Top reasons to visit Peru

The Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Board’s website contains everything you need to know about visiting Peru, and much more besides!

A trip to Peru would not be complete without visiting the famed Machu Picchu. Believed to be built in the 15^th century, Machu Picchu is an Inca city home to palaces, temples and paths, which show how ancient civilisations built and lived. The site is located in the middle of a tropical mountainous forest and allows visitors to appreciate the architecture, as well as local fauna and flora. It is important to note that only 400 visitors per day are allowed access into the Machu Picchu zone. For the ultimate experience, you can trek to Machu Picchu via the Inca trail. The 39-kilometre path crosses through variety of ecosystems and architectural sites before arriving at the Machu Picchu citadel.

If you’re an explorer, a trip to the Andes mountain range will be on your list. The second highest mountain range in the world (after the Himalayas), is home to low, medium and high difficulty peaks making it the perfect destination for experienced climbers and beginners alike. The Cordillera Blanca is the highest tropical mountain range in the world, as well as being the Peruvian capital of mountaineering, and is perfect for experienced climbers.

Lovers of wildlife will appreciate a visit to Manu National Park. It is home to over 200 species of mammals, 600 species of birds. Inside the park lies a tall metal tower and elevated walkway, allowing visitors to appreciate the size of the forest, as well as gaining better views of the birds. The Tres Cruces lookout point offers spectacular views across both the Andes and the rainforest. You can only enter the park as part of a tour group; individuals are not admitted. The park is also home to over 30 indigenous peasant communities.

For more information, please visit http://www.peru.travel/

Latvia: Top 10 Travel Destinations

The Latvian Tourism Agency has put together a list of the top 10 travel destinations in Latvia.

A visit to the historical town of Kuldīga features at the top of the list, and rightly so. The Alekšupīte River flows through the town, directly along the walls of many buildings. Kuldīga has been called the Venice of Latvia.  The town centre is home to narrow streets, one-storey houses and has buildings preserved from the 13^th century. Just outside Kuldīga lies Europe’s widest waterfall, the Venta Waterfall, which is over 240m wide. During spring and autumn, spawning fish will try to jump over the waterfall, creating quite a spectacle.

The seaside town of Ventspils offers something a little different. Located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, Ventspils is home to sandy Blue Flag Beaches, making it the perfect place for a swim. The beach is also home to basketball courts and exercise equipment meaning there is something for everyone. The old town offers narrow cobbled streets and quaint buildings, which contrast with the modern architecture. It is easy to get around Ventspils,:Mazbānītis, a small train, runs on a 2km narrow gauge railway which connects popular attractions such as the beach, Seaside Park, Adventure Park and Seaside Open Air Museum. If you’re more historically minded, you’ll love visiting the Castle of the Livonian Order, one of the oldest preserved fortresses in Latvia, located in Ventspils.

If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, Gauja National Park is perfect for you. There are more than 500 historical and cultural monuments located inside the Park, including windmills, churches, stone castles, hill forts and watermills. If you follow one of the Līgatne Nature Trails, you might see some of the native wildlife such as red deer, bears, lynx, owls, wild boars and red foxes. The nearby Līgatne secret underground bunker will delight history enthusiasts; it was built for the Soviet Latvia leaders in the event of a nuclear war.

There’s something to suit all tastes in Latvia.

Click here to read the full list. 

Latvia offers some breathtaking tourism sites

Top attractions in Romania

Are you thinking about visiting Eastern Europe? Why not Romania?

Located in South-Eastern Europe, Romania features splendid mountains, beautiful rolling hills, fertile plains, numerous rivers and lakes along with character filled cities and medieval towns.

Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, is a bustling metropolis and offers plenty to suit all tastes. The Arch of Triumph, a major landmark, was built in 1922 to honour the Romanian soldiers who fought during the First World War. Visitors can climb to the top of the structure for a panoramic view of the city via the interior staircase. Not recommended for those with a fear of heights!

If you’re into architecture, you’ll love a walk down Calea Victoriei- Bucharest’s oldest street, built in 1692. As you stroll along, you’ll see the historical Revolution Square, the vast National History Museum with over 60 valuable exhibitions, the CEC palace, and the magnificent art nouveau Cantacuzino Palace. Bucharest is also home to some beautiful parks, most notably Carol I Park, with its imposing mausoleum. If you prefer to splash the cash, many high-end stores have made their home in the Romanian market since the fall of Communism. However, Bucharest has something to suit every budget; Blvd. Magheru,Piata Romana and Piata Universitatii have a fantastic variety of shops.

No visit to Romaia would be complete without a visit to Transylvania. The area is home to some of the oldest and prettiest towns in Romania, particularly Sighisoara with its medieveal architecture, secret passageways and plethora of unique shops. The main attraction in this region is Bran Castle, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The gothic fairy tale like structure sits on the edge of a hill and is a breathtaking sight. 

The Carpathian mountain landscape is full of exquisite beauty and mystery. The Oas – Harghita range is the longest volcanic mountain chain in Europe and creates a character filled landscape. The range is also home to the only Crater Lake in Romania- Ana Lake. The National Parks protect some of the largest remaining areas of pristine forest in Europe. However, they are also home to a wide range of terrains allowing visitors to experience the best of Romania. Travellers can trek around glacial lakes, walk through serene alpine meadows covered with scores of wild flowers, climb unique rock formations, explore the Buca mud volcanoes and visit impressive caves.

For those seeking a more relaxing holiday, the Black Sea resorts in Romania are seriously worth considering. The 45 miles of fine sandy beaches are dotted with fine hotels and resorts, many with fantastic sport and entertainment facilities. If you feel like trying something a little different, the Eforie Nord and Mangalia Spas are famous world wide for their specialised mud baths! The mud is taken from the nearby hypersaline lake waters and is said to help relieve arthritis.

For more information, click here

A Romanian Castle

Top reasons to choose Barbados for your winter holiday

Barbados is the ideal location for those seeking some winter warmth with an average daytime temperature of 26 degrees celsius.

Barbados is famed for its sandy beaches, and rightly so! Visitors can explore 70 miles of sun-saturated beaches and translucent azure waters. The west coast offers calmer waters whilst the east coast laps up the Atlantic waves, making it a surfer’s paradise. For the most breathtaking beaches, a visit to the south east of the island is required- an alluring background of sheer, plant covered cliffs and pure pink sand awaits you.

The crystal clear water also makes Barbados the ideal location for water sports. Snorkelling or scuba diving allows you to see the underwater delights of marine life including coral reefs and sunken ships. If you prefer to be above the water, you can charter a yacht, manned by experienced and friendly crews.

The warm climate ensures a unique mix of flora and fauna. Green fingered travellers will appreciate the Andromeda Botanical Gardens where you can delight in the sights and scents of tropical flowers and trees. A particularly beautiful example is the dwarf Poinciana, with its typically red and yellow flowers and delicate green foliage- it is also the national flower of Barbados.

The best way to explore the Island is on foot. Every Sunday, three-hour hikes around the Island, in a variety of difficulties, are available. The Eastern and Northern sides are best for hiking; you can easily view the thrashing Atlantic waves that shape the coast. The views are simply spectacular.

There is no better way to celebrate Barbados’ heritage as the birthplace of rum than visiting a rum distillery. In St Michael’s Parish, the Mount Gay Rum and Malibu Rum visitor centres offers tourists the chance to witness the distilling process and to enjoy the full flavour of Barbados rum. Learn about the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the different rum companies.

If you enjoy shopping, you’ll love Barbados. Known as the tax-free haven of the Caribbean, the island is home to one of the most coveted shopping destinations in the region. If you prefer souvenirs, the talented island craftsmen produce all sorts of trinkets, fine art pieces and collectables for you to take home. With one pound averaging 3.2 Barbados dollars, you’ll get good value for money too.

For more information, click here

Foul Bay in South-Eastern Barbados

Amsterdam: Top attractions

Looking for ideas for your next holiday? 

The Dutch city of Amsterdam lies roughly an hour’s flight time from London, making it the ideal location for a weekend break.

For those with young children, the Artis Royal Zoo is well worth a visit. There are a huge variety of animals including elephants, vultures, baboons and penguins. Zookeeper talks and guided tours enable you to learn more about the animals. A walk through the butterfly pavilion is not to be missed; hundreds of brightly coloured butterflies flying gracefully in front of you will delight the whole family. The historical Aquarium allows you to discover the vast diversity of life under water.

Art lovers will appreciate the many museums in Amsterdam. The largest is the Rijksmuseum, which holds many famous paintings, including The Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer. Similarly, the Van Gough Museum, just a short walk away, displays many of the artist’s finest works, including his famous Sunflowers. For budding photographers, the FOAM photography museum will provide endless inspiration; it features many pieces by up and coming young photographers.

A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without visiting the Anne Frank house, where the young girl and her family hid for over two years. A moving yet inspiring visit allows you to appreciate the torture the family went through, most noticeably the confined conditions in which eight people lived. There is also a sobering exhibition about discrimination and the persecution of Jews during the war. Anne’s original diary is on display.

Dam Square is a fantastic bustling central location, and you will always find something to do. The square itself is home to street performers and mimes. Throughout the year, it hosts festivals and events. The main attraction in Dam Square is the Royal Palace, built in the 15^th century.  When not in use by the royal family, it is open to the public and makes a very interesting diversion. Explore the history and grandeur of the building, making sure not to miss the opulent furnishings. Dam Square is also home to the National Memorial- a statue erected in honour of the members of the Resistance and Dutch soldiers who died during the Second World War.

At the edge of the Square lies Madame Tussauds, home to many famous celebrities. There are sports, celebrity, royal and culture areas, so you’re almost certain to find a waxwork of your favourite celebrity.

A relaxing trip on the canals is a perfect way to view what Amsterdam has to offer, giving you a unique perspective of the historic city. If you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time, the cruises are a great introduction to many of the attractions. If you’re feeling more energetic, you can even hire a pedalo and navigate your own route through the city.

For more information click here

Amsterdam canals

Hawaii: Top attractions for your first trip

How about travelling somewhere new for your holiday?  Try Hawaii!

The 21 hour journey from London to Hawaii is well worth the effort; you’ll be rewarded with beautiful scenery, wonderful weather and friendly locals. The largest island is Hawaii Island, home to eleven of the world’s thirteen climatic zones, ensuring a wide variety of landscapes.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has created a list of attractions perfect for your first trip.

A visit would not be complete without visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The Park is home to Kilauea volcano, which has been erupting since 1983 and is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It produces enough lava per day to resurface a 32km road and has added 198 hectares of new land to Hawaii Island since 1994! The chance to witness the primal process of destruction and creation is an opportunity not to be missed.  The Kilauea visitor centre offers talks, the latest eruption updates, maps and the scheduling of guided walks with a ranger.

Travel further east from the Kohala Coast to Waimea, which is full of rolling, green pastures and is home to many ranches, cowboys and cattle. The Kahua ranch offers visitors the chance to experience this unspoilt landscape on horseback or ATV. Waimea is also home to one of the best restaurants on the island, Merriman’s, whose head chef was one of the founding members of Hawaiian cuisine. Hawaiian cuisine is famed worldwide for its fresh, local ingredients and is definitely worth a try.

For those seeking something more relaxing, why not experience the crystal blue waters which surround Hawaii Island? The waters on the Kona side have fantastic visibility and are calm. Honaunau Bay is the perfect place to snorkel and features ‘two steps’ formed from worn out volcanic rock, creating a perfect entry point into pure bliss. The Kona coast is the best place in Hawaii to spot manta rays that have huge wingspans of up to 6 metres and do not have a sting. The best way to see these incredible creatures is a boat tour at night; watching these graceful animals feed is truly an experience of a lifetime.

