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Here are 10 of Thailand’s most beautiful islands

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

If you happen to be in Thailand, why not take a few days to enjoy some its tropical beaches and a wonderful weather? White sand and clear waters, that’s what you can expect.

  1. Koh Chang: Elephant Island

Koh Chang is the second largest island in the country and a good destination for backpackers or families who want to do more activities -other than being on the beach- and do not want to be in a very crowded environment. Koh Chang is a quiet island with lots of jungle and peaks up to 744 meters tall, you can go on excursions, visit waterfalls, hop on elephants and there’s even a small adventure park to jump from one tree to another.

Image courtesy of JP Newell at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of JP Newell at Flickr.com

  1. Koh Mak: The small and quiet one

Koh Mak is a very tiny island near Koh Chang, so it close to Bangkok but it is farther from the coast. You can walk from one side to another of the island in just over an hour, and it is quite flat. Perfect for families, couples or people who are only interested in going to the beach, snorkeling, kayaking and relaxing on a hammock. Beware of mosquitoes, though! Protect yourself with coconut oil and you’ll be fine.

  1. Koh Phangan: Ibiza, Thai style

Koh Phangan is where the famous Full Moon Party, a sort of rave on the beach that is quite well known in the backpacking world, takes place. The party happens monthly, of course, under the full moon. If you’re not there by then, don’t worry: there is also the Half Moon party and many others. The main party is on the beach of Haad Rin, so if you want peace and quiet you should run away from there! Some beaches in the northeast of the island are quiet and perfect for family tourism.

  1. Koh Samet: Bangkok’s Beach

Koh Samet is a small island only 2-3 hours by van from Bangkok and just 20 minutes from the coast via boat. Therefore it is quite exploited, even though some beaches are still quite well preserved. It’s perfect if you go during the rainy season because it is one of the least monsoon-affected islands. The food at the beach is affordable, and it is particularly good at the beach restaurants of Hat Sai Kaew.

  1. Koh Tao: The one with diving courses

Koh Tao is an ideal place for those who want tranquility and a diving destination. The beaches around the island are perfect for diving. You will find several agencies that offer all kinds of courses.

  1. Koh Lanta: The one for family tourism

Koh Lanta is a zone of ​​several islands, so when we talk about Koh Lanta, generally we’re referring to Koh Lanta Yai. This is an escape for those who find Southern Thailand (Phuket) too agitated. Koh Lanta has long and quiet beaches, perfect for strolling through them while the watching the sun set on the horizon.

  1. Similan Islands: The best diving experiences in the country

The Similan Islands is a natural park often labeled as the best place to dive in Thailand and probably the best in the world, because of its corals, marine life and white sand beaches. You can visit this park on daily excursions organized in Phuket or Khao Lak, or in cruises that last about 4 days.

  1. Koh Phi Phi: A movie setting

There are six islands in the region of Koh Phi Phi, all considered some of the most beautiful islands on the planet. The island of Ko Phi Phi Leh was where the famous movie about backpackers who created a paradise in a secret beach was filmed. The beauty of this beach wowed spectators, and since then thousands of tourists have visited Maya Bay every year. In this part of the country most of the inhabitants are Muslims.

  1. Rai Leh in Krabi: A paradise for climbers

Rai Leh (or Railay) is not an island, but a bay which is only accessible by sea because of the high cliffs that surround it. It is one of the best beach destinations in the country. The cliffs also make it an ideal site for climbers. There are not many places for beginners, so if you decide to come to climb here note that you must have at least some experience. There are also several caves to explore and they’re accessible to everyone, and there are other activities such as trekking, kayaking or diving.

  1. Koh Samui: The most popular one and the third largest in the country

    Image courtesy of JIN at Flickr.com

    Image courtesy of JIN at Flickr.com

    Koh Samui is an island with over 40,000 inhabitants. Famous for the beauty of its landscapes and nature, it is highly developed and can be reached by plane from Bangkok. Koh Samui offers a bunch of activities and it’s perfect for renting a motorbike and going from one beach to another. However, the best beaches are on the islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park, a protected natural park that will leave you speechless. You can also get there from Koh Tao or Koh Phagnan.

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Amazing Beaches to Delight in Thrilling Saint Petersburg Islands

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

A terrific paradise is hidden in Tampa Bay, Florida. Tampa International Airport is only a 20 minutes drive away from delightful beaches and incredible nightlife of St. Pete islands, whereas Orlando is a 40 minutes drive away. Even though Saint Petersburg islands are usually home for both American and Canadian travelers, the amazing relaxation activities and unique tranquility through the year have put this destination on top for European vacationers too. This is not random, though. As a matter of fact, all the 365 days the sun shines over the white beaches of Saint Petersburg and Clearwater, what makes it even a better option for tourists to go on holiday thanks to that extra day that 2016 has.

