Archive for the ‘top tens’ Category
time’s ticking: ten for april
As the fuzzy folk bards Simon and Garfunkel once sweetly harmonised ‘AAAA-A-April, come she will’, and boy oh boy did she come around quick this year. Spring has now officially sprung and, now the sun’s out (every now and then at least), we thought it only right to share some worldly wisdom and fill you in on ten of April 2011’s best (and least known) global events.
all fools’ day
someone always takes it one step too far
Roll up hoodwinkers, jokers come forth; April is here and, for one day only, the farceur is King. Eagerly anticipated by troublemakers everywhere, April the First (aka April Fools’ Day) is, as we all know, a day when normality sleeps and would-be jesters lurk round every corner. Cue 24 hours where hoaxes, white lies and practical jokes are not just for the kids. Indeed, it’s now the case that the national media are responsible for some of the tallest stories told on this most mistrusted of days. Famous swindles include the supposed discovery of hotheaded naked ice borers in Antarctica in 1995 and Burger King’s so-called left-handed Whopper in ’98. Rest assured though, we’d never sink so low…
queens day
Queen's Day
Koninginnedag, or Queen’s Day, takes place every year on April 30th, the Dutch Queen’s official birthday. If you’re thinking another nondescript public holiday, then think again. In an all-consuming burst of garish patriotism, Oranjegektel (orange craze) sweeps through Amsterdam, ensuring that, from food to clothes, hats to hair, nothing is left untangoed. Now if only the British Queen’s birthday prompted something similar in London… A flotilla of patriots wailing the national anthem across the Thames… On second thoughts, maybe it’s best we leave it to the Dutch, whose concerts, parties and vrijmarket (a sort of car boot sale) seem far more civilized.
nevis triathlon
nevis say never...
If the words ‘sport in the West Indies’ still conjure little more than images of cricket on the beach and Jamaica’s famous bobsleigh team, then it’s time to pick up the pace and get with the times. Running (swimming and cycling) from the 1st till the 2nd, the Nevis Triathlon is the perfect excuse to experience a different side to the beautiful island from which it takes its name. Broken down into three routes to cater for athletes of all levels, the race can be completed either individually or in relay format, perfect for those of you who like to follow a leisurely spot of holiday competition with a far more leisurely spot of flop on the beach.
hand in hand with love
two hearts make a whole
At the crossroads of East and West, the spectacular city of Istanbul bubbles along like a sun-kissed melting pot of creativity and culture. Hand in Hand with Love is an annual arts fest bringing together the diverse communities of Turkey’s capital throughout April. Facilitating inter-cultural understanding and putting on quite a show in the process, this is the perfect chance to sample local music, cast your eye over the visual arts and the marvel at the literary all sorts among this year’s multiplicity of Turkish delights.
sequences
the conSequences of colour
Iceland, a land frozen in time. Or so you might think. Taking over the capital Reykjavik from April 1st to 10th, Sequences is an annual arts festival whose focus is dynamism and movement – more ‘wow did you see that geyser?’ than ‘oh look, there’s that iceberg, the one we saw last time’. Expect mindblowing photography, performance art and sound and video installations that’ll give you more goosebumps than a northern gale. Expect to be wowed.
saborea
opening the door to the food of puerto rico
FOODIE ALERT. CODE TASTY. It’s not every day a country appears on the menu, but between April 1st and 3rd, you’re invited to ‘Taste Puerto Rico’ at Saborea, the country’s annual food fest. Set on the idyllic Escambrón Beach in Puerta de Tierra, the shining lights of this Caribbean territory’s gastronomic scene gather like seagulls and cook up a storm. Saborea is a big deal, so follow the aroma down to the waterfront and rub shoulders with the celebs during mouthwatering cooking demos and taster sessions.
las palmas international film festival
who'll grab the golden lady?
