Travel Logs – Page 7 – Travel Destinations

I Love LA

For our musical inspiration we head back to 1983. “From the West Side to the East Side / Everybody’s very happy / ’Cause the sun is shining all the time / Looks like another perfect day / I love L.A. (we love it)”, so sang Randy Newman. Randy says that the sun is shining all the time, it has 284 sunny days a years compared to the US average of 205. It only rains on about 36 days of the year so you are pretty well assured of good holiday weather.

I Love L.A. – Randy Newman

It might seem strange to suggest that you visit LA because of the beaches, but it actually has some of the best beaches in the US. The names of them are easily recalled by most of us due to their locations being used in numerous US films and TV series. Venice Beach is one of LA’s most known beaches, with its numerous galleries, quirky shops, street performers, what is less well known are the Venice canals. Whilst in the area dont’t miss out on Muscle Beach. The perfect place for people watching.

Many people prefer Santa Monica Beach to Venice, I will leave that up to you to decide. Santa Monica attracts more than 7 million visitors a year who come primarily for the beach connection. It is also close to other Los Angeles attractions. Santa Monica is very attractive as a walkable and bike friendly destination. Don’t miss a trip to the world famous Santa Monica Pier, yes they have them in the States as well.

Santa Monica Beach, LA, CA — Santa Monica Beach, LA

For the kids and young wizards at heart. Los Angeles is home to the brand new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Hollywood. Complete with its own Hogwarts Castle and Harry Potter themed rides. Of course you can not really visit Los Angeles without doing something celebrity / entertainment based. You can make your own tour if you plan ahead or book yourself onto many of the themed tours. Fully recommended are the tours of Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures or Sony Pictures. Finally we can not do justice to all LA has to offer so we will be back.

Call Maggie today and book your trip to the City of Angels. Maggie can book all your tickets for the major theme parks and much more.

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One Night in Dubai

“One Night in Dubai” is the title of a song by the Swedish-Iranian singer Arash. The video to accompany the song was filmed in Dubai and mainly features its most iconic hotel, the Burj Al Arab. Arash sings his lyrics in Farsi, whilst the english lyrics are sung by the Swedish singer, Helena Josefsson. His object of attraction is Russian model, Alena Shishkova.

One Night in Dubai – Arash feat Helena.

One night is Dubai is not enough to do justice to this fantasic holiday destination. The Burj Al Arab hotel is an experience in itself. It was constructed using cutting-edge engineering and was built to resemble the billowing spinnaker sail of a J-class yacht. Being one of the tallest hotels in the world it is hard to miss on the skyline. Despite its size, in terms of rooms there are just 202 bedroom suites. The smallest suite occupies an area of 169 m² so not that small being bigger than the average 3 bedroomed UK home.

What you wont find in Dubai are great museums and heritage sites, though you will find some culture. Visit the Al Fahidi Neighbourhood to see what Old Dubai was like in the 19th century. Here you will find small museums, galleries and food events. Don’t miss the Jumeirah Mosque. Adopting an ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ policy, the mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths and their are daily tours with a guide.

Dubai is a city of modern wonders. A must see are the Dubai Fountains, the fountain jets up to 22,000 gallons of water as high as 140m in the air at any one time. The Mall of the Emirates is the ultimate shopping experience with over 500 shops, cinema complex and snow slope.

Camel desert safari - Dubai. — Camel desert safari – Dubai.

Away from the city, there are plenty of opportunities to get your adrenaline rush. Sky-diving, desert safaris, desert dune buggy experiences, diving with sharks, bungee jumping, drive a McLaren Sprint and Audi R8 V10 on track and the extreme rides at one of the water parks.

Maggie can book you an Aston Martin, Ferrari or Lamborghini to explore the streets of Dubai. Why not treat yourself to a Rolls Royce airport transfer? Contact her today to book your trip to Dubai.

Starwood in Aspen

“Starwood in Aspen” was a song that John Denver wrote about his home in Aspen, Colorado. His house in the gated community of Starwood was built in 1972 and he lived there until his tragic death in 1997 when the experimental airplane he was piloting crashed into Monterey Bay, California.

