The Most Magical and Wonderfully Weird Places On The Planet

As a follow up to The World’s Most Amazing Creatures and Where to Find Them, we’ve sourced some awesome bucket-list activities for each destination. Now you can plan a trip magical enough for master Potter himself!

Icebergs by MemoryCatcher CC0

Icebergs by MemoryCatcher CC0

Visiting the Canadian Arctic – The icebergs in the Canadian Arctic are formed from snowflakes that fell from the sky 15,000 years ago! Tours are available so you can see these titanic beasts up close and marvel at their sculptural beauty created by the formidable forces of nature.

Visiting Japan – Japan is home to the weird, wonderful and unusual. While the bright lights and novel attractions may command your attention, don’t miss out on Japan’s natural beauty spots such as Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a stunning forest of the tallest bamboo imaginable!

Visiting Madagascar – Make sure you take a trip from Morondava to Belo Tsiribihina. Along this dirt road stand ancient and huge Baobab trees. Each tree is over 800 years old, and has a circumference in excess of 150 ft.

Visiting Argentina – The sight of 300 waterfalls at Iguazu falls is truly stunning. The river flows through Brazil, but takes it’s final path along the Argentinian border. Expect a lot of noise, and on a sunny day a lot of rainbows too.

Iguassu Falls, image courtesy of battered-suitcase.com

Iguassu Falls, image courtesy of battered-suitcase.com

Visiting the Gobi Desert – The landscape here is eerily alien, and best appreciated on a tour. Travel by camel and stay in a ger for a truly nomadic experience. If that sounds too much like hard work, Jeep tours across the dunes are available too. The eagle eyed traveller might even stumble across some dinosaur eggs if visiting the North west!

Visiting the Bay of Bengal – If you are looking for a truly surreal experience, you could attempt visiting North Sentinel Island, don’t expect to make landfall though. It is said to be one of the most isolated places on Earth, inhabited by people who want nothing to do with the outside world. There have been reports of the hunter-gatherer islanders warding visitors off with a barrage of arrows.

Visiting Central China – Choices choices! What crazy things aren’t there to see in Central China? The Tianmen Skywalk is certainly a unique thrill – walking on a glass path 4,700 ft up a mountain will definitely make you feel like you have wizardry skills – but we think the hanging Temple of Hengshan has more magical appeal. This 5th-century temple is improbably built into the side of a cliff, in fact, it looks like it was “magicked on”.

Visiting the South Pacific Ocean – Easter Island sits in the South Pacific Ocean and is home to the famous eerie oversized heads known as moai. Rano Raraku is the site where these giant statues were carved, and you’ll find hundreds still here in various states of completion.

Moai at Rano Raraku. Image courtesy of Sunvil Latin America

Moai at Rano Raraku. Image courtesy of Sunvil Latin America

Visiting South East Asia – The Plain of Jars sounds like something straight out of a JK Rowling novel, but it is actually one of the most mysterious attractions in South East Asia. Head to Xieng Khouang and you’ll be met with a bewildering sight… thousands of huge stone jars rising out of the landscape.

Visiting Indonesia – Kelimutu volcano has three crater lakes that are truly spectacular to see. One is blue, one is green and the other is red! The combination of colours and jaw-droppingly beautiful vistas makes this one of the top destination spots for magical experiences.

Visiting Central America – The Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to some stunning and rather strange flora and fauna, but that isn’t the only reason you should head here. It is the only place in the world where you can straddle the Continental Divide, with one foot in the Caribbean and the other in the Pacific!

Visiting the Mediterranean Sea – Get your diving gear on and head to the seabed to find a world of magical wonders! In Abu Qir Bay, divers discovered the sunken Egyptian city of Thonis-Heracleion. The huge statues, hieroglyph covered tablets and endless artefacts took on an otherworldly charm illuminated by the divers lights.

Visiting Australia – If the conditions are right, lakes in Australia literally glow at night! Bioluminescent bacteria last visited Gippsland Lakes on a grand scale in 2009. Now you have to visit the centre of the lake in the summer months to appreciate a feint blue hue as you splash about in the water.

Visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo – Nyiragongo Volcano contains the world’s largest liquid lava lake. Now we think this is more Lord of the Rings than Harry Potter, but it is a breathtakingly magical sight none the less.

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The World’s Most Amazing Creatures and Where to Find Them

With the brand new Harry Potter film hitting the screens, we thought we’d share this awesome infographic about weird and wonderful creatures that really do exist. If you’d like to check them out yourself on an adventure, we have also compiled a list of truly magical activities to look out for at each destination, to be revealed in our next blog!


