Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town (Creative Commons)

There’s no doubt that South Africa is one of the world’s most spectacular countries, with it’s vast open landscapes, beautiful beaches, amazing cuisine and wonderful people. Not only does it offer a range of hotels to suit every budget, but the number of fantastic attractions in proximity to the city as well as the shoreline allows tourists to experience a vacation adventure like never before. Whether you’re travelling with your family, with friends or on your own, South Africa is certainly the place to go this year, so let’s take a look at some of the country’s top attractions!

Cape Winelands 

The spectacular valleys of Cape Winelands are one of the country’s iconic landscapes, visited my thousands of tourists every year. Home to sleepy villages, historic monuments, and most notably vineyards, there are plenty of tours available to experience some of the grapes produced here. The wine from Cape Winelands is known all over the world, and you won’t find a restaurant in South Africa that doesn’t stock a bottle or two! Although the fields are only accessible by car, you’ll have plenty to see here if you’re looking to spend the day, and many of the local villages actually make their own cheeses too – another way to keep the hunger at bay.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

This is one of Cape Town’s most visited natural attractions, and if you’ve ever been to South Africa before, the images taken here are used in a variety of post cards sold at local markets or in shops. This harbour was once one of Africa’s main shipping points, and although it’s more a cruise ship dock nowadays, it’s the history behind the attraction which invokes tourists to flock here. With a number of maritime museums to experience, as well as restaurants offering the freshest fish, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a must-visit location in South Africa this year.

Knysna 

Stretching from Mossel Bay to St Francis, The Garden Route is a beautiful stretch of shoreline visited by millions every year. As you walk further inland, your tour of South Africa just gets better and better, as you’re introduced to spectacular water falls, fresh water rivers, forests and tranquil lakes, all of which leave you feeling humbled. The beaches offer a variety of activities, and they’re also overlooked by a fabulous array of restaurants, so you’ll never have to walk far for experience iconic South African cuisine.

Holidays to South Africa are becoming more popular with tourists of all ages, so if you’re looking for great deals on flights for the entire family, see here!

Kruger National Park

If you’re looking for some exciting wildlife on your trip to South Africa this year, then the Kruger National Park is the place for you. With guided 4×4 tours, as well as animal ‘meet and greets’, this park is the largest game reserve on the continent, experiencing millions of visitors every year. From giraffes to cheetahs, rhinos to elephants, there’s so much to see here that you should ensure to charge your camera. Furthermore, it’s the perfect place to end your holiday to South Africa, especially if you’re travelling with the kids!

Mount Apo

This amazing volcano situated on Mindanao Island, overlooking the city of Davao is the highest mountain in the country at 9692 ft. and is classified as having the potential to become active, although no record exists of its most recent eruption. The mountain consists of 3 peaks and features a volcanic crater with a small lake and is a very popular destination amongst mountain climbers.

Mount Apo (creative commons)

The mountain was declared a national park in 1936 and a UNESCO world heritage site in 2009, covering an area of 135.845 acres excluding the two peripheral areas of around 22,432 acres combined. For the avid bird watchers this site is home to 272 bird species and a breeding site for the endangered Philippine Eagle.

The only geothermal power plant in Mindanao draws around 106MW of power from this source.

Talicud Island (creative commons)

Talicud Island

This beautiful little island is situated just a short boat ride from Davao harbour. The stunning white beaches are in contrast with the black sandy beaches of Davao. The resort of Isla Reta features a Dugong sanctuary that is aimed at increasing the dwindling numbers of the unique sea creatures. Best viewing times are rumoured to be during full moon.

Isla Reta is a popular camping site for locals and tourists, tents and equipment being available for rent on site. Dining is available and offers a cooking facility for guests, which makes this piece of Paradise a great camping place. If the Philippines are too far, but you would still fancy a camping holiday with your dear ones in a nice European destination, than make sure you use canvas promotional codes to benefit from the best deals available.

Samal Island

Within sight of Davao and Talicud is the Garden City of Samal which is easily reached by ferry, barge and passenger boats covering the 2 km water-way. The island has a rich history as was bombed by the Japanese during WW2 and also occupied by them for many years.

Due to its excellent beaches the island is a popular destination for tourists, the countless reefs attracting scuba enthusiasts from around the world.

A Major attraction in Samal Island is the presence of millions of old world fruit bats, known as Geoffroy’s Rousettes, in a cave situated on a 23 hectare area in Barangay Tambo. This site also holds a Guinness Book of World Records. The Monfort Bat Cave houses an estimated 2.4 million bats in the 1000 foot long cave. The island is home to 26 species of bats, ranging from the world’s smallest to largest species, including the giant golden-crowned flying fox.

