Countryside Trip

Holidays in Cyprus are a popular choice for couples, families and groups alike. The island seems to have the skill to cater for all tastes from the hard core party fans to idyllic beach breaks for the brood.

Fans of culture and sightseeing  will feel right at home in Paphos. Located to the south-west of Cyprus, Paphos is a Greco-Roman costal city boasting stunning ports and ancient spectacles. Look online for cheap short holidays abroad to get the most for your money on historic holidays in Cyprus.

In addition to the stunning historical sites, Paphos weather is equally satisfying. Temperature highs reach over 30 degrees C in peak summer season and Paphos is a beautiful area to discover only enhanced by the city’s gorgeous sunshine.

The Paphos Mosaics are located in Kato Pafos, near to the city harbour. One of the oldest wonders of Cyprus, the mosaics were created to beautify the homes of Roman noblemen. Dating between 2^nd and 5^th century, the mosaic floors depict the legends of Greek mythology. Not to be missed by any history fanatic.

While exploring the mosaics of Kato Pafos, pay a visit to Paphos Harbour. The port is guarded by a medieval Byzantine fort, which was most recently rebuilt by the Ottomans in 1500’s. The fort is now open daily to the public and can be entered for a small price.

The Tombs of the Kings in Paphos is said to date as far back as 4^th century BCE. Despite the name for the burial site, no kings were laid to rest in these graves; however many high officials and noblemen did occupy the tombs.

Regardless, the Tombs of the Kings is a magnificent historical site and the solid stone carving and pillars live up to the grandeur of the name.

Cheap short holidays abroad aren’t just for partying and bathing. Holidays in Cyprus can provide you with cultured experiences to treasure forever.

Those of us who budget for one holiday a year may find it difficult to decide between an annual sunshine break and hitting the slopes. Cheap skiing holidays can make a welcome winter break, but making it through summer without getting away can be tough.

Many people go for skiing as it gives them the opportunity to be active on holiday. But summer sunshine breaks needn’t be all about lazing on a sunlounger by the pool.

There are plenty of great activity holidays to choose from, where you can learn or develop a skill. Activity sailing holidays are a popular choice, as are beachclub holidays involving other watersports such as windsurfing, snorkelling or kayaking.

Serious sailors will love to take the stern for a week or two, and can choose between itinerary ‘flotilla’ trips which are sailed as part of an instructor led fleet, or a ‘bareboat’ charter option which allows the freedom to sail when and wherever they please. Of course, for self-sail, you must have plenty of sailing experience, as must at least one other adult on the boat.

If you’re not quite at that level of expertise, you could instead choose a one week learn to sail holiday, so that you’ll be confident in your yachting skills for next year. These breaks are suitable for complete beginners and result in the completion of an introduction to yachting course which leads to the RYA National Sailing Certificate for Keelboats.

On the other hand, perhaps you prefer your water to be of the frozen variety. Skiing and snowboarding holidays are the choice of many, as the opportunity to experience fresh white powder in spectacular mountain settings simply cannot be emulated or compared.

Whether you decide to go for sun or snow this year, make sure that your choice of resort has the facilities and amenities to suit your level of skill in your chosen sport. That way, you can get more out of your holiday than just a week’s break. You can develop and improve your skills, and perhaps even learn new ones.

Many families will struggle to afford their annual two weeks in the sun this year, thanks to ever increasing food and fuel prices leaving less left over for luxuries. However, there are ways to find bargain beach holidays, if you’ve had to slash your holiday budget.

Late Deals

There are some great cheap holiday deals to be had if you’re able to leave it until the last minute to book. This option is ideal for those who don’t mind so much where they go, as long as they get away. Whereas those who have their heart set on a particular hotel or resort could find themselves disappointed.

While you can usually find a good variety of last minute deals, holidaymakers who have any special requirements – very young children or guests with impaired mobility – should make bookings as far in advance as possible to ensure that their needs are met.

Early Bird Bookings

A good alternative in that case is the early bird bookings. Great discounts are often offered when you book in advance, and doing this also ensures that you get your first choice of resort, hotel and package.

Out of Season Bargains

One great way to bag bargain beach holidays is to travel outside of the peak season. Many destinations, such as the Canary Islands, offer year round sunshine, and autumn or winter sun holidays are fantastic for those who like quiet, relaxing holidays.

Going All Inclusive

Going all inclusive is a good way to make sure that you stick to a budget, as meals, drinks, snacks and activities are included. You’ll need minimal spending money on an all inclusive break, so you can enjoy your holiday without worrying about the purse strings.

We’re all feeling the pinch this year, but a sunshine holiday can be the perfect pick me up. Just stick to your budget and enjoy a worry free break from the routine.

First of all I would like to thank my blogger friend Ruby, author of Pinay Mommy Online for this beautiful postcard of Cagayan de Oro City. This is the capital city of Misamis Oriental in the Philippines.  I can still remember this city because this is where we used to ride the boat  going to Cebu City. It is an overnight trip and I  always love it. I also  remembered some days vacation in this city with my cousins and her family. I guess we stayed around a week somewhere in Misamis. I still some some photo memories from that trip but I left it in the Philippines.

