting Saly, including incredible discos and bars, a stable for horseback riding on the beach, deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish, swordfish, incredible shopping and much more.  This area is the prime spot to spend a few days in the brilliant Senegal sunshine.

Retba, the Pink Lake – The Pink Lake lies near Cayar and offers you one of the most unique sights in nature.  The lake is naturally a bright pink in color, and can be used as a source of holistic healing, much like the Dead Sea in Israel.  The high salinity of the water means that you cannot sink, so float and enjoy the strange wonder of the waters.  You’ll find a baobab forest nearby, as well as traditional thatch roofed villages, ideal for finding handicrafts.

Cayar – The beach of Cayar is an amazing place to find fresh seafood.  Every afternoon, hundreds of local fishermen bring their catch ashore.  You will find shrimp, fish, lobster and crab for sale, as well as an incredibly festive atmosphere, filled with the laughter of children.  This is an ideal experience for the entire family, as well as being the best way to buy dinner for the week.

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Ragusa Ibla Panorama

Italian Connection, Italy’s most exclusive walking, culinary and cultural tour company, will offer travelers free luxurious perks this October as they introduce the new Complimentary Smooth Arrival® service. Those who book the company’s Piedmont Vineyards and Lakes, Savoring Sicily and Splendors of Sicily tours can expect free airport transfers and free pre-tour hotel stays at 4-diamond properties.

“For the first time, we are delighted to offer our guests the perks of complimentary airport transfers and free accommodations in luxurious 4-diamond hotels in Catania, Turin, and Palermo,” said Anita Iaconangelo, founder and CEO of Italian Connection. “Our exceptional, personalized service and superb attention to detail set our tours apart from all others in Italy – thereby creating the most authentic local Italian experience available.”

Coast near Agrigento, Sicily

Selected by National Geographic Traveler as one of the “50 Tours of a Lifetime”, The Splendors of Sicily tours take place October 10-18 and October 20-28. Apart from complimentary airport transfer and free stay at a luxurious Catania hotel, guests will experience the ancient Greek theater overlooking the sea and Mt. Etna, the old quarter of Ortygia, Syracuse, the nature reserve of Vendicari, and the undiscovered gem Ragusa.

Foggy vineyards

Those who partake in Italian Connection’s Piedmont Vineyards and Lakes tour, October 17-23, will explore the great city of Turin, enjoy stunning walks through the hills and vineyards, stay at a luxurious 6-room inn near the town of Alba, tour wine cellars in Barbaresco, visit the Alba Truffle Fair, take a boat across Lake Orta, and much, much more.

San Giulio at Lake Orta

Pasta with truffles

The Savoring Sicily tour, October 29-November 4, combines cooking lessons and visits to archaeological sites, thus providing guests a pleasant mix of the region’s culinary present and distinct past.

For detailed itineraries or to book a tour, visit http://www.italian-connection.com

All images Copyright © Anita Iaconangelo, Italian Connection

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© Sue Burnett

Gambia may be one of the smallest countries in Africa, but there are big reasons to visit.  You’ll find numerous ways to while away your stay in this welcoming nation.  Whether you want beautiful natural surroundings, city life or river exploration, you’ll find it in spades in Gambia.

Here are some of the top destinations in the country:

Banjul – The capital city of Gambia, Banjul offers you an amazing experience.  Devoid of almost any European influence, other than a bit of British, the city is alive with African sights and sounds, shops and eateries.  You’ll find that the populace is warm and welcoming, providing you with a great stay.  Cafes, bistros, local shops, market squares and much more await your enjoyment in the city.

Wassu Stone Circles – The Wassu Stone Circles are the Gambian equivalent of Stonehenge.  Built around 1200 years ago, these stone circles were once the center for local culture and religious ceremonies.  While jaded travelers may find the site less than inspiring, those with an eye for adventure can enjoy the museum, explore the circles and learn about the fascinating culture that erected these impressive monuments.

Kartong - If you want real beach relaxation, away from the resort atmosphere of other beaches in Gambia, Kartong is the place to go.  You’ll find native dugout canoes, swimming, sandy beaches and swaying palm trees.  Thatch roofed native villages dot the area, offering you great opportunities to meet and greet the locals and buy interesting handicrafts and souvenirs.  Bird watching, river tours, ocean canoing and simple relaxation are all great attractions in the area.