Going on an African Safari with your family is one of the most rewarding and exciting holidays that you can possibly have. Nevertheless, keep in mind that a vacation like this needs a strong budget. Africa is a beautiful country and South Africa attracts many tourists due to its fantastic landscapes and excellent safari opportunities. Not to mention ‘the Big Five’, which refers to South Africa’s greatest wildest animals –lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino, which make this region to be a true African jewel.

Family Safari, South Africa (creative commons)

South African safaris are a wonderful choice for families looking to have a blast and a holiday to remember. It’s great for families with young children because they can actually explore the wildlife live and Africa’s incredible fauna, seen only on pictures and on television before. The roads in South Africa are in excellent condition and you have the possibility to rent a car and set your own holiday schedule. You can make stops whenever you want, let your kids see the wonderful show that nature has to offer, return to your hotel when kids need a little nap and then plan the rest of the day discovering amazing wildlife parks.

Garden Route lodges, South Africa (creative commons)

Depending on your travel budget and on your family’s choice you can visit South Africa by opting for a holiday that’s tailor made for you. You can book a luxurious safari that starts in Cape Town and ends with the lovely national park Kruger, which is absolutely breathtaking and a true wonder for children. In general, these guided safaris have various activities included in their tours, such as whale-watching, horse-riding and beach-combing family fun times. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you can simply hire a car and explore the area by yourself. Or just book a small trip instead of an entire holiday. There are many options when travelling to South Africa. Ask your travel agent about the variety of possibilities and tours this region has to offer.

While travelling to South Africa you’ll be mesmerized by the amount of small and private wildlife parks that you’ll discover. There you can observe the animals, stay for a couple of nights, play games with your little ones, enjoy a nice day by the swimming pool and end your day with a delicious dinner. The Garden Route and Eastern Cape are excellent choices for activities like these; they are filled with beaches and game parks that will catch your kids’ interest in no time.

Perth, Australia (Creative Commons)

Traveling happens to be one of the most favorite activities for people today given the fact that airfare costs are cheaper than they used to be. If your next destination happens to be Perth in Western Australia, it would be awesome to check in on one of those charming hotels in the area such as Crown Perth. There’s much to do in the capital of Western Australia and even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend for your vacation, you won’t have to worry as there are several activities that you can do even if you don’t have deep pockets.

1. Take part in the local Sunday sessions. One of the best things about Western Australia is the sunset. There are beachfront restaurants in Perth where you can grab a meal while enjoying the view. This pastime is not only for tourists as locals even take the time to spend lazy Sunday afternoons on beach pubs in a habit known as Sunday sessions. Indeed, spending your time at the beach with a cold beverage in one hand and a great sun set at the background is surely a wonderful way to pass an afternoon.
2. Go fishing in Peel Inlet. If you are on a budget and you don’t mind a bit of adventure, catching your dinner at Peel Inlet would be something worth looking forward to. There’s enough seafood to fill a dinner plate in Mandurah estuary and inlet which includes prawns. You can look forward to a dinner with king prawns during autumn and a meal of river prawns during summer. There are also delicious blue manna crabs here and if you want to take part in the annual crab festival that features this tasty delicacy, time your vacation in Perth during the month of March.
3. Follow the Bibbulmun Track. The 1,000 kilometer trail from Perth’s eastern suburbs to Albany is considered as the one of the greatest long distance walk trails in the world. You can go for a leisurely day trip and explore the hills in Perth or you can spend the night outdoors in one of the numerous campsites along the way.
4. Play in the sand at Lancelin. Located just an hour from Perth to the North, a weekend at Lancelin is surely an adventurous one as this happens to be the home of the famous sand dunes. Racing up and down those dunes is well worth the experience whether you plan to do it by foot, with your motorbike, a sand board or a 4WD. The crystal blue water over the dunes is the perfect spot for a dip. This is also a great place to learn how to surf.
5. Sample Swan Valley’s Delicacies. Spending one of your afternoons in Swan Valley will allow you to sample the food in the area including olives, chocolate, beer, ice cream, and wine. While touring the area, you won’t even need to spend money unless you taste something that you can’t get enough of. Free samples of the delicacies and specialties of the valley are offered by numerous wineries and producers so be prepared for tasting a lot of stuff.
6. Pass a lazy afternoon outdoors at Kings Park. Considered to be the largest part in an inner city in the Southern Hemisphere, Kings Park and Botanic Gardens is the perfect place for an afternoon nap or a picnic with the entire family. With the marvelous view of the city and lots of grass patches, you will definitely find a corner to set up your mat. There are free guided walking tours in the park and a visit in spring will bring you face to face with the blossoming flowers in the Botanic Gardens.

