There’s no doubt that if you have complete flexibility with your vacation schedule, you will want to plan to go to Machu Picchu  in the dry months. Your best bet for avoiding rain is between May and September, with late April/early May and September being ideal with warmer and drier air but also fewer tourists.

Unfortunately, with work and perhaps a family, this isn’t always possible. Not to mention that, with the climate changes, you may experience rain during a month that formerly rarely if ever saw it. So the question becomes, can you really enjoy your visit to Cusco and Machu Picchu in the rain?

The good news is, it rarely rains for hours straight and, when it does, it typically does so at night. With some preparation and not over scheduling your days, you can get the most out of your visit at this time of year.

Preparation means rain gear. Umbrellas are good for taking pictures outside during the rain but you need more than that. Essentials are impermeable jackets, shoes and even pants are great for Machu Picchu where the rains can get a bit more torrential.

It’s warmer at Machu Picchu so you can probably go with hiking sandals but bring another pair of shoes for after your tour when the shoes are wet and your feet may be cold. A long poncho that snaps is also a great idea although you can buy cheap ponchos everywhere for a few soles.

Don’t forget about your things that need protecting as well. Plastic zip lock bags for cameras, iPods and even as a liner for the bag you bring to Aguas Calientes are great. Typically, you’ll leave the bulk of your luggage in Cusco for this trip so you can put everything in a big zip lock bag and put the whole bag into the smaller case you are taking to Machu Picchu.

In terms of scheduling, I always recommend two nights in Aguas Calientes but, at this time of year, it’s a particularly good idea. You’ll definitely want to get there the night before your Machu Picchu tour so you can go up to the site first thing in the morning.

On my last trip there, it had been pouring since midnight and continued to do so all morning. The citadel was particularly beautiful with the mists enshrouding the buildings and separating for glimpses of the impressive structures.

Those same mists can make it frustrating for getting those panoramic shots that the place is famous for, however. Insufficient gear for the rain can mean that you get too cold and wet to enjoy much time at the site. And an early afternoon train back to Cusco can keep you from being able to stay long enough for the weather to clear.

The drier you can stay, the longer you will be comfortable. Staying another night in Aguas Calientes means you don’t have to rush back. It also means there will be a hot shower waiting for you when you’re done your touring.

Do yourself a favor and stay the second night. The following day, book a morning train back to Cusco and don’t try to schedule anything else that day. If you experience transport difficulties because of the weather, you will just be inconvenienced rather than miss something on your itinerary.

Originally from the US, Maureen Santucci now calls the ancient Peruvian capital of Cusco home, where she has lived and worked for over 4 years. She wrote this article on behalf of SA Vacations, a provider of trips to Machu Picchu and travel experiences throughout Latin America.

While not traditionally considered a live music mecca like Austin or New Orleans, Chicago’s concert scene is a thriving one, with the city having produced some of the biggest names in music these days. Not only are hip-hop superstars Kanye West, R. Kelly, and Lupe Fiasco from Chicago, but the Windy City has also generated bands such as Wilco, Fall Out Boy, and acclaimed solo artist Andrew Bird. The key to any live music scene is knowing where to go, especially with so many options to see concerts in Chicago. Consider this a brief guide to cannot-miss concert venues in the Windy City.

The first, and perhaps most obvious recommendation for seeing top-notch live music in Chicago is the Chicago Theatre. Built in 1921 and located in the heart of the Loop, the Chicago Theatre combines a sense of elegance, nostalgia, and importance that makes the venue one-of-a-kind. Designed like an opera hall with three-stories of plush seating and ornate decorations throughout, the Chicago Theatre offers quite a unique place to see someone like Beyoncé electrify the crowd, or when a band like Panic! At the Disco has teenagers jumping and dancing. The Chicago Theatre is non-discriminatory with their acts, with not only different kinds of musical acts performing, but also comedians and plays.

For a different, less classic vibe than the Chicago Theatre, make your way to Lakeview for a show at The Vic Theatre. The Vic doubles as an unconventional movie theater and no frills rock venue, both catering to the same type of unpretentious, fun-loving crowd. With the decorations and feel of a small, turn of the 19^th century opera hall, The Vic brings grunge rock and indie culture to a setting that was never meant to see such things. Despite fitting over 1,400 people, the Vic is known for providing an intimate concert experience, largely because they draw big name acts who usually play at much bigger venues. Expect crowds that are looking to party, and bands that put on high-energy shows in the excitement of playing in the timeless theatre.