Starwood in Aspen – John Denver

There are many reasons to choose to live in Aspen, but for most of us, we will visit to take advantage of the many recreational opportunities on offer all year round as an excuse to travel there.

Top of the list has to be the skiing. Aspen boasts four mountains that are a paradise for both skiers and snowboarders. It is the perfect place for skiers of all standards from the beginner right through to the most experienced, offering a wide array of slopes, as well as plenty of runs through expert-only terrain. In fact Aspen has hosted the Winter X games on numerous occasions.

Skiing - Aspen, Colorado — Skiing – Aspen, Colorado

For fans of other winter activities you will be able to ice skate, and cross-country ski. In the summer Aspen attracts many hikers and cyclists. However there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, golf, horseback riding, and rock climbing. If you are into aerial sports then paragliding in one of the most beautiful parts of the world has got to be a major attraction.

Maroon Bells - RyanFSpack — Maroon Bells

Top of the list of sites are the Maroon Bells, a combination of a reflective lake, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak. Located 10 miles west of Aspen in a glacial valley the 14,000 foot peaks provide a dramatic backdrop to your hike or drive in the area.

Finally in Summer Aspen is home to the Aspen Music Festival. Founded in 1949, the Aspen Music Festival and School is regarded as one of the top classical music festivals in the United States, noted both for its concert programming and its musical training of mostly young-adult music students. In fact, the John Denver video above was filmed at the festival in 1980. Over an 8 week period during July and August upwards of 400 music events take place.

Call Maggie today and book your winter or summer trip to Aspen.

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I, I was ready for Cancun

The lyrics “I, I was ready for Cancun” are from a song called M exico* by the Nigerian born British singer Jacob Banks*. Though released two years ago some of the lyrics could have been written for this Covid year. “And these breaking news consume my mind, couldn’t wait to leave the London smoke, make a vote to stay at home and pass the time, sayin’ we couldn’t make it to Mexico”.

Jacob Banks – Mexico

Looking ahead to 2021, plenty of us will be considering a trip to Cancun and we will be able to make it to Mexico. Trips to Cancun have it all. On top of the 13+ miles of beaches, there is plenty of nightlife, modern shopping malls and Mayan ruins a short trip away.

For sun lovers the sun shines for 250 days a year in Cancun. The driest part of the year is from January to May and day time temperatures average between 28°C and 34°C depending on the season. Sea temperatures average 27°C. The northern beaches are sheltered by a small island and have calmer waters whilst the eastern beaches have more waves. Take your pick depending on what you are looking for from a day at the beach.

Beach - Cancun - Mexico — Beach – Cancun – Mexico

Just a 90 minute drive away at Tulum, perched above 40 ft cliffs you will find one of Mexico’s best preserved Mayan coastal sites. Here you will find a walled city that was a bustling metropolis from the 13th to 15th centuries. Don’t miss out on the Temple of the Frescoes and its numerous murals, the Temple of the Descending God which is a single room accessed via a narrow staircase on top of another temple that served as its base, and finally the pyramid shaped El Castillo. The photo below does it more justice that words.

Tulum - Cancun - Mexico — Tulum – Cancun – Mexico

Back in Cancun there are a wide range of hotels to suit every pocket and in the evenings there is everything from sports bars to ballet and everything inbetween.

Sunset - Cancun - Mexico — Sunset – Cancun – Mexico

Maggie is waiting to help you book your 2021 trip to Cancun.

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Jerusalema

“Jerusalema” was originally recorded in Johannesburg in November 2019, by the producer Kgaogelo Moagi (aka Master KG) and the singer Nomcebo Zikode (she uses only her first name). The song is now one of the most downloaded songs on the digital charts worldwide. Sung in Zulu and with a religious theme “Jerusalem, my home. Protect me” are the opening two lines.

Jerusalema – Master KG featuring Nomcebo

Shortly after its release a video with dancers from the Fenomenos de Semba troupe from Angola appeared and went on to inspire countless “Jerusalema dance challenges” around the world. Check out some of the here.

