World Wide Holiday Tours

The modern Emirate of Dubai on the Eastern Arab Peninsular was created by the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Luxurious, spectacular, magnificent and divine are all words that spring to mind when describing this coastal Arabian enclave. Just seven hours flying time from the UK, Dubai is an awesome winter and summer sun destination that offers exoticism, adventure and fun in equal measure to the visitor. Enjoying an enviable location overlooking the Persian Gulf, Dubai also sits directly within the Arabian Desert. Affording good swimming possibilities, the coastal waters are home to more than 300 species of marine life. East of the city, there are large sand dunes that are ideal for exhilarating desert safaris by 4 x 4 vehicles that allow for sand-skiing, desert feasts and other pursuits plus flat sections dotted with date palms.  Striped hyena, caracal, desert fox and birds such as falcon and bustard are common in the surrounding desert. Indeed, Dubai is on the migratory path between Europe, Asia and Africa. In spring and autumn, Dubai is an ornithologist’s delight with more than 300 species of birdlife passing through.  The desert ultimately gives way to the Western Hajar Mountains, which run alongside Dubai’s border with Oman at Hatta. Arid and jagged, the mountains rise to some 1,300 metres in some places. Although Dubai has no natural rivers or oases, multiple gorges and waterholes dot the base of the mountains. Something that you definitely won’t find in the UK is camel racing. Though enthusiasm for the sport died out years ago, it has quickly enjoyed a resurrection and is becoming very popular once again. This is a unique opportunity to observe traditionally dressed local spectators backing their favourite dromedary. The best time visit and enjoy camel racing is when the season commences in October of each year. If you’re interested in camel racing is in October when the season starts.A fascinating way to experience new and old Dubai is to take part in a creek tour. Setting sail in a traditional wooden dhow or Abras (water taxi) is a relaxing and peaceful way to see many of the city’s spectacular architectural sights. It is quite a shock to see the stark contrast between the modern and ancient sides, especially within such close proximity to each other. From contemporary high-rise buildings to old-world souks, there is plenty to see on these magnificent creek tours.For something truly unforgettable that you won’t experience anywhere else in the world is a new attraction called ‘The World’ is a collection of man-made islands located in the Arabian Gulf engineered through vast ocean land reclamation to resemble the world. Described as an engineering odyssey, Dubai’s The World combines a paradise of sea, sand and sky. Each of the islands are accessible from the mainland within 15 minutes. The islands consist of residential properties, hotels and resorts, shops, restaurants and other facilities. The World exists harmoniously with the diverse surrounding marine life that inhabits its waters so those concerned about the environment have nothing to worry about.No holiday in Dubai is complete without a trip to the ‘big red’; a sand dune over 300 feet high which produces a red glow due to the iron oxide in the sand. Some have described the dune as eerie and others as delightful so the best method is to take a trip to the dunes and decide for yourself. Once there, enjoy sand-boarding, quad biking or perhaps hire a 4 x 4 to explore and climb the sand dunes. It is strongly advisable that you go out with at least one other 4 x 4 so if yours becomes mired in the sand, you’ll have another vehicle to winch you out! Famous for being the best place to splash some retail cash in the Middle East, Dubai offers plenty of shopping malls stacked high with a dizzying range of goods. From gold to electronics, cosmetic to clothing – there are plenty of fantastic, air-conditioned retail havens to enjoy a little light retail relief.  The Mall of the Emirates alone boasts more than 400 shops and 65 eateries.  Beyond the shops and the sand dunes, there are beaches aplenty to soak up the sun, verdant professionally designed courses to enjoy a spot of 9 or 18-hole golf, Arabian horse riding and much, more. For a holiday with a twist, fly to Dubai, a jewel in the United Arab Emirates.

Tags: adventure holidays, africa, asia, birds, blogging, dubai, europe, holidays, marine, shopping, travel, travel blogs

Thanks to the coexistence of several different religions, 18 officially recognised languages and hundreds of dialects and century-old  traditions, India is a country brimming with cultural diversity. Towering temples, tribal lifestyles and inspiring forces of nature make India an incredible place to visit. From the foothills of the Himalayas to the Deep South, India is stepped in geographical and topographical riches. India is a land of hills, rivers, plateaus, plains, beaches, deltas and deserts. The southern Indian Peninsula is almost entirely composed of the Deccan plateau, which has two hilly coastal ranges, the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.Popularly known as the Gateway to South India, Chennai - capital of the state of Tamil Nadu was chosen by the British East India Company for permanent settlement in 1639. A lasting legacy of the British and the Raj is Fort St George and the vast array of colonial architecture.   Famed for being centre of the burgeoning Tamil film industry, Chennai is also popular for Tamil cuisine. The city’s restaurants do a roaring trade in tiffin meals served with side dishes so typical of the south including idli and mouth-wateringly good dhosa with sambhar.  Temples abound in Chennai. Kapaleeswarar is worth a look, as is Kandaswamy Temple. For a snapshot of Indian life, Marina Beach is a magnet for relaxation and outdoor pursuits such as strolling and cycling.Still in the state of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur – also known by its anglicised name Tanjore, is famous for the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Brihadeeswara Temple. Built in the 10^th century, Brihadeeswara is a Chola Temple and is a brilliant example of Dravidian architecture. The central temple, known as the ‘Big Temple’ stands within a fort. The vimana (main tower) of the temple stands some 215 feet high and as well as being the tallest in the world, has the added distinction of being constructed in such a way that it never casts a shadow at noon on any given day of the year!  There is plenty to do at this site with a museum, Art Gallery and the Saraswati Mahal Library, which has over 30,000 manuscripts available in several European and Indian languages.Tiruchirappalli in the state of Tamil Nadu is perhaps more commonly and easily known simply as Trichy. Trichy is also home to the Rock Fort. Located in a city of flat land, at 272 feet it really stands out. Making the site even more fascinating is the fact that the rock is one of the oldest in the world at approximately 3.800 million years. At the top of the rock is a temple from where you can see amazing views of Trichy. There are several temples and sculptures dating back to the 6^th and 7^th centuries making the Rock Fort the perfect attraction for those interested in the history and culture of this village. If keen to take a walk on the wild side, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and Project Tiger nature reserve in the state of Kerala.  Located high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, visitors can come here to view a variety of mammalian and birdlife such as elephant, wild pig, gaur, sambar, deer, Indian wild dog, cormorant, kingfisher and Malabar hornbill. Whilst more elusive, Periyar does also support a population of Bengal tiger.  Kanchipuram is a popular spot amongst tourists, is commonly referred to as the “Golden City of Temples” and is considered to be one of the seven sacred cities of India. Although it boasts more than 100 temples, it is believed that in its time it had an impressive 1000. Famous for hand-woven silk fabrics and saris, Kanchipuram is known to have the best source of high quality hand-woven silk items. Be aware that the temples are closed between 12:30 and 4pm so you either need to go early in the morning or late afternoon.Diverse, impossibly colourful and astoundingly beautiful, a holiday in India whether it be the north or the beautiful south, will leave you breathless and hungry to see and experience more.