Continuing with the old venue meets new performers vibe; the final recommendation for one of the best places to see shows in Chicago is the Aragon Ballroom. The multifunctional ballroom, which is largely used today as a concert venue, derives its name from its Spanish architecture and interior designs. Long known for its raucous crowds and out-of-control concerts, the Aragon has toned down their reputation but continues to be one of the most fun and exciting places to see a show. The size of the ballroom floor makes for an inevitable party among the concertgoers, and whether you’re seeing Skrillex or Kings of Leon, the Aragon will be bumping. It’s hard to go wrong with a place that has such a reputation for a good time, as well as having possibly the most beautiful interior out of any concert venue in Chicago.

Daniel Hogan is a writer at Party Earth - a global media and entertainment company that publishes reviews and listings of the best social experiences around the world including: bars in Paris, pubs in London, beaches in Ibiza, plazas in Rome, concerts in Chicago, festivals and concerts everywhere, and more.

Extending twice as far down as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon in Peru is one of the deepest chasms on earth. Despite its depth of 4,160 metres, the canyon lies in the hospitable and lush Colca Valley, which is home to spectacular views, traditional villages and varied wildlife, including the endangered Andean Condor.

Colca Tours

The Colca Canyon is normally accessed via Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru, situated around 100 miles northwest of the Colca Valley. To avoid the hassle of having to arrange your own transport and permits, you can reserve a place on a guided tour of the Colca Canyon with one of the many tourist agencies in Arequipa or have it included in a longer itinerary.

A tour guide will take care of logistics and provisions, as well being able to impart expert knowledge about the landscape and way of life in the Colca Canyon. However, the routes down to the depths of the canyon are well marked out and difficult to deviate from, so it is quite possible to tackle the adventure on your own.

Going Alone

If you decide to pursue a solo tour of the canyon, you’ll need to board a bus from Arequipa to Chivay, a town at the entrance of the Colca Valley that that serves as a tourist centre for the area. There are two bus stations in Arequipa: the Terminal Terrestre and the Terminal Terrapuerto. The stations are within spitting distance of one another and both have buses making regular trips to Chivay for around 50 soles. A taxi from the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa to either station should cost around 4-5 soles.

The journey from Arequipa to Chivay takes the best part of three and a half hours, with the last quarter or so of the ride on a bumpy dirt track. On arrival to the town, you’ll need to get a tourist ticket, or boleto turistico, priced at 70 soles. This pass will grant you access to the Colca Canyon. Look out for workers and booths of Autocolca, which is the company that officially administrators the ticket.

Chivay, which sits around 3,700 metres above sea level, 400 metres above the top of the Colca Canyon, is a good place to stay for a night if you want to try to acclimatise to the heady heights in the area before your walk. From the town of Chivay, you can catch a bus to Cabanaconde, which is about 30 miles down the road, at the other end of the valley. It’s from here that the official descents down the canyon start.

Before reaching the canyon, it’s worthwhile stopping off at Cruz del Condor, a viewing point from which you can see the Andean condor, a rare and endangered species of vulture. These huge, bald headed birds can be observed at quite close quarters from around 9 until 10 in the morning as they soar up on thermal air currents before leaving the canyon for a day of scavenging. They return at around 5 or 6 in the evening.

You can catch a shuttle bus from Cruz del Condor the rest of the way to Cabanaconde, which is another 20 minutes further down.

Walks

Many routes can be completed in a day, however, if you want to stay overnight in the canyon, there are hostels in the valley that have beds and swimming pools. To enjoy the pools, you’ll need to get there before sundown, otherwise it can be a bit cold.

You can get details of the different routes from tour agencies and tourist information offices in Arequipa and Chivay. The routes are clearly signed and easy to follow to, however, it’s a good idea do some planning and to take a map all the same.

Climate

Dry season in the region is from May until November. While the weather is dry and warm, temperatures plummet at night. Outside of these months, it’s still possible to walk the canyon, however, the weather can be a bit wet and miserable; bus delays are also more common at this time of year.

Other Areas of Interest

If you don’t go with a guide but still want to learn about the traditional villages in the Colca Canyon, you can do so at the Malata Museo in Cabanaconde. La Calera Thermal Baths are around a one and a half miles from the town of Chivay. They make a very pleasant stop off after a walk down the canyon. If you don’t mind making several stops, then it’s worth visiting some of the villages on the way back from Chivay to Arequipa. One such village is called Maca, where the herbal remedy of the same name is sourced.

