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Showing posts from May, 2013

A head for heights in Columbia: Travel Photo Friday

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Today's photo comes from Leo Kelion, who took it on a trip to Columbia. If you suffer from vertigo, you may want to look away now. Let's find out more about where it was taken from Leo himself. The photo was taken on a trip from the centre of Medellin up to Parque Arvi. The cable car is credited with helping transform Medellin's reputation. Once classed as one of the most dangerous cities in the world it won a competition to be titled the world's most innovative this year. Before the transport system was built, people living in the poorer, high up areas of the valley often faced walks or slow drives to the bottom lasting upwards of three hours to get to work. Now they can travel with one of the best views of the world in minutes, at a subsidised rate, ending the frustration of thousands in an inspired move.  Top tip: there's some of the best arepas con huevo (maize-made pie filled with egg) at the top too!

Greek style at Grace Mykonos

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Today, I'm featuring an intimate, exclusive boutique hotel which is located just North of Mykonos town. Mykonos is a popular tourist destination in the Greek islands, situated in the middle of the Aegean Sea. The hotel is in a beautiful setting, with stunning views across the bay to Mykonos harbour. Another bonus is that the beach is only a few minutes downhill. The rooms are beautiful, and many suites have a private terrace, and a small private pool. Having said that, even the more affordable rooms have balconies, king size beds, and spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers. There is a complimentary breakfast at the hotel, and all tastes are catered for. The lunch and dinner menus are also great if you do want to spend the day just chilling at the hotel, and it's the sort of place you really can relax - even though the town is lively if you'd prefer that.   I've said many times before that it's the little details that can make a trip special, and at t...

Stylish beach cottages in Scilly

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The Isles of Scilly are spectacularly beautiful, so much so that National Geographic has named it as one of the world's Top 10 islands to visit. It has more sun and less rain than the rest of the UK - just one good reason to go and escape the mainland! The second reason is the beautiful beach cottages I've found, which make me want to book a trip now. There are 16 cottages, several with one bedroom, and also larger three to four bedroom cottages which sleep 6-10. The design is cosy and high spec at the same time, and the great thing is, they all face the sea.   This would be a great place to take your kids - the island is traffic free, and you're just moments away from a beach cafe, tennis courts, and indoor pool.  The island is only two miles long by one mile wide, and its landscape is stunning - not only are there rugged cliffs to explore, but there are half a dozen white sand beaches to choose from as well. There is a golf course on the is...

Icelandic waterfall: Travel Photo Friday

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Today's stunner of a photo comes courtesy of Sarah Jayne Hall, but to prevent any arguments, it was taken by her husband Chris! It makes me want to book myself on a plane there now! It was taken at the Gullfoss waterfall in southwest Iceland, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. Photo courtesy of Chris Hall Thanks for the photo Sarah, what a superb shot. If you want to contribute your own photo, then please get in touch via the email address on my contacts page. Thanks in advance for your travel shots!

Santorini Sun

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If you're looking for something a bit different, and don't fancy staying in a hotel, then I have found a different style of accommodation that may suit you. Andronis luxury suites is a multi-villa property which cascades down the side of the Greek island of Santorini. The suites are in Oia Village, which is one of the most traditional villages on Santorini island. The rooms are beautifully designed 'cave rooms', which make the most of the fact the suites tumble down the island's steep slopes. There are also breathtaking views from the patios. Although this is not a hotel, the hospitality is fantastic. The staff will help you plan trips around the island, and will give you great recommendations for restaurants outside the village. Top tip: the island can be very busy during the peak summer months, so if you prefer it a little quieter, then it could be an idea to go in late May, early June or September.