The Gambia River and Bintang Bolang – If river exploration is your thing, you’ll find it aplenty in Gambia.  The Gambia River and Bintang Bolang (a tributary of the mightier Gambia) offer you amazing ways to enjoy the country.  Riverboat tours are available, fishing trips and expeditions to see local wildlife like crocodiles can be taken here.  You will find more local villages here, complete with village markets, community festivals and much more.

Bakau – The city of Bakau was once the center of tourism in Gambia, before the rise of the Fajara area.  Today, Bakau offers visitors unique B&B accommodations, locally owned and operated restaurants and more.  The city is still alive with possibilities for the traveler seeking something more than the whitewashed façade of resorts and mega-hotels in other areas of the country.

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Kenya is one of the most powerful countries in Africa and also boasts some of the most amazing areas to investigate and explore.  The Rift Valley, numerous state parks, local villages and many different cities are all available for traveler’s enjoyment.  If you are new to the nation, you may have some questions about where to go and what to see. Here are some of the top destinations in Kenya.

Mombasa – The city of Mombasa is famous for many things, though the quality of the area’s beaches is one of the top reasons.  Mombasa is a thriving city, filled with nightlife, clubs, bars, shops and more.  However, for the traveler seeking a quiet place to get away from it all, a short trip outside the city will yield pleasant results.  The coastal areas around the city are home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches and have been long known to international travelers.

Masai Mara National Reserve – Almost 1,000 square miles make up this amazing preserve.  The Mara River runs through the center of rolling plains, while the Esoit Oloololo Escarpment rises at the rear of the park.  Lions can be found throughout the park, as can cheetahs, leopards, elephants, zebras, and hippos.

Wildebeest Migration, crossing the Mara © Sias van Schalkwyk

The Wildebeest Migration – One of the most amazing sights in Africa is the incredible wildebeest migration each year.  The migration begins in February, and includes the calving season.  Each year, 1.8 million wildebeests migrate from the Serengeti in search of more fertile grazing areas for their young.  Visitors to the area can enjoy the sight of this incredible migration with a safari or sightseeing tour.

Lake Magadi – Unlike other lakes in the Rift Valley, Lake Magadi sees few tourists each year.  The reason for this is that it lies off the beaten path.  However, renting a vehicle and making the drive can have huge rewards.  The lake is incredibly rich in minerals, providing homes and food for numerous species of birds and other wildlife.  Maasai tribesmen travel to the region frequently and can provide you with a guide to the lake and the area (for a fee, of course).

There is much more to see and do in Kenya, including trips to Nairobi and Lake Victoria. You’ll enjoy numerous benefits when you visit this beautiful nation.

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Uganda is an amazing location for an adventure. The lush vegetation, the incredible people and the glorious natural beauty of this nation combine to make it one of the prime destinations for travelers in Africa. You’ll find much to love about the country, including wildlife, urban centers, the source of the Nile River, Lake Victoria, world class golfing and much more.

Wildlife – Uganda is home to a rich diversity of wildlife. The endangered mountain gorillas are the most popular attraction, though there are many other primates in the region. The gorillas live in the Virunga Mountains and the Bwindi National Park; visitors can experience these amazing creatures firsthand. Chimpanzees are also found throughout the country. Kibale Forest, Budongo Forest and Kyambura Gorge are home to tourist friendly chimpanzee communities. Golden monkeys are another large draw in the area. Kibale Forest is home to a large number of golden monkeys and other primates, such as patas monkeys and other species.

Murchison Falls National Park – This stunning area boasts palm trees and grasslands, as well as thundering waterfalls. Lions, buffalos, elephants, kob, giraffes, hippos and a great diversity of bird species call the park home. You’ll enjoy a launch trip on the headwaters of the Nile River and some of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Queen Elizabeth National Park – This incredible savannah offers you sights of buffalo, elephants, antelopes, 600 bird species and much more. You will find forest hogs, lions and easy access to Lake Edward and Lake George for even more exploration and enjoyment.

Kampala – The capital city of Uganda, Kampala offers visitors a true urban environment, complete with shopping, dining, hotels, resorts and public transportation. While the urban oasis is stunning, it is also uniquely African, featuring lush tropical gardens throughout the city. This is a great place from which to explore the surrounding areas, including the national parks for which Uganda is renowned.