Sunlight(s), camera, action. Between the 1st and the 9th, Las Palmas, the gorgeous capital of Gran Canaria, plays picture-perfect host to one of our favourite film festivals. Culminating in the Golden Lady Harimaguada award for best film, the festival will showcase features and shorts from around the world.
barcelona guitar festival
buzzing like a strum-ble bee for barcelona
Every April, the Catalonian capital Barcelona tunes up its tuners for the city’s annual Guitar Festival. The country that gave us flamenco virtuoso Paco de Lucía opens its doors to the world’s best strummers, welcoming a groups and musicians from Spain and abroad. Running from the 1st to the 7th, Barcelona’s bars and concert halls are bound to be busy, so get over there quick and, well… Viva la musica!
st. petersburg festival of speed
what's the russian for va-va-voom?
St. Petersburg, Rush-ia. Got a need for speed? Look no further, just buckle up, put your foot down and head East for three days of 007 heaven. From April 1st to 3rd, connoisseurs, collectors and wide-eyed motorheads assemble for a spine-tingling showroom explosion of epic proportions. Drink in the petrol guzzling panorama of vintage Le Mans veterans, supercars, powerboats, custom bikes and high-performance planes, all gathered under an aircraft hangar kitted out for a very glitzy schmooze ‘n’ booze.
rallye aïcha des gazelles
oh damn, it was LEFT at the oasis
Misogynist drivers of the world take heed: Steer clear of the Moroccan desert or prepare to tsk and toot like never before. The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is a woman only race-cum-orienteering challenge running 2,500 km across the south of Morocco, and this year’s event is fast approaching its conclusion. With little but dunes and the occasional oasis to negotiate, the chance of a crash is negligible, but we hear Bedouin camel trains are keeping a safe distance nonetheless. Sisters are driving it by themselves. You’ve been warned.
James Snowdon is Editorial Intern at Black Tomato
(5 votes, average: 4.20 out of 5)
Loading ...time’s ticking: magical march
It’s March everybody. Spring is here and so is festival season. Carnivals, street parades, parties and pageants are gearing up all over the planet and we can’t wait. Here’s our top ten for March:
take a break from the diving and check out the festivities
Yap Day
Since it opened its doors to tourism in the late 1980s, the tiny Micronesian island of Yap has wasted no time in forging an excellent reputation as one of the world’s best diving sites. Between March 1-2 this year, the island celebrates its heritage and customs with a couple of days of festivities and competitions. The spear throwing contests, narrative dances and basket weaving races are made all the more fascinating by the locals’ beautiful coloured costumes. Spectators have recently been invited to watch, so take a break from the diving and enjoy the show.
guinness o'clock methinks...
St Patrick’s Day
From the humblest of pious beginnings, St Patrick’s Day has burgeoned into an international knees-up of epic proportions. All across the world on March 17, people pay a hedonistic homage to Ireland’s most celebrated patron saint. Lots of green, big hats, orange beards and balthazars of Irish stout. Head to Dublin for something resembling traditional, New York’s celebration is definitely the biggest, but our pick has to be Chicago. They dye the river green.
spectacular scenes at nara's todai-ji temple
Omizutori
Between March 1 – 14, millennium-old Buddhist ceremonies take over Todai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan. The climax of the water-drawing festival comes on the final night, when the gorgeous temple blazes into a fiery frenzy. Torches spin like flamethrowers as the bellows and moans of local monks provide a powerful, eerie backdrop.
hubble, bubble, toil and trouble
Noche de Brujas
On March 4, a dread horde of practitioners and fanatics descends on Cerro Mono Blanco for Mexico’s Night of the Witches. The nation’s spiritualists, healers and zaniest kooks gather in celebration of cauldron cooking, broomsticks and powerful pentagrams for fireside rites that run into the night.
silence falls on the monuments of bali
Nyepi Day
There are parties, there are parades, there are fireworks and dances. Traditional music fills the streets. But after the wild bruhaha of Balinese New Year, March 5 is a day of silence. And we mean total silence. The island comes to a standstill for 24 hours of tranquil reflection. So make sure you’ve done your shopping. Everything is closed. Even the airport.
losar prayer flags in the tibetan himalayas
Losar
Between March 5-7, the mountain nation of Tibet celebrates its New Year. Rainbow reams of prayer flags span this Himalayan enclave, creating some of the most memorable images of devout reverence on the planet. Witness scenes that you won’t find anywhere else and succumb to the supreme majesty of the Tibetan landscape. Just don’t forget your parka. It gets a little nippy.