Andreas is a freelance journalist from England. He writes about a variety of subjects including travel, wildlife and sport. This article was written on behalf of Peru for Less, one of the leading providers of Peru tours.

Have you ever set foot in a city filled with military intrigue or explored ships that date back to the 17^th century? There is a lot to see in Russia and Scandinavia; a beautiful set of countries all waiting for you to explore.

There are plenty of ports to choose from and one of the better options is taking cruises from Southampton, England, to extend your holiday further and see more of Europe.

1)      Helsinki, Finland

The host of three European Championships in Athletics, including the latest in 2012, Helsinki is Finland’s largest and most populated city. You don’t have to be a fan of sports to enjoy the city as there is plenty to see from the metropolitan area to the provincial countryside. If you‘re a fan of exploring, you’ve come to the right place.

Seeing the Botanical Gardens is a must especially if you are fascinated by wild plants. If you’re more into relaxing breaks, head to Kaivopuisto; a relaxing seaside park. From shopping at designer stores to dining on Finnish cuisine, a cruise to Helsinki promises an enjoyable vacation.

2)      Stockholm, Sweden

If you haven’t been to Sweden, you are missing out on a country known to attract all kinds of tourists. Vibrant nightlife, tasty food and tranquil lakes are all part of the mix in Stockholm. The capital city of Sweden is full of forests, fine dining and ultimate fashion.

If you fancy a swim in the middle of town, you can go ahead and jump right into one near the City Hall whilst taking in the warm climate. Such is the relaxed nature of the city; you will find yourself struggling to leave the place.

3)      St Petersburg, Russia

The city of St Petersburg was built on swamps around the River Nera before bursting into the modern scene with an impressive array of buildings and factories, creating a beautiful skyline.  As Russia is the largest country in the world, you’d be forgiven for getting lost within its walls of culture and history.

Explore some art by visiting the St Petersburg Art Museum ‘The Hermitage’, which is considered one of the biggest of its kind in the world. Famous for its rivers and canals, you can take a journey through the stunning River Nera and hope to go on a ‘white night’ where the sun almost never goes down.

4)      Copenhagen, Denmark

The capital city of Denmark is characterised by the number of bridges and tunnels that connect the city together and pedestrians can use the many promenades to get around. If it isn’t the sight of luxurious beaches that attract you, the surrounding architecture definitely will. The Copenhagen Opera House is known to be one of the best pieces of cutting-edge modern architecture today.

With all this water, it is safe to say a trip to the Harbour-front pulls the most tourists and you can enjoy the picturesque view too via boat or just by watching from the pier.

5)      Berlin, Germany

When hunting for a city that has it all, Berlin comes pretty close to satisfying all your needs. There are hundreds of museums, art galleries, theatres and festivals scoured around the city. With Berlin a major tourist attraction for its history, you can be sure to find monuments from the Battle of Berlin during World War II and the Cold War.

It’s not all about history, however, as you can still find something to do in post-modern Berlin where the party life is heavily embraced. With so much to do after dark, this is definitely the place to be to lose all inhibition.

Photo Credits

The capital and largest city in the Czech Republic lies in the central region of the country. Prague follows Madrid and Berlin in being one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Dating back centuries, the city has grown and evolved exponentially in over 2,000 years of existence and features numerous attractions that survived the tumultuous years of war during the 20th century.

 History

Celts established the first settlement here sometime around 200 B.C.E. However, by the completion of the first century, the territory consisted mainly of Germanic tribes. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the early Germans moved west and Slavic populations moved to the area. Czech Duchess Libuse and her spouse officially founded the city during the 9th century according to some historians. By 885 C.E., Prague Castle emerged. Under the reign of Charles IV Prague became an imperial city, and during the 14th century was the third largest in all of Europe. Prague became the hub of European culture during the reign of Rudolf II in the 16th century. Though devastated by fire in 1689, the metropolis continued flourishing well into the 18th century. Falling under German occupation during WWII and Soviet control during the 1960s, the city became the capital of the Independent Czech Republic in 1993.