Sand-boarding in Lancelin

Sao Paulo by Jose (Creative Commons)

If you’ve already planned to travel to Brazil next year for the 2014 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Sao Paulo next June and July, you may be wondering if now’s a good time to change your travel plans. However, FIFA ensures that the tournament will go on as planned, meaning that it’s still a good time to sell your CDs here to save up for a South American vacation. If you’re trying to make sense of the recent protests ahead of your trip, here’s a primer on the situation in Brazil.

On Thursday, June 13, residents of the country’s most populated city began to peacefully protest a recent 10-cent rise in city bus fares. Many of them were students who belonged to the Free Fare Movement, which had been working to drum up protesters for several weeks prior. But what began as a stream of marches and street sit-ins quickly turned violent after images were broadcast the following Monday of police attempting to defuse the protests with tear gas and rubber bullets. In one particularly iconic image, an officer pepper sprays a woman a close range.

By Tuesday, local officials promised to rescind the raise in bus fare. But a week after the protests began, fueled by images of aggressive police activity, Brazilian media estimated that the number of demonstrators marching in the streets passed one million.

But what does this have to do with the 2014 World Cup? To get an accurate and honest assessment of the atmosphere in cities like Sao Paulo, future tourists should examine the state of politics and the economy of the South American power. Brazil, which has experienced a steady increase in GDP for the past two decades, was rated at the world’s sixth largest economy in 2011 and again in 2013. In spite of its economic success, however, wages for middle class workers remain low. The average Brazilian makes just $11,000 a year.

The disparity between the country’s GDP and the average worker’s wage is intensified when considering the shape of Sao Paulo’s infrastructure — poor transportation, frequent violence, crumbling schools and dilapidated hospitals don’t square with the high tax burden middle class workers feel they bear each year. Instead, 26.6 billion reals (US $11.7 billion) of public revenue has been earmarked for the construction of brand new stadiums, travel ports and security for world-renowned FIFA tournaments like the World Cup, with no perceived benefits for local residents.

Football Stadium Mineirao, Brazil by Everaldo Vilela (creative commons)

How the protests will play out in the short-term still remains a bit of a mystery. Looking ahead, however, FIFA officials have used the example of this year’s Confederations Cup, currently taking place amid the protest, as proof that the World Cup will not be affected. Doubling down on security, the organization has assured football spectators that the tournament is not in danger of being cancelled, and — more importantly — they will be able to enjoy the World Cup in a secure environment.

Don’t waste any more time thinking about future holiday destinations. Opt instead for a Northern Lights getaway and get ready to experience the magical show of the Aurora Borealis phenomenon.

Northern Lights (creative commons)

Before you’re on your way to take off to the Northern countryside you should keep in mind some useful tips that will transform your vacation into a sublime getaway. Also, feel free to find more tips and tricks on this website: www.theaurorazone.com

The first thing you must be aware of is the conditions in which you can actually see the Aurora Borealis. It has to be nighttime, preferably starting from  5 pm until 2 am, the sky has to be clear of all the clouds, no sun eruption because that causes solar wind and particles from the eruption must reach the Earth’s magnetic field. Look for information across the internet regarding the best time to see the spectacular show. Usually the Northern light ‘diva’ makes its appearance with more impact starting in late September and ending early in March.

Aurora Borealis ( creative commons)

Prepare your camera but keep in mind the fact that sometimes this whole show doesn’t last too long and not every camera is capable of capturing the lights very well. Most tourists know this fact so they choose a camera with a tripod in order to preserve their Aurora Borealis for later views.

Best place to see the Northern Lights are in general the non polluted countries located around the Arctic circle, like Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway. If you plan your holiday in one of  these countries you should know that you’ll have tons of opportunities to not only see the Northern Lights but to also interact with the locals and understand their culture and eat delicious traditional food. Plus, you can go on a husky safari ride that will change your life and give you the opportunity to admire the frozen landscape and of course, if you feel an adrenaline rush you can start your trip with a snowmobile ride and end it with a nice glass of mulled wine. Now that’s a true winter holiday! Or you can simply rent a car and explore the land by yourself and stop only to see the magnificent view that the Northern Lights have to offer!

Most people dream of their holiday as an oasis of serenity and joyful moments. Everyone is looking forward to disconnect themselves from the stressful lives and get the chance to relax for a few days and charge their batteries. But have you ever wondered if lazy days in the sun or spent at a spa are your thing? What if you feel an adrenaline rush to do something unique and challenging? Then a Northern Lights holiday is exactly what you need.