It is not an exaggeration to say that sun shines every single day over warm, clear water in St. Petersburg and Clearwater, a proper name by the way. Whether an option for extreme seasons like summer vacations or an option to escape from snowy winter, these islands and beaches are perfect for relaxing, tanning, and basking. As a matter of fact, people from around the world are starting to discover this wonderful destination in Florida, which is defined by some travelers as heaven on earth. That is quite a plausible definition since beach area reaches the 30 miles of white sand beaches and amazing landscapes which are perfectly sound despite the large amount of annual visitors.

Honeymoon Island State Park

Perhaps one of the best features of St. Petersburg islands is the fact that all 25 islets are linked by a driveway, so it makes it possible to visit them all by car. Great news for those who can not make it through on a boat! This way, exploring this island through its green areas is a marvelous experience, not to mention its white sand that makes you want to stay forever. Plus, if you are one of those travelers that like to bring your pet with you, Honeymoon island is perfect for a good walk with your dog. Also, seashell hunting is one of the most favorite activities for tourists because of their beauty and abundance on the beach. The Honeymoon Island State Park also feature 4 miles of white sand and lots of fun for everybody: loners, couples, families and even large groups of friends.

Fort de Soto Park

One of the issues that most tourists struggle with while traveling is finding proper destinations for kids. Let truth be told, when traveling with youngsters it is often difficult to find fun beaches that please them. However, Fort de Soto Park is considered one of the best beach destinations for minors because of its various activities such as fishing, kayaking, biking, and even camping, throughout the seven miles of charming beaches. Undoubtedly these features make Fort de Soto one of the kids’ favorite to have fun in those sunny days off. It seems like a perfect place for children; nevertheless, the whole five small islands that form Fort de Soto Park also feature adult kind activities such as bird sighting due to the islands’ fauna richness, as well as a good hike around the islets, everything surrounded by the ocean, naturally.

Pier 60

The perfect balance between nightlife and daylight activities is Pier 60. It is truly a beach for both children and adults since it offers activities with no age restrictions. Activities range from artistic performances, magic, jugglers, fire eater, and circus-like shows, to outdoor movie projection at sunset. Pier 60 is with no doubts a great option when visiting the Gulf of Mexico, a place to vary fun activities whether to take advantage of the sun, or to have fun after sunset. Are you coming with your kids? No worries. There is a comfortable, welcoming playground to gather the youngest of the family.

Image courtesy of Matthew Paulson at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Matthew Paulson at Flickr.com

St. Petersburg and Clearwater islands have clearly quite many more options than those referred above. It depends upon likes and preferences while traveling that vacationers will find some beaches better than other, or some activities more fun than other. Chances are, you will have fun and enjoy more a big beach party if you are a night owl, than those early birds who prefer hiking and activities involving nature. The best part is that both kinds of personalities are acceptable and fit the St. Petersburg and Clearwater lifestyle.

Definitely, the wonderful white beaches of St. Petersburg and Clearwater have you looking forward to coming to Tampa Bay. Dreams must not stay dreams. The time has come for you to stop daydreaming and make great vacations become real. Grasp that beach towel and come now!

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The best extreme sports to practice in Hawaii

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Hawaii is well known among travelers  for its weather and very stunning beaches that surround the island. Hawaii has been one of the most visited islands in the world  to go relax and spend vacations making it  a top vacation spot for many people.  When people plan vacations to Hawaii, the range of things to do is very extensive and the different isles and atolls have activities for everybody and every taste which include well known attractions such as Waikiki, North Shore beaches, Pearl Harbor, 3 active volcanoes, gorgeous waterfalls, black sand beaches, coffee farms, snorkeling and many more.

But what about those extreme sports that are so popular now?  The Hawaiian landscapes are known for their rough terrain and high level waves which allow the thrill seekers to have a blast. Extreme sports in Hawaii are more popular than you think and here are some of them to include in your next trip to this amazing island.

Surfing: maybe the most popular extreme sport among people that visit and locals. The history of surfing is attached to the island culture because in ancient Polynesian culture one way of selecting the chief of the village was to battle the waves in open sea to prove your talent and strength and in, modern times, a guy called  Duke Kahanamoku who was an Olympic swimmer that traveled around the world and showed the people modern surfing in the 1950s. Some of the best surf spots are Hanalei Bay in Kauai, Hilo in the Big Island, and the Pipeline and Kalapana in Oahu.

Scuba diving: if you know the basics of scuba diving, you can adventure into amazing depths and waters that will give you more than goose bumps because of the wild ocean life you will encounter. For people who have never gone scuba diving  before, there are more suitable classes to learn and it is easy to find a place to learn around the islands.

Shark diving: yes, it is literally diving into shark infested waters. This one is not for the ones that get easily scared.  They place the people in secure steel cages and then are lowered into the water to experience the amazing sharks in their natural habitat. People can see different types of sharks such as gray reef sharks, Galapagos sharks, and even tiger sharks from the safety of the cage. Please keep your hands inside the cage, you don’t want to spoil your vacations. The most popular businesses to find these types of programs are the Sharks Cove Grill, the North Shore Shark Adventures and the Hawaii Shark Encounters.