The fact that the song was born in Johannesburg is a reflection of the changing nature of the city. Today Johannesburg or Joburg as its known by its residents, is a great place to start your South African holiday. First off Joburg is easy to get to with three airlines flying direct from the UK.

People frequenting the stalls at the Maboneng precinct.

Once in the city head for the Maboneng Precinct. Meaning “place of light”, Maboneng is Joburg’s most creative quarter. Many of the disused industrial buildings left over from the mining days have now been renovated and turned into apartments (both affordable and high-end) and retail space. It provides an excellent space for art, culture, great food and good shopping.

A visit to Joburg would not be complete without a trip to Soweto and to Nelson Mandela’s house and museum. There are a number of tours that can be booked with a local guide who will give you a full insight on life in the township and how it has changed over time.

A couple hours’ drive northwest of Joburg lies the Pilanesberg National Park, where you’ll have the chance to spot the “Big Five” wild animals here. Lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo in addition to hippos, giraffes, hyenas and countless varieties of birds. Early morning and late afternoon safaris will get you the best views of the animals in the natural habitat.

South African Safari - Lionness lying down. — South African Safari – Lionness lying down.

Maggie is waiting to book your flights, hotel, Mandela house tour and of course your personalised safari. Contact her today.

Pay with the card that gives you complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges across more than 130 countries worldwide as standard plus reward points – The American Express Platinum Card*.

Any links with an * by them are affiliated, which means get a product via this link and a contribution may be made to us.

Welcome back my friends

After the announcement on Thursday, by both the British and German governments that travel restrictions to the Canary Islands have been lifted, the Canary Islands Tourism is welcoming back its friends. British and German tourists are the mainstay of the Canary Island tourism and hospitality industry.

Welcome Back My Friends – Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

“Welcome back my friends” are the opening words of the track “Karn Evil 9*” from the album “Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never Ends – Ladies and Gentlemen“, the second live album from Emerson, Lake and Palmer*.

It might be too late to get away for the October half term but it’s not too late to get away for the rest of the year or the Christmas period. The Canary Islands offer plenty of winter sun. When we visited the Canaries last year we mentioned that daytime temperatures on the island of Fuerteventura (the second largest of the Canary Islands) are 22 ^oC in December compared to 24 ^oC in Cancun, Mexico and you will get there nearly 7 hours faster.

For those regular readers, you know that we like great views and so it is worth mentioning Mount Teide, which is a volcano on Tenerife as its summit is the hightest point in Spain and the highest point above sea level in the islands of the Atlantic at 3,718 m (12,198 ft). In fact it is the world’s third tallest volcanic structure. It offers great views from the top and is a World Heritage site.

Prices for a week in Fuerteventura are a lot less than you might think at this time of the year and represent great value when compared to long haul destinations like Cancun, Mexico, the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean destinations like the Maldives.

Beach - Fuerteventura — Beach – Fuerteventura

Lanzarote and Tenerife are the most popular destinations for British tourists, the Germans favour Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. Everyone has their own favourite. I am sure that Maggie can find you something to suit you on the Canary Island of your choice.

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Any links with an * by them are affiliated, which means get a product via this link and a contribution may be made to us.

Don’t think I’ll own a private jet

Sang Rod Stewart in the song “True Blue *” released in 1972. In fact most of us will never own a private jet, however over the past few years private jet travel has become more affordable so that more and more of us are flying “private”.

True Blue – Rod Stewart

If you just want the experience of flying on a private jet, then one of the most cost effective ways to do this is to book a seat on what is known as an “empty leg” flight. You will see these also called ‘dead legs’, ‘empty sectors’ or ‘one-way transients’.

Why do “empty legs” exist? If a customer books a private flight then the aircraft will possibly need to fly to another destination to pick up its next customer. It will be flying that leg empty. Empty leg flights do not offer any flexibility, they will have a pre-determined aircraft type, departure date and time, and destination. Empty leg flights are often available at up to 75% discount on the usual charter price. The exact price will depends on the route and the operator. Operators are sometimes prepared to offer exceptionally low prices at the last minute, if they haven’t been able to sell the flight at the full price. Contact Maggie to find you a great deal.