shake your thing in beautiful trinidad
Carnival
Everyone knows about Rio and there’s no denying Brazil’s most celebrated spectacle, but if you fancy honking your foghorn and swinging your hips somewhere just as hot and a little less crowded then head to the Caribbean island of Trinidad from March 7-8.
fireworks and fairytales
Fallas de Valencia
Like Disneyworld after a fairydust fireball, between March 15-19 the streets of Valencia come alive with plaster giants, plastic princesses and cartoon monsters. After 5 days of parties, parades and pageants, the city lights dim and the streets go black before hundreds of firework-packed papier-maché effigies are set alight, filling the skies with bright lights and big bangs.
rainbow rain falls at holi time
Holi
All eyes East on March 20, as India and Nepal celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colour. Teetotal psychedelia is rife as coloured paint and coloured water are thrown around with wanton abandon. A photographer’s dream so long as you stay out of the firing line, Holi is just the thing for those post-Winter blues, one festival guaranteed to put a bit of colour in your cheeks.
the gorgeous cherry blossoms of japan
Sakura Matsuri
From late March the flowers are out in Japan. From Tokyo’s Ueno Park to Furano on the island of Hokkaido, witness one of the most beautiful Spring blooms on Earth. The locals celebrate in style, with parties and festivities across the country. What could be more perfect than some good company and hot saké under the cherry blossom…
(10 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...time’s ticking: february’s finest
february: time's ticking
We are officially in the second month of 2011. It may be the shortest month, but there’s still plenty we think you should see. From national celebrations to weather forecasting groundhogs, we’ve picked our top ten February happenings from around the globe. So read on, then dig out the suitcase. Might want to hurry; time’s ticking…
party in montevideo
Uruguay Carnival
Running until February 4, the peaceable streets of Montevideo have exploded into South American festive frenzy for Uruguay’s annual carnival. Join the pageants, floats and incredible costumes as painted performers shake their spangles down Avenue 18 de Julio. Uruguay’s national carnival may not be as well known as some of its Latin American equivalents (Rio comes to mind), but the theatre here is distinctly Uruguayan. Enjoy the spectacle as the parodistas mimic and mock the rich and famous; thehumoristas joke, and the satirical shows of the murgas put together a caricatured précis of the socio-political stories from the year just gone. Montevideo’s yearly street party is up there with the best of them.
that's a lot of stairs...
Empire State Building Run-Up
Always take the lift? Then this may not be for you. Today, the annual ascent to the top of one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers involves no escalators, no lifts and no piggybacks. Separating the lobby and the 86th floor of the once tallest building in the world are 1,575 energy-sapping, calf-killing steps – a challenge for only the New York Road Runners Club. This is an invitation-only event and these guys take it seriously. Maybe we’ll see you there in 2012. Maybe.
will he see his shadow? let's hope not
Groundhog Day
This may be the weirdest of weather-forecasting traditions. Who knew that the early morning actions of an oversized rodent could be a real harbinger of the type of year to come? Truly unique, head to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, USA on February 2 for the best known ceremony. When dawn breaks, the small hairy prognosticator will exit its den. If it sees its shadow, the coming spring will be a bad one; if he doesn’t then winter is nearly over, flowers will bloom and beer will flow.
ring those bells...
La Endiablada
The Spanish love to party. But in the town of Almonacid de Marquesado, the residents celebrate Candlemas and Saint Blaise’s Day with a tradition that would raise even Dali’s black lacquered eyebrows. On the mornings of February 2 (Candlemas) and 3 (Saint Blaise), the dancing troupe los diablostake to the streets and hop, kick and jig their merry way across town to the church. Decked out in bishops’ mitres, floral all-in-ones and oversized cowbells, los diablos are meant to continuously jiggle, jump and gyrate to keep the huge bells clanging and ward off the evil spirits of Lucifer, minions et al.
