Jumping rocks

Tourists enjoy Da Nhay Beach in the central province of Quang Binh Central Quang Binh Province’s little piece of paradise.

Da Nhay (Jumping Rocks) is an inviting tourist spot as well as a national scenic and historical site in Bo Trach District’s Hai Trach Commune, with a beautiful beach and mysterious caves. It is 40 km north of Dong Hoi Town. Da Nhay has a white sandy beach and glittering blue water. Locals say the rocks resemble big toads jumping over the waves. From the 400-meter-long beach, visitors can see Khe Ga Lighthouse in the distance. A stone stele near the small sandy cove was placed there at the request of Nguyen King Thieu Tri when he visited the area in 1842. Along the Da Nhay coast are many rocky mountains. Thousands of rock pillars of different sizes are in the shapes of different animals including toads, buffaloes and tigers. A well, called Coc (or Toad) Well, is inside a cave and has a rock like a toad covering its opening. People have to enter the “toad’s belly” to collect water. The well water is very pure and clean, warm in winter and cool in summer; local fishermen use it as an offering to God Nam Hai (whales worshipped by fishermen as their patron saint) when they hold ceremonies at a temple beside the cave. Da Nhay specialties are the fish, shrimps and crabs. Many sports, games and recreation services are available, such as tennis, canoeing and karaoke. Visitors can take a boat to visit places of interest, namely Khe Ga Lighthouse and Quy Pond. As Da Nhay neighbors Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park with its world-famous caves, tourists to the area can take a day trip to go there. Visitors coming from the south can travel along National Highway 1A, go through Ngang Pass and cross the Gianh River to get to Da Nhay.

An eye for detail

The Green Eye Eco-Resort in the southern province of Binh Duong Situated on 40 hectares in a verdant valley surrounded by a lush forest and the gentle Song Be River, the Green Eye Eco-Resort is an idyllic retreat.

With modern amenities including a luxurious swimming pool, entertainment services and healthcare facilities, the resort is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. The hotel, built earlier this year, is located in southern Binh Duong Province’s Tan Uyen District. A favorite choice for locals, the Green Eye Eco-Resort is just an hour and half outside of Ho Chi Minh City by car. The resort offers a host of activities including riverboat rides, fishing, bicycle rentals, billiards and spa services. Green Eye’s restaurant area spans 500 square meters and can accommodate up to 300 guests. Diners can sample an array of tasty delights prepared by professional chefs including beef, wild boar, pork, chicken, rabbit and local vegetables. The resort is also the leading choice of many domestic and foreign companies as the Green Eye offers a wide range of large multifunctional conference rooms suitable for a variety of events. Additionally, the hotel can customize special group trips and holidays. For visitors interested in learning more about Vietnam’s cultural history, a detailed exhibition of replica highland houses is located within the resort. Also on display are several cultural artifacts and artworks. To reach the Green Eye Eco-Resort by car or motorbike from HCMC, follow National Highway 13 into Binh Duong Province, then travel along Binh Duong Avenue onto Phu Loi Street. Continue for around 10 kilometers to the Tan Ba T-junction. Turn left and head straight toward the Green Eye Eco-Resort. The resort also provides return bus services from HCMC. For more information about the Green Eye Eco-Resort, visit www.greeneyeresort.com or contact the resort’s liaison office at 18 Vu Ngoc Phan Street, Ward 13, Binh Thanh District, HCMC.

Sicily

For the first of our bitesized guide series to the Mediterranean's finest islands, we head over to the bottom of Italy's boot to an island famous for volcanoes, gangsters and ice cream in a bun.

Why go?

Sicily stylishly joins in with the Mediterranean lifestyle. Triangle-shaped (hence its Greek name, Trinacria), each coast is distinct - from the rugged and mountainous north to the sandier south. It's also great for variety - it has some historically important cities that can be combined with beach breaks, archaeological exploration and other activities.

What to do

Mount Etna
At 3,323m (10,902ft), Mount Etna is the highest volcano in Europe, and one of the most active. Etna Regional Park offers skiing in the winter and great hiking in the summer. The fertile volcanic terrain means a landscape of vineyards and magnificent forests.