Travelling with the family or a group of friends, then private jet charter will take the stress out of travelling. With the benefit of private terminals you can avoid the hustle and bustle and endless queuing of busy airports. Glide through check-in, security, passport control and customs will make your dream holiday such a pleasure. In addition charters have the ability to access more locations, reducing the need to make long transfers via a second plane or other transport to your final destination.

Your private jet can be combined with an exclusive private villa or a luxury resort, At present many of the Caribbean islands do not require quarantine on return to the UK so why not fly in your own jet from the UK on a day and time to suit you. Some discerning travellers are looking to stay in a luxury resort such as Sandy Lane on Barbados, one of the most prestigious 5 star hotels in the world. Located on one of the best beaches and with easy access to some of the best golf courses in the area, there are three on site including the world renowned Green Monkey course.The hotel spa has been voted the #1 Hotel Spa in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas by Travel + Leisure. The Spa experience can include cryotherapy and customised facials courtesy of Margy’s Monte Carlo.

Maggie is waiting to book your private luxury travel experience. Contact her today.

Pay with the card that gives you complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges across more than 130 countries worldwide as standard plus reward points – The American Express Platinum Card*.

Any links with an * by them are affiliated, which means get a product via this link and a contribution may be made to us.

Spend a winter in St Lucia just to meditate

In the track “Winter in St Lucia” by St Lucian born Kayo the lyrics are about his return to his native island as he needed a break from the world. He is not the first person and will not be the last person in the world to go to “Spend a winter in St Lucia just to meditate”.

Winter in St Lucia – Kayo ft. Smallz

Lucia was a 4^th century Saint who brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the Roman Catacombs. Her deeds are celebrated on 13^th December, which on the old Julian calendar was the date of the winter solstice. To light her way and leave her hands to carry as much as possible she wore a candlelit wreath on her head.

So this winter and spring why not head for the light and warmth of the Caribbean winter sun to the island of St Lucia, the only sovereign nation named after a woman. The average daily temperature even during the less warm months (there are no cold ones) is 26C. The period from January to May is also the driest part of the year. There are numerous sandy beaches and all of them are public so you can take your pick. The most popular is Reduit Beach where you will find lively beach bars, restaurants and a wide variety of water sports. Alternatively at the opposite end of Rodney Bay you will find the quieter beaches of Pigeon Island beach, which are located with a National Park.

Rodney Beach - St Lucia — Rodney Beach – St Lucia

The attraction of St Lucia as a holiday destination is that it is not just about the beaches. Due to its size and varied landscape, it is so easy to connect with nature and the outdoors. The island is home to the Piton mountains. They are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, a trek up will take you around 4 hours with a local guide. From a height over almost 800m there is surely not a comparable view in the Caribbean.

Piton Mountains - St Lucia — Piton Mountains – St Lucia

Before you departure from St Lucia, take some time to visit the “world’s only drive in volcano” located in the southwest of the island near the town of Soufriere which in French means “from which sulfur is produced”. Nearby you can also experience the sulphur springs where you can experience a mud bath. The baths are believed to have medicinal properties and helps heal sun burns, eczema, arthritis, sore joints, and more.

Sulphur Springs – St Lucia

The island offers a wide range of accommodation from guest houses, to villas to luxury resort hotels. Contact Maggie today to bring warmth and light to your winter. A chance to get away from it all and “Spend your winter in St Lucia, just to meditate”.

Contact Maggie to book your winter in St Lucia. The break you need right now.

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Up on the motorway, Scotland’s not far

We visited Scotland earlier in the year. Sometimes it is easy to forget the beautiful places to visit that are so close to home. As the lyrics from Lindisfarne song “No time to lose” reminds us, “Up on the motorway, Scotland’s not far”.

LIndisfarne – No Time To Lose

Once you get to Edinburgh, why don’t you indulge yourself and experience 4 nights on the Belmond Royal Scotland? Over a period of 5 days you will get to see the stunning scenery of the Highlands not seen from the road and with the train as your base you will not have to pack and repack each day. This is more than just a train journey, it is an experience of a lifetime.