Kayaking: kayaking in Hawaii allows you to go places and experience them in a totally different way. Some of the most beautiful sceneries are not accessible by car or foot. You can fly alongside them and appreciate them from the air, but you can also enjoy them by using a kayak to gain access and actually feel them. You can find any type of route to go kayaking from the calm waters in Kaneohe Bay in Oahu and the Napali Coast in Kauai to rivers such as Hanalei River and its bay, and the Wailua river. All of these kayaking destinations offer unique sightseeing and wildlife encounters.

Image courtesy of cd_1940 at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of cd_1940 at Flickr.com

Skydiving: it is the scariest of all extreme sports and it is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Skydiving consists of throwing yourself from an airplane and “performing acrobatic maneuvers in the air under free fall before landing by parachute”. It may seem a little extreme and very scary, but it is a total rush in the Hawaiian islands. People who dare to go for the thrill, experience amazing speeds and views from a very unique point of view from the airplane and when they are cruising hanging from the parachute. The rest is a 30 second rush that will give you something to remember for the rest of your life. Some of the ventures that offer skydiving are the Sky Dive Hawaii and the Pacific Skydiving Center.

Extreme terrain biking: can you imagine biking down places like the ones seen in the movies Jurassic park or Godzilla? This is what extreme terrain biking is about. In Hawaii you can escape a little bit from the beaches and waves and get into some inland tours with extreme trails to bike and why not to hike. Some degree of expertise is required , but there are also some trails that are easy for the average rider.

Next time you think about Hawaii, the waves, the beaches and the sun, try to include some different plans to enjoy this amazing set of islands that provide all type of extreme activities and adventures to enjoy. Try to look for some other plans that might tickle your curiosity and take the adventurer out of you.

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Awesome activities in the island of Minorca

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Want to have fun on a beautiful island? Well here’s an idea! Why not consider a trip to the island of Minorca in Spain? It is part of the Balearic islands and its name comes from Roman times. It was named this way simply because its area is smaller than that of Majorca (“minor” and “major”… get it?)

Its weather is Mediterranean, you can enjoy watersports there and it is known by its richness in biological and geological terms. It has two official languages, Castilian (or Spanish) and Catalan. It is also known by the beauty of its beaches and coves.

For people who love ancient times or megalithic monuments, coves and caves, this will be the perfect destination. You will see navetas, taulas, necropoles and talaiots among the many mystical monuments of the island. Traces of prehistoric and Roman times are vividly present here. The history of art can be experienced on virtually every corner of the island. Its capital, largest settlement and administrative center is Mahon. Its municipalities are Ciutadella de Menorca, Alaior, Es Castell, Es Mercadal, Es Migjorn Gran, Ferreries and Sant Lluís.

Ciutadella is the former capital of the island. In Ferreries one of the main economical activities is shoemaking, a booming industry in Minorca, alongside tourism. There are so many sights and so many interesting zones that it’d be impossible to talk about all of them. The good news is that, being a small island, in just a few days you can get to know at least the essential places and learn to appreciate the beauty within the island. For this adventure we recommend to rent a car in order to easily travel from north to south. One side is only about 27 miles away from the other, so you could traverse the entire island in about one hour. If you’re traveling with someone else or several others, the prices for a car rental are very competitive and you all will definitely get a chance to see everything there is to see.

Image courtesy of Kevin at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Kevin at Flickr.com

We can start by Mahon, the capital, which is a beautiful port city. We also recommend to stop by the Ciutadella de Menorca, a particularly beautiful city, especially if you like to take late night strolls.

You could visit one of the many fishing locations and look at the local fishermen of the area. Some of the city’s narrow streets and little white houses may remind you of Mykonos, the Greek island.

In the village of Fornells, another important fishing site, you’ll find tons of sights, especially the beaches and virgin coves, where you can rest, relax, dive or even kayaking.

There are many options that you can find on its beaches and coves. Of course some are more affected by tourism, but several others can be enjoyed in loneliness. We recommend Cavalleria, a virgin beach which is very accessible and easy to get to. The Escorxada cove is another wonderful place, though it requires that you walk a little bit more, it is not such an accessible place. Cala Turqueta and Cala in Brut’s high cliffs will prove to be beautiful landscapes and hours of fun.

A must-see site to satisfy your kayaking needs is cove Cabra Salada. Cala Pregonda, located north of the island, and Cala Macarelleta are among the best options to visit. Or, if you prefer, a water taxi will allow you to see the most wonderful spots in the south coast. There you’ll see virgin beaches, golden sand and immensely blue waters.

Minorca may seem like a very small place, but it is full of interesting places to do activities of all sorts, or just relax quietly and enjoy cultural and historical activities.

Image courtesy of Freebird at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Freebird at Flickr.com

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, maybe get away from the crowds, you should add Cala Pilar to your list of spots to visit. You can only get there by foot, and even though getting there is a bit more difficult, you’ll find that the walk will be worth it.

The island is perfect for surfing, diving, canoeing, kayaking waterboarding or even paragliding. There are activities suited for families, couples or groups of friends; and you will surely find something according to how adventurous you are.