another countdown to midnight
Chinese New Year
For a lot of us, New Year has come and gone. Well Xin nian yu kuai. That’s Happy New Year (again) to you and me. All around the world, on February 3, Chinese communities will celebrate the year of the rabbit. The oldest New Year festival in the world, Chinese New Year takes place on the first day of the first lunar month and lasts around a fortnight, ending with the iconic Lantern Festival. Top Tip: Head to Chinatown, and try the seafood and dumplings – the most traditional New Year’s dish of them all.
willing those blossoms to show themselves soon
Setsuban (Risshun)
On February 3, the Japanese festival of Setsubun is upon us. Setsubun is the name given to each period preceding a change in season in Japan. When winter ends and spring begins it’s time for Risshun. Just grab a handful of soybeans and throw them everywhere. Destroy the eyes of the devil, augur in prosperity and make sure the days last longer. Head to Tokyo’s Senso-ji Temple for one of the most eye-catching renditions of the centuries-old rite.
a seriously chilled festival
Polar Jazz Festival
Jazz is cool, but in Svalbard, it’s freezing. Literally. From February 2 – 6, the Polar Jazz festival offers a unique opportunity to chill out to a backdrop of glaciers, polar bears and spine-tingling be-bop. The event attracts some of Norway’s top performers and the setting is truly spectacular. The buzz around Polarjazz is spreading and jazz aficionados are donning their snow shoes and making for the north. Norway’s Arctic Archipelago is slowly carving out a reputation as the New Orleans of the North.
proudly waving the flag of independence
Independence Day
On February 4, Sri Lanka’s spotlight centres on Colombo for the grandest celebrations on the national calendar. Remembering the gaining of independence from the British in 1948, nothing of the passion and national pride has been dampened in the 63 years since passed. No expense is spared as convoys take to the streets and military rub shoulders with traditional dancers, pageants and parades. Sri Lankan Independence Day offers wonderful scenes of national pride on an island that we love as much for its traditions as its beautiful beaches.
bare it all...
Hadaka Matsuri
February 15 in Japan. Picture the scene. Snow melts from ancient pagoda roofs, cherry blossoms bloom and full-grown men shed their clothes in a cheek-blushing display of uncharacteristic immodesty. The nationwide Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Man Festival) originated with Japan’s Buddhist monks, geared towards purifying the spirit in the wake of another winter’s greedy excess. Thousands of red-blooded men strip down to their scanties (and occasionally beyond) and run riot, first submerging themselves in freezing river water, then running starkers around temple perimeters or throwing themselves into the waiting crowds. Definitely a one of a kind, the Hadaka Matsuri is clearly not one for shrinking violets.
screen on the mountains
The Banff Mountain Film Festival
Throughout February, The Banff Mountain Film Festival clambers, scrambles and ice-pick’s its way across 30 countries. The festival showcases award-winning mountain-related features and shorts from around the globe. Not limiting itself to stunning sky-high summit-scapes, Banff also provides a window onto the lives and cultures of remote mountain communities, as well as jaw-dropping action from daredevil sports. From the Rockies to K2, The Banff Film Festival is one of the most epic and visually-stimulating cinema events on the global calendar.
So where are you headed this month? The time’s ticking…
(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...top ten: hit the road
hit the road
We all love a good road trip. Think Cadillac convertibles, or maybe even a Harley Davidson? Here’s our list of ten of some of our favourite drives. Time to hit the road.
explore the unknown in amal, libya
Libya: Explore the unknown in Amal
trek the atacama
Chile: Find lunar landscapes across Chile’s Atacama Desert
canada to montana
Canada: Cross the border from Canada into Montana, USA
blue skies in cape town, south africa
Cape Town, South Africa: Enjoy the best of one of South Africa’s biggest cities.
find life in california's death valley
California: Find the direst, hottest, lowest please in North America in Death Valley
explore mexico's roads
Mexico: Experience cultural getaways and coastal paradise
the intrepid trail in norway
Norway: Take the intrepid way from Oslo to Bergen
drive through the canadian rockies
Canada: Head to the mountains. The Canadian Rockies that is.
back in touch with nature in teton national park, wyoming
USA: Head into nature in Wyoming’s Teton National Park. Stunning landscapes without the crowds. Perfect.
