10 Best Driving Holidays around the World

Great Ocean Road, Australia

 

If flying into the culturally enriching and modern city of Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road simply cannot be ignored. With the benefit of driving a car, you are at the gateway to a 300km designated route through a number of staggering natural wonders that hug the serene ocean setting.

Sydney to Cairns

Australia’s east coast is simply crammed with innumerable awesome places and natural wonders to go and visit and by driving along this coast you truly get the most out of a trip from Sydney to Cairns. Take in Sydney’s iconic sights and then head north towards Cairns ending up at the inimitable Great Barrier Reef.

Garden Route, South Africa

 

Without question, the 200km of coastline that make up South Africa’s ‘Garden Route’ are among the most beautiful on the planet. This astonishing voyage takes you through mountainous landscapes, gorges, dense forestry, golden beaches, immense lakes, rivers and caves.

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

Arguably, the Amalfi ranks as Europe’s most scenic stretch of coastline. The mesmerizing beauty of the landscapes that present themselves are almost too idyllic as you venture through pastel-colored villages and terraced hillsides nestled in amongst lush-green mountains and dazzlingly blue waters.

Banff and Jasper, Canada

From the Great Plains through to the devastatingly inspirational mountain scenery of Banff and Jasper National Park, this drive through western Canada could quite easily be the greatest this planet has to offer. The views are simply exhilarating as you traverse forests one moment and dominant glaciers the next.

Rocky Mountains

The natural wonder of the mountains and the age-old lure of cowboys, ranches, wilderness and world-beating ski resorts are all yours with the benefit of driving on holiday. For many, it is the allure of driving in seemingly deserted wilderness under huge open skies that attract many.

Provence

If getting away from it all is up your street then Provence is for you. Fly into Carcassonne and marvel at the charm of this pleasant walled city before heading into the Black Mountains where panoramic scenery will bombard the senses.

French Riviera

Head along the coast taking in the wonderful beaches in famous towns such as St. Tropez and Cannes before heading down to the millionaires playground that is Monaco.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Ascending to steep cliff drops overlooking the sea donning wonderful views all the way to incredible San Francisco. From here, expect wineries and redwood forests as you cross the Oregon state border where spectacular bays and small fishing villages present themselves.

Rhine Valley, Germany

The Rhine Valley is famous for its historic castles and fortifications, dense forests and beautiful river settings and is regarded by many as Germany’s most beautiful scenic drive.

10 Best Winter Cruises Destinations

Caribbean

 

Cruise the outstanding islands of the Caribbean for a tropical trip to paradise. Head for the Domincan Republic, Jamaica, or many many more. All islands offering clear waters, hot sunshine and a relaxed atmosphere.

Barbados

 

Barbados offers everything you need with unspoiled charm and sophistication. There is hot sun, warm sand, blue waters and friendly people. You will also find historic sites in Bridgetown; the island’s port. Beaches are aplenty and the sun will be shining.

U.S. Virgin Islands

 

 

This fashionable set of islands is a hotspot for cruises. St Thomas is the port of choice for shoppers. There are many other attractions and beautiful beaches, as well. A lot of holiday cruise ships focus their trip on St .Thomas alone, and the passengers are not disappointed.

Egypt

 

Is a great destination for winter sun as even in December as temperatures rarely drop below 25 °C. The Red Sea Riviera is a popular choice for many holiday makers. You can have a go at snorkeling and scuba-diving, or play a game of golf in the glorious sunshine.

Dubai

 

Go to Dubai for its beautiful stylish beaches. You can shop till you drop in the amazing shopping malls or hang out the beautiful beaches. An exotic taste of the Middle East combined with the best of the West.

Australia / New Zealand 

 

New Zealand has only recently become a destination for cruise holidays. This area has rapidly risen in popularity contests, as its breathtaking natural surroundings are second to none with its glaciers and hidden beaches.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers visitors some great amenities and an opportunity to understand the results of capitalism blending with communism.