 Natural and Manmade Beauty

The beauty of Prague lies in the city’s unique location in addition to the wide variety of architectural styles. The metropolis developed atop nine hills that lie along the Vltava River that meanders through the city for 31 kilometers and reflects many architectural features, green spaces, and parks. The age of the ancient city remains apparent in the architecture that varies in style from Romanesque to ultra-modern. During the 1800s, Prague became known as the city with 100 spires. Today the metropolis boasts over 500 spires.

Attractions

The expansive castle evolved over the centuries and now serves as home to the country’s president. The property spans 45 hectares and has three courtyards in addition to the St. Wenceslas’ Chapel and the Crypt, which holds the tombs of Bohemian royalty. Guests enjoy watching the daily changing of the guard along with guided tours of the castle and grounds from spring through fall.

Spanning 515 meters in length and 10 meters wide, the medieval Charles Bridge remains another popular site. Constructed in 1402, the structure boasts fortified towers at either end and bears numerous sculptures of rulers and saints.

The Old Town Square lies between the Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square and features numerous architecturally interesting buildings that include the Gothic Tyn Church and the Baroque St. Nicholas Church. The square also features the Astronomical Clock, which dates from 1410 and remains the oldest functioning clock in the world. Additional popular locations include the Jewish Quarter, Lennon Wall, and Pertin Hill along with over 10 museums and hundreds of galleries, theaters, and historic sites.

 Transportation, Lodging, and Meals

Prague has an extensive public transportation system and visitors journey about the city inexpensively by purchasing travel cards at Metro ticket windows. The cards provide access to city buses and the underground trains and trams. The metropolis has dozens of hostels that offer budget friendly accommodations that are the most economical lodging options outside the heart of the city. The city center features a number of inexpensive restaurants that provide great meals and wonderful atmospheres. The U Ceskych Panu Medieval Restaurant and the U Fleku Beer Hall, Restaurant & Brewery, for example, offer authentic medieval ambience combined with modern amenities and serve traditional Czech and International cuisine.

Byline

This piece was composed by PJ Trombold, a freelance writer based in Cincinnati, Ohio. PJ is an active travel writer who enjoys exploring as much of the world as time permits; to learn about travel opportunities visit Adventures Cross Country.

Founded in 1835, Melbourne is the second most populated city in Australia and home to just over 4 million people. Personally when I think of Melbourne what immediately comes to my mind is coffee, shopping and the suddenly changing weather (no matter what season it is). It is a vibrant city and is often considered the cultural capital of Australia since it’s the birthplace of things like Australian film and television, the Heidelberg school of Australian impressionism, and is a major centre of contemporary and traditional Australian music. If you are looking for something to do in Melbourne you will not be left wanting, I think you could find something for everyone and here are just ten ideas to get you started.

1. Shopping

Whether you’re looking for independent local designers or international brands, there are a number of exciting places to shop in Melbourne. No shopping trip would be complete without visiting the famous Chapel Street, which many repute as the fashion and style capital of the city. You can find all types of fashion and goods from high end clothing all the way down to items for the more budget savvy shopper. Or if you like to shop amidst award-winning beauty, try Melbourne General Post Office (GPO to locals), a Victorian Heritage building that’s been converted into a gorgeous shopping mall finished with a stone façade, large Classical columns, and a clock tower.

2. Visit an event

There’s always something going on in Melbourne. This city wants visitors to have a good time, which is why it plays host to so many festivals, exhibitions, culinary, and cultural events. Some of the city’s most popular are the Melbourne International Film Festival, International Jazz Festival, International Comedy Festival, and Melbourne Spring Fashion Week.  A definite must do for a good laugh, laugh Out Loud comedy shows will have you in stitches. Check out their Facebook page for show times and locations.

3. City Circle Tram

The City Circle Tram is a free tram service for tourists and offers an excellent introduction to the city. The tram runs every 12 minutes and provides audio commentary about notable places in the city, such as the City Museum, Parliament House, Docklands, Melbourne Aquarium, and others. To catch the tram, just wait at a stop along its route: Flinders Street > Harbour Esplanade > Docklands Drive > La Trobe Street > Victoria Street > Nicholson Street > Spring Street > Flinders Street.

4. Visit a market

There is a wide variety of markets to explore in the city.  At the top of the list is Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market, a must-see open air market that has been selling food, clothing, housewares, jewellery, and an array of other items for over 130 years.