It is nice to see again Cagayan de  Oro City even just on postcard. Thank you so much Mommy Rubz for this wonderful souvenir. I hope to visit this lovely place again next year.

such a lovely  and colorful postcard from the Philippines. It brings back memories about my previous visits in this city.

Bursa was one of the cities we visited during our 10-day trip in Turkey last September 2011. It is a is a city in northwestern Turkey and the fourth most populous. The mausoleums of early the Ottoman sultans are located in Bursa and the numerous edifices built throughout the Ottoman period constitute the city’s main landmarks.

One of the sights we visited was Ulu Cami, also known as Bursa Grand Mosque. It was built in the Seljuk style and it was ordered by the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I and built between 1396 and 1400. The mosque has 20 domes and 2 minarets. We had the chance  to go inside the mosque, evidenced by the image I took inside.

The beautiful interior of the Bursa Grand Mosque. I was there!Ulu Cami or the Bursa Grand Mosque in Bursa, Turkey. This was taken during our 10-day vacation in Turkey last September 2011.

Inside the mosque there are 192 monumental wall inscriptions written by the famous Ottoman calligraphers of that period. The mosque has one of the greatest examples of Islamic calligraphy in the world. The Calligraphy is written on the walls, columns and on small and large plates.

BURSA HISTORY:

The earliest known settlement at this location was the Ancient Greek city of Cius, which Philip V of Macedon granted to Prusias, the King of Bithynia, in 202 BC. Prusias rebuilt the city and renamed it to Prusia (Προύσα). After 128 years of Bithynian rule; Nicomedes IV, the last King of Bithynia, bequeathed the entire kingdom to Roman Empire in 74 BC.

Bursa became the first major capital city of the early Ottoman Empire following its capture from the Byzantines in 1326. As a result, the city witnessed a considerable amount of urban growth throughout the 14th century. After conquering Edirne (Adrianople) in 1365 the Ottomans turned it into a joint capital city for governing their European realms, but Bursa remained the most important Anatolian administrative and commercial center even after it lost its status as the sole Ottoman capital. The Ottoman sultan Bayezid I built the Bayezid Külliyesi (Bayezid I theological complex) in Bursa between 1390 and 1395[2] and the Ulu Cami (Great Mosque) between 1396 and 1400.[3] The population of Bursa was 45,000 in 1487. Bursa remained to be the most important administrative and commercial center in the empire until Mehmed II conquered İstanbul. more here

The  exterior  of Ulu Cami and you can see one of  its minarets.  I am happy to visit such an amazing architecture during those early times.

I always believed that a certain village, town, city or  even a small country  has always things to offer to every tourist and visitor. No matter how small it is, there are always things that are worth to see and to experience there.

There are a lot of travel destinations in my list. I wish to spend one of those  affordable Tasmania holidays in the future.  I just found this Australian island  a unique destination to visit.  It is not only famous for its unique lifestyle but also for its beautiful landscapes.

I would love to spend some days in Hobart– Tasmania’s capital  is just very small compared to the larger mainland Australian cities but a visit there is worth it. There are landmarks, museums and art galleries to see. I don’t want to miss the Salamanca Market, the Botanical gardens,  the Battery Point and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery when I visit this capital city of Tasmania.  I also would like to experience a Peppermint Bay Cruise, visit to its wineries and do some wine tasting, buy some souvenirs at the Shot Tower and many more.

I would love to go walking or hiking  in  Cradle Mountain–  Being one of the top tourist attractions in Tasmania due to its natural beauty, this area should not be missed. It is  1,545 metres above sea level. Cradle Mountain is in the list  of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

I would love to visit the Bay  of Fires. It is very famous for its red rocks, beautiful blue water and white sandy beaches,  some of the reasons why this area is  one of Tasmania’s  most popular tourist destinations. It is located between Eddystone Point and Binalong Bay. I can’t imagine myself walking along its coastline which is one of my favourite things to  do when I am on a  beach holiday.  It is quite adventurous to go camping, boating and fishing in this area.

Do some sightseeing  in Ross– As what I have mentioned above, even a small village  or town  in any part  of the world always has  something to offer to its visitors. It is the same with this small town in Tasmania. Ross is a historic town and also very popular for travellers especially to Japanese  tourists. A visit to the Ross bridge, its sandstoned-Church, Sheep Museum can be done in a day sightseeing in Ross.

A cruise in Tamar River and See the Cataract Gorge is also included  in my itinerary. I can do this when I will stay  in Launceston, the second largest city in Tasmania.

The Houn Valley in Tasmania. image credit

Experience the Houn Trail.  I find this touring route very adventurous and exciting especially a trail in the Houn Valley. A visit  to South Bruny National Park in  Bruny Island with its wildflowers, forests, birdlife and a historic lighthouse can also be a great experience. I just love nature!