View Interactive Version (via Pokies).

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6hourly App Review – Travel App of the Month November 2016

6hourly app logoMicrostays are all the rage, but how on earth is a weary traveller meant to find a place to rest for a few hours, or simply somewhere to just freshen up? Ah….. with 6hourly! At the moment, the 6hourly app is only available on Android, but the website is there for all to use – so pop a bookmark in your browser!

What is the 6hourly App?

It is the ultra convenient version of the 6hourly website, a booking site for hotels that are happy to have guests stay for just a few hours – without charging for a full 24 hours!

What does 6hourly Do?

Simply pick your city, pick your check-in time, and then how long you would like to stay (6, 12, or 18 hour microstays and 24+ hours, perfect if you are looking to book something last minute), and the search engine will provide a list of lovely places handpicked by the 6hourly team for you to choose from. All hotels are top rated 3, 4 and 5 star places to stay.

6hourly app screenshot

What would make 6hourly better?

Being worldwide! 6hourly is currently only available across 19 cities in India but the good news is they plan to roll out across Asia Pacific, Europe and USA in the near future. A budget hotel option would also be welcomed by the thriftier globetrotting individual.

We think the concept is just fabulous for travellers, especially those who are on longstay adventures, and think it would be welcomed all over the world.

6hourly App Reviews

It is early days for this venture, but initial reviews are more of a thumbs up than a thumbs down. Quick, convenient and simple – exactly what you need when you just want somewhere to stay for a few hours!

6hourly app reviews

play.google.com

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Travel Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make!

beach-image-by-unsplash-cc0

Beach image by Unsplash CC0

You can ruin a beautiful holiday fast by making some seriously rookie mistakes. Find out what NOT to do next time you go away.

Overpacking – It makes your bag heavy and difficult to carry around, it may put you over your weight allowance, costing you money. Worse than that, if your bag is full to the brim, how are you going to bring back any lovely new things from your travels?

Overspending – If you think sticking to a budget sucks, then you should adjust your perspective. Make fulfilling your itinerary a creative achievement with what you have and consider which money-saving tactics you are prepared to make for each activity. Are you prepared to forego a hotel for a few nights in a hostel so you can do that big adventure?

Not having any local currency – Turning up in a new town without a bit of cash can be super-embarrassing if your driver or porter is expecting a tip. Plus, using a local ATM might carry some hefty card charges. Make sure you get your currency at a good price before you set off, either at the airport or dedicated currency exchange centre.

Having too much local currency – Not only can it be difficult taking a large amount of cash through customs, you don’t want to have “all your eggs in one basket”. Take enough money for the first couple of days – not for the duration of your stay! Pre-paid currency cards such as fairfx.com are a secure way to ensure you have all the money you need, but still make sure you have some loose cash when you travel.

Not getting travel insurance – Too many travellers seem to think that they just don’t need it, especially if they have an EHIC. The cost of medical treatment or repatriation to your home country is far higher than you might think, and you will HAVE to cover the costs yourself if you don’t have insurance. The financial implications of lost luggage and missed or cancelled flights is a minor inconvenience by comparison.

Forgetting to check visa requirements – You don’t want to fall at the last hurdle. Not many situations are much more frustrating than getting to your destination and being refused entry, so make sure you check the entry requirements for your visa. This can include having a certain number of months left on your passport, having a flight out of the country booked, an address that you will be staying at, ensuring that you have had the correct immunisations, or even that you haven’t just travelled from a certain country!

Being culturally insensitive – It isn’t just impolite, it could land you in jail! Here are some examples of how you could innocently cause offense abroad:

  • Sipping your vodka in Russia
  • Not eating enough in Greece
  • Crossing your chopsticks in Asia
  • Showing the soles of your feet in Africa
  • Giving a “thumbs up” in the Middle East
  • Wearing yellow in Malaysia

Not making copies of important documents – Either scan your documents, or take a picture. You don’t need to carry around hardcopies of your insurance, passport and travel information, but do make sure it can be accessed easily online if you need, or leave with a friend/family member back home in case of emergency.

Not checking ALL your booking details, and passport! – Turning up at the wrong airport, finding out that your passport has expired, and even getting your dates of travel wrong are all entirely possible if you are not paying enough attention. So check all your booking information thoroughly, and check again. You should also pay attention to changes in time zones if you are taking more than one flight – is it actually possible to get from A to B in the time you have?

