Delight in the Wonders of Cape Town

The quintessential melting pot of South Africa, Cape Town is a city alive with sounds, tastes, colour and fun. Walking in South Africa is best experienced as a well-rounded exploration of both the landscape and the cities. Start in Cape Town, where you can't help but fall in love with the culture and people.
Explore, explore, explore
Your first port of call should be Signal Hill, where you can get true panoramic views of the city from the peak. After this, wander through the historic part of Cape Town, past Company Gardens, St. George's Cathedral, the President's home (de Tuynhuis) and the very famous flower sellers of the city. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, shopping or resting in your hotel to prepare for the next day. Walking in South Africa may be tiring at times - but there is so much to see you won't want to miss a thing!
Next, head to the Cape Peninsula and explore the Cape of Good Hope National Park. You will travel along coastal roads and through some chic suburbs of Camps Bay, Clifton and the beautiful fishing community of Hout Bay, before coming to a scenic drive along Chapman's Peak. From here, you will soon arrive at the Cape Peninsula National Park where you can spend a few hours just wandering around discovering the flora and fauna here. During your walk, you may come across a shipwreck that ran aground way back in May 1968. You will also be able to get an excellent view of Table Mountain and the Kommetjie lighthouse, which was operational between 1860 and 1919. If you feel energetic, take a walk up to the lighthouse to inspect it close up.
Your next adventure should be to take a cable car up to Table Mountain, then enjoy a scenic walk along the edge of the mountain until you reach Maclear's Beacon at the very top. You can enjoy a lovely picnic lunch while you are up there before returning to the city.
Another must-see while you are on a holiday walking in South Africa is the Winelands. The region is abundant with vineyards, thanks to the ideal, temperate climate. Here, you can take a relaxing walk in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, near Stellenbosch. Later in the day you can enjoy a fascinating tour of the winemaking process at a wine estate. Indulge yourself in the wine tasting session before being served a delicious lunch!
Walking in South Africa not only allows you to enjoy the beauty of the landscape up close and personal, but immersing oneself in the culture at such an intimate level allows one to truly experience this wonderful country, rather than simply visit it.

Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a holiday walking in South Africa to the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.

Article Source: Tony Maniscalco

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A Few Things to Pack for Your River Cruise Holiday

While we all enjoy taking holidays to some of the most beautiful places around the world, it can be an experience full of stress and problems, with getting through the airport and reaching your connecting transfer just some of the biggest culprits. If you are looking for a holiday experience in which you can relax as soon as you leave your front door, a river cruise holiday could be exactly what you are hoping to find.
Growing hugely in popularity in recent years, particularly on rivers such as the Seine, Moselle and Danube, river cruise holidays allow you to relax in the height of comfort while you glide along the waterway to a selection of unforgettable cities, towns and landmarks. If you are new to river cruises, it may be helpful to identify what exactly to pack in your suitcase.
First things first, make sure you pack the correct clothing for your journey. So that you don't leave any important items behind, take the time to do your homework and check out the weather of the resorts you are visiting as part of your itinerary. This should be a simple method in working out whether to pack a decent raincoat to keep dry or a sun hat to avoid sunburn.
Another handy item which is so often needed by people is a translation book. While it's likely all the staff on board the vessel will have a grasp of English, it will be a far different situation while you peruse the streets of Strasbourg, Koblenz, Cologne, or any other cities on your cruise route. A phrase book helps you break through the language barrier and will ultimately assist you in learning more about the culture of the places you visit. It's for this reason alone why it should be included among your necessary travel documents.
Purely for precautionary measures, a medication pack should be among the first items you take in your suitcase; it could be a lifesaver should you start to not feel 100% during the trip. While the staff on your cruise will certainly be on hand to help you with any serious incidents, it could be an idea to take a few painkillers to help shake off a sore head from all that wine you enjoyed the night before. Also be sure to pack some seasickness aids; forgetting them could turn your dream cruise into a nightmare!
These are the most important items which should be at the top of your packing list. Once the suitcase is sorted, all you have to do then is wait a short while until you embark on an unforgettable river cruise holiday experience.

