Travel

There are points in our lives when everything seems perfect as usual but all you want to do is pack up and leave for some faraway place, away from all the hubbub of the city. But because of our jobs and daily duties, it isn’t always possible to just pack up and go somewhere. It doesn’t mean that you cannot get away to have a lovely time with your partner, though, because North California is full of the odd, the charming and the majestic. Merely a drive away from the bustling city of San Francisco are getaways where you can let your worries slip away and relax with a wine in hand. Or, if you are one of those power couples that enjoy adventuring together, you may take long meandering hikes among the tall redwoods or go surfing in the Pacific.

And if you want to make it an extended family affair, renting a minibus or mini coach bus out of San Francisco is the perfect way to make sure that everyone arrives on time, and no one gets lost along the way.

1. Bodega Bay

A mere ninety minutes’ drive away from San Francisco lies Bodega Bay. A jewel in the shining crown that is Sonoma country, the place is bustling with gorgeously golden beaches, shops full of beautiful oddities and tastefully eclectic dishes that feature seafood at its centrepiece. Here in Bodega Bay you can while your time away simply with a book in hand and a wine and your lover by your side. But if lazing around is not your thing, head to the Chancellor Stables and take yourself for a ride. Literally. The guided tour that you may spend on the back of a gorgeous equine specimen will lead you through rolling dunes and soft meadows, sparkly beaches and around tall peaks.

And when that long yet breathtaking journey inevitably makes you hungry, you may ravenously eat yours through the deliciously comfortable food available at the Terrapin Creek Café. The place won a Michelin star for its delicious goodies and you will soon know why as you let the strangely familiar and mouth-wateringly new flavours take over your taste buds.  Or, if you are in the mood for less cheese burst and more organic green, head to the tasteful dining rooms inside Bay View restaurant. We promise it will not disappoint you either.

2. Big Sur 

Tucked right into the land that lies between southern and northern California, Big Sur will take you about three hours to get to. And every minute of that journey you might consider worth it once you let your eyes feast on what can easily qualify as one of the USA’s most breath-taking holiday destinations. Here you find the beaches slowly mingling with the towering majesty of the redwoods. But in case you cannot find a place to stay in Big Sur, which is somewhat unusual, you may also look for places you can rent in places nearby including, but not limited to, Carmel, Cambria and San Simeon.

If you are visiting with your lover, makes sure to head to the purplish and sandy expanse of the Pfeiffer beach. And once you are done letting your feet caress the soft sands, pamper yourself a little bit by heading to Sierra Mar, the slightly posh but amazingly elegant restaurant where you may dig into the delicacies on offer while enjoying the sight of the Pacific Ocean through the pristine floor to ceiling windows. But if you prefer to swap tale and ale with the locals, you might want to visit Nepenthe instead.

While the two places listed in this article definitely takes the cake, North California is teeming with way stranger yet wonderful options you might choose to visit with your loved ones. Santa Cruz is a fantastic place to take your family to, with the beaches and the food and amusement parks ready to take the breath away of everyone in the family. And the best part? You can do all this and more and yet return to the office on Monday, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and ready to take on the world.

Africa has for long been a favoured hotspot for tourists from all over the world owing to its rich wildlife, picture-perfect landscapes and diversity. The continent is much more than just a desert with an unbearably hot climate, and in fact, houses a multitude of tourist attractions ranging from Uganda safaris to beach-side fun in Seychelles.

Here are 5 reasons why Africa should top your list for your next vacation:

1. South Africa’s tourist attractions

South Africa is one of the few remaining places on Earth which has retained its culture after being touched by different people and remains a wholesome experience for all who visit this continent. It is a perfect balance of a modern destination with luxury resorts and facilities on one hand and a true wilderness experiences on the other. Africa’s outback is as pure and pristine as ever and one must visit Kruger, Sabi Sand, Madikwe and more while in the continent. South Africa is home to varying landscapes which is a photographer’s paradise and some of the main attractions include Cape Town, Johannesburg, Sodwana, Camp Bay and many more.

2. Botswana’s Untouched Treasures

Africa is storehouse of some of the most beautiful ecological gems in the country and Botswana leads in this segment. Also referred to as the Jewel of the Kalahari, the Okavango Delta is an idyllic oasis which is full of varieties of flora and fauna. Botswana gives you the freedom to travel on foot, by boat or in a mokoro amongst the winding paths of wild date palms, mangroves, acacias and other flora. Some of the most widely spotted creatures here include buffalos, elephants, reedbucks, impalas, zebras, warthogs, hippos and others.

