The Plaza De Armas

The Plaza De Armas is the main square at the heart of the city, and the open gardens at the center of the square are overlooked by two of the most impressive Christian buildings in the country.  The Convent of Santo Domingo is one of the most is a building in the Renaissance style that was built on the Qurikancha, an old Incan temple dedicated to the Sun God, Inti.  The Church of the Society of Jesus is the other important building on the square, where building began in the sixteenth century and is a stunning colonial baroque building.

The Ruins At Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is another of the main attractions in Cuzco, being the ruins of an ancient Incan city on the hill overlooking the city which was sacked by the Spanish invaders in the mid sixteenth century.  Even today, the superb craft in the dressed stone walls is impressive to see, and the annual festival of Inti Raymi on 24 June is a stunning spectacle for visitors to the city.

See The Modern Art Museums

As well as being an important historic settlement in Peru, Cuzco is also home to a thriving art industry and has several modern art galleries displaying work by some of the best contemporary artists in the country. The Museo de Arte Popular and the Fractal Dragon gallery are both at the heart of this booming industry in Peru.

Exchanging Currency

This is one of the most common ways in which people can get stung for cash, both before they go on holiday and when they are in the destination itself.  The rates of exchange to a local currency can vary greatly, and it is always wise to arrange some currency before you travel.  Many banks will offer a currency ordering facility for their customers, but it is always wise to shop around, as many independent currency sellers will often have a much more competitive rate of exchange.

Once you have arrived at your holiday destination, you may also need to exchange more currency, and it is worth noting that hotels and airports will often be most convenient, but have poor exchange rates.  Most cities will have an area where there are several money changers, and shopping around can help you to get the best deal too.

A Bank Account Designed For Traveling

If you regularly travel abroad then the basic bank account may not always be the best one for you, with charges for using your debit card or credit card mounting up quickly, particularly on a long trip.  When you learn more about Lloyds bank accounts you will see that several offer travel insurance and reduced international card usage charges for a monthly fee, so by comparing the charges with the savings it can sometimes be cheaper to go for a packaged account.  If you do travel abroad regularly, it is also wise to look for a credit card that will offer you a savings points program that can help you to save on flights and accommodation costs.

Getting The Best Deal While Shopping

When it comes to making your money go far, then shopping in the same places as the locals do can be a great way to enjoy your holiday on a budget.  Many destinations around the world will have a strong bargaining culture, and if you do learn a little of the language before traveling bartering for your food and other goods can be an enjoyable part of the holiday.  You won’t usually be able to drive quite as hard a bargain as the locals, but the goods on offer at the markets and stalls will usually still be much cheaper and better value than those in department stores or supermarkets.

Planning Ahead

We all know that we will be spending money whilst on holiday, but the key point to getting the best deal is to plan when you will be spending that money and finding the cheapest way to do so.  It is also wise to research your destination and to see what others are saying about haggling for the best prices and exchanging currency in that country.  By being tight with your money in the right areas, you can enjoy more experiences and splurge on the things that you will enjoy most on holiday.

Japan is more widely recognised as being a popular spot for those who like their games and their gadgets, but in recent years the leisure industry has branched out into more recognised forms of gaming, such as casino favourites like Poker and Roulette. It is still very much a traditional country, and their customary games such as Pachinko are as yet unlikely to be beaten in popularity by the newcomers, but the market and the players are there. It’s just a matter of time until Japan becomes as popular for their casinos as they are for their cuisine.

For those of you who enjoy online casino games using sites like http://www.luckynuggetcasino.com/au/, you are no doubt aware of just how exciting it can be to find yourself raking in a huge jackpot after a few hours of playing the tables. No matter what your game, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your hard work and determination pay off with a big win. There aren’t many players who would disagree that for sheer pleasure and convenience, playing online casino games at home is the way to go, but those that would have found that it might be worth traveling slightly further than you might think.

Relaxing On The Beach

This is one of the most popular activities in Punta Cana for visitors, as the golden sands bordered on one side by clear blue waters and by gently swaying palm trees on the other make it a perfect location for relaxing.  There are many of the all inclusive resorts that are right on the beach, so for those who are staying here it is easy to pick up a drink or a snack without having to go too far if you aren’t looking for adventure.  The pleasant climate here during the tourist season makes the welcome of the beach even warmer, and the water is also warm throughout the season, which is nice for a brief change of pace.

Scuba Diving

Diving in the region is one of the most interesting activities to enjoy in Punta Cana, and while novice divers may want to learn their skills in the placid waters around the coast, there are also some good diving sites for more experienced divers.  The water around the coast of the Dominican Republic is very clear, meaning that visibility is good, and visitors can see the fascinating marine life.  While there are several natural reefs a short distance away from the beaches of Punta Cana, Saona Island makes for a great day trip for those looking for another great scuba diving site.