A number of smaller markets also populate the city. Prahran Market is Australia’s longest running food market, and Luna 1878 Night Market is a unique market which happens every Wednesday evening in August and is home to independent artists, designers, winemakers, and chefs and is hosted on the grounds of the Queen Victoria Market.

5. Take a bike ride

Following the beautiful coastline of Port Phillip Bay in south-eastern Melbourne, Bay Trail is a 120 km scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians.

No Bike? No problem. There are many ways to rent a bike in the city. The Melbourne Bike Share is a bike rental initiative designed for short bike trips around the city. There are 50 bike hubs scattered throughout the city, so you can pick up and drop off your bike wherever is convenient for you. Daily rates start at a $2.70 base fee.

6. Luna Park

Providing over 100 years of family fun, this carnival will keep you and your family entertained for the whole day. Located in St. Kilda, a short walk away from St. Kilda beach, this amusement park boasts roller coasters, pirate ships, space simulators, midway games, a ‘50s diner, and of course a classic carousel.

7. High Tea

For something you don’t do every day … make yourself feel a little bit special and explore Melbourne’s British roots by indulging in a traditional British high tea service. Originally established for the Victorian Ladies Work Association, Hopetoun Tea Rooms is located in the historical and fully restored Block Arcade. It is essential to book due to popular demand!

8. Yarra River Cruise

A number of boats are just waiting to take you on a picturesque tour of the Yarra River. Choose from longer cruises that offer dinner or lunch, or short ones that offer coffee, tea, and refreshments as you take in the sights and sounds of the city from a truly unique perspective.

9. Experience an AFL Game

Being the home of Australia’s great game, where better to witness a game of ‘Aussie Rules’ live than in Melbourne. AFL is probably the most popular spectator sporting league in Australia and draws a huge crowd. Experience the fierce rivalry between both teams and fans alike. The atmosphere at most games is electric and you won’t help but be swept up in the action.

10. Cocktail Bars

Melbourne has a vibrant night life and many unique bars. Alumbra, located at the end of Central Pier is a redesigned cargo shed dating from 1914 and offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Docklands. Or for something more vintage-inspired, try 1806. Named after the year the word “cocktail” was coined, this wooden-paneled, multi-level bar is decked out with all the trappings of cocktail lounges of a bygone era. If you are looking for somewhere you can relax with a drink over a game or two of billiards, Hotel Lindrum is a stylish choice with its historical past as the Lindrum Billiards Centre.

So as you can see no matter what your interests are there is a range of things to see and do in Melbourne for individual, couples or families. Melbourne is an easy city to navigate with trams running to almost every part and with a full range of accommodation on offer to suit all budgets; Melbourne is definitely worthy of a visit.

It’s difficult taking your children out on a holiday. As hard as it was on settling on a place to travel to, the pressure only gets worse if you aren’t planning ahead. If you worry about where your kids are all the time and what teddy bears you’ve left behind then consider these next four destinations for your family holiday. They provide so much entertainment there will be no time left for worry and with peace of mind, you can even appreciate the day out yourself.

1)      Disneyland Paris

The number one spot on the list and a place where you can truly experience a holiday to remember is none other than Disneyland Paris. A fun-filled destination for all, you can watch as your kids discover the magic and enthrallment of all that is Disney.

The best part about Disneyland is that you can enjoy the experience yourself, and who wouldn’t when you have a host of thrill rides, fine dining and hotels to choose from? Not only are the rides Disney-themed but they are also intended to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages so you can experience the dreamlike world yourself.

The prices for Disneyland Paris tickets are cheaper when booked online and if you look for the special deals, you can usually get an extra day free!

2)      Sea World Orlando

Love under-water animals? Then this is the perfect destination for you and your family. At Sea World, there is plenty on offer for everyone and you won’t find a better place to get up close and personal with the oceanic wildlife. The combination of an aquarium and an amusement park ensures you’ll have more than enough to do in the exhibits, rides and shows.

The most important part of ensuring kids enjoy their holiday is by making sure they are constantly entertained. This may seem like a tough ordeal but Sea World can do the job. Watch sea lions perform, feed dolphins, walk alongside penguins and puffins, and see killer whales make a splash in the performance area.

With so much to do, you might think one day isn’t enough. Save 10% by booking online or you can even purchase an annual pass.