Entebbe – Entebbe is an incredible city, with one of the best golf courses in the world. The lush greenway leads down the shores of Lake Victoria and offers you challenging golfing and proximity to nature. In addition, Entebbe is the perfect place for travelers looking for urban accommodations without the hustle and bustle of big city life.  A stay in the area will also yield easy access to all that Uganda has to offer.

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Perugia, the capital city of Umbria, is located near the Tiber River and serves as the capital of the Perugian province. It is considered to be the artistic center of Italy, boasting the symbol of the griffin — seen everywhere as plaques and statues throughout the city. It was home to Pietro Vannucci, a famous painter called Perugino. The Sala del Cambio is decorated with a dazzling series of his paintings. In addition, eight of Perugino’s works can be seen at the National Gallery of Umbria. The famous Renaissance artist, Raphael, studied under Perugino.

Perugia is a city of many attractions for visitors. One of the greatest buildings in all of Italy, the Palazzo dei Priori, is located here, as well as the National Gallery of Umbrian art from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. This exhibit has art by Piero della Francesca, Duccio, Perugino, and Beato Angelico.

Chiesa di San Pietro

There are also many beautiful old churches to enjoy here. These include The Cathedral of S. Lorenzo, San Pietro church and abbey from late 16th century, the Church of Sant’Angelo from the 6th century, the Church of San Bernardino, and Church of Sant’Agata. The Church of Sant’ Ercolano is very worthwhile to add to your sight seeing. Built in the early 14th century, this church currently looks like a polygonal tower. In the beginning it had two floors, but the top one was destroyed when the Rocca Paolina was built. It has Baroque decorations from 1607, and a main altar that is made from a 4th century sarcophagus that was discovered in 1609.

Of course, churches and art are not the only reason to visit Perugia. Each year, usually in July, the Umbria Jazz Festival is held. This has been one of the most important Jazz festivals in Europe since its inception in 1973. Jazz lovers from all over come to enjoy this festival each year.

If you happen to have a sweet tooth, you will be interested to know that chocolate is one of the things this city is famous for. This is mostly due to a company named Perugina making Baci (kisses) that are exported all over the world. As you can imagine, Perugian chocolate is quite popular throughout Italy. In fact, Perugia is home to a yearly chocolate festival held every October.

Accommodations are many and varied in this city. Options available are hotels, bed and breakfasts and Umbria rentals as country houses, historic houses, campsites, religious houses, residential study centers, and farm vacations. As you can see, Perugia has something to offer everyone.

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Seychelles is a young republic, situated in the Indian Ocean, just north of Madagascar.  The islands have been inhabited since the 1700s.  It was originally colonized by the French, though the islands were later ceded to England.  The nation gained its independence in 1976 and has become an incredibly popular destination for those seeking a tropical getaway.

More than 115 islands and islets make up the Seychelles archipelago; the Inner Islands are granitic, while the Outer Islands are largely comprised of coral atolls and reefs.  The islands lie nestled in the heart of pristine azure waters and are home to numerous species of wildlife, as well as spectacular sandy beaches.  So, what can a visitor expect to do in Seychelles?

Aride Island Nature Reserve – This stunning nature reserve is home to more than 1 million different seabirds.  Numerous species of plants, animals and birds are endemic to the island; offering visitors a chance to glimpse some of the rarest of species.  The only boat allowed to land on Aride Island is the one operated by the park service.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception – This stunning cathedral was one of the first churches in the islands and is the seat of the Seychelles Diocese.  The cathedral makes a beautiful sight, even for those without religious convictions and is an excellent historical site in the islands.

Curieuse Marine National Park – This incredible island marine park offers visitors the sight of giant humphead parrotfish, giant tortoises, mangrove forests, coco-de-mer trees and more.  A visit to the Doctor’s House is an experience in unique architecture and history, while the Coral Garden offers astounding diving, as does Pointe Rouge.  A sea turtle museum, ruins of a leper colony and more sights await the intrepid adventurer.

Vallee De Mai – This incredible primeval forest was once believed to be the original Garden of Eden.  Visitors will find more than 6000 coco-de-mer trees, as well as six species of palm tree endemic to the island.  The endangered Black Parrot is found here and few other places in the world, while visitors will enjoy tours through the area, and up close looks at the stunning beauty of the forest.

A visit to Seychelles is an experience that will not be forgotten.  Whether you choose to relax on the beach, dive the pristine waters or venture to any of the national parks and reserves, you will enjoy your visit to the utmost.

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