This article was created by Thom Sanders for River Cruise Line. They offer sensational savings on European river cruises including Rhine cruises and other experiences.

Article Source: Thom Sanders

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Kumarakom Tourism

Kumarakom Kerala , a distt. situated on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Named as one of the ten paradises of the world by the National Geographic Traveller, Kumarakom Kerala is famous especially for its ecotourism initiatives. Kumarakom unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, has made Kumarakom one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Beaches and backwaters are prime attractions of Kumarakom Kerala tourism and vacations. There are several beautiful beaches and backwater destinations in Kumarakom offering wonderful opportunity for amazing tourism and mesmerizing vacations. Kovalam, Varkala, Marari, Fort Kochi, Bekal Fort, etc are some of popular beaches of the state.

Heritage sites, such as the Padmanabhapuram Palace, Hill Palace, Mattancherry Palace are also visited. Cities such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are popular centres for shopping and traditional theatrical performances. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the tourism industry is a major contributor to the state's economy. Until the early 1980s, Kerala was a hitherto unknown destination, with most tourism circuits concentrated around the north of the country. Aggressive marketing campaigns launched by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation—the government agency that oversees tourism prospects of the state—laid the foundation for the growth of the tourism industry. Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kozhikode, Kuttanad, Kottayam, Fort Kochi, Bekal Fort, Trivandrum, Thiruvallam, etc are some of popular backwater destinations of the state. These beach and backwater destinations in Kumarakom are very popular among tourists and vacationers from all over the world. Tourists and vacationers through out the entire globe tour Kumarakom Kerala to explore its breathtakingly beautiful backwaters and beaches in Kumarakom.

Kumarakom, Kerala Tourism was able to transform itself into one of the niche holiday destinations in India. The tag line Kumarakom Kerala - God's Own Country was adopted in its tourism promotions and became synonymous with the state. Today, Kerala Tourism is a global superbrand and regarded as one of the destinations with the highest brand recall. In 2006, Kumarakom Kerala attracted 4.5 million tourists-an increase of 20.72% in foreign tourist arrivals compared to the previous year, thus making it one of the fastest growing tourism destination in the world.

The state's tourism agenda promotes ecologically sustained tourism, which focuses on the local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering and personal growth of the local population. Efforts are taken to minimise the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Popular attractions in Kumarakom include the beaches, hill stations and national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

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Dakak Park and Beach Resort

 

If you’re looking for a place to relax, Dakak Park and Beach Resort is a sure list-topper. With its pristine sand, clear waters and serene atmosphere, it’s the perfect getaway for worn-out urban professionals, families on vacation or couples planning a honeymoon. Solo-flyers can also enjoy a total solitary haven.

Situated in Dapitan, the city where Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled, visiting the place is tantamount to visiting a piece of Philippine history. Rizal Shrine, the estate of Dr. Rizal which he bought in Talisay, is less than an hour’s drive away.

Also a few miles away from Dakak Park and Beach Resort is Gloria’s Fantasyland, the first amusement park in the Visayas-Mindanao region. Young and young-at-hearts alike can thrill themselves with coaster rides and the infamous “Horror House”.

Aside from the laidback ambiance, Dakak Park and Beach Resort offers the total vacation package; from topnotch dining experience to sports. Guests can enjoy the food with gusto in a beachfront restaurant or order room service for a more casual, private meal. After a long day of dipping in saltwater, you can take a plunge in one of the pools or just enjoy a cozy, sunset massage by the beach. Its appeal is not lost to sports enthusiasts since it has sports amenities – beach volleyball, bowling and billiards to name a few.

Although somewhat isolated from civilization, party-goers need not worry because Dakak Park and Beach Resort have their very own private bar inside the resort. An overnight party by the beach is another option. Service vans are also available for hire if you want to explore the rest of the city.

No matter what age or lifestyle, Dakak Park and Beach Resort is one of every vacation aficionado’s must-go-to places.

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