Trying to fit too much in – Overstretching yourself with a loaded itinerary can actually be a miserable experience, so factor in some rest days in between your adventures, and for the last couple of days of your holiday. This way if you have the energy to do more, you can add a little something in rather than feeling bad (and possibly losing money) by bailing out because you are exhausted.

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How To Sleep Well In An Airport

airport-image-by-ladydisdain-cc0

Airport Image by LadyDisdain CC0

A delayed flight, a layover, or an unsociably early landing are all valid reasons for needing some shut-eye at an airport – but it’s not as easy as it sounds to get a rest while waiting. Here’s what you need to know…

Understand that not all airports are sleeper-friendly. In fact, some airports may well march you out under armed guard if they find you kipping without a valid flight ticket. Check out how sleeper-friendly your destinations are before you travel!

Remember that security guards will expect travellers to have booked nearby accommodation if there is a wait between flights, or arranged transport even if it is 2am. Believe it or not, sleeping in the airport lounge isn’t part of the ticket price, so don’t waltz around like the cat that got the cream (or the traveller who got a free bed for the night).

Be prepared to answer questions about where you have come from, where you are going and be ready to show your (valid) ticket. Being polite and cooperative will get you a long way in this situation! Once you have had a chat with security, it’s unlikely they will bother you again.

Pack these few things to ensure that you get something near a decent sleep:

  • Eye mask
  • Earplugs
  • Inflatable pillow and a blanket
  • A cheap lilo

Some airports have provisions for stranded passengers, such as pop-up beds, blankets and pillows. If you have been blessed with the gift of the gab, you might be able to sweet talk someone into letting you use the facilities even if there aren’t big issues with delays.

Think about your personal security. Don’t sleep in secluded spots, don’t sleep near people that you feel unsure about, and be careful with your belongings:

  • Use your bags as a pillow/mattress/teddybear – this makes it harder for someone to try and move it without you noticing.
  • Place bag opening to the floor/wall/ towards you – again making access more difficult.
  • Wrap bag straps around your arms and legs, making them more difficult to remove.

Remember to get travel insurance – it could help you out of a sticky situation if you miss a flight or your flight is delayed!

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Visiting Thailand? Dos and Don’ts Following King’s Death

thailand-image-by-mariamichelle-cc0

Thailand image by Mariamichelle CC0

The death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on October 13 has plunged Thailand into a state of mourning not seen for many decades. Although this event has affected Thais deeply, they remain welcoming to holidaymakers keen to enjoy the country’s castor sugar beaches, lush jungle hinterlands and sunny weather.

However, ‘respect’ is the watchword for any trip to Thailand in the coming months.

What to wear and how to behave

Black clothing has virtually sold out in the country as Thais pay their respects to the late king. As a visitor you don’t need to wear black, but opting for low-key colours will put you in good stead with locals.

Avoid flamboyant attire in public places.

But as Chris Lee, UK and Ireland head of marketing for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), says: “despite reports, tourists don’t have to wear black on the beach.”

There are reports that the TAT has asked Immigration to provide visitors with black ribbons which they can wear as a sign of respect, although this hasn’t happened as yet.

Aside from asking visitors to dress respectfully, the TAT encourages them to “continue with their travel plans as normal”.

But the TAT also warns that “Visitors should refrain from conducting any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour.”

The UK’s FCO backs this up: “Following the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej there is now an official period of mourning of one year from 14 October 2016. You should respect the feelings and sensitivities of the Thai people at this time.”

Is the nightlife affected?

Bars and restaurants have been asked to tone it down by the government, so the nightlife may well be a little more subdued than usual. Most establishments will close by midnight, although owners have the final say.

Millions of Thais make a living from the country’s tourism industry, so many will be keen to keep their businesses going.

Are any tourist sites closed?

Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace are closed to the public, as they will be the venue of the Royal Funeral Rites. But all other tourist attractions remain open.

Traditional and cultural events will go ahead as usual, but their tone may well be modified in respect for the late king.

You can expect transportation, banks and medical facilities to operate as normal.

Talking about the king

Many Thais are open to talking about their feelings at this sad time, but as before the king’s passing, care should be taken when discussing anything related to the monarchy. Thailand’s strict lèse-majesté laws mean anyone insulting or defaming the monarchy could face a jail term of up to 15 years. If you want to be on the safe side, avoid the subject altogether unless it is broached by a local – and even then proceed with caution.