Mexico

 

Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and other west coast ports of call along the Mexican Riviera come alive with strong margaritas and lively bands. Those who come to relax may find the scene really energetic. November to April is the drier, less humid and not quite as hot as the summer period.

Panama Canal

 

The Panama Canal is perhaps the world’s most amazing engineering project. This destination shows man’s fingerprints on nature as the canal links two oceans and separates continents. It’s pretty impressive despite the heat and humidity, but cruising the Panama Canal means you can cool off in the sea.

Northern Lights cruises 

 

 
Discover Norway in the winter on an Arctic adventure in search of the Northern Lights. Sail inside massive, narrow, steep-cliff fjords. These natural wonders are incredibly beautiful and well worth visiting.

10 Best Honeymoon Destinations of the World

HAWAII

 

Beautiful coastlines, volcanoes, friendly natives, white sand beaches, and world class resorts makes Hawaii the number one destination for honeymooners.

MEXICO

 

It has a broad range of destinations to visit whether it’s the luxury resorts along the beautiful coastline or visiting the grounds of the ancient Mayans in the canyons.

JAMAICA

 

Jamaica is the place to go if you are looking to have fun. Jamaica is known for its never ending night life. However, the island also offers lush forests and waterfalls to explore.

ST. LUCIA

 

It is a dynamic duo of France and Britain together. It is also one of the best places to visit if you enjoy nature. It has everything from a volcano to clear blue water filled with marine life.

BAHAMAS

 

It is a favorite among Americans because of the short distance to the U.S. It is also popular due to the fact that it is made up of over 700 islands. It provides great variety and can meet any budget.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

 

It has moved up the list over the last couple of years. The reason being is that it is not only beautiful but affordable.

TAHITI 

 

It is often called the ultimate paradise. You can’t go wrong with its natural beauty to the Polynesian kindness.

FIJI 

 

Fiji is well known for its picturesque coastline. It’s hard to find more beautiful beaches, palm trees, mountains and scheduled resorts all in one place.

Europe 

 

It is becoming more popular for honeymoon locations. One of the most popular locations is Italy. It’s no wonder Italy has everything to offer a romantic honeymoon.

Maldives 

 

Only a honeymoon in Maldives will give you that opportunity to make the better of every second of this valuable and romantic time with each other in total privacy. Private bungalows with your very own piece of white, sandy beach of the Maldives.

Top 10 Romantic Cities

1. Paris, France

Without a doubt the ultimate icon of all romantic cities, Paris sees millions of lovebirds flocking to it each year to take in such wonderful sights as the Eiffel Tower, and to drink in the artistic atmosphere of the Left Bank. With rich food, glamorous fashion, and countless charming boutiques and cafés for a young couple to explore, it’s no wonder that Paris is known globally as the City of Love.

2. Venice, Italy

The amazing “Floating City” of Italy has long been a favorite destination for all those deep in the throes of passion. One of the classic images of a couple in love is the picture of two people in a gondola, cuddling and talking as a boatman guides them down a canal past the charming and majestic buildings. The only way to know the true beauty of Venice is to experience it for yourselves!

3. London, England

London, the jewel in the crown of England, is one of the liveliest metropolitan areas in all of Europe. The best part is that this cosmopolitan area is also within easy reach of the fresh green countryside. Popular nightclubs, quaint taverns, great restaurants, and adorable bed and breakfast establishments can all be found to suit the mood of any honeymoon.

4. New York City, USA

The biggest city in the United States is also one of the most famous in its history. It is often said that it would take several lifetimes to explore everything that New York City has to offer, as it’s one of those rare places that truly has something for everyone. Check out the main attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, but also save some time for just strolling down the streets to see what surprises you can find.

5. Lisbon, Portugal

A city of artists and writers, Lisbon is known as much for its picturesque cobblestone streets as for its fine restaurants and high-end art exhibits. Also, not far outside the city is the stunning natural landscape of Portugal, just full of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered by adventurous lovers with the will to do some exploring.

