Route 36

The Best Cities for a Traditional Christmas

admin — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:54:21 +0000

Christmas can be an extremely modern affair, but what if you’re looking for tradition? Here are some cities that’ll have you feeling like a line in a Bing Crosby seasonal special. Dowse yourself with some festive cheer and let me lead you through the streets of…

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi is the bright centre of Finland’s most northern province, Lapland. Obviously Lapland is the home of Father Christmas, which is a good start, but aside from that you’ll get plenty of illuminated trees, reindeer, carols and nativity scenes. And all this is set against a significant amount of snow coupled with the rarely surpassed beauty of Lapland’s natural landscape.

Initially the thought of Christmas in the Arctic Circle might be a bit off-putting, but northern Finland is more than just traditional, it’s magical. To top everything off the Aurora Borealis is visible on average 200 times a year in the region, spectacular, spectacular!

New York, USA

It might not seem the most ‘traditional’ at first, but make no mistake; NYC isn’t just about crushing those credit cards on Fifth Avenue, though that obviously is an option and quite a fun one too. But no, we’re here for the traditional. New York is pretty amazing whenever you visit and this only increases during the holidays.

There are so many iconic Christmas sights to take in and be part of. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Macy’s window displays and skating in central park. Mooching through the snowy streets, taking in these sights gives a great sense of community, and although that might sound a little trite to the more cynical, even the most scrooge like can’t help but smile when in New York for Christmas.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is the classic fairy tale Christmas city. It is basically what the front of all Christmas cards are modelled on. Head to medieval town and weave yourself down tiny streets, along quaint waterways and all surrounded by the magnificent architecture of the city’s historic buildings.

The city goes overboard, in a good way, at Christmas. There are numerous events, notably the extravagant and super traditional seasonal markets along with plenty of boutiques and candlelit restaurants and cafes for those wanting to duck out of a wintery breeze and cosy up in a quiet corner.

If you’re looking for a city in which to spend a traditional Christmas this year then the three above are solid choices. Before you know it you’ll be raising your collar against a flurry of snow, while humming carols between sucking on a candy cane, what could be more festive, and traditional, than that?

David James researches and writes about the wacky and wonderful world of novelty Christmas gifts for the online retailer Find Me A Gift.

Top Golfing Resorts in Barbados

admin — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:59:01 +0000

The island of Barbados has been steadily gaining respect as an ideal golf break destination. This reputation was further enhanced in 2006, when Barbados hosted the World Golf Championships World Cup at one of their famous courses. Furthermore, the PGA European Tour Seniors event is held regularly on the island. Here are three of the top Golfing Resorts Barbados has to offer.

Royal Westmoreland

Professional golfers will be challenged by this Robert Trent Jones designed course. In particular, the sixth green is surrounded by a former limestone quarry and the unforgiving stone presents a unique golf encounter. Golfers may even spot a few monkeys who enjoy the coral rocks located near the green. Another heavily discussed characteristic of the Royal Westmoreland course is its spectacular par-3s. Eamonn Darcy, winner of the 1987 Ryder Cup, said that they were the best he had ever played.

Luxury accommodation is located on site and Barbados offers golfers a comfortable climate year round, although the island is more affordable during the spring and summer. Also, travel packages generally include a golf cart and caddy.

The 5th at Royal Westmoreland

Sandy Lane Resort and Golf Club

This lavish golf course boasts some of the best greens throughout the world and offers golfers three courses to choose from, which include Green Monkey, The Old Nine and The Country Club. Green Monkey was designed by Tom Fazio who used an ancient stone mine to inspire his creation. In order to play the world-renowned Green Monkey, golfers need to book on site accommodation. However, succulent villas, penthouses and suites await travellers ready for a golf break excursion.

Equipment is available for rental at the clubhouse and golf carts with GPS systems are included in the greens fees. This handy device will also offer tips on the best way to handle each hole and hungry golfers can order snacks.

The Rockley Golf Course

This golf course has been on the island the longest and is perfect for golfers of all experience levels. With nearly 70 acres of property in the southern region of Barbados, the course is scenically located near the gorgeous Rockley Beach and is perfect for a relaxing round of golf.

The Rockley Barbados Golf Course provides 9 holes with the opportunity to play the courses alternative tees for a total of 18 holes. The steeply slanting greens along with the constricted fairways will face up to experienced golfers while the 1st hole will gently prepare beginning golfers for the challenges ahead. The hotels on this side of the island are affordable and golf equipment is available for rent.