I believed even a month’s visit to Tasmania is not enough to see everything in this  island. At least, I have an idea on what to do and to see in this part of Australia. Any more suggestions out there are highly appreciated.

This is where you can the beauty of nature in the Bavarian part of Germany. This is one of the places I love when driving around in this part  of Bavaria. The Bayerischer Wald, known in English as Bavarian Forest is a wooded low-mountain region in Bavaria, Germany. It is located near the Czech border.

My  last visit here was in summer 2010 when a friend from the United States visited us. I showed her some places and cities in Europe during her three weeks vacation.

Here are some of the images I took last August 2010.

A part of the Bavarian Forest belongs to the Bavarian Forest National Park. It is the largest protected forest area in central Europe.

The highest mountain in the region is the Großer Arber (“Great Arber”, 1,456 m).

Are you planning to visit some of the countries down under the planet earth? Or maybe planning to take a holiday in Vanuatu? For a travel enthusiast like me, I always wanted to visit any country in any continent of this world. When time and budget are available, I would surely love to visit Vanuatu in the future.

Here are some of the things we need to know about Vanuatu;

It is officially known as the Republic of Vanuatu and was previously known as the New Hebrides Islands.It is is an archipelago nation consisting of over 80 islands located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, north of New Zealand and east of Australia.

It is very interesting to know that it is the only country in the world that has an underwater post office. It is located three metres below the surface in Hideway Island’s marine sanctuary.

You can visit Vanuatu all year round. It is a perfect holiday destination with temperatures ranging between 23 and 30 degrees. April to October are the main tourist months. However from November to March the country experiences a wet season with high humidity and rainfall.

Air Vanuatu Airlines, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand are Air Pacific Airlines are among the airlines that offer cheap flights to Vanuatu. You can always check their websites when you plan to travel to this country.

Accommodation in Vanuatu varies according to your budget and needs. There are luxury resorts, beach front hotels, boutique villas, guest houses and spa retreats. No matter what your budget or travel style, you’ll always find somewhere suitable to stay-in in Vanuatu.

You might want to taste the traditional foods in this country which include lap-lap, steak and tuluk. You might also want to try their traditional drink called Kaba but be careful because some tourists have experienced a hangover from its consumption.

Water activities may include diving, snorkelling and fishing. A visit to one of the world’s most active and accessible volcanoes called the Mt Yasur Volcano is also worth it.

For your souvenirs, you can shop for local handicrafts at Port Vila. Major credit and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, etc.) are widely accepted by many businesses in town.

Are you familiar with Mother Shipton’s petrifying well? When you visit Knaresborough in England, for sure you will have an idea of what it is all about. I had the chance to visit this historic market town in the Borough of Harrogate in North Yorkshire. It is also famous for its spas. We rode a bus from Harrogate to reach Knaresborough. It only took us around 10-15 minutes ride with the bus served by the Harrogate and District bus company.

a train passing the scenic bridge that crosses the River Nidd in Knaresborough. The date embedded in my images here was the time I was in this town.

Mother Shipton’s cave in Knaresborough, one of the sights in this town.

Sights in the town include the remains of Knaresborough Castle, Mother Shipton’s petrifying well, The House in the Rock, and several cave dwellings, one a chapel, dating from the Middle Ages.

I have been planning for a lot of travels again this year. Some were already booked and some are still on the queue. This is because I have to consider my time and budget. I actually have a lot of time to travel but being jobless how can you travel without money. At least I am always on the go whenever possible and I am happy that despite being jobless I can still do some travels for a lot of times in a year. This is the freedom that I always wanted and I am happy and contented about it.

Included in my travel wishlist is to visit Indonesia one of these days. First and foremost in my list is to explore the island of Bali. I have a friend who spent some holidays there and she said that the place is really awesome. Can you imagine a country like Indonesia with over 17,000 islands. Bali is one of it and it is one of the most famous tourist destinations in this country.

Sunset in Bali by Alice and Ashley.

With its sandy beaches, rugged coastlines, varied landscapes of hills and mountains, unique culture, this famed “island of the the gods” is claimed to be a paradise on earth. In addition to that, its world-class diving and surfing, various cultural and historical attractions, varied and enormous accommodation has made Bali one of the most famous island destinations in the world.

When visiting this island, I would surely plan earlier the itinerary including the search for cheap Bali hotels and flights. I already have a list of the different places and cities to visit. Among the few are Lovina, Denpasar, Ubud, Nusa Lembongan, Kuta, West Bali National Park, Bukit Peninsula and some other more when time still permits.

I would like to see Hindu temples in which Bali is best known.I also would like to try Balinese massage and spa. I am not really into surfing but maybe fishing, boating or snorkeling would be fine for me. There are still a lot of adventure and activities I would like to experience when visiting Bali. Last but not among the least, I want to buy some souvenirs from this country and would surely try Indonesian food and delicacies.