another national park favourite in utah
And while you’re in the USA, you might as well take the scenic route to Zion National Park, Utah
(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...time’s ticking: our january favourites
time's ticking
Every month around the world, countless not-to-miss events are going on. To help narrow it down, we’ve picked our top ten festivals for January. So which one are you headed to? Time’s ticking…
the spectacular backdrop of high rise sydney
Sydney Cultural Festival, Australia
Sydney plays host to the largest, longest running and most attended cultural event in Australia. Running from the 6th – 28th January, slap in the height of summer, the city comes alive with music, art and theatre. Most of the events are set in lush outdoor locations, so why not catch a band and grab a drink with the Sydney town hall or the Opera House as a backdrop.
La Tamborrada Drum Festival, Spain
the drumming procession
One for the noisemakers. From midnight on the 20th January, San Sebastian’s old town comes alive with the furore of drumming. You can forget trying to sleep – for 24 hours the whole town becomes involved in the festivities. It’s a truly unique way to experience the majestic charm of one of Spain’s most rousing destinations. If your ears start to ring, head to nearby La Concha beach, recently voted one of Europe’s most pristine.
winter wonderland - the harbin ice festival
Harbin Ice Festival, China
From the 5th January, Harbin, in Northern China hosts the world famous Ice festival. The ice sculptures are illuminated with an array of lanterns and lasers; if you’re lucky you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of a world record breaking sculpture. Make sure you wrap up warm though; temperatures tend to drop below -20°. Chilly.
flying high in jaipur
Kite Festival, Jaipur, India
When people go to fly kites in Rajasthan they really mean it. On the 14th of January head to Jaipur and watch kites of all shape and size blot out the sky. The festival continues long into the evening when specially adapted kites, fully equipped with lights, continue the party.
Québec Winter Carnival, Canada
winter celebrations in quebec city
The largest winter celebration in the world, Québec Winter Carnival hosts a huge range of outdoor winter events. From January 28, take part in an extreme canoe race across the St. Lawrence River or be a passenger in the horse drawn sleigh race. Those in search of a more relaxed but equally memorable experience should take a room at one of Québec’s ice hotels which simply melt away every spring.
Blacks and Whites’ Carnival, Colombia
columbia's vibrant black and whites festival
Proclaimed by UNESCO as a true masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity, Paso’s black and white days vibrantly celebrate Colombia’s ethnic diversity. On the 6th and 7th of January the town comes alive with floats, dancing and actors who parade through the streets using puppets to portray satirical scenes of current Colombian events. Festival goers paint their faces white with talc and black with tar in the samba fuelled South American carnival.
full speed equestrian action on the ice in st. moritz
Polo World Cup, St. Moritz, Switzerland
Watch Germany, Switzerland, France and the UK compete in the Snow Polo World Cup on the spectacular frozen lake bed of St. Moritz, 1700m above sea level. The tournament takes place over the 27th – 30th January and provides the perfect spectacle to add to any high octane adventure on the surrounding slopes.
Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan
early blossom in okinawa
Although January sees much of mainland Japan gripped in a wintery spell, the southerly island of Okinawa celebrates an abnormally early spring. This blessing is marked by the coming of the cherry blossom with a festival spanning the entire month of January. Visitors flock from all over the world to witness the majestic cherry blossom, festivities of dance and song centre around the city of Nago. Head up the tree lined avenue to the top of Nago castle for the best views of the cherry blossom.
thaipusam - about faith, endurance and penance
Thaipusam festival, Malaysia
On the 20th January, Batu Caves just north of Kuala Lumpar become the centrepiece of a great religious procession. Some 800,000 Hindus embark on the pilgrimage from Kuala Lumpar city to the caves. It’s a true explosion of both colour and culture, be sure to bring your camera – some of the feats of endurance are truly mind-blowing.
movie glitz at the sundance festival
Sundance Film Festival, USA
Park city, Utah hosts the largest independent cinema festival in the USA. Established by Robert Redford in the 1980s, Sundance is now a firm favourite in the film calendar. A proud showcase of American and international talent, Sundance gave big breaks to Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. So look out for who you’re sat next too – they might just be the next big thing in the world of cinema.