Another recommended activity for romantic people is to go horseback riding at sunset, or travel through one of the bike routes available. You can also follow gastronomical routes and enjoy the sight of a sunset from high up in the island’s hills.

There’s more to Minorca than beaches and sand. Culture is a big part of the experience. You can’t miss the monuments of the Ciutadella, Europe’s oldest building, or the Naveta of Es Tudons, perhaps the most visited monument in the island.

At the Cova d’en Xoroi you can find a bar inside the walls of a cave, from which you’ll enjoy the sight of the magnificent sea from up high. It is perfect for a drink or two after visiting the beach and before going out for a party at night.

You’ll find music and cocktails everywhere. One of the island’s most traditional celebrations is Sant Joan, which is also the first day of summer. We also recommend visiting mount Toro, from which you’ll admire the entire contour of the island.

You can find reminders of the military age of Minorca in places such as the Fortaleza de la Mola, the tower of Fornells or Fort Marlborough, which is a reflection of the struggles between Spain, Great Britain and France to take possession of the island (spoiler alert: Spain kept it!)

If you enjoy natural parks, you’ll love the S’Albufera des Grau. There you’ll feel more connected to nature than anywhere else and you will get a chance to appreciate the particular flora and fauna of the island.  Another curious and traditional option is to see the nightfall from one of the lighthouses.

Minorca is a small island, which is an advantage when it comes to traveling. Bike rides are a great option to see the beautiful, unique landmarks. There is something for everybody. Whether you get there by ship or by plane, you will find all sorts of offers.

Its gastronomy is quite special because it is built from the contributions of all the cultures that have lived there over the centuries. Cheeses, pasta, sweets… you name it!

Our conclusion: Minorca is small, beautiful and fun. So stop waiting and start packing!

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5 of the best islands to travel and surf

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

The ocean, the spots, the people, the atmosphere. All of this makes surfing a very attractive and popular water sport around the world. We have seen movies about it; we have seen tournaments in  the coasts of our country; we know somebody that surfs or is into surfing; we have heard about crazy surfer stories; we have enjoyed seeing people surf the waves and sometimes we have tried to surf ourselves at a vacation time we spent at the sea.  There are even artificial waves in resorts and cruises so people can enjoy the excitement.

Surfers enjoy the most beautiful places and get the adrenaline rush needed to be happy for the rest of the day. There are some islands that are the perfect places to go surf and to enjoy what the place has to offer. We are taking a look at only 5 of them that are in the top of mind of surfers around the globe.

Bali: they say Bali is a living postcard and it closer to a fantasy than to reality. It has white sand beaches, coral ridges, a lush jungle with stone temples and a good amount of monkeys, apart from all the cultural dance performances, the yoga meditations and, of course, the surf spots. For surfers, it is a paradise on earth due to the consistent waves that come from the Indian Ocean. It has been a surfer’s paradise since the early 70s  and the mixture of the surfing world with the local Hindu culture and the charm and feeling of the local people, make Bali one of the best, if not the best, destination to surf and travel.

Tavarua, Fiji: it is an island and resort with the shape of a heart, it is 29 acres big and it is close to Viti Levu, the main island in Fiji. Clear waters make this island idyllic to relax and forget about everything. Fishing and surfing are amazing in this island. For surfers it has easy access to the waves and it is home to the very popular “Cloud Break” surf spot that is voted as one of the 10 best and most Challenging waves in the world. Tavarua Island faces south by southwest into the South Pacific and is perfectly positioned to catch all swells coming up from the Southern Ocean.

Oahu, Hawaii.  Oahu is the third largest island  in Hawaii, and the one where most people from Hawaii live and work, almost  1 million inhabitants.  This is the island where the capital, Honolulu is located, the historic and well known Pearl Harbor and the infamous Waikiki beach. History and beauty are just around the corner in this island if you want to go to special landmarks like the historic Chinatown, the Punchbowl, a crater-turned-cemetery, Pearl Harbor and the  USS Arizona Memorial. For surfers, well it is just paradise and history.  Since the early 30s with the Waikiki beach boys and the many competitions around the island, makes it perfect to really live the surfing life.  It is home to the Triple Crown of Surfing competition and festival held every winter in November where the pros meet to showcase the best surfing in the world.

Image courtesy of DJHeini at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of DJHeini at Flickr.com

Barbados.  This island is in the eastern Caribbean,  and it is part of the British Commonwealth. Bridgetown, the capital, is a paradise for cruises and a mandatory stop for almost any cruise ship. It features things like shopping places, colonial buildings and one of the Western Hemisphere’s oldest synagogues. When it comes to surfing, The island’s location far out in the Atlantic Ocean is key to the waves that  travel thousands of kilometers on the bottom of the sea to just release  all the power during its long journey over Barbados’ coral reefs. The surfing is consistent and waves are guaranteed all year around in this island. There are truck rentals available to carry all the equipment and look for the best waves.