Cefalù
Just an hour out of Palermo, Cefalù is the west of the island's answer to Taormina. A pretty coastal town with plenty of seafront restaurants, the main attraction is the cathedral which sits behind the huge rock face which dominates the town.

Catania
A key city in Sicily's history, Catania has been buried by lava seven times. Resilient and regenerated, remains of the Roman, Greek, Byzantine and Etruscan cities can still be witnessed.

Palermo
An interesting city to say the least, Palermo has been invaded repeatedly over the centuries leaving behind an architecturally jumbled landscape - Arab domes, Norman cathedrals, 19th-century theatres and baroque facades all fight for space. Other highlights include La Vucciria, the famously tangled street market, and the Capuchin Catacombs, a collection of 8,000 embalmed bodies.

Taormina
Famed as the island's most well-heeled and upmarket resort, Taormina sits high on a hill looking down over two wide bays. Always exclusive, it has attracted writers from D H Lawrence to Goethe. Its best attraction is the Greek amphitheatre, from which the most impressive scenery in Sicily can be seen - Mount Etna in the horizon and blue sea below.

Beaches
A short bus ride out of Palermo, the island's capital, and you're surrounded by the turquoise waters of Mondello. Elsewhere on the island, the beaches at San Vito Lo Capo, Triscina and Marina di Cottone all attract attention.

What to eat

Everywhere you look in Sicily you'll see locals devouring ice cream (or gelato) out of a brioche-style bun. Unusual and undesirable perhaps, the ubiquity will make sure you at least want to try it. Other island specialities include pane con la milza (veal spleen sandwiches), cannoli (fried wafers filled with ricotta cheese and candied fruit) and anything with sardines.

Did you know?

Fans of the Godfather movie trilogy in search of sites recognisable from the films will be pleased when they see Savoca - the pretty hillside village, accessible from Taormina, was used as the tranquil setting for the courtship between Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino) and his first wife Apollonia in the first film.

Mediterranean beaches

With the promise of warm weather, cheap flights and delicious food it's no wonder that the Mediterranean attracts throngs of holidaying Brits to its sunny shores each year. See our top picks for best Med beaches.

Agios Gordios, Corfu

Although it has earned a noisy reputation in recent years, mainly in the lively resort of ‘kicking' Kavos, much of Corfu still remains tranquil and picturesque. Set on the west coast, Agios Gordios is a rural gem set away from the busy tourist hordes. Still retaining much of its traditional Greek charm, bougainvillea-clad houses painted in pretty pastel hues wind down the hillside towards to the long stretch of sandy beach. The beach itself has been granted a Blue Flag for cleanliness and safety, making it an ideal spot for some family fun. Adults will also be entertained with the numerous watersports on offer such, as banana boats and jet skis.

Barcelona

The Spanish city might not be the first resort that springs to mind when considering a beach holiday, but with one of the best urban beaches in the world at Port Olímpic,Barcelona perfectly combines city energy and beach relaxation. The stretch of golden sand also comes alive after dark when the area's bars and clubs attract party revellers. For a touch of seclusion, head down the coast to Lloret de Mar for the sheltered white-sand stretch, or if it's an all-over tan you are looking for then the private cove at Caldes d'Estracs is a naturist hotspot. Those with nippers should head to the stretch of beach to the north of the city, from La Barceloneta to the seawater pool at Forum, as they are shallow with low waters - perfect for kiddies to paddle in.

Alghero, Sardinia

Alghero is one of the most popular resorts on Sardinia, yet retains the charm and atmosphere of a working fishing village. It manages to cater for all tastes, with cultural sites and plenty of amenities. It is less glitzy than the busy Costa Smeralda on the north coast of the island, but has plenty to offer those wanting sun, sand and sea - with clean beaches, and a lively clutch of bars and restaurants. The medieval old town is the most picturesque on Sardinia, and has a fascinating Catalan heritage: a legacy of centuries of Aragon rule.