(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...where we’re going in 2011…
where we're going in 2011
The New Year is here, and with the exciting prospect of twelve months of brand new travel possibilities ahead of us, we’re bringing you our Top Ten destinations for 2011. From untouched islands to bustling cities, these are (in our humble opinion) the places you shouldn’t miss this year. Discover a new experience, delve into local life and find something truly unique. It all starts here.
ethiopia
Ethiopia: Kick up red dust along zigzagging highways, or listen to Colombus monkeys down the Omo River. See it all from the cave cathedrals to burnt-out Russian tanks: this is a raw untouched treasure.
tasmania
Tasmania: This wild island has baby-stepped out of Australia’s shadow: expect dramatic landscapes of dense jungle, pink granite boulders and gorgeous untouched beaches
montenegro
Montenegro: It was golden beaches that first put Montenegro on the map, but we’re looking skywards, (2,522m to be precise) up to Mount Durmitor and the Kolasin mountains. So much for a ‘small’ country.
libya
Libya: Explore the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna, uncover war relics and sleep under the stars in the desert. Undiscovered, and simply jaw-dropping.
sao tome and principe
São Tomé and Príncipe: Visit the volcanic crater deep in the Ôbo forest, picnic by a natural waterfall known as Formoso Cascade and swim on your own secluded beach on the East coast. What could be better?
panama
Panama: Be astounded by the sheer diversity of this small country. Colonial chic, steaming rainforests, volcanic craters, white sand beaches and clear Caribbean seas. And yes, there’s a canal too.
québec
Québec: A rich music culture, food fit for royalty and a wilderness that will get your heart racing. This is a place too good to miss.
guyana
Guyana: Between the giants of Venezuela and Brazil, find the three Guyanas. Paddle with otters, taste French wine, find the world’s largest water lily and the highest single drop waterfall. The three Guyanas have it all.
taiwan
Taiwan: Asia’s unsung hero – think fields of wild flowers, breathtaking mountain ranges dropping down to a blue ocean. Discover ancient legends, modern art and some of the most flavoursome food you’ll ever taste.
the deep south, usa
The Deep South, USA: The birthplace of the blues and rock ‘n roll, the Deep South steps to its own (soulful) beat. Trek through the mountains, lay out on the sun drenched beaches, and taste fiery cuisine. Years of different cultures makes together makes for something pretty special.
(11 votes, average: 3.55 out of 5) Loading ...top ten places to get off the grid
get off the grid
1. chile: touch the stars in atacama desert
Solitude seekers head to northern Chile into the arms of the wild winds of the Atacama Desert. This rain starved plateau stretches 1000km, touching both the Andes and the Pacific. Reach breathless new heights as you climb its arid platform to marvel one of nature’s most powerful climatic extremes.
2. iceland: dive the tectonic plates
Remember those childhood geography lessons on continental drift? At the tip of the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland, tectonic plates are shifting and grinding in an endless clash of gargantuan subterranean forces. Abandon the noise of the city and find peace and quiet as you plunge into the deep glacial waters between the plates.
the hulu tribesmen
3. papua new guinea: meet the natives
The isolated Huli people of the Tari Valley know a lot about living in harmony with natural beauty. The vibrant valley they call home is punctuated with dramatic waterfalls and dense tropical forest bursting with a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna. Wake up to the chatter of Lorikeets and Eclectus, or watch the ebb and flow of local life from your boat on the Karawari River.
4. bhutan: awaken your spirit
Welcome to the unexplored backcountry of the Kingdom. Bhutan is a trove of beautiful hidden details, look closer at vertiginous valley walls and you’ll find ancient settlements built into the rock face. With the terrain dropping a massive 3km as you cross the region,Bhutan offers a meteorological journey- transporting you from Alpine cool to sub-tropical temperatures.
desert isolation in the gobi desert
5. mongolia: desert isolation
Sick of the queues and the crowds? With a tag line of “isolation guaranteed”, the wilderness of the Gobi Desert in southernMongolia truly does what it says on the tin. The desert hosts some of the world’s clearest skies. Lay your head down on a pillow and spot the constellations from your camp under the stars.