Santa Catarina, Brazil.  Santa Catarina has this European vibe that makes you want to stay. You can find amazing beaches in the best tropical weather and resorts of all kinds. It is a trendy city with education levels that amaze any tourist and very low crime rates comparing it to the rest of Brazil. It is an escape from the busy metropolis like Sao  Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. It used to be a surfers paradise  and now hosts all types of tourists. Beaches like Joaquina and Campeche offer more than 40 surfable waves in the months of March, April, September and October.

Image courtesy of Dauro Veras at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Dauro Veras at Flickr.com

If you are interested in water sports like surfing or kitesurfing, these are some islands you can include in your travel schedule. Surf, enjoy and relax at these amazing islands around the world and enjoy the adrenaline that water can bring while you are there.

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You are invited to the nature island of the Caribbean

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Sometimes you start planning your next holiday trip and suddenly you realize that the places you are thinking on going are the same as many others think about. You try very hard and the greatest idea appears: Why not going to the Caribbean? Then you decide to look up on the Internet, for instance, on Trip Advisor, and they will show you Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Cuba, and some other popular destinations. And then you feel those places will be crowded for sure, and then you research a bit more, and eventually read a post here, on Royal Holiday when we tell you that there are more than seven thousand islands in the Caribbean, each one of them very unique. We think anyone would love a place where multiple experiences are at one place: abundant outdoor spas, a pristine natural environment, a colorful Caribbean sea of volcanic waters. So let’s dig deeper on the advice of that previous post and think on that place, Dominica, when natural sights look like they ripped off of the most beautiful postcard you have ever imagined.  

The call of nature

“Isle of beauty, isle of splendor”, this is the first line of Dominica’s national anthem, and it describes the intensity of the beauty of an island known as “the nature island of the Caribbean”. This is the reason why travelers from all around choose Dominica, where the splendor of nature turns and twists, rises to the mountain tops and then tumbles to waterfalls and valleys.

Image courtesy of Liam Quinn at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Liam Quinn at Flickr.com

Things to do

Dominica is an ideal place to hike, bike or trek, for instance, at the newly opened Waitukubuli National Trail which is composed by 14 sections in a trail that runs 115 miles south-north, bisecting the length of the island.

If your thing is diving, Dominica claims to be one of the best diving destinations in the world. Soufriere Scott’s Head Marine Reserve, in the southwest offers unique volcanic underwater features with reefs and corals, volcanic vents and immense sea walls, an amazing scenario to watch sea turtles, sperm whales, flying gurnards, frogfish, seahorses and other species rarely found in other diving areas of the Caribbean.

When it gets to slow down, one of the natural spas of Dominica will be there for you. Hidden in the forest near Wotten Waven are the fumaroles, bubbling waters and cascades of the outdoor spas, either perched on a hill or at the bottom of a river, they will give you the best of their therapeutic properties, a very relaxing experience.      

Of course, if you visit a Caribbean island, you expect to see stunning beaches. Since Dominica is a volcanic island, many powder-fine white-sand beaches found mostly in the north and the east. If you are looking for a crowded-on-holiday beach (in Dominican terms), then Woodford hill Beach is the one. But if you want a beach more for relaxation, Hodges Beach is a bit farther but will worth it. L’Anse Noir is the favorite for the most adventurous, sitting on a cove passing Woodford Hill, will be the place to find the right wave of the island.

And save some time to walk around Roseau, Dominica’s capital city, on of the best preserved collections of 18th century architecture in the Caribbean. The center of Roseau offers you civic, military and religious buildings, old sugar cane estates and mills, and the colorful ‘Ti Kaz, little houses almost all wood framed and brightly painted. The historic city has a good selection of places to eat, from beachfront Mexicans to old-style French bistros.

And a rum punch or an ice cold beer while you play with the sand and have the sea in your sight is another major reason to go around. “The Pirates Bar” certainly is a good choice. Just a few minutes on the road from Roseau to Scotts Head, is a beach bar specialized in fresh juices and local rums. You should try a Soca Rum and pineapple juice. And later on, the night falls on Dominica and the streets light up with people looking for a good time. Nightlife at Roseau is lively, full of bars and hangouts featuring folk music (cadence-zouk, jing ping), reggae, jazz, soca and calypso, where fun is guaranteed.   

General facts of Dominica

Dominica (pronounced dom-in-ee-ka), is the latest island of the Lesser Antilles since is still formed by volcanic activity; it lays in the center of the Caribbean archipelago, locked between Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south. This little island (just 29 miles long and 16 miles wide) is a former British colony which attained its independence in 1978 (they also drive on the left side of the road!). The official language is English, the capital is Roseau and the economy depends mainly on agriculture.

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Unusual aquatic sports that will amaze you

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

If you plan to go to the beach, or a place with a lake, a canal, or a river for your next vacation, you will be probably thinking about what kind of aquatic sports you could enjoy while having a good time in your destination. You would perhaps think of some popular sports. For example, if you like to practice some sports in the water, you would probably go for swimming, diving off springboards or platforms, snorkeling, or even water polo. If your preference is more on the side of sports on the water, you will probably go for some sport related to skiing, boating, surfing, canoeing, fishing, parasailing, rafting, and so on. Or if your preference is to go underwater, you will indeed want to try other kinds of sports such as diving or finswimming.

But even though they can be a lot of fun to practice, these sports are but the most popular ones, and do not really give you a clear idea of the many options that you have at hand to enjoy your time when you travel to destinies where you have access to good bodies of water. And in fact there are plenty of options to practice some other aquatic sports during your vacation. Maybe you will enjoy that new sport so much that you will even become more serious about it, and start practicing it in a regular way when you are back home.

The following two sports may give you an idea of some unusual sports that you can take into account when you plan your next vacation. They take place in destinations that you will surely enjoy after you devote some hours to practice them.

Bog snorkeling

Bogs are not usually considered as specially good attractions for tourists when they travel around the world. After all, what could one want to see in a bog? Probably not much, most people would think. However, a group of Welsh friends thought otherwise in 1976, when they started talking about the possibility of practicing snorkeling not in the sea, in a lake, or in a river, as most people would do, but in a bog. Yes, that is right, in a bog. Since those early days, bog snorkeling has grown up so much that the World Bog Snorkeling Championship began to be held annually since 1986 near Llanwrtyd Wells in Wales, United Kingdom, the birthplace of bog snorkeling.

The main idea behind bog snorkeling is that, in the shortest possible time, competitors be able to complete two consecutive lengths of a water-filled trench. The trick, however, is that this trench, with a length of 60 yards (55 m), has been cut through a peat bog. To complete it, competitors must rely on flipper power exclusively, so conventional swimming strokes are not allowed. Wetsuits are not compulsory, but competitors are required to wear snorkels and flippers.

Image courtesy of Ethreon at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Ethreon at Flickr.com

Bug snorkeling is practiced mainly in Wales, but some events also take place in Australia, Ireland, and Sweden.

Fierljeppen

For sure, you have seen different events of pole vaulting at some point in your life. After all, it is one of the four major jumping events in athletics, and a regular sport in the Olympics. But pole vaulting is no fun at all if you do not practice it on the water, or at least that is what the Frisian people, in the Dutch province of Friesland, have thought for centuries.

Netherlands is famous for being located under the sea-level, but one consequence of this is that the country has many waterways. In order to get around these waterways easily, farmers began to use poles to leap over water drainage channels, so they could have access to different plots of land. Thas was the origin of Fierljeppen (from the West-Frisian terms for “far”, fier, and “leaping”, ljeppen), a sport whose first official match took place in 1771, but that was properly structured in 1957.

aquatic sports

Image courtesy of bertknot at Flickr.com

To practice this sport, you only need a long pole (between 26 and 43 feet / 8 and 13 meters long) and a body of water. The pole must have a flat round plate at the bottom, which prevents it from sinking into the muddy bottom of the river or the canal. Contrary to pole vaulting, in Fierljeppen you do not run with the pole in your hands. You run towards the pole, which is in the water, jump, grab it, and then climb to its top trying to control its movements over the body of water. You finish by landing on a sand bed located in the side opposite to your starting point.

Fierljeppen is practiced mainly for fun and for the entertainment of tourists in the Netherlands nowadays. However, an official National Fierljeppen Manifestation (NFM) still takes place annually. There are also numerous clubs in the country, and six leagues where championships are contested.

 

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Exploring island adventures for your next vacation

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

We’ve all dreamed of running away to an island and spending a few days (weeks or even months) completely away from the hectic life we usually lead. A vacation on an island is an adventure in itself, but some of the ones we’re going to mention here are definitely worth putting on your bucket list.

Image courtesy of Steve Calcott at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Steve Calcott at Flickr.com

Let’s begin a Polynesian atoll, Aitutaki, Cook Islands. If you’re into kayaking and having some adventures this is the island for you. Have an amazing journey while kayaking from islet to islet. It will definitely seem like you just stepped into those calendar pictures. The crystal blue water, the breathtaking sunsets and of course, we can’t leave out, the adventure waits. While you’re there you probably won’t know where to start to enjoy this paradise either kayaking the seven-mile-long lagoon, snorkeling with starfish, sponges and giant clams, or biking and hiking through to Maunga Pu, the highest spot on the island.

Continuing with some more adventures why not give St. Kitts a try. This still unexplored location lacks what most of its neighboring islands are swarming with: infinity pools and posh spas. Here is a place you can go and still enjoy the nature and magic. The plan here is to go hiking in the 3,792-foot dormant volcano, Mount Liamuiga. Be warned it’s an underdeveloped island that will not offer the best signage and only has one main road, but it will give you a two to three hour hike up the mountain to appreciate its crater’s peak and green carpeted volcano.  Too much to handle? Well, there’s always Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory. This place is revered by bicyclists from all over the world as a haven for cycling routes. With it’s smooth roads you’ll find nothing but challenging but doable terrains. The locals are huge fans of cycling and even hold a race every year, the Tour de la Guadeloupe. Many of the Tour de France riders love spending their time here, but that shouldn’t throw you off. This is an experience where you can set your own pace and it is well worth the visit if you’re a bicycle enthusiastic.