Hawaii Island also provides fantastic vantage points for viewing the stars. The tallest sea mountain in the world, Maunakea, is home to 13 telescopes representing 11 countries from around the world. Due to minimal light pollution and clear air, the stars are clearly visible with naked eye and light up the night sky. Maunakea also offers some spectacular sunsets and sunrises above the clouds. Guided stargazing tours are available and are the easiest way to experience the natural beauty of the world above.

If you visit Hawaii Island at Easter, you can visit the Merrie Monarch Festival- the world’s largest Hula competition. The motto of the Festival is “Hula is the language of the heart, therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people”. The Hula dance is unique to Hawaii and is often accompanied by a chant or song. Some Hawaiian hotels offer guests the opportunity to learn this cultural dance; If you’re feeling brave you can show off you hula skills to other guests!

To read the full article, visit http://www.gohawaii.com/uk/big-island/guidebook/first-trip/

Finland: Top Five Winter Adventures

Wondering where to go for your winter holiday? How about Finland?

The Finnish Tourism Authority has put together a list of the top 5 winter adventures.

No visit to Finland is complete without visiting a sauna! Saunas are seen as a place for physical and spiritual cleansing, and are scattered everywhere in Finland. You’ll find them in public swimming pools, houses, gyms and hotels. Even the Parliament building in Helsinki and Finnish embassies abroad have sauna- there are enough to accommodate the entire population simultaneously with somewhere between two and three million! Visiting a sauna is a great place to unwind.

Visit Finland during the winter months and dip in an icy lake or roll in the snow before moving on to a steaming sauna. The contrast between hot and cold is said to be good for the circulation.

A cruise aboard the ice-breaker Sampo is an experience not to be missed. The journey offers visitors the chance to experience life on board an ice-breaker ship as it travels through the Gulf of Bothnia. You’ll get a guided tour of the ship, but the main attraction is the option of swimming in the freeing cold sea! Neoprene survival suits are provided, ensuring that you float on the water. A hike on the ice is also available, showing you its true thickness. As you make your way back to the ship, you’ll truly appreciate the power of Sampo, and have memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re visiting Finland with your family, a trip to Lapland is a must. Located in the Arctic Circle, Santa Claus Village offers festive fun for everyone. There are plenty of Reindeer, along with other animals such as horses and dogs. Why not have a break from playing in the snow and do a spot of shopping? There are a range of products from handmade Finnish goods to souvenirs and products from high end Finnish designers on offer. There are also bars, restaurants and Christmas exhibitions to keep the whole family entertained.

Finland is also a fantastic place to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). For the best views, head North into Lapland, where they shine every other clear night (on average) from September through to March. A great alternative to husky tours is to stay in a purpose built igloo. These igloos have glass roofs where you can gaze at the mesmerising lights from the comfort of your own bed. Sleep under the stars and experience the best of what Finland has to offer.

To read the full article, visit http://www.visitfinland.com/5-steps-to-winter-adventure/

TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2014 at Luggage UK

The results are in of the TripAdvisor 2014 Traveller's Choice Awards!

The top 25 destinations have been complied by TripAdvisor basd on reviews and opinions from millions of travellers

In the fashion of the old music charts we'll be working through the list in reverse order over the next few weeks.

You are welcome to send us your comments and reviews of destinations.

No. 25 - San Francisco, USA

Who can resist the appeal of this iconic city?  The Golden Gate bridge, the relaxed Californian atmosphere, the sunshine!

No. 24 - Chiang Mai, Thailand

Enjoy the far eastern charm

No. 23 - Lisbon, Portugal

Steeped in tradition and a significant part of worls history over many centuries.

No. 22 - Sydney, Australia

The Opera House, The Harbour Bridge, sights we all know so well!

Full acknowledgements given to TripAdvisor