Northern Lights ( creative commons)

This mysterious phenomenon, the Aurora Borealis puts on a wonderful show in which the sky suddenly lights up and you see a fantastic display of twists and swirls that look almost like a lava lamp. The scenery is simply breathtaking giving everyone an uplifting experience. This attracts tourists from all over the world who are dying to see it with their own eyes. It takes place usually around the Arctic circle and usually travelers aim for countries like Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway. You may catch in Canada and Alaska too, but European countries are the best, according to people’s opinion.

Aurora Borealis (creative commons)

The best season to see the lights in action runs in general from late September to early April, with October and March as the optimum months. If you want to make your Northern Lights experience an over the top one you should spend your nights admiring the Aurora while taking a bath in a hot spring pool or while pampering your sense at one of the luxurious hotels of the Northern countryside where you can indulge in naturally heated geothermal pools and admire picturesque locations you have never seen before.

The Northern Lights phenomenon is an incredible opportunity for every traveler out there looking to make a genuine connection with the nature. When booking your stay keep in mind that you have many alternatives: you can choose a luxurious hotel resort that has spa facilities or stick to a fisherman’s hut or cabin to get the real taste of a northern life, see details here. Many people actually prefer the last option and even more fancy the idea of igloo hotels.Whatever your desire is you’ll enjoy every minute of the Northern Lights experience to its fullest!

The Louvre, Paris

Paris is a city of love and romance, and if you’re looking for the perfect city break with your family, then there’s nowhere better to visit than the capital of France. There’s so much to do here that it’s hard to know where to start, however if you plan your trip well in advance, you’ll have more than enough time to pack in everything you want to see. Whether you’re travelling with your loved one or with your friends, Paris caters for all, and from historical cathedrals to luxury restaurants, you’ll certainly be worn out by the end of the day! Let’s take a look at some of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris this year.

Cathedral de Notre Dame de Paris

This cathedral offers some of the most stunning Gothic architecture in the whole of France, and many believe it represents the pinnacle of medieval design and innovation. Imposing on the Parisian skyline, visiting this spectacular monument is a must for any tourist in the city, however if you can’t handle the queues leading up to the Cathedral, then you watch the sun go down over the structure along the nearby Seine.

Le Marche aux Puces de St-Ouen

If you’d like to experience the diverse street markets that Paris has to offer, then head over to Le Marche auz Puces de St-Ouen, one of the city’s most famous alternative shopping districts. From antiques and fruits to fabrics and carved figurines, you’ll be able to let your imagination run wild here, and the prices are very fair too! The locals here like to chase customers, but remember to be respectful in your offers for their produce.

Le Champ de Mars

Le Champ de Mars is one of the most stunning places in all of Paris, and locals as well as tourists enjoy basking in the sun here while taking in the amazing view of the Eifel Tower. With vibrant flowerbeds, crisp lawns and litter-free walkways, you’ll be able to pack a picnic (don’t forget the wine) and laze the day away in this wonderful and tranquil spot.

Pere Lachaise Cemetery 

If you’re looking for a little eerie excitement in Paris, then head over to the Pere Lachaise Cemetery – the most haunted cemetery in the country! Home to some very famous names like Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison, you’ll be able to visit the tombs and see the amazing shrines that fans have built for their heroes. Visit Auto Europe if you’re thinking about renting a car in Paris this summer.

Marche d’Ailgre

Paris is a city of spectacular food, and where better to try out some of these amazing flavours than at Marche d’Aligre. From mountains of cheese, stacks of sausages, flower stalls as high as lamp posts and spices by the bucket load, this is a great place to visit if you’re renting an apartment instead of staying in a hotel. Furthermore, the Marche d’Ailgre is surrounded by wonderful cafés and restaurants, so why not grab a glass of wine after you’ve finished shopping!

Korcula, Croatia

Many people dream of an island vacation. Escaping to an island getaway is a great choice for a vacation adventure, even if it’s just for a couple of days. Many of the more popular islands can be quite busy, especially during peak travelling season, so many tourists are turning to smaller and less well-known locations for their warm, relaxing getaways.

When going away on an island holiday, you want to make sure to protect your health and your belongings. Make sure to check into travel insurance to provide you with a bit of peace of mind. When considering insurance, you will want to find the best travel insurance quotes to meet your budget and your personal travel needs.