If you’re all about being in the water, well you can give Barbados a go with its incredible surfing retreat. The waves are so amazing that they even hold a yearly contest, Reef Classic Barbados, where people from all over come to show their skills on those huge waves. If that’s those waves are out of your league, you can always check out the Six Men’s Bay on the west coast or the smaller, perfect-for-beginner waves in the south at Freights Bay. There are waves all year round and if you’re up for it, you’ll find just the right spot for you. Now, if you prefer being under the water, the Maldives is the place to be, with it’s unexplored and seldom visited reefs. Now the Maldives, of course can also include luxurious spas and incredible relaxing hotels, but if you can manage to get away from those for a minute you’ll be able to explore its reefs and underwater sea life.

For some less conventional island destination plans, you can also check out Cayos Cochinos, Honduras. Here you can vacation and help scientists with an underwater survey. These government-protected waters hold a collection of eight-mile coral cays that are said to be the home of innumerable kinds of species. This ecosystem is the least disturbed ecosystem in the Bay Islands. The reefs are constantly monitored by scientists and volunteers through Biosphere, an organization that does this important job. If you decide to sign up you can either bunk with the scientists, but don’t expect much on the accommodations side, or if you prefer you can book a room at the Plantation Beach Resort.

There are more options of course. Have you ever considered sport fishing off the coast of Mexico? At Isla Holbox, Mexico you can find a completely preserved island that mostly dedicates itself to fishing and diving. Here you can definitely immerse yourself in the local culture. Even give fishing a try by joining the locals out in a skiff to try your luck at finding baby tarpon. There are so many things to do here that you’ll never have a dull moment, from swimming in a sinkhole filled with fresh water to kayaking into the mangroves. You can even snorkel with migrating whale sharks in the summer. Here you can enjoy the silence, lazy strolls and local culture.

Image courtesy of Joseba Barrenetxea at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Joseba Barrenetxea at Flickr.com

Finally, if you want to give kiteboarding a whirl you can head over to the Bahamas. Spanish Wells has become the perfect destination to learn how to kiteboard with its almost marshmallow sand. You can also enjoy great nightlife under the stars and eat amazing lobster meals.

Islands will always be full of adventures and opportunities to get closer to nature, the ocean and underwater experiences. So let your wanderlust lead the way and head off to the nearest island for an experience of a lifetime.

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Destination TipsRoyal at SeaRoyal CaribbeanRoyal Holiday

Fantastic Adventure Islands. A short text on where to go to escape and have fun.

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

What do you think is the perfect vacation to escape from it all? Some think it is going to an all-inclusive hotel to relax and being pampered with cocktails and good food. Others think that the perfect vacation is to go deep into the jungle and experience wildlife first hand. A good handful of people think that escaping the heavy and dense city life is going to paradise islands. Better yet, islands where you can have an adventure and have it all to yourself and really forget you live a normal, 9 to 5 working life surrounded by concrete and people.

Here are 3 adventure islands around the world and some activities that can be done to feel you are really getting away from it all.

Image courtesy of John Finn at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of John Finn at Flickr.com

  1. Aitutaki Cook Islands:
    it is located in the Central-south Pacific Ocean. A beautiful Polynesian Atoll where you can get lost among the chain of islands that are close to one and other. Also snorkel or scuba dive in the reefs. The smiling locals, pink ukuleles and translucent lagoons will greet you when you arrive.  The adventure part is to go on two different types of plans. First, you can kayak or paddleboard on the 7 mile long lagoon. You can leave your boat or paddle on a deserted island and then go snorkelling around the reef to encounter cobalt blue starfish, giant clams and yellow barrel sponges. The other plan is to go biking along the back roads to feel the fresh air and the constant freedom of hot summer winds. It is mostly flat but on occasions you will have a small uphill. Remember to hydrate yourself and stop every now and then to take pictures and to rest.  There are bike rentals with baskets so you can go into town and stash your fridge with the necessary things for your stay.
  2. Cayos Cochinos, Honduras:
    ever thought about going to Honduras?  Cayos Cochinos (or Cochinos Cayes) are a group of two small islands, Cayo Menor and Cayo Grande, which are located 30 miles off the northern shores of Honduras. It as an area of 2 kilometres and with a population of only about 120 people. The islands are a marine protected area and it has a scientific research station in Cayo Menor. The coral reef that you will find here is part of the world’s second largest coral reef system known as the Meso-American Barrier Reef. According to national geographic “”The waters around this collection of coral cays are a marine biologist’s dream: protected by the government, off-limits to commercial divers and fishermen, and busy with creatures that may not yet have names.”   You can stay at the scientific research station and share bare-bone wooden bungalows. But if you are looking for a more tourist style trip, you can stay at the Plantation Beach Resort in Cayo Grande. Take a hike through the jungle and reach the lighthouse at the very top of the island and enjoy the fine native kitchen that has to be ordered in advance to yachts nearby. You are obliged to do some snorkelling around reefs and corals that are allowed to visit. Be amazed with the ocean wildlife and some animals that you have never seen in your normal TV shows.

  3. Santa Lucia. St. Lucia:
    the adventure comes in the form of bike riding. You ride through the jungle. As Michael Allard, owner of Bike St. Lucia says “ it is jungle biking, not mountain biking” and  David “tinker” Juarez two time Olympian states “ This is probably the sweetest bike ride in the Caribbean”. Many people stay by the beach and don’t adventure into the jungle. Much of the island’s central and northern interior is part of the St Lucia Forest Reserve. St. Lucia has many jungles, forests and natural parks that only the adventurous ones dare to see. Many bike routes for pros and rookies as well are part of this adventure island designed for bikers. Again, according to Michael Allard, jungle biking is not just for experts. “The pros come for the higher trails, but we also have people who arrive here barely having been on a mountain bike before”.

    Image courtesy of Jean-Pierre Chamberland at Flickr.com

    Image courtesy of Jean-Pierre Chamberland at Flickr.com

What are you waiting for? Book your holiday trip, take your bike out of the dusty garage or rent a kayak and hit the islands of adventure.

Escape from it all by doing something really different in the middle of natural parks and untouched reefs. Swim aside rare animals and Bike down hills and around islands. Always remember to be safe and not go beyond your limits and skills. You want to have a vacation to remember not an injury that you will never forget.

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Before you cruiseCruiseCruise NewsCruise TipsRoyal at SeaRoyal CaribbeanRoyal Holiday

Have the best cruise vacationing with the best tips and tricks

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Vacationing is always an opportunity to relax and enjoy some time away from everything, but if could help improve your experience and avoid any hardships, why not? Especially when on a cruise, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared to have the absolutely best experience.

Preparing for the cruise

  • When looking around be sure to analyze all of your options. Most times it will actually be cheaper to book with a travel agent than directly with the cruise line. Anyway, specialized travel agents in cruises will definitely be able to point you in the right direction, so all you have to do is choose a preferred destination.
  • A great way to prepare financially for a cruise is to save up for a few months until you have enough to go and book your cruise and look for last minute booking availabilities. You’ll find amazing discounts.
  • Being prepared for when you land is just as important as booking the cruise itself. Book online (if possible) any on-shore tours in advance, or find local tours that could be even cheaper than the cruise ones. Another good option is a taxi for sightseeing. Always keep in mind that if you decide to book one that is not directly related to your cruise, be back in time, because they will not know to wait for you and will leave you stranded.
  • Looking for the best of the best, go for newer ships.
  • Keep in mind a few tips as to whom you’re travelling with. If you know of anyone that works on a cruise, that’s one to look at. Always look into the age group for the cruise and enjoy yourself the most as possible by planning the trip with friends or family.
  • Scope out the terrain, especially for Alaskan cruises. Make sure your cabin is facing all the beautiful scenery.
  • Finally, go with the flow. Don’t overplan.

What to pack (and not pack)

  • You will be on a cruise that has quite a bit of amenities, including laundry. So, analyze what you really need to take or things you can maybe do without.
  • The previous point will also help you save some room for the things you want to buy while you’re vacationing.
  • Of course, don’t forget your passport! Always triple check before you leave.
  • Some essentials for the ride (just in case): earplugs, watch, suntan lotion and aspirin. All of these will come in handy for your trip, as they will be useful for different moments of the trip such as keeping with the cruise timetables, taking some sun on the deck or on shore and of course for those party nights.

The day of

  • Make sure to arrive on time.
  • Make sure you plan accordingly so that late flights, or other inconveniences don’t get in the way of you arriving on time. There are other options, like flying to the next port, but of course you’ll have to cover the extra expenses.
  • Once you get in don’t be worried if you see lines. Many times some passengers have specific things they have to do find out, so don’t rush to get on every line you see.
  • Prepare from ahead of time what kind of cabin you want because once you’re on it is quite difficult to upgrade or change cabins. So, when choosing consider taking a room at the front of the cruise, because even though you’ll have to walk a bit more, you won’t feel the engine.  
  • Your luggage will arrive, but give it time. Sometimes it may arrive in the evening, so don’t worry.
  • If you have any problems with your cabin, don’t overly concern yourself. The most important thing is to remain relaxed, notify someone and keep enjoying your stay.

When the adventure begins

  • Always make sure you packed cash and a credit card, so you’re ready just in case you want to make any onboard purchases.
  • Remember that watch you were supposed to pack; well this is when it comes in handy. You will be assigned a dinnertime, boarding time at each of your stops, as well as other activities on the cruise, so be sure to always arrive on time.

    Image courtesy of Don McCullough at Flickr.com

    Image courtesy of Don McCullough at Flickr.com

  • Be sure to be attentive when the crew is explaining the evacuations and safety norms. They could save your life in case of an emergency.
  • Waiters and crew members usually have a tough job and have vacations once every 8 months, so be sure to treat them well. Offer them a good tip on the first day and that will assure great service.
  • If you want to spend more time at a particular port, you might want to consider flying there, spending a few days and then jumping on at that port.

At the end of the day, what you really want to do is have an amazing and unforgettable vacation, so don’t let the little things affect you. Enjoy yourself and be safe.

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