Visit Higuey

Higuey lies a short distance inland from Punta Cana, and is one of the largest cities in the country.  It is also a very popular place for visitors who are enjoying a visit to Punta Cana to go on a day trip, as the city is over five hundred years old and can boast several important historical sites.  One of the most popular buildings is the Basilica of La Altagracia, which is a beautiful building that is home to a painting of the Virgin Mary.  It is also a popular place for shopping and for getting a change of pace from Punta Cana.

Play Golf

One of the great attractions of the Punta Cana area is that it has some of the best golf courses in the world, and these draw some enthusiastic amateur golfers to try their hand.  Many of the courses in the area have been designed by professionals such as Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo, and make great use of the natural surroundings of the area.  Two of these courses are considered among the top fifty golf courses worldwide, with the challenging ‘Teeth of the Dog’ course being particularly popular.

The Hungarian capital is one of the largest and most historic in Europe, and it is no surprise that many people come to visit the city every year.  Lying in Eastern Europe on the banks of the Danube down the way from Austria, Budapest has long been an important city in terms of the relationship between East and West, and the city was also an important power base in the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires.  Today the city is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Europe, and it is a location that is well worth a visit.

Sightseeing In Budapest

The city of Budapest was originally made up of two cities, those of Buda and Pest, with one lying on each bank of the Danube facing each other, but there are also seven islands lying within the Danube across the span of the city.  There are several parts of the city that have been recognized by UNESCO as important sites, and the Buda Castle is one of the most important today, occupying a prominent position overlooking the river.  The opulence of the interior and the wonderful castle chapel are among the main areas of the castle to explore.

Another of the impressive sights to be enjoyed in Budapest is St Stephen’s Basilica, which is the most important Roman Catholic site in the city, where the right hand of the first king of Hungary is kept.  The basilica stands in a prominent square, and is a truly beautiful place to visit.  The Hungarian Parliament building is also an important site on the tourist trail in Budapest, which also has a prominent location overlooking the river.  For those who are looking to find out more of the city’s history, there are over 200 museums available to visit.

Relaxing In A Thermal Spa

Another of the reasons that many people visit Budapest is to visit the luxurious spas that are located around the city.  The thermal springs in the area have meant that there are a number of grand medicinal and Turkish baths that visitors can enjoy, and relax while they receive a luxurious treatment.

Accommodation In Budapest

As a cosmopolitan city catering to all manner of visitors, the city can boast accommodation ranging from the basic hostel up to luxurious hotels.  One interesting option for those thinking of staying a little longer is renting one of the vacation apartments in Budapest, that make for a great base from which to explore this historic city.

Transport Around The City

Getting around the city is quite straightforward, with a good network of buses, trams and a metro system that are easy to use for visitors.  The Danube is often used by container ships and for the transportation of goods, but in the summer there is also a hydrofoil service up the river to Vienna, for those looking to explore a little further.

Although it caters for only a very short journey, there is a funicular railway that can take passengers up the castle hill, and offers some great views back across the city. When looking for a good European vacation spot, this should be high on your list.

What a great thing to put on a resume, that in your free time you like to teach children English in Costa Rica, or help rescue sea turtles, or maybe even work and live on a sustainable coffee plantation.  If you’re looking to travel on a budget, and experience the different aspects of a culture, consider some of these great ways to immerse yourself.

5.  Make connections.  When you visit foreign countries you need to connect with the land, the people, and the culture that you are visiting. Local folklore, tradition, and chatting late into the night with locals and expats are a great way to immerse yourself into a culture.  Imagine enjoying tapas at a busy restaurant in Spain, or cannoning the Rio Verde, or taking a lesson from a local about Flamenco dancing, and learning the history about it.  Connecting to a culture usually is not expensive, but the rewards generally pay rich in experiential dividends.

4. Take a Chill educational Vacation. While the cost may seem high at first you should consider that each day of your travel is planned out and added into the cost.  Meals, lodging, adventure, and in-country travel have all been priced out for your convenience.  This is a great way to travel on a budget because your activities are planned and organized, and there will not be any surprise costs once you start traveling.

3. Learn more then you ever could just travelling the usual beaten path, by exploring the lesser known sites, and diving into educational expeditions.  When you immerse yourself in a country you will learn and experience more then you ever could just visiting the tourist destination hot spots.  Having a local help tour you around secret gems of the cities and introducing you to the maintained family traditions will help create memories that you never will forget, and more unique then any guide book could have prepared you for.