6. namibia: bone picking on skeleton coast
Nick-named The Land God Made in Anger, Namibia’s deserted coastline is the closest thing to an abyss you’re ever likely to experience. What this unusual landscape lacks in life it more than makes up for in rare beauty: watch the suns rays light up gemstone beaches and crawl through its tumbling sand dunes and shimmering salt pans. Admire the strange elegance of the animal and human skeletons scattered across this stark landscape and be the last man standing as you find yourself isolated with only ghost crabs for company.
cast yourself away on pansy island
7. mozambique: cast yourself away on pansy island
Pansy Island is a teeny-tiny paradise that emerges fromMozambique’s emerald waters at low tide. Its delicate name echoes the ethereal nature of this island: with nothing more than a sprinkling of white sand, crystal clear waters and pansy shells – this is quintessential desert island bliss.
8.costa rica: make your mark on nicoya peninsula
Teetering on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, across the Gulf of Nicoya, this remote retreat truly deserves the title of off the beaten track. A visit to one of these sparkling beaches is not a question of parking the car and unloading the deck chairs – Pass through steamy dense jungle and be the first to make footprints on secluded immaculate white beaches.
the aleppo domes in syria
9. syria: discover ancient cities
From bazaars to blind alleys, minarets to mosques there is hardly a city in the world that has packed so much Arabian charm and buzzing energy into such a small space. Lose yourself in the maze-like alleys of the Old City: peer through mysterious Narnian doorways revealing picturesque fountains and ornately decorated houses, this is the city that time forgot.
10. french guiana: lock yourself away on devil’s island
For a genuine ‘escape’ head to the tropical wilds of Devils Island. Earning its place in history as a notorious French penal colony in the 19th century, Isles du Diable was once the world’s most challenging prison to escape; fall of the grid and throw away the key in this atmospheric corner of South America.
(5 votes, average: 3.80 out of 5) Loading ...top 5 places for when you don’t have the time
our top five
Sometimes you need to get away but all you’ve got to spare is one or two left over vacation days. What’s a person to do? For those of you in the EU – a couple of hours on a plane and you can be in any of a dozen different countries. But in the States, you don’t have to leave the country to get in a few days of relaxation whether it’s west coast ease, desert days or a bit of old school American charm you need. Here’s our US team’s current top five short hops for a few days away from the daily grind.
maine is covered in small lobster fishing villages
the maine way of life
We love New England. With steamy summers, colour-drowned autumns, crisp snowy winters and breezy springs, it’s an easy, quick escape all year round. The state of Maine is the perfect example. With dozens of islands, quaint fishing villages and bustling cities, you can get just about everything here. Spend a day visiting galleries in Portland, and for the outdoorsman in you – search for moose and bald eagles in the pine forests (they outnumber humans here), climb Cadillac Mountain or swim in Echo Lake. That should get you looking out your hiking boots in no time.
good old fashioned charm in martha’s vineyard
Just off the coast of Massachusetts’ Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard is quaint, small town luxury. Spend a weekend wandering the harbours and beaches, jeans rolled up with a pastel shirt and you’ll fit right in to the ultra laid back vibe this whole island keeps. In the summer, it’s hot, salty weather and in winter, it’s a perfectly peaceful, snowy escape. Staying in the Harbor View hotel overlooking the Edgartown Lighthouse is our little finishing touch.
the vineyard and nantucket are all about classic american charm
nantucket’s not just for the juice guys
A short boat ride from the Vineyard, Nantucket is another of New England’s postcard-perfect seaside towns, and The White Elephant is one of our favourite luxury boltholes. Cycle through the small town lanes, snuggle up with a book in an overstuffed library chair, or enjoy an ice cream on a wicker lounger by the water’s side. A classic New England day in anyone’s book. And we hear the Nectar’s pretty good too…
take a mosey down this way
Looking for awe-inspiring canyons and towering plateaus? Then don your cowboy boots and head to the Southwest. In the Four Corners, where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona collide, you can escape to the Amangiri. This is easily one of the most dramatic landscapes in the country, and you can see it all from your bedroom window. Perfect.
the stunning californian coast
a west side vibe
For natural beauty, the American Pacific coast is right up there with the best. Just near Monterey, the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur is our favourite place to stay for soaking up the west coast air. Sat on your balcony on the Californian cliffs, there’s not much else you’ll need.