Professional golfers and amateurs alike will discover the perfect golf break destination in Barbados. Accommodation is luxurious and charming courses are waiting to be discovered by golfers during their relaxing endeavours.

Golf in Barbados

This post was written by freelance Travel Blogger, Roxanne B. If this has inspired you to take your next golfing break in the Caribbean, you can book direct flights to Jamaica from London. You can also compare different airline prices by using a flight comparison tool to make sure you always get the best deal.

Brisbane, Queensland

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:12:41 +0000

Brisbane Botanical Garden by Burning Image

Weekend in Brisbane

Everyone travelling to Australia has heard of Sydney, but Australia is a huge place and one place people ought not to overlook is Brisbane, Queensland.

Brisbane river by Jezza

Brisbane is the state capitol of Queensland and it is the largest city in that state with a population of over 2 million people. The Brisbane River cuts through the city very much like the river Thames in London and the Seine in Paris.

Brisbane CBD Sepia Tone HDRI by Burning Image

The city has a high urban density making it similar in some regards to Sydney. Climate in Brisbane is hot, humid summers and dry cool winters. Brisbane is the third most popular place to visit after Sydney and Melbourne, thus making tourism is a major component of the economy.

Brisbane Skyline by Amit (Sydney)

Popular places to visit include nightlife hotspots alone the Brisbane River downtown where you can take part in the sophisticated ambiance permeating the man made beaches, art museums, fine dining, street performers, fireworks, creamy cappuccinos and lazing in the shade.

The Queen Street Mall hosts over 650 stores, a haven for those who like to relieve their stresses by way of a little retail therapy. The Valley is the precinct where the young shop for some of the edgiest and trendiest fashions.

Heavenly Havana

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:17:27 +0000

CUBA by dariuszka

Ciudad de la Habana, or Havana City, is a popular Caribbean tourist spot and is also the capital of Cuba, the largest tropical island in the western hemisphere.

Cubans by dariuszka

Although popular in the 1950s, Cuba was closed to tourists until the 1990s due to internal political upheaval, and Havana still has the reputation of being an exotic and forbidden place to visit. It is, however, growing in popularity and, with the Cuban Tourist Police constantly patrolling the popular tourist sites, the city is safer than most European destinations.

Ministerio del Interior by zoonabar

Visitors will usually fly into Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport, and once they have cleared customs and are on their way to their hotel or Casa Particular – the Cuban equivalent of a Bed & Breakfast – they are ready to have some Havana-style fun.

Cuba 2008 318 by El Toñio

Havana has a lot to offer the tourist, and a day exploring the beautiful Catedral de San Cristobal, said to be the only asymmetrical baroque church in existence, and the imposing colonially-styled Plaza de Armas square can be followed by a night of fine Cuban dining featuring entertainment by a live band specializing in salsa or jazz. The Plaza de la Revolucion is also a must-see and this 72,000sq.m. square is the largest of its kind in the world and features the 109m tall Jose Marti Memorial across from the iconic and gigantic image of Che Guevara on the side of the Ministry of Interior Defense Building.

Memorial Jose Marti by zoonabar

Other attractions typical to Havana include the El Malecon and the Prado, where tourists can stroll to their hearts content and be charmed by Havana’s shops and small cafes, not to mention the beautiful Bay of Havana with the fascinating El Morro Castle that guards its entrance.

Havana is an undiscovered jewel of the Caribbean that welcomes tourists with open arms.

Wonderful Warsaw

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:30:56 +0000

Warsaw by Kamil Porembiński

Warsaw, or Warszawa in Polish, is the capital of Poland and is home to over 1.7 million Poles. The city is divided into five districts: the upscale Centrum which lies in the center of the city and the areas of Northern, Eastern, Southern and Western Warsaw, which are arranged around the central hub.

Stare Miasto w Warszawie - Old Town, Warsaw, Poland by Jarosław Pocztarski

Visiting Warsaw is an unforgettable experience, as is meeting the Polish people, who have managed to hold on to their patriotism and optimism even though their country claims the title of the most invaded nation in the world. No tour of Warsaw would be complete without seeing the Old Town, or Stare Miasto, which was destroyed during World War II and then returned to its original splendor after the war. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Stare Miasto square with its brightly-colored narrow buildings and pleasant cafes attracts hundreds of visitors per day. The Royal Castle is the square’s keynote attraction and visitors should not miss the chance to tour this beautiful building.

Le Meridien Bristol
Photograph - 'Some hotel in Warsaw' by PeWu

Warsaw also offers tourists scintillating nights out on the town and the Warsaw Philharmonic and Polish National Opera both call Warsaw home. Visitors should not miss the Old-Polish Music Festival and the Warsaw Film Festival, not to mention the Noc Muzeow ‘Long Night of Museums’ where visitors get to wander all of Warsaw’s museums for free for one magical night in May.

Visitors wanting to tour Warsaw on their own should go armed with a map, a guidebook and a Polish phrase book and should remember that they can orient themselves by the River Vistula, which divides the city into the Left Bank and the Right Bank.

Sheraton Warsaw Hotel - Hotel Sheraton w Warszawie by Jarosław Pocztarski

There is much to do and see in this gracious and indomitable city and visitors will remember their trip to Warsaw for the rest of their lives.

Beautiful Brazil

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:11:47 +0000

Praia do Leblon by Rodrigo_Soldon

The lush, tropical forests and stunning urban centers of Brazil collaborate perfectly to create the ideal vacation spot right in the heart of South America. The unique Portuguese-speaking country offers breathtaking scenery, thrilling activities, and a particular cultural experience that can’t be encountered anywhere else.

Brazil is the only country in all of South America in which Portuguese is the official language, setting it apart from its Spanish-speaking neighboring countries. An exception to this is the municipality of São Gabriel da Cachoeira where the indigenous language Nheengatu is spoken. Nearly half of the continent inhabitants speak Portuguese, although Spanish is also taught.

BRASIL by emarquettia

The culture of Brazil is based around the Portuguese culture although it also contains African and indigenous influences. The cuisine varies from region to region, the national dish being Feijoada, which is is a stew of beans with beef and pork meat. Like many other South American countries, football/soccer is the national obsession as well as pastime.

Cristo Redentor (Christ Redeemer) by bossa67

Rio de Janeiro is most definitely a point of interest to visit. The city is a grand display of Brazil’s modern architecture as well as natural landscapes. Rio de Janeiro is also famous for its beautiful beaches and exciting carnival celebrations. The majestic and immense statue of Christ, called “Cristo Redentor” sits atop Corcovado mountain, overlooking the city.

Cristo Redentor by Rodrigo_Soldon

Iguacu Falls (Brazil side) B&W by mark i geo

A must-see natural wonder is the landscape of Iguaçu Falls. The 275 waterfalls fall into the Rio Iguaçu, which actually separates the countries of Brazil and Argentina. The awe-inspiring waterfalls provide a wonderful natural opportunity for sore eyes tired of urban views.

Movimento Sem-Terra (MST) - Brasil (Projeto retratos) by Daniel Zanini H.

Besides Rio de Janeiro and Iguaçu Falls, Brazil offers a myriad of other cities to trek and activities to accomplish. From the Parque Nacional Sete Cidades to the stunning port city of Paratay, there is no wrong place to go as you travel the country. Many adventures await the weary traveler in the glorious country of Brazil .

Marvelous Moscow

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:44:31 +0000

2008 08 04 - 7200-7205 - Moscow - St Basil's Cathedral by thisisbossi

Moscow is the capital of Russia and, with a population of over 13 million and an area greater than 1,080sq.km., is Russia’s largest city. It also boasts a rich and colorful history, with the famous Red Square and the Kremlin only hinting at Moscow’s diverse and exciting background.

The Kremlin from the Kempinski, Московский Кремль by moaksey

Moscow is situated at the confluence of the Moskva and the Yauza Rivers and is laid out around the framework of its ‘ring roads’, which circle the city in roughly the locations where the old city walls used to be. Situated at the very heart of the city is the magnificent and imposing Red Square, containing the fortified stronghold of the Kremlin and numerous other attractions including the colorful and exotic St Basil’s Cathedral and the austere edifice that is Lenin’s Mausoleum.

Visitors can reach Moscow in a variety of ways as the city has three international airports and is also home to the western terminus of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Once in the city, the best ways to get around include the metro system, the buses and trolleybuses. Cars should be used with caution as traffic in Moscow can be a nightmare and, with traffic jams that last up to eight hours and almost no parking spaces, it is better to use public transport.

St Basils 2. by kmndr

There is much to see and do in Moscow and every visitor deserves an extended stay. Highly recommended are the Bolshoi Theatre and the Tretyakov Gallery’s unsurpassed collection of Russian art and religious icons. Tourists should also try the Pushkin Museum, with its Western Art exhibitions, and the Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery, which dates from the early 16th century, is the lasting resting place of such literary greats as Anton Chekov and Nikolai Gogol.

Moscow has enough to keep even the most jaded of tourists busy for months.