The atmosphere in tourist hotspots like the islands of Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi is likely to be lighter than in Bangkok, although less intense than before the king’s death. Indeed, now could be a particularly relaxed time to visit this most unique of kingdoms.

The famous Thai smile may be a little thin on the ground right now, but if you’re mindful of your host’s feelings you’ll still have a fabulous holiday.

 

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HolidayPirates Review – Travel App Of The Month October 2016

holidaypirates-logoHolidayPirates has celebrated major success at The British Travel Awards – great credentials indeed, but what does that mean for those of us who are interested in the HolidayPirate travel app? Let’s splice the mainbrace and find out…

 

What is the HolidayPirates app?

It is the convenient, at the tip of your fingers way of finding some great deals. Flights, hotels and travel packages are researched and compiled on a daily basis, offering travellers hard to find deals. They also publish voucher campaigns too for the extra-thrifty globetrotter!

holidaypirates-screenshot-1

What can the HolidayPirates app do?

It can help you find great deals, set travel alerts, and offers advice on finding cheap flights, trains, car rental, hotels and holiday packages.

  • Deals on flights, hotels, cruises, and package holidays
  • Car hire, coach, bus, and train ticket deals
  • Travel alerts to match your dream destinations, travel dates and budget

holidaypirates-screenshot-2

 

Who is the HolidayPirates app for?

Anyone who likes to bag a bargain when it comes to going on holiday! They promise that users can save a lot of money by using the app to book a holiday to their chosen destination. It is also an app for the free-spirited, allowing you to go where the whim of wanderlust takes you.

holidaypirates-screenshot-3

What do the HolidayPirates apps reviews say?

The reviews give it the thumbs up, although they are a little out of date. Some of the gripes mentioned by users are no longer relevant after recent updates. It is interesting that users gave 5 stars anyway even when it wasn’t everything they wanted it to be!

holidaypirates-reviews

HolidayPirates is available for FREE on the iTunes Store. Find out more about what they do on HolidayPirates.com.


Cheap Travel Insurance from Worldwide InsureCheap Travel Insurance text from Worldwide Travel Insurance

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Nevada – A Spooky Place To Celebrate Halloween!

You may associate Nevada with tales of extra terrestrial activities, but did you know that it has some pretty spooky heritage? Nevada’s vast landscape is dotted with countless ghost towns – some are indecipherable ruins infested with tumbleweeds, but others are surprisingly intact. Both are portals into a Nevada of old…

Rhyolite Porter Store by Tom Babich CC2.0

Rhyolite Porter Store by Tom Babich CC2.0

Rhyolite – America’s most famous ghost town…

Rhyolite is a secluded town set on the eastern edge of Death Valley, and has a reputation for being one of the best ghost towns in the US. It was once a thriving mining town, but now the abandoned streets and buildings send shivers down the spines of those who visit. The general store, train station and bank still stand, and so does the jail, undoubtedly the most popular attraction for spooky thrill seekers who can look into the cells and imagine the tortured lives of former prisoners.

The Haunted Mizpah Hotel

Mizpah Hotel

Mizpah Hotel. Image © Travel Nevada

Between Las Vegas and Reno is a spooky hotel that is said to have some ghostly inhabitants. Here are some of the hair-raising rumours that would make great torch lit Halloween tales!

It is said that guests can hear laughter by one of the hotel’s bath tubs, possibly the ghostly echoes of a politician who died there. Rumour has it that he met his demise before an important election, but his death was hidden by his aides who decided to keep his body in a bathtub on blocks of ice instead.

The Mizpah is also home to “The Lady in Red”- the spirit of a prostitute who was murdered on the fifth floor of the hotel, viciously stabbed outside her lavish suite. Some stories say that she was killed by a jealous ex-boyfriend, whereas others say she was caught cheating by her husband at the hotel after he had missed a train – he then proceeded to kill her in a fit of jealous rage. She has also made appearances in the original elevator the hotel features, which at its installation was the fastest elevator in the state!

The ghosts of Mizpah are said to reside across the eerie building – there have been several sightings of ghosts of children playing throughout the hallway on the third floor, and it is said that the ghosts of miners can be seen walking through the walls of the creepy basement too.

The Lady in Red Suite Courtesy of Travel Nevada © Travel Nevada

Brave guests can stay in The Lady in Red Suite for as little as £122 a night. Image © Travel Nevada

Creepy Clowns of Highway 95

clown-motel

Image © Travel Nevada

Like all good spooky places to visit in Nevada, Tonopah was once a thriving mining town, which now has an extra eerie appeal to visitors. Along the highway of this desert town lies the Clown Motel, a roadside rest place stuffed to the brim with clowns and clown collectables. The hotel itself may not be haunted – it’s just the creepy clowns that are guaranteed to give guests night terrors – but the Cemetery next door probably is. It has been closed for over a hundred years and is packed with graves of former miners many of which died from the mysterious “Tonopah Plague” in 1902.

Avoid the fright of your life on holiday! Get travel insurance!

While we don’t insure against ghouls and ghosts, we can provide cover for a range of holiday mishaps – Get in touch or visit our website to find out more about single trip, multi trip and long stay travel insurance.

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3 Of The Best Airports To Be Stuck At

There is something special and somewhat surreal about the atmosphere at an airport, but some are definitely more of a pleasure than others. We reveal three of the best airports in the world – the kind you would wish you were in if you were stranded!

Changi Airport, Singapore

Changi Airport, Singapore by cegoh CC0

Changi Airport, Singapore by cegoh CC0

This place is more like a leisure complex than an airport, combined with an art gallery and possibly the Eden Project in the UK. In fact, it is a destination in itself! Here are a few of the things that make it the perfect place to while away some hours…

  • You can go on a nature trail in the butterfly garden
  • Try out 12m long airport slide
  • View international works of art, sculpture and installation
  • Have spa treatments
  • Go shopping for designer goods
  • Explore the interactive enchanted garden
  • Visit the airport zoo
  • Stay in a luxury hotel without checking out
  • Swim in the rooftop pool
  • Go to the movies

Incheon International Airport, Seoul

Incheon International Airport, Seoul by zionorbi CC2.0

Incheon International Airport, Seoul by zionorbi CC2.0

This airport has won awards for the last 11 years for it’s outstanding facilities, and for keeping passengers happy too. It’s super-spacious and offers travellers a lot of ways to pass the time…

  • Get your skates on at the ice rink
  • Go get rich in the casino
  • Improve your handicap at the golf course
  • Relax in the spa, bath or sauna
  • Catch some zzzzs in one of the sleeping rooms
  • Explore one of the many beautiful airport gardens
  • Brush up on your local knowledge at the museum

Munich Airport, Germany

Munich Airport by Alexas_Fotos CC0

Munich Airport by Alexas_Fotos CC0

This airport has been likened to a city centre thanks to its huge array of eateries, watering holes and shops. It is also one of the busiest airports in Europe, here’s what visitors get to experience…

  • Indulge in retail therapy in one of the 150+ shops
  • Eat and drink in any of the 50+ bars
  • Enjoy the atmosphere of a real German rooftop beer garden
  • Explore the in-house art gallery
  • Swim in a stainless steel pool
  • Visit the Audi showroom

Although these airports would seem like a great place to spend some holiday time, if your flight is delayed or cancelled it could cause havoc with more than just your holiday plans, it could affect your finances too. Travel insurance from WorldwideInsure.com provides the cover you need in the event that travel plans don’t go to plan – to find out more, get in touch with us on 01892 833338 or get a fast and free online quote.

 

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How To Bag A Cheap Round The World Flight

Want to know how you can travel for as little as 94p (and avoid paying as much as £170) per 100km? We’ve discovered a super-clever aviation price index that will help you plan your travel itinerary in the most cost-effective way possible!

Image by Holgi, CC0

Image by Holgi, CC0

Did you know that hundreds of factors affect the price of flights? The price of oil, the route you choose, and even where in the world you are when you book your ticket online? There are many travellers that also think the time of day and day of week you search for flights affects the price too – but evidence for this is inconclusive. For anyone wanting to travel the world on a shoestring budget, deciphering all the variables to find the best priced flights could be a very lengthy task indeed – by which time prices would have changed anyway!

Cue the clever chaps and chapettes at Kiwi.com who have created an algorithm capable of combining flights from non-cooperating airlines onto a single itinerary, which has the pleasant result of being able to offer travellers significant savings!

That isn’t all their algorithm can do – it can also identify where in the world and on which type of flight you pay more for your travel. Here are the Top Ten Countries where you can find the CHEAPEST flights…

least expensive flights

Courtesy of at Kiwi.com

And the Top Ten Countries where you WILL PAY THE MOST

most expensive flights

Courtesy of at Kiwi.com

This means you can use the power of the aviation price index to inform your travel plans and help you see the world for far less than you probably thought. Perfect for round the world trips or for letting your budget dictate your travel adventures!

 

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