Santorini

The volcanic island of Santorini is one of Greece's most glamorous island destinations. The most upmarket resorts are Fira and Oia, which are perched upon the reddish-black cliffs plummeting into the deep-blue waters of the caldera, and offer sophisticated boutique hotels and gourmet dining. Moneyed travellers, including a smattering of celebrities, favour the glamorous west coast, while the east coast caters for those on a lower budget. For many people, the quintessential Santorini experience is watching the sunset from Oia, an evening ritual during high season, when crowds applause as the sun sinks into the horizon.

Corsica

This vine-filled island rewards visitors with sun-kissed beaches and rugged mountains, as well as verdant pastures and dense forest. At the height of summer, warm Mediterranean waters, balmy evenings and beaches from which a host of watersports can be enjoyed are the main attraction. Some of Europe's least polluted seas see scuba divers make a beeline for the island, with adventure activities like rock climbing and canyoning also available to keep the adrenaline pumping. Corsica is blessed with everything from small rocky coves and beaches strewn with multicoloured pebbles to those replete with fine white sand. Bustling resort beaches, complete with watersports centres are balanced out by tranquil, almost deserted spots. Choosing where to soak up the sun's rays, or where to take a dip in the bath-temperature sea is a matter of personal preference. Beaches consistently rated as some of the island's best (and some of the finest in Europe) include Barcaggio, Ostriconi, Palombaggia and Saint Giulia.

Texas nightlife

Texas' fine cities have everything to offer in the way of nightlife that you could possibly desire: Austin has music, Houston culture, Dallas a unique blend of fine dining and sweaty sports, whilst San Antonio's twinkling cityscape is very easy on the bleary eyes of night owls.

Spain, France and Mexico are just three of the countries that have tried to lay claim to Texas over the years. From a distance, the Lone Star State, America's second biggest just behind Alaska, might look like an arid landscape dotted with errant steer, granite-chinned cowboys and oil wells spurting into lucrative life. Look a little closer though, and you'll see why nations fought to call it their own.

While such landmark sites as The Alamo can draw over two and a half million visitors a year and should definitely be on your list of things to see, point at and get photographed in front of, it's the vibrant and diverse nightlife of Texas' cities that will demand your attention as the day's light cools. From Austin's enigmatic and willfully eclectic music scene to the extensive and glittering haute cuisine eateries of Dallas, the extensive art houses of Houston and the sublime delights of San Antonio, Texas will make you put your preconceptions on hold, leaving you to marvel at your surroundings as the sun finally goes down and the state really begins to light up.

Austin

The Live Music Capital of the World is home to almost 200 venues and hosts the annual music industry shindig SXSW as well as the Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park. Though the city has numerous bars and restaurants, with seven distinct music districts, Austin has all the best tunes. 

It's seen better days, but the city's infamous Sixth Street district is still home to the acclaimed Parish Room, a venue that famously played host to an impromptu super-group that included The Who's Pete Townshend and mop-topped guitarist Slash 

Antone's was originally the first club on Sixth, but has now moved across to Fifth Street on the borders of Market and the Warehouse and Downtown districts. Thirty-four years after it opened, this unassuming blues venue - you'd imagine that it might have fallen out of the sky - is still going strong. It helped foster the reputation of stars like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Stevie Ray Vaughan. 

If you fancy something a little more rowdy or punk rock, stroll over to the Red River district where Emo's should meet your needs. Johnny Cash popped in there in the 1990s. The bar stool he sat on still hangs from the ceiling; it's that kind of place.

Dallas

There's nothing quite like watching a baseball connect with a bat then enjoying the spectacle of the diminishing red and white sphere describing a wide arc out of the Rangers Ballpark and into the dome of the starry Texan night. After a long day of shopping and sightseeing, a beer and a hotdog in the balmy Texan evening is hard to beat.

If you want something more than a hotdog, then this most well heeled of Texan cities is also for you. The celebrated and very successful Stephan Pyles Restaurant is down in the Dallas Arts district. Pyles made his name cooking on Good Morning America with his ‘new millennium Southwestern cuisine' - go and see why.

Fine dining of the new-American cuisine kind can be found at the acclaimedBolla restaurant, linger in the art deco bar first; its vibrant décor will only be enhanced by working your way through the extensive cocktail list.