Route 36 Cocaine bar La Paz, Bolivia

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:22:45 +0000

Diablo (Potosi Bolivia) by Ahron de Leeuw

Tired of the typical bar scene? Looking for a more unique approach to having a drink? Route 36 Cocaine bar located in La Paz, Bolivia offers more than your average beer and cocktail nuts.

Route 36 is a tourist hot spot located in one of Bolivia’s capital cities, La Paz. The after-hours bar attracts local as well as foreign drug users and backpackers. Route 36 offers the often expensive and well sought out drug cocaine alongside the regular alcoholic drinks. Being the word’s first and only cocaine bar, it attracts travelers from all across the globe. Vacationers praise Route 36 as being one of the greatest travel experiences in South America.

Miles of tiles by Phillie Casablanca

Interested in taking a trip to South America for the chance to explore Route 36 for yourself? It may be helpful to know that the location of the bar is not very stable. Many oblivious tourists find themselves looking for the lounge to no avail. Due to neighbor complaints about the use of an illegal drug, the location of the bar frequently changes. A few months is the maximum amount of months that the bar typically stays in one location, while a few weeks is the average.

The ever-growing illegal drug trafficking scene in Bolivia, opposed to countries such as Colombia, had increased majorly during the last decade. Cocaine production is on the rise and attempts to stop it prove to be extremely futile.

Valle de la Luna by Phillie Casablanca

The drug cocaine is illegal in Bolivia, but that didn’t hinder Route 36 from becoming one of the country’s most loved and visited lounges. Thousands upon thousands of tourists make a stop to partake in the otherwise expensive to difficult to find drug. Many tourists advocate the Bolivian cocaine because of its purity, price, and availability.

If you are interested in more than just the usual bar, consider Route 36 in La Paz, Bolivia for the adventure of a lifetime.

Edmonton, Alberta

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:34:17 +0000

Edmonton Skyline by Bulliver

Located at the northern most end of the Great Plains, Edmonton is known for its beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley park system.

Smokey River by Sahlgoode

This park system gives local Edmontonians’ one kilometer after another of recreational trails that bring North American wildlife right to their back door. The view of the city from some of these parks is as captivating. Covering both sides of the rivers path through the city, the park system is the largest of it’s kind in Canada.

Daft punk by Runran

Depending on your interests, Edmonton has a diverse array of activities and attractions, spanning from the Klondike Jet Boat tours, where you will be taken on a history filled tour of Edmonton’s stretch of the North Saskatchewan River Valley, to a multitude of other history based attractions like the areas many museums.

Whyte Avenue by Bulliver

In addition to the cities well-kept line of history based around two young frenchmen who discovered a wealth of fur in the interior of the North American Continent, Whyte Avenue (Edmonton’s hottest strip, located on the cities South side in a district called Old Strathcona) offers a healthy nightlife filled with activities such as dining, drinking, live music and theater, and even some funky shopping opportunities.

And shopping opportunities there are, as Edmonton’s famous West Edmonton Mall is the largest shopping mall in North America.

North Saskatchewan river by Sfllaw

If shopping and nightlife isn’t your thing, don’t worry, Edmonton has a little something for you as well. Whether it be fishing or canoeing, or if you’d rather just take a hike and experience the large amount of wildlife that lives in such close proximity of Albertas capital, you will surely find it here.

You can rest assure that Edmonton has made just the right accomodations to match the needs of you, your family, or your colleagues needs so that you may enjoy your time spent in Edmonton.

Polish Monument by Bulliver

Austin, Texas

admin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:06:24 +0000

A flag on the field by Klobetime

Austin is not just the capital city of the state of Texas. It is a diverse and cultural vacation destination with lots of interesting places to visit and lots to do.

SXSW 6th street Austin Texas by Ponchosqueal

With one of the most vibrant and exciting music scenes in America, Austin’s 6th Street has been called the Live Music Capital of the World. Previously known as Pecan Street it houses the Texas Music Hall of Fame and
hosts the South by Southwest festival.

Austin is home to Zilker Park, which is the largest park in the city. Austin also has the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum which houses the town’s only IMAX movie theatre.

6th Street Austin by Rutlo

Did you ever wonder where the famous “Watergate Papers” were? They are currently in the renowned Harry Ransom Center in Austin. Here you can also find a rare Gutenberg Bible. This facility houses a lot of rare and unique publications.

For fun, try the State Fair and Rodeo, which occurs every March. Bring the family and enjoy a visit with great festival food, rides, and championship riding events.

There is certainly something for everyone in Austin, Texas.