Korcula, Croatia

To get to Korcula, you will need to take a ferry from Dubrovnik, Croatia. The ride is about three hours, but is well worth the time taken. The island itself features beautiful, sandy beaches and some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere. The town of Korcula is just as charming, as are the olive groves, vineyards and tiny villages that dot the countryside of this small, relatively unknown island.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Although gaining in popularity, Isla Mujeres is still less of a tourist attraction than nearby Cancun. The island is just eight miles from Cancun, across the Bahia de Mujeres, and for the longest time held just a simple farming village. Today, it offers luxurious accommodations, water sports and excursions to remote islands for fishing or day trips.

St. Eustatius

Also known as Statia by the locals, this Caribbean island’s main claim to fame is a volcanic peak, near the top of which sits the capital city of Oranjestad. As it has yet to be discovered by great throngs of tourists, this island can be quite peaceful and quiet. Although the beaches aren’t quite as extensive as those on some Caribbean islands, St. Eustatius has a charm all its own. Here you can visit a fort from the 17th century as well as one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries located in the Western Hemisphere.

Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin means “Granite Island.” This island, part of Singapore and existing near Changi Point, is much different than the mainland. Where much of Singapore is a fast-pace modernised world, the island of Pulau Ubin seems permanently stuck in the past. Fishermen still still live in stilted, wooden houses with thatched roofs and it can be a very refreshing change of pace. The island itself has thick forests and you might just spot some of the islands indigenous animal life, such as monkeys and wild pigs, during your visit. For those wanting a nice, comfortable beach experience, look for East Coast Park.

Water Island

This tropical paradise is located south of Saint Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. To get there, fly into St. Thomas and take a water taxi ride out to Water Island. This island has only 200 residents, and offers warm beaches and bike rides through breathtaking scenery. The island’s main claim to fame is Honeymoon Beach, which was used during the filming of the Brad Pitt movie, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

Mustique

Mustique, which is located in the Grenadines, is pretty unique as far as island getaways are concerned. The island itself is a private island owned by the Mustique Company. There are 1,200 people living on the island, but there are never more than 500 tourists at any one time. Those 500 guests have nine islands covering 1,400 acres to choose from, making seclusion and peace easy to come by.

Sipadan Island, Malaysia

Sipadan Island, Malaysia

Located in the Celebes Sea, near Malaysia, this island is a diver’s paradise. Those in the know consider it one of the top dive spots in the world, and the dive sites appear to be frozen in time as they have suffered little of the stresses placed on other tropical reefs over the last several decades. Here you can see impressive schools of turtles, breathtaking coral reefs and even hammerhead sharks. When you’re done diving, there’s plenty of rain forest on the island itself to explore.

Sharm El Sheikh beach By WomEOS (Creative Commons)

Sharm El Sheikh has a reputation for being a popular holiday among UK holidaymakers due to its great features, one of those being the perfect holiday weather. Getting away from dismal UK weather is high on the lists of many Brits during the summer, and Sharm El Sheikh provides a stunning location for this.

Sharm El Sheikh is located on the southern tip of Egypt, 500 km from Cairo. Holidays are also popular here because of the Red Sea, which is a great place to explore and take part in diving. The beach is an attractive feature, and can be used for either relaxation or to make the most of the water activities. This is why it is such a great location for families, as there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Life’s a beach

Certainly, the sandy beach continues to be one of the main attractions of the place. Many tourists make the most of the sun by spending their days lazing on the sand and catching the rays. Unlike in the UK, Sharm El Sheikh’s sun is out all year round, so it doesn’t matter when you visit, you will always experience the heat.

A haul of hotels

Due to its luxurious reputation, there are many hotels around to choose from, many of which will give you the easiest access to the best locations, including the beach. There is a hotel suitable for all types of holiday guests, from singles to families, and these range from great value bed and breakfasts to five-star hotels.

A splash in Sharm

The Aqua blue water park is a family favourite day out, and can be scheduled around your lazy days on the beach. Since Sharm El Sheikh has grown into one of Egypt’s super resorts, it provides many things to do for people of all ages. It is particularly well known for its natural attractions too, including Mount Sinai.

Mount Sinai by Berthold Werner

Alternatively, if you are looking for a more active holiday, Sharm El Sheikh provides that too. There are plenty of night clubs, casinos, golf activities, and more to enjoy. Whatever your agenda, Sharm El Sheikh is a comfortable, relaxing holiday location that makes for the perfect getaway this summer.

Another benefit of Sharm El Sheikh is that it is a Mediterranean style holiday boasting a lower cost than other similar resorts. You can get all the sun, sea and fun for a more affordable price. Co-op Travel is there to provide affordable holidays to Sharm El Sheikh, as well as advice on the best activities to take part in during your stay.