Finally, bring your wallet and perhaps someone else's too, and visit (deep breath) the Mansion Restaurant at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek for more exquisite new-American cuisine. Try to wangle one of six places at the ‘Chef's Table' where the chef conjures up unique meals, seemingly on a whim.

Houston

As night falls, the sound inside Kicks sports auditorium can reach deafening levels and the language becomes so colourful that it runs right off the spectrum and that's just on the track. Welcome to Roller Derby Houstonwhere all-girl teams with names like the Psyche Ward Sirens, Burlesque Brawlers and  - perhaps most pleasingly - the Machete Betties struggle to impress their femininity on their fellow racers as they jostle for position around the oval track, or failing that, chip someone's tooth. This neon lit, lipstick-smeared spectacle is great fun and perfect entertainment for those of you who were disappointed when the Romans stopped pitting fighters against each other in gladiatorial combat.

From the ridiculous to the sublime, and Texas' biggest city is a cradle for the arts, with four world-class companies; the Houston Symphony, the award winning Houston Grand Opera, Alley Theatre and the Houston Ballet are all prominent features of the city's social landscape.

San Antonio

San Antonio is home to basketball stars the Spurs, so take in an evening game at theAT&T Center and marvel at the gangly dexterity of the former world champions. Then, out into the night, try a cocktail or two at Bar Rojo, situated in the Grand Hyatt San Antonio, a setting so ornate and vibrant you'll be lucky not to lose an eye.

If it's the first Friday of the month stroll down to Southtown - an area that acts as an enclave for artists - where you'll find galleries open until late and the streets filled with vendors selling food and crafts.

Try the famed River Walk at night, the bars and restaurants twinkling beneath strings of multi-coloured fairy lights. Pop into Dick's Last Resort and swoon over nachos laden with chili tequila queso and sour cream washed down with draught beer. Avoid taking an unintentional dip in the still (and sometimes unfenced) waters and head to Market Square and the 24-hour Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia, or if you'd rather the quiet life, take the elevator to Bar 601 near the summit of theTower Of The Americas and watch the city fall away and glimmer silently beneath your feet.

Indonesian island hopping

Boasting a string of more than 13,000 sun-soaked isles stretching from Malaysia to Australia, Indonesia is an island hoppers paradise.

From the popular tourist hotspots of Bali and Lombok to the white sandy beaches of the tranquil Gili Isles, Indonesia's archipelago is bursting with culture, dramatically rugged coastlines and bustling nightlife. 

With a variety of boat transfers and ferry services available, an island hopping adventure is a fantastic way of experiencing Indonesia's intriguing diversity.

Bali

Bali is an island of ever-changing facades. Whilst Kuta has become renowned for its surf culture and numerous bars, the inland villages give way to lush rice terraces and breathtaking temples.

The mountain village of Ubud is the best place to experience traditional Balinese culture. As the island's cultural heartland, the village abounds with magnificent temples, local art galleries, museums and performance venues. Ubud's most popular attraction is the Monkey Forest Sanctuary (website: www.monkeyforestubud.com), where visitors can get up close and personal with the resident, and extremely mischievous, macaques.

The laid-back beach resort of Lovina, in the north of the island, is a great place to escape the tourist throngs of the south. Boats can be chartered to the surrounding islands from the centre of Kalibukbuk, as well as early morningdolphin-watching trips, which offer a jaw-dropping view of Bali as the sun rises above the island's looming volcanic peaks.

Tanah Lot is Bali's most famed temple, and sits aloft a rocky offshore outcrop, just west of Denpasar. Set in a dramatic landscape of glistening black sand and lashing waves, the multi-tiered shrine is well worth a visit and is especially magnificent at sunset.

Padang Bai is Bali's main port for Lombok as well as boat charters to the Gili Islands and Komodo. You can buy ferry tickets from the port itself, whilst all-inclusive trips to the Gili Islands (including ferry, minibus transfer and local island crossing) are available from one of the many local tour companies.