The video below will give you an excellent impression of the facilities on board. The carriages have been extensively updated and remodelled to give you all the amenities that you would expect in any top class hotel.

The Belmond Royal Scotsman

As you journey along some of the least used railways in Scotland, there is an army of stewards who will take care of your every need. The food served reflects the best of what Scotland has to offer. Seasonal local produce is offered wherever possible as part of the full Scottish Breakfasts, three-course lunches, and four-course dinners, washed down with the Highlands’ most celebrated whiskies and carefully selected wines.

The train stays overnight at stations so that you are guaranteed a good nights sleep. During the day you will be spoilt with a number of excursions included in the price. Amongst those included are a seal-watching boat trip, a trip to Ballindalloch Castle, a visit to Rothiemurchus Estate with a choice of country pursuits and a guided tour of Glamis Castle and gardens. And on a trip to the Highlands it would be rude not to visit a distillery or two and the bonus is that someone else is doing the driving.

Castle of Eilean Donan - Scotland. — Castle of Eilean Donan – On your journey visit the most photographed castle in the Scotland, maybe even the world.

If you would like a full description of your journey on the Belmond Royal Scotsman then an hour long documentary can be found here.

Maggie is waiting to book your ultimate luxury Scottish experience. Contact her today.

Pay with the card that gives you complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges across more than 130 countries worldwide as standard plus reward points – The American Express Platinum Card.

Summertime in Venice

“Summertime in Venice” was the theme song from the film “Summertime” where Katharine Hepburn travels to Venice on her own. The song was released as a single by a number of artists including her co-star Rossano Brazzi. The version below is by Connie Francis issued 5 years after the film hit the big screen in 1960. The artist is by the outstanding Russian artist Michael Satarov.

Summertime in Venice – Connie Francis / Artwork by Michael Satarov

Venice or Italy for that matter can be visited any time, not just the summertime. In fact you could say that the Spring or Autumn were preferable for city tourists as the day time temperatures are better suited for wandering around.

Looking for a weekend or half term break then Italy should be your destination. Italy offers so many beautiful attractions for visitors, whether it’s the cities, the lakes or the coast. In fact we visited Milan in August here on Travellogs.

If you are looking for a single city destination then why not head for Venice. With tourist numbers down this year, a trip to Venice at this time just makes so much sense. Imagine not having to queue for restaurants, museums and other attractions, taking leisurely walks around the main thoroughfares, plenty of space on the water taxis and being able to book a hotel at a reasonable price right in the middle of hundreds of years of history.

Direct flights to Venice from London take around 2 hours and 15 minutes. The transfer from the airport to the centre of Venice is around 20 minutes.

For those of you who have been to Venice before, you will not need convincing to return. For first timers then this is what you have missed so far. Venice comprises of over 100 islands, separated by canals but connected by over 400 bridges. As capital of the Republic of Venice from 697 until 1797 Venice became the financial centre of the world and was at the cross roads of international trade between east and west. This gave the city to wealth to build a city that rises out of the lagoon, with its domes and spires.

Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy — Piazza San Marco – Venice, Italy

Try to get to the Piazza San Marco at least once during your visit. It is the most famous square of Venice and probably the most photographer destination within the city. It is here that you will find the Basilica San Marco. Entrance is free to this stunningly beautiful church. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to make the most or your time in Venice.

And whilst you are in the Piazza San Marco make sure you visit the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace). The palace is worth a visit in its own right because of the architecture, but today it also houses many important art works. It’s a good idea to book your museum tickets in advance, thereby making the most of your time in the fantastic city.

One to save for the evening is a walk across the Ponte Rialto where you experience a stunning view of the bridge and the city lit up at night. Remember that gondola rides have fixed prices. Standard gondola rides in Venice have cost 80 euros for a private 25-30 minutes tour in the day and 120 euros at night. Gondolas normally take up to 6 passengers.

Contact Maggie today to put together the perfect Venetian package for you. Many of you will want to leave booking until the last minute at this time, this is where Maggie can save you time, trouble and stress sorting it all out for you.

Pay with your British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card and get 1.5 Avios per pound spent towards flights and discounts off BA flights and holidays.