6. Rome, Italy

This ancient and legendary city is known for both its profound history and its beautiful art treasures. The streets of Rome are practically paved with stone fountains and magnificent sculptures. Religious treasures, such as those at the Vatican, are also found in every corner of this fabled place that was once the seat of a global empire.

 

7. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, the second largest city in all of Spain, is rich with historical and cultural significance. It is the perfect spot for any couple interested in experiencing a Mediterranean vacation, as it offers some of the best beaches on the continent with all the comforts of the city directly nearby. Don’t miss the delicious food, inspiring music, and great dancing that the Catalonian region has to offer!

8. New Orleans, USA

One of the oldest cities in America and perhaps the one with the most colorful history, New Orleans is legendary for its ability to keep tourists entertained. Though devastated by Hurricane Katrina, the city has bounced back with a vengeance. Its world-famous French Quarter is the place to go to experience the unique food and music of this eclectic location.

9. Melbourne, Australia

Frequently named as the “cultural capital of Australia,” Melbourne exemplifies everything that this interesting country has to offer. See the beautiful lights of the modern city sparkling in the bay at night, stark against Australia’s open sky. The city is a host to countless events encompassing cinema, sports, music, dance, and cultural celebrations.
 

10. Monte Carlo, Monaco

This is one romantic spot that has been a center of leisure activities since at least the nineteenth century. An essential destination for anyone interested in racing cars, sports tournaments, or the thrill of casino gambling, this corner of the world also has its share of historical attractions such as the exemplary Napoleon Museum.

The Top 10 Most Expensive Cities In The World in 2012

1. Zurich, Switzerland

For the first time in the last 20 years, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities, Zurich, ranks as the most expensive city in the world, overtaking Tokyo which held this spot for most of the last two decades. The Swiss city had a swing of 34 percentage points and went up four places from last year to take the first spot. 

2. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is still 66% more expensive than New York, and was just slightly overtaken by Zurich in this year’s survey. Its index score is almost the same as it was last year.

3. Geneva, Switzerland

Third and fourth places are split between Geneva, Switzerland, and Osaka, Japan. The Swiss town rose from ninth to third place, thanks to a 30 percent point rise. These major ups came because the Swiss have one of the strongest currencies in the world and thus life in Switzerland costs way more.

4.  Osaka, Japan

Same thing could be said about Osaka and Japan as well. The Japanese currency is also really strong at the moment and even though Osaka is the second most important city of the country, it’s still pretty close to Tokyo in terms of cost of living.

5. Oslo, Norway

The Fifth place on the list is occupied by Norway’s capital, Oslo. The northern life just got more expensive, or so it seems but it’s definitely a price to pay to live in one of the most beautiful cities from Europe.

6. Paris, France

Speaking of beautiful cities in Europe, on the next spot, the sixth, lies one of the most renowned cities in the world, Paris. France has it put here thanks to its exquisiteness and unique style and probably because it’s one of the best travel destinations in the entire world.

7. Sydney, Australia

Sydney is now almost 50 per cent more expensive than the glam and glitz of New York. The coast of bread has almost doubled in the last decade, while petrol prices have risen three times and rice and other expenses even four or more times

8. Melbourne, Australia

The second city from Australia to make it in this top 10 is Melbourne, which has almost the same prices for everything as Sydney. Maybe Sydney is a bit more expensive because it’s a bit more popular, but they’re definitely close.

9. Singapore

The city state is still one of the most expensive cities in the world, 42% more expensive than New York and over cities like Hong Kong and even London.

10. Frankfurt, Germany

The last in this list but not last in the survey is Frankfurt, one of the most important cities from Germany. Frankfurt is the financial and transportation centre of Germany and the largest financial centre in continental Europe with the headquarters of seven major banks in here.