Lombok

Although often compared to the neighbouring island of Bali, Lombok differs dramatically in culture, offering a much slower pace of life and remaining relatively unaffected by the tourist trade - earning it a reputation as a more adventurous destination.

North Lombok is dominated by the staggering volcanic mass of Gunung Rinjani, which has created an arresting black sandy coastline. As well as climbing up the mountainous terrain, visitors can cool off in one of the many waterfalls or take in some local village culture.

Nature lovers will appreciate the picturesque upland Sembalun valley, which is not only surrounded by impressive mountain peaks, but is also a far cry from the usual tourist trail. For the more active visitor, the big swell along Lombok's south-coast beaches attracts a mass of surfers to its many hidden coves.

Boats travel frequently from Bali such as Bounty Cruise (website:www.balibountycruises.com) and Bluewater Safaris (website:www.bwsbali.com), which also offers air-conditioned trips to the Gili Islands. A slower and cheaper alternative is the aptly named Slow Ferry from Padang Bai, which takes around five hours. In summer months aim for the air-conditioned lounges as the trip can be unbearably hot.

Gili Islands

The little known Gili Islands are a collection of three unspoilt havens, sitting off the north west coast of Lombok. Gili Trawangan,Gili Meno and Gili Air are all strikingly beautiful with vast swathes of pure white sand and evian-clear waters that boast stunning coral reefs.

Although the nightlife is fairly low-key on all three islands, there is a great choice of accommodation from traditional wooden lodges to more luxurious villas, as well as a good selection of bars and restaurants. With a population of 700, Gili Trawangan is the largest and most lively island, with nightly beach parties, bars, restaurants and numerous dive centres.

One main draw of the Gilis is the fabulous snorkelling and diving opportunities. As well as snorkelling equipment for hire, there are a number of Padi certified dive centres on Gili Trawangan, which offer courses for beginners and more experienced divers. Not only is this a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of a sea turtle or reef shark, you can achieve your Padi certificate for a nominal cost in a stunning location.

You can reach all of the islands from Lombok's port of Bangsal, from where regular public boats leave between 0730 and 1630, as well as shuttle boats and private charters. There is also a twice-daily Perama shuttle boat from Senggigi, although the running of this does depend on the weather conditions.

Komodo

For the more adventurous traveller, various organised boat trips can be taken to the island of Komodo. Although the journey can take up to a day from either Lombok or the Gili Islands, once there visitors can marvel at the stunning wildlife and get the rare chance to see the feeding of the prehistoric-sizedKomodo dragons.

Perama offers trips from Senggigi on Lombok and Coconut Cottages from Gili Air (website: www.coconuts-giliair.com). Lombok Sailing (website:www.lomboksailing.com) offers a variety of trips including Komodo and Flores. Most trips last around four days and three nights aboard traditional wooden charter boats.

Britain's best beaches

From deserted craggy coves to family favourites, we reveal our ultimate seaside selection for the best beaches to be found along Britain's stretches of award-winning coastline.

The British seaside has been a beloved national institution for decades. From parasol-toting royals strolling down the promenades to sandals-and-socks-clad gents with a handkerchief precariously balanced atop their heads, the British love the beach and swarm to it in droves upon the first glimmer of summer sun. 

But despite popular belief, the British coastline is much more than kiss-me-quick hats, murky waters and the relentless ker-ching of arcade games. Outside of the main tourist haunts, there are glorious swathes of untouched sands and evian-clear waters to be discovered; in fact, an ample 372 of the UK's beaches fly the famous Blue Flag. Here is our choice of the best beaches Britain has to offer:

Frinton-on-Sea, Essex

For some old-school beach fun, head to the family seaside resort of Frinton-on-Sea. The self-proclaimed ‘discerning' beach resort has resisted the temptations of modernisation, instead it has retained a quaint traditional feel that the area prides itself on.

With only one pub and not a glimmer of neon in sight, Frinton-on-Sea has shunned the lures of a quick-buck and instead welcomes visitors to its collection of independent shops and tea rooms found along tree-lined Connaught Avenue. The beach itself retains much of its former glory and is lined with Victorian style beach huts, reminiscent of the days when the town was a favorite retreat for the aristocracy.

Eