Travel Logs – Page 8 – Travel Destinations

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

https://youtu.be/9twV-AE-H5Y

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

https://youtu.be/VxKw4Zpc0lU

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.

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.

“Well if you ever plan to motor west” – Route 66.

“Just take my way that’s the highway that’s the best” Bobby Troup 1946.

Each of us will have their own favourite version of this song, but the original lyrics were written 80 years ago, when Booby Troup got the idea for the song on a “cross-country” drive from Pennsylvania to California. That route actually took in US 40 and US 66 and originally he considered writing a song about US 40, but his wife suggested the title “Get Your Kicks on Route 66”.

End of Historic Route 66 Sign -Image by Andrzej from Pixabay — End of Historic Route 66

Route 66 officially started in Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California and was officially designated as a route in 1926. It was officially removed from the US Highway System in 1985.

Historic Route 66 Sign - Image by HUNTER16 from Pixabay

Many sections of the route have since been preserved as Historic Route 66. The impact of the National Highways bypassing small towns like those of the original Route 66, form the basis of the Pixar Film “Cars”.

Planning a driving holiday this year, then there could be no better choice than driving down Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles linking hundreds of rural communities along the way.

Although the original route was declassified many years ago with careful planning its possible to drive along most of it. There are some excellent Historic Route 66 Maps and Guides ^(*AD) available to help you plan your journey.

Route 66
Copyright Linnaea Mallette — Route 66

Most people drive the Route 66 East to West, so all the rental cars end up in the West. You can save up to 30% on the cost of your car rental by travelling from West to East plus you get the benefit of a shorter flight back to the UK.

The original Route 66passes through eight states and nearly 2,500 miles of diverse landscapes and historic communities. Travellers can explore classic roadside attractions such as vintage neon signs, restored diners, quirky museums, and well-preserved motels that capture the spirit of mid-20th century American travel.

Cities like St. Louis, Tulsa, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff each offer unique glimpses into the cultural and economic history that made Route 66 famous.

Due to its length of the highlights of a Route 66 journey is the remarkable variety of scenery along the way. The route crosses the rolling plains of the Midwest, the wide-open prairies of Oklahoma and Texas, the dramatic mesas of New Mexico, and the striking deserts of Arizona and California.

Cadillac Ranch - Image by Rosy / Bad Homburg / Germany from Pixabay — Cadillac Ranch

Popular stops include Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, and the charming town of Williams, known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon. Each region offers a distinct blend of natural beauty, local traditions, and historic landmarks that make the journey as memorable as the destination.

Painted Desert Arizona - Image by blairelizabethbwn0 from Pixabay — Painted Desert

A trip along Route 66 is not just a drive across the country; it is a nostalgic exploration of American culture, history, and the enduring appeal of the open road.

Best Time to Go

May-June: Pleasant temperatures and long daylight hours.
September-October: Less crowded with excellent weather.
Avoid July-August if possible, as temperatures in Arizona and California deserts can exceed 40°C (104°F).

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My girl and I went walking

by the Caribbean sea. So wrote Jimmy Buffett in his track Pre-You. Buffett is multi-talented American singer–songwriter, author, and businessman. His songs often make reference to an “island escapism” lifestyle. I think that many of us could do with some of that right now. His songs are full of references to various Caribbean islands and the sea itself.

In fact this week we head off to Antigua as it is on the UK quarantine free travel list. Only 1 Covid test within 7 days of travel is required to entry the island if you fly in or none is you arrive by cruise ship. One thing that you can certainly do in Antigua, as there are 54 miles of coastline, to walk along. There are in fact 365 beaches along the coast, that’s one for every day of the year.

Of those beaches, amongst the most famous are Galley Bay Beach for surfing, Half Moon Bay for relaxing and Dickenson Bay which is the most popular, with a number of hotels and restaurants. For example it is here that you can find the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and the Siboney Beach Club.

Dickenson Bay - Antigua — Dickenson Bay – Antigua

Many of the hotels on the island are built along the beaches so that you can literally step out of your room straight on to the beach. In fact you could be on the beach within 10 hours of taking off from London with flight times of around 8 and a half hours.

Should you want to tear yourself away from the beach, then head up to Shirley Heights from where you can obtain the best view on the island. At a height of 490 feet, you get superb views of English and Falmouth Harbours and is best visited at sunset and the early evening.

View from Shirley Heights - Antigua — View from Shirley Heights – Antigua

Today, Nelson’s Dockyard provides many sites and activities for the modern day visitor to enjoy. It was built back in the early eighteenth century, when the British realised the value of having a dockyard to harbour ships in bad weather and keeping an eye on the French. The dockyard is named after Lord Nelson, who as Captain of the HMS Boreas, was sent to Antigua to enforce British laws in the colonies.

Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua — Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua

Cyprus is my island

“Cyprus is my island. When the going’s rough I would love to find you Somewhere in a place like that… ” David Bowie once again provides our musical inspiration for our travel destination this week. The lyrics above come from the track “Move On”. Bowie’s first wife Angie was actually born on the island and the couple visited the island many times. The song itself was inspired by his travels to Kenya, Japan and Australia. However judging by the lyrics (1:40) he found Cyrpus the place to escape from the stresses and strains of his popstar lifestyle. Will it be your place to escape?

Move On – David Bowie

Cyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean and is less than 5 hours flight from London. Stepping out of the plane at either Paphos or Larnaca airports you will have been transported to the crossroads of 3 continents. Europe, Africa and Asia. Cyprus has been inhabited since the 10^th century BC and boasts a rich cultural history due to its geographical position.

Situated at the crossroads of three continents – as a result, its cuisine is a mixture and refinement of a variety of Southern European, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian influences. “Meze” is the most traditional meal on the island, though exactly what you will be served will depend on the preferences of the chef in charge. Consisting of up to 30 hot and cold dishes. They will give a good idea of the rich variety of Cypriot foods.

When not eating and drinking, Cyprus provides you with so much choice. The default option for many is one of the wonderful beaches on the island. The number 1 beach destination is Nissi Beach, a particular favourite of younger travellers. The beach of white sand has shallow crystal clear water and a wide selection of watersports are on offer. In the evening you can head into Ayia Napa, famous for its night life.

Ayia Napa - Dimitris Vetsikas — Ayia Napa

Fancy somewhere more family friendly then head to Coral Bay. Cliffs protect the beach and ensure that the water remains calm. The beach is also popular for those who like snorkelling and diving. Want somewhere a bit more grown up then head for Blue Lagoon Beach. You won’t find many facilities here but you will find a beautiful location to relax and unwind and maybe understand why David Bowie wrote “Cyprus is my island”.

Kykkos Monastery - Dimitris Vetsikas — Kykkos Monastery

If you want a day away from the beach then head up to Kykkos Monastery. It dates back to the 11^th century and is located 1318 meters up on the on the North West face of Troodos Mountains. There is a museum at the centre of the monastery that contains many artefacts relating to the pre-Christian history of the island. The monastery produces Zivania spirit and other alcoholic drinks. That in itself must be a reason to visit.

Tomb of the Kings - Paphos - Dimitris Vetsikas — Tomb of the Kings – Paphos

One of the most important archaeological sites on the island are the famous ‘Tombs of the Kings’. The tombs for high ranking officials rather than Kings have been carved out of solid rock and date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. They are similar to tombs found in Alexandria, Egypt. The tombs can be found in The Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos alongside a number of other important sites from the 4^th century BC to the Middle Ages.