2.  Help the world of ecotourism.  Instead of looking for what you can get out of a vacation, look for locations that you have something to offer.  Visit an organic coffee plantation, or help plant seeds on an organic cocoa farm.  Learn about what it is to be sustainable and help the communities embrace the environment and thrive to work with nature, rather than against it.  When you return to work, I am sure your boss would be thrilled to hear that rather then just sunbathing on the beach each day, you got your hands dirty and helped a community on a Costa Rica sustainable farm.

1.  Let something change your life.   Heading to a place like the Galapagos to volunteer with sea turtles, or taking an Eco tour and swimming with penguins, seals, and angelfish, are those life-changing moments you have only dreamt about. When you enter into the world of the island chain and learn about all the factors that help these animals thrive you will begin to understand that everyone can make a difference. Sharing the history with the locals, and island hopping will let you see one of the most amazing places in the world, while learning about how each unique environment is an important part of all of ours world.

By planning your next educational expedition you will be able to spend less, leave more then just memories, and will have travelled to leave a positive impact on the places that you visit. This next vacation, you should dive into culture, rather then cost, and start planning for the experience of a lifetime!

There is one primary reason a person becomes an off-road enthusiast; it brings you closer to nature. You will find more trucks, Jeeps and other four-wheel drives per capita among rural populations than you will in urban settings. Rugged vehicles are needed for these under-developed, unpaved areas where dependable transportation is necessary in all types of adverse weather conditions.

Fish and game are naturally more plentiful in those hard to get to areas with sparse human populations. They are also more plentiful in states that regulate the bag limits closely and respect wilderness areas as fragile eco-systems governed by nature’s own rules of supply and demand. Before including fishing and hunting into your itinerary of camping enjoyment, check with the state you are entering for permits and licenses. Each state will have different policies and permits are usually governed by region.

Maine Aroostook Region

Maine provides enormous opportunities for all types of off-road enjoyments; from hiking, camping, winter recreational sports to hunting and fishing. Many of the Maine off-road trails are privately owned, but the owners work closely with Maine Fish and Wildlife Management to create an enjoyable experience for all off-road driving adventures. Many of these private areas offer guide services, rental cabins and off-road camping sites.

The Aroostook Region is one of the most flourishing wilderness areas in the Continental United States. It offers two distinct geological features. West of Route 11 in Aroostook County is the “Big Woods.” Covering two-thirds the northern area of Maine, the Big Woods is primarily coniferous forests, managed for timber products. The hunter can choose from full service lodges, primitive campsites or choose as the main base, one of the small quaint towns east of the management area. There is a nominal fee charged to those who enter this wilderness region, but once in, there are 3.5 million acres of non-posted land, with minimal regulations. The Big Woods hunting includes white-tailed deer, moose and black bear.

The eastern portion of the Aroostook region is agricultural. It is a mixture of cultivated fields, abandoned farmland, wetlands and woods, covering approximately 6,500 acres. Its central feature is the Hodgdon Mill Pond, which is two acres of shallow marsh, managed primarily for waterfowl. Waterfowl hunting is permitted during the regular waterfowl season as described by the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Schedule. Other hunting opportunities within the area include bear, deer, moose, snowshoe hare, ruffled grouse and woodcock.

With numerous lakes and rivers, Aroostook County also has ample opportunity for fishing. Fish species include trout, land-locked salmon, muskellunge and small mouth bass.

Huron-Manistee National Forest

Michigan boasts thousands of lakes, and several thousand of them are in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. Nearly 100,000 acres of public lands extend across the lower peninsula of Michigan; of which 5, 786 acres are wetlands. The area is extremely popular for its bountiful wildlife, its opportunities for camping, boating, hiking, winter recreational activities, fishing, trapping and hunting.

The Huron-Manistee National Forest has strict regulations regarding the use of all-terrain vehicles for hunting and length of stay in the various campgrounds, so before planning a trip into the area, check with the road management for seasonally open roads and camping facilities. They will provide you with a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUP) so your hunting, trapping or fishing experience will stay in compliance with state guidelines.

Apart from the restrictions, there are ample opportunities for off-road driving in the beautiful Huron-Manistee region. A very pleasant drive is the River Road National Scenic Byway. The twenty two mile road parallels the historic Riviere aux Sable (River of Sand) and offers facilities for camping, fishing and recreational activities.

The Jack Pine Wildlife Viewing Tour is a self-guided off-road tour through the jack-pine ecosystem that houses a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Kirtland’s warbler. The 58 mile trip also provides opportunities to stop at one of the many recreational facilities along the Au Sable River.