(3 votes, average: 3.33 out of 5) Loading ...top ten spots to do…nothing
watching the world go by
Sometimes you just need a place to put your feet up and chill. After a day soaking in islands, cities, temples and who knows what else, these are our favourite digs around the world for a good bit of people watching and a chance to go through all those photos that are filling up your memory card.
the harbour in stromboli
Carolyn:
Il Malandrino bar in the harbour on Stromboli – Have a cold Peroni, nibble on local anchovies and lemon as the boats come and go in the harbour.
Al:
Gina Café by the Spanish Steps in Rome – The locals head here after shopping on the Via Condotti to get away from the tourist hoards. Great people watching, chic style and good food.
Helena:
Cafe de la Poste in Marrakech – Take a copy of Le Monde and set up on the terrace for a lazy afternoon.
marrakech from above
Katie:
Monsoon Temple, Udaipur– More of a peaceful definition of watching the world go by, overlooking the city as the sun sets: magic.
McPhee:
Siambooks, Pai, Northern Thailand - A used bookstore with mazelike rooms and hallways. The second floor windows looked over the night market, so you can see all the stalls and everyone wandering up and down the ‘high street’.
explore the record shop in finland
Claire:
Studio Shop, Finland – A tiny little record store in the design quarter of Helsinki. Full of character and strange Scandinavian sounds.
JT:
One of my favourites is a little bar/music shop/book store in a coastal village in Cambodia - Time literally seems to stop. The young staff are totally obsessed with music – Asian and Western artists and could talk for hours about Radiohead…change the CD in the player if you dare.
overlooking sugarloaf mountain
Sophie:
Little Creatures Brewery in Freemantle – An amazing brewery that grows western Australian beer on the green in Freo. It’s full of locals sitting out on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Caz:
Boutique del Libro in Palermo, Buenos Aires – A book shop with wooden shelves up to the ceiling, ladders on wheels and little cafe where you can sit and sip a latte while the book worms browse around you.
Jon:
Bar Urca, Brazil - Roll up on a Sunday morning and grab an ice cold beer; sit on the wall overlooking the Sugarloaf Mountain and soak up the sights and sound of Rio.
If you want more advice on where we love best to watch the world go by, get in touch for a chat about cafes, music, books and all those perfect holiday moments.
(4 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5) Loading ...our top ten teasers
Today’s the day we’ll be announcing our winner of the ‘The First Thing in my Suitcase‘ competition. But before we do, we wanted to share with you our top ten answers.
The first thing in my suitcase is:
…as a dapper gent, my Alfred Dunhill mohair blazer plus my Turnbull & Asser set of three ties, as no trip is complete without cutting a dash.
…duct tape- for rickshaw maintenance, hanging mosquito nets, fixing suitcase, and, in extremis, futuristic evening wear.
…an underwater disco bath light. It’s truly hypnotic, especially as the pulsating effects are distorted by the water in the tub. It’s a great way to refresh myself before a night out or after a long day of sight seeing.
…my lovely winceyette pyjamas even when I’m going somewhere tropical they are the only way I can sleep.
…my rubber crocodile. As he’s traveled everywhere with me and we are trying to find him a mate!
…my pair of Dior turquoise high heel peep toe shoes. I may not wear them but I just need to have them available.
…my Hunter Wellies because I always need to add a little class to the bad weather that follows wherever I go!
…my killer Gucci black heels, my Prada perfume, my Dior leopard print shades and of course I couldn’t leave home without the photo of my beloved pooch…yes I really am that “barking”!
…my pair of “travel champagne glasses” – I never leave home without them!
…my favorite heels of the moment. A girl is nothing without her Jimmys.
So who will it be? Watch this space! We’ll be revealing the winner later on via our blog and twitter.
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