3. Kenya’s Contrasting Wilderness

You cannot end your holiday in Africa without paying a visit to Kenya, which is a land where all your traveling dreams come true. Whether it is the sound of millions of wildebeest and zebra hooves or the swaying palm trees in a backdrop of clear blue skies, Kenya has everything that makes a vacation successful! The Great Migration is an amazing safari experience which makes even the most disinterested guest in wildlife fall in love with the country!

4. Namibia’s Striking Ecology

Namibia showcases the stunning beauty of its desert landscape which one can experience in the Kalahari desert and Namib desert. It dates back to approximately 80,000,000 years, and hence is one of the oldest deserts on Earth. It offers truly a great insight into various animal species at the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Namibia is a place of interesting landscapes, where vast expanses of sand dunes shine in the backdrop of magnificent mountains.

5. Seychelles’ 115 Island Hideaways

Seychelles has gained popularity in the last few years, especially as a glorious honeymoon destination. This archipelago of 115 islands boasts of sparkling water and fine sand beaches supplemented by awesome rock formations which creates an exceptional seaside destination.

Now that you have reasons enough to head to this beautiful continent, why not get down to planning your itinerary and making your bookings!

If for years the Caribbean has been famous as a destination for newlyweds to enjoy their honeymoon, in recent times this destination has been conquering families with children because the Caribbean resorts have everything planned so that the youngest members of the house can enjoy themselves to the fullest without leaving the hotel and their parents can rest for a few days or even make plans as a couple.

So, if you’re planning a family vacation or a children’s trip, the Caribbean is an unbeatable destination. A real paradise with postcard beaches, soft white sand, a sea of an intense turquoise color where there is no lack of lush green landscapes. Tempting, right? Have a look at the best places in the Caribbean to travel with children and take note of our tips for living your own Caribbean adventure.

Punta Cana and Bavarian Beach

Located in the east of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is considered one of the country’s major tourist attractions, with nearly 50 kilometers of beaches, all of them with fine white sand and greenish blue sea, without reaching the turquoise of the Caribbean beaches located further south.

Of all the beaches in Punta Cana, Playa Bávaro stands out, declared by UNESCO as one of the best beaches in the world due mainly to its very fine white sand and crystal clear waters. Along with other nearby beaches, it is part of what has been called the Costa del Coco, where you will find family resorts with everything you need for an excellent family vacation. For example, the hotels of the Meliá chain in Punta Cana have a complete Kids Zone with a multitude of children’s activities and all-inclusive activities.

Meliá Caribe Tropical All Inclusive Beach & Golf Resort

While children aged 8 months to 14 years have fun at the Kids Club, adults can relax at the YHI Spa & Wellness or play golf at the Cocotal Golf & Country Club in a truly paradisaical setting.

The Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real

Designed for the most demanding families, all suites at the Grand Reserve are equipped with space, comfort, technology and luxury amenities that are typical of a private villa. In addition to its children’s club, Aqua Park will delight the youngest lovers of water, slides, and splashes.

Paradisus Punta Cana Resort

If your children are in their teens, the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort is your best option. Here you will find an extensive program of activities, parties and dance classes for teenagers, a Mini Club for children from 1 to 12 years old and enriching experiences for the adults in the house. Fun and relaxation for the whole family among the Caribbean gardens and the palm trees of Playa Bavaro.

This hotel offers a new level of excellence for family travelers. In it, you will not only find activities for the children to enjoy every moment to the fullest, but they will also be surprised thanks to each and every one of the personalized details and the exclusive attention of the Family Concierge team. Leisure, entertainment, culture, and sports for the whole family.

Meliá Caribe Beach Resort

Its gardens with native flowers and turtles combine the essence of the Caribbean with the amenities of a luxury hotel. Enjoy a privileged green environment where you can participate in fun activities for all family members and regain energy in one of its 8 restaurants.

Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort

Experts in creating unique experiences, they offer a wide range of activities and shows so that children and adults can enjoy the holidays of their lives in Punta Cana, without forgetting the teenagers, who also have their own special space.

For families who don’t like to give up luxury or on vacation, the Family Concierge at this boutique resort offers you personalized and exclusive service throughout your stay to meet the needs of children and adults.