No matter where you are in Michigan, you can acquire hunting, trapping and fishing permits. Hunting includes black bear, elk, small game such as rabbit and squirrel, game birds that include grouse, quail, pheasant, turkey and woodcock, waterfowl, and white-tailed deer. Trapping includes fisher and martin, muskrat and mink, bobcat, beaver and otter, fox and coyote, badger and raccoon.

Hood River Oregon

Hood River Oregon (Credit: Bernt Rostad)

Hood River is best known as a world class windsurfer destination. The broad river, with dozens of enticing sand beaches, with accesses that appeal to beginners, intermediates and experts, has all the appeal that Hawaii has to a wave surfer. But windsurfing isn’t Hood River’s only specialty. It is also the location for some fabulous, world class fishing. Fall run King salmon rush into the mouths of the Deschutes, White Salmon, and Klickitat Rivers. Bonneville Bass Steelhead and salmon frequent the Colombia River Gorge. The numerous streams and tributaries in Hood River county are energetic with salmon, steelhead, bass, sturgeon and trout.

Camping options are also numerous, from primitive campsites with no running water and no toilet facilities to the Colombia River Gorge Resort, with a children’s play area, golf course, pond, volleyball and a country store. Hunting includes mule deer, elk, waterfowl and wild turkey.

Hood River seems to cover all the criteria for a perfect off-road vacation. It’s relatively dry in the summer, with temperatures rarely exceeding 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with wet, mild winters, averaging around forty degrees. The county is riveted with off-road trails and is very off-road friendly. However, the inhabitants are reluctant to broadcast their favorite off-road fishing, hunting and camping spots to the general public, so like just about anywhere you go for your off-road adventure, if you want to know the very best spots, it’s best to get to know a few of the locals. And if you want the area to stay in its pristine condition, best not to give away any of your new found secrets.

About the Author: Karla Fetrow is an experienced off-road driver tackling some of the toughest terrain in the U.S in Alaska on a daily basis. Having been raised in the remote areas of Alaska, it is common knowledge to the rural inhabitant that there are places you just can’t go without a Jeep, Jeep Wrangler or other sturdy off-road vehicle.  Karla frequently writes on behalf of Extreme Terrain.

Although mostly reputed for being a sun-drenched holiday destination, Malaga is home to a surprising number of museums and art galleries – in fact, there are more than twenty, and fifteen of them can be found in the same small area. If you’re a lover of history and fine works of art you could do much worse than take cheap flight to Malaga, to soak up the rich culture as well as the sun! Here’s our guide to the best museums of Malaga, which is my 2nd favorite city in Spain, after Barcelona:

Picasso Museum of Malaga

Born in Malaga in 1881, the city’s most famous son, Picasso, is honoured with a museum bearing his name. There are a large number of his works in the museum, spanning the entire length of his career, as well as dozens of other paintings and ceramics from some of Spain’s most revered artists.

Centro de Arte Contemporaneo de Malaga

20th and 21st century art is the focus at the CAC Malaga, which houses over 400 works of art across 2400 square metres of exhibition space. There is also a focus on international artists but the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, so you’re sure to discover something fascinating no matter when you visit.

Automobile Museum of Malaga

Over 85 historic vehicles have come to rest in the extensive exhibition space of the Automobile Museum of Malaga, and each one belongs to a single owner, Joao Manuel Magalhaes of Oporto, Portugal. He inherited most of the collection from his father and the cars are now thought to be worth over €25million, making it one of the most important collections of its kind in the world. From an Excalibur USA to a Lancia Italia used by Mussolini for parades, this collection is a delight even for those with a passing interest in automotive history.

Museum House of Dolls

Revisit your childhood at the Museum House of Dolls, exhibiting the private collection of over 50 restored doll houses owned by Malaga native Voria Harras. Some of the houses date back as far as the 19th century and you’ll be dazzled by their detail, as well as learning about the intriguing history of doll house making. So many great things to see, even if you are traveling alone in Spain.

If you are an adventure and a sports freak and have this insatiable greed to meet new cultures and explore new ways of life, as dynamic, albeit in a different way that your’s, travelling is one of the activities you  must very frequently indulge in. There is no better feeling that hitting the road with no itinerary planned and your whereabouts undecided. If this is what you are looking for, traveling through the Americas can be a fantastic start.

South America in particular offers a wide plethora of landscapes, to fulfill your adventure needs, all on the same land, including some budget destinations. Several cultures intermingled and immersed in one, showcase how nature commands man’s ways of living in quite obvious a way! South America offers you all of this, and leaves you in a state of absolute awe! Be it the snow covered Andes or the deep forests explored by the Amazon, the ever white sand beaches or the astounding flora and fauna, one never regrets choosing this part of the world as his travel destination.