3)      The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

You don’t often find a museum dedicated solely to helping children learn more about history and science, but the number one spot for this is definitely in Indianapolis. There are 14 major exhibits to choose from including ‘Bones’, a demo where children can build a skeleton. You can also enjoy classes and camps which help children grow their knowledge of the world today.

Of course this isn’t just a good place to leave your children whilst you remain idle, the museum is so big that it has 365,000 square feet of gallery space, meaning there is always something to keep you entertained. You can join in the fun in the lab, with qualified scientists, and find out more about their work behind the scenes as well as host an event of your own – whether it is a party, family reunion or even a wedding! With science, the possibilities are endless.

4)      Santa’s Resort Kakslauttanen, Lapland

There’s no better sight for children during the month of December to see Santa Claus up close and personal. The Christmas period provides the perfect getaway for your children as you can bring the magic of the winter festival to life. With a trip to Santa’s Resort, not only can you experience a Christmas-themed environment including Father Christmas himself, sleigh rides, reindeer, huskies and the winter atmosphere.

If you really want to get into the spirit of Lapland, you can stay at one of the unique hotels, Santa’s Igloo Village. The rooms are built mostly out of glass allowing you a view of the night sky and the beautiful Northern Lights. It may not be a holiday for every season but it definitely makes for an exciting December for you and your children.

The Caribbean is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world – white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters filled with stunning sea life. Some Caribbean islands have underwater marine parks and diving sites, providing you with an opportunity to gaze upon the most exotic aquatic creatures in the world. From tropical fish and sea turtles to coral reefs and sharks, it’s all within easy flipper reach.

Many islands in the Caribbean offer a variety of scuba diving excursions for all abilities, from simple shore dives to ambitious underwater trenches. Whether you’re looking to improve your underwater photography skills or existing diving ability, there’s guaranteed to be a site for you. So get your flippers on – it’s time to go ‘under da sea’!

 1.    Karpata, Bonaire – Thriving Marine Life

The small, beautiful island of Bonaire, located in the Southern Caribbean, is renowned for its shore dives and diverse aquatic life. Karpata is a premier diving destination located on the North West coast of the island within the Washington-Slagbaai National Park. Crystal clear waters make it an ideal location for underwater photographers. And because the waters around Bonaire have been protected by an actively managed marine park, Bonaire’s fish population is one of the most diverse you’ll see.

 2.    Negril, Jamaica – For Daring Divers

Known as ‘The Capital of Casual’ for its laid back and friendly attitude, there’s nothing casual about Negril’s demanding dive sites and trenches and walls to explore. These expeditions are for experienced divers only, where you’ll find chambers and caves rife with sea life including eels, octopi, manta rays and the occasional nurse sharks. If you prefer the easy life, try out a gentle dive at Awee Moway, a shallow reef where resident guides have tamed the stingrays.

3.    Carlisle Bay, Barbados – Wreck Diving Wonders

There are four wrecks located at Carlisle Bay: The Eilon, The C-Trekan Fox, The Berwyn and the Bajan Queen. The eclectic sea life and easy diving access makes Carlisle Bay an ideal spot for submerged beginners. Seahorses can be found flitting between brightly-coloured reef fish whilst eels and barracudas drift dramatically through the waters. If you’re particularly interested in wreck diving, this is one of the best places to try it. All-inclusive resorts such as Couples Barbados regularly offer complimentary scuba diving excursions for their PADI-certified guests.

4.    Bloody Bay Wall, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands – A Photographer’s Paradise

The quality of the water at The Bloody Bay Wall makes this site one of the clearest and calmest out there. Constant sunlight shining through to the ocean floor means visibility frequently exceeds 100ft, with rays illuminating spectacular reef fish and colourful reef beds. The clear waters also improve your chances of spotting a charming sea turtle. If you enjoy taking photos of sea life then this is the perfect spot to get snap happy.

5.    Walker’s Cay, Nassua, Bahamas – Swim with the Sharks

Are you looking for some drama in your diving adventure? Look no further than Walker’s Cay, a 3ft-deep underwater space with white sandy bottom and periphery of coral reefs. It’s an intensely beautiful subaquatic place, which offers divers the experience of a lifetime. The waters are filled to the brink with placid reef sharks – but don’t worry, they’re perfectly tame and not man-eating.  Instead, you’ll get the opportunity to see them being fed by local dive masters.

Everyone should take at least one road trip in their lifetime. It offers so much more than a simple beach holiday, showing you the big and bold as well as the ordinary. One of the most famous routes for a driving holiday is Route 66 however contrary to popular belief Route 66 isn’t quite the epic road trip it’s made out to be. If you’ve read Jack Kerouac’s seminal work On The Road the true experience of Route 66 can be a little disappointing. It’s little used by Americans themselves for travel since the 1-40 was opened, creating a much faster route between Chicago and Los Angeles. Route 66 may still be a great way to cover a lot of America’s middle section but it has become a kind of theme park, catering directly to tourists feeding them all the “classic” 1950s Americana from the movies and TV. Here I look at 5 alternatives for an epic road trip:

Pacific Coast Highway or Highway 1, California, USA

This is a gorgeous drive along California’s coast from San Francisco to Orange County. You should try to take the route from North to South as this way you’ll be in the outermost lane, closer to see with no pesky traffic blocking your view. San Francisco marks the official start of Highway 1 but if you wish to take in all of California’s magnificent coast and see its famous Redwoods you could start higher up, all the way in fact in the Redwood National Park, making it a trip of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Driving California’s coat allows you to follow the Pacific Ocean all the way, stopping off for walks, swims or sightseeing. The areas around Big Sur offer fantastic views as the road rises higher. California has 26 national parks in total plus lots more state parks and areas of exceptional natural beauty. Big Sur is known as great place to hike so stop off and sample this. Pick out attractions along the way that suit you e.g. the Monterey Bay Aquarium or Disney Studios in LA, taking your time and enjoying California’s famous laid back attitude.

Orange County, just beyond LA, is essentially the playground of the rich and famous with residential areas such as Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, it also marks the end of Highway 1. If you’ve got the time and inclination why not take your journey a little further south to San Diego, taking in more of California’s coastal beauty and culture including La Jolla, San Diego’s trendy and affluent residential area. This completes your Pacific Coast Highway adventure.

The Conor Pass, Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

This route encompasses the highest mountain pass in Ireland and narrow roads that dip down into valleys that meander around ancient glacial lakes. Whether up high or down low, Conor Pass is full of spectacular views all the way. Some sections will scare you e.g. driving on a cliff-top road, too narrow for two cars to pass each other, with no barrier to stop you plummeting over the edge.

Forget disabled road markings up here, there aren’t even any regular ones- there are no lines showing the boundary between the road and verge nor any dividing the lanes of traffic. Don’t worry though the lookout points are seldom full and you’ll be able to park with ease. On such narrow roads it could be a case of ‘every man for himself’ but in Ireland that’s not the case. You have to learn to compromise on roads like this, backing up a mile or so to find a good place to pass but it’s a thrilling experience throughout and wonderful lessen in relaxing and enjoying the journey, not worrying about the destination.

Touge Roads, Mount Fuji, Japan

If you’re a petrol head you’ll love this road. It’s the darling of driving enthusiasts in Japan; apparently the home of drifting, you might see young Japanese ‘boy racers’ practice their cornering skills and generally cutting loose on this wide open road. Apart from the magnificence of the road itself the scenery here is impressive. As the road winds upward the tree-lined hillsides give way to a clear mountain top that lays the countryside out below you in spectacular fashion. The delicate charm and beauty of Japan may seem like a surprising backdrop for revved up rally driving but mountain roads such as these have always drawn the attention of those who like to test the limits of their vehicle.

If sports cars are you’re bag there’s still the impressive views from Japan’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji, to hold your attention.

Australian Outback

Road tripping in the Australian outback isn’t just one road but an entire area to be explored. The sensation of really being in the middle of nowhere is hard to replicate anywhere else in the world. The outback’s stripped-back landscape is vast and should come with a warning sticker. You can’t head out on a whim, you need to prepare for the fact there may not be anyone else around for miles and mobile phone coverage is likely to be non-existent in parts, but that’s the beauty of it isn’t it?

Picking a route that covers a variety of terrains will be more exciting. Pick South Australia, starting in Adelaide and travel inwards. You’ll see Australia’s beautiful south coast changing into wine country where you’ll experience great eats and obviously great drinks. From here continue on into the national parks, farmland and rocky outcrops of Central Australia. This is truly a journey of contrasts which should show you many sides of Australia.

Montenegro

Montenegro is a somewhat ignored destination but it’s up and coming so I suggest getting there now while it’s still relatively cheap to visit and not overcrowded. The bonus being that in a few years times when all your friends are flocking there you’ll have the chance to smugly advise on the dos and don’ts. As with Australia this is a country of contrasts and this road trip aims to show those to you. Travel from the opulence of the coast over steep mountain passes and on into the heart of the country where evidence of the war that ravaged the former Yugoslavia is still visible. The towns feel a little poor and dirty, including the capital Podgorica but are charming none the less. The contrasts are quite shocking; notice the use of horse and carts by farmers in the North and yachts and sports cars lining the marina in Budva on the coast. Sanitation in the roadside garages and cafes is basic; no toilet seat, just a shower basin type system that you squat over.

Continue on into the hills and valleys of Tara Canyon at the top of country where bears and wolves live in the forests close to the road. Tara Canyon is the second highest river gorge after the Grand Canyon but differs from it greatly. It’s lush and green around this canyon, popular with white river rafters and nature lovers it seems full of life. You can make the trip there and back in a single day but why not spend a day or two here having fun on the river and then drive south again and enjoy the luxuries of one of Montenegro’s high class resorts e.g. Budva or Bari.

Images

Pacific Coast Highway – http://www.flickr.com/photos/digitizedchaos/5675963654/

Connor pass – http://www.flickr.com/photos/dublin/2342882880/

Touge Roads – http://www.flickr.com/photos/2dkomplex/7453739476/

Australian Outback – http://www.flickr.com/photos/shenghan/6246440418/

Montenegro road – http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacek-lisowski/5082940617/

Deception Pass State Park

Deception Pass State Park lies in Oak Harbor, around 18 miles northwest of Seattle. Deception Pass encompasses over 4,000 acres and offers 165 tent sites and 145 RV sites along with dump stations, restrooms, and showers. The landscape boasts various terrains that range from sand dunes and beaches to ancient forests and mountain cliffs. Though visitors have the opportunity of cycling, hiking, or boating, Deception commonly attracts anglers thanks to the 70,000 feet of ocean shoreline and the 30,000 feet of freshwater shoreline. Over a dozen species of fish make the local waters home and fishing may reward the angler with anything from bass to salmon and trout.

Fields Spring State Park

Interested campers can find this 792-acre treasure around 4.5 miles south of Anatone. The vast park only offers 20 spaces for tents or RVs; however, the attraction of the awe-inspiring view continues to draw crowds. Hiking and exploring the landscape are very popular here. Climb the 4,500 foot Puffer Butte and see the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington simultaneously; the Grand Ronde and Snake River basins and the Wallowa Mountains can also be seen. In spring and summer, the landscape displays a blooming carpet of colorful wildflowers.

Mt. Rainier National Park

Rising to a height of 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier remains a popular Washington landmark. The volcano has various glacial lakes that flow into six large rivers. Expansive open green spaces and forests lie around the base of the mount while vast meadows of wildflowers bloom at higher elevations. Wildlife species thrive in the area, including mountain goats that sometimes make their way into the campgrounds. The park has four separate campgrounds, three of which contain anywhere from 112 to 188 sites that accommodate tents or RVs. Guests go climbing, hiking, and fishing in the summertime and sledding, skiing, and snowboarding in the winter.

Cascade Peaks RV Resort

Guests experience the ultimate camping vacation while staying at this resort. The property lies in a valley between Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens and offers some of the most spectacular views in the state. The resort accommodates tents or RVs and offers sites along the river or hidden amongst the greenery of the local forest. The long list of amenities available at the venue include two outdoor swimming pools and a sauna along with a country store. Guests also have access to a book room, laundry facilities, and a clubhouse. Wildlife encounters accompany boating, cycling, and horseback riding on the long list of activities available.

Lake Wenatchee State Park

Lake Wenatchee State Park covers 489 acres with extensive waterfront stretching along Lake Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River. South park has a large camping ground and additionally offers cycling, hiking, horseback riding, and swimming. The north park contains undeveloped natural forest, which attracts a number of wildlife species that include bears. If campers desire to escape the typical camping crowds, the Nason Creek area features a secluded tent-only loop with amenities that include flush toilets and water. The campsite lies within walking distance to the park’s main amenities that include an amphitheater  bathroom/shower facilities, canoe rentals, and a store.

Byline

Patrick Colton is a freelance writer based in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Patrick writes on hiking, camping, Caribou Hunting, road trips, fishing and other related activities.