Tags: animals, architecture, beach, blogging, cycling, elephant, holiday, india, museum, relaxation, temples, travel, travel blogs

Famous for its fragrant spice trees and rare tropical flowers, Grenada is a beautiful, picturesque island located in the South Eastern Caribbean Sea and is commonly referred to as the Spice Island of Grenada. Sighted in 1498 by the famed Conquistador Christopher Columbus during his discovery of the New World, the island was at first called Conception before becoming Grenada. Colonialised ultimately by the French, the Spice Island of Grenada was eventually ceded to the British in 1763 and became a Crown Colony in 1877. Comprising also the Grenadines – a chain of more than 600 Windward Islands which are both part of this idyllic island nation and neighbouring St Vincent, notable islands include Carriacou and Petit Martinique.  Divided into six quaint parishes named after famous saints, the capital St George is located in St George Parish and enjoys the reputation of being perhaps the most picturesque city in the Caribbean. Located on a horse-shoe shaped harbour, the pastel coloured buildings with their traditional red roofs offer an impossibly attractive vista.  In Grenada, you’ll discover markets, spice plantations, flamboyant hotels, stunning beaches such as Grande Anse and colourful coral reefs and much more. It’s no wonder why package holiday tours to Grenada are so popular.Being of volcanic origin, Grenada’s soil is extraordinarily fertile. Growing more spice per square mile than any other island on earth, Grenada is referred to as the ‘Spice Island’.  Typical spices grown here include cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. In addition, cocoa and banana trees grow in prevalence. Heady ginger, vanilla and nutmeg aromas are known to fill the air. Indeed, the Spice Island of Grenada supplies 20% of the world’s nutmeg crop. Such is its importance that there is a nutmeg on Grenada’s flag. Spice plantation tours are a popular attraction on the island. Although colonial French influences are less apparent here in Grenada, the Gaelic influence is present in Grenada’s cuisine which is a heady melange of French, Indian and African flavours. Food can be well-seasoned and spicy with a real nod to the Creole cuisine of New Orleans. Chow down on seafood; calaloo and oildown, a tasty meat, vegetable and coconut stew which is also Grenada’s national dish.  The food goes down even more effortlessly with a cold Carib beer in hand. Music and festivals also play a big part in Grenada. Soca, reggae and calypso are the order of the day at Grenada’s annual carnival. For a holiday you will always remember a package holiday tour to Grenada staying in a flamboyant hotel is absolutely perfect. If you take a trip to Concord Valley it is unlikely that you will be able to resist using up all the film in your camera. Home to three remarkable waterfalls known as the Concord Falls, this journey is the perfect combination of energetic exercise as you reach your target and absolute relaxation as you admire the views and enjoy a swim. The first stage is easily accessible by road whereas the other two can only be reached by foot. However they are well worth the hike and it is doubtful you will ever forget such stunning scenery. As the Spice Island of Grenada is one of the premier yachting centres in the region, sailing is an experience you definitely shouldn’t miss out on.  You can chose whether to go out on your own, with yachting crews and can even have lessons if you’ve never sailed before or fancy brushing up on your skills. If you prefer to sit back and leave the sailing to someone else, why not partake in one of the day or evening cruises available from various local tour companies. You can fall in love with the dolphins and whales or cruise up Grenada’s outer islands to Carriacou and Petit Martinique.SCUBA diving in Grenada rewards divers of all standards with coral gardens, wrecks including the fine Bianca C and reef walls teeming with marine life. The seas are temperate and for the majority part, visibility is between 10-30 metres. Stingray, barracuda and giant hawsbill turtles are a common underwater sight. With everything you can do on the Spice Island of Grenada it’s not hard to see why package holiday tours to Grenada are so popular. In Grenada, enjoy great food, sunshine, aquatic pursuits, day excursions to locations such as Grand Etang Lake and National Park and the spice plantations, flamboyant hotels, relaxing calypso rhythms and mingling with the local Grenadians.  Enjoy a different Caribbean holiday in Grenada – the spice island.

Tags: beach, caribbean, columbus, cruises, grenada, hotels, nature, plants, sailing, spice island, spice island of grenada, spices, volcano