One might wonder if there are connectivity problems while getting intentionally lost in her deep rainforests and experiencing near bliss, but with affordable international calling and advanced technological options like internet and calling cards at your disposal, travel is made much easier and safer and all the more possible for single backpack travelers. It might seem a little tough in the beginning to decide the starting point of your travel, but if you like to do things the crazy way, you could try the Amazon first! Getting on the canoe and taking the ride of your life followed by some caiman-watching on a black water lagoon, can be as fulfilling an experience.

Brazil is the biggest country on this continent and offers you pristine rain forests, white sand beaches, stretches of it, and dramatic landscapes. Travel with online phone cards and be assured of good networks almost anywhere and everywhere. Not just the landscapes, but get a taste of Brazil’s culture as well, like literally. Have a sip of Caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail and lay by the beach staring at the sea! You will automatically lose track of time.

Argentina could be your next stop. While its urban life is bustling enough to attract you, the real pleasure lies in the natural world that this country has to showcase! Right from the waterfalls in the sub-tropical north to the peaks in the Andes, the Moreno glacier in the south to the stretches of deserts and the Valdivian forests, this part of the continent is one land of wonderment for a true traveler! Interested in doing something steamy, and Tango awaits with open hands, like literally!

Another continent in itself, Peru too will amaze you with its diversity. The Andes peaks in this part of the continent are more or less glaciated and the wide variety of floral and faunal species that you get to see here, is simply jaw-dropping! There is no dearth of ancient ruins either. Have a monumental experience, pun intended, with Machu Picchu, the lost Inca City being the cherry on your cake. This archaeological site still is as mysterious to its explorers as it was, many thousand years ago. Chile too is a country not to be missed. Stretching across half the continent, Chile, if you go by the name, can give you a chilling and a diverse experience at the same time, what with it’s deserts, volcanoes, steppes and numerous islands still wooing many from far off lands.

Hope you are now intrigued enough to plan to take a magic ride down this roller-coaster that’s an epitome of spirit and enthusiasm. This is one promising trip that will change your attitude towards life, forever! Get ready then, for the transformation, to begin!

Pining for summer? We find ways to get over the dipping temperatures in the UK capital

The summer months may be behind us and the promise of rain and snow building as we roll towards autumn and deeper into winter, but that doesn’t mean that all fun needs to go out of the window.

This doesn’t mean that a long weekend or extended trip up to London presents a dearth of things to do. Far from it; the capital excels in indoor and outdoor winter activities, accustomed as we now are to expecting the worst and hoping for the best in terms of the climate.

We’re taking a look at some of the great opportunities for indoor entertainment, daytime snoozing and kids activities in and around London. One great event in October is Photomonth – which is actually more than a month, all told, taking place across the East of the City, taking in some of Hackney’s cafes/art spaces like Long White Cloud on Hackney Road, as well as huge art galleries such as Whitechapel Art Gallery.

As well as exhibitions, Photomonth also offers some great workshops, walks, talks and other events, including a talk by James Burns on London from the Rooftops – sure to present some breathtaking and intriguing images.

For art fans, there are plenty of other indoor activities that should keep the weather interesting. A trip up to London with a bit of forward planning can see you finding some great value central hotels – the Southbank is an excellent spot to try.

Whilst there, why not cower from the rain and snow by visiting the Tate Modern, where the William Klein/Daido Moriyama exhibition opens in mid-October, running all the way through to mid-January, providing a fresh perspective on the role of photography and film in transmitting urban experience and political protest.

To really escape from the outside world, go down to the newly opened Tanks in the basement of the Tate Modern, where ongoing live projects and smaller, experimental events take place through the arches and dark spaces of the lower reaches of this former power station.

Nevertheless, there are also some great ideas for a clear day on a colder month in London, and many of these are excellent activities for kids. From visiting Hackney City Farm, with its host of animals and lovely restaurant, to enjoying one of central London’s best playing areas at Coram Fields in WC1, children will have plenty to do outside in the colder autumn months of 2012.

Those looking to find some family-friendly entertainment which pleases adults and kids alike may be intrigued by Frantic Assembly’s adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, based on Mark Haddon’s best-selling book.

Playing in repertory at the National Theatre on the Southbank, the show has enjoyed very popular success; booking is highly recommended as the majority of the run is already sold out – but it’s definitely worth swinging by in the hope or returns if you are already up in the capital on a Saturday.

Looking for a hotel in London this autumn? Consider a stay at the Holiday Inn London-Bloomsbury hotel for a central, great value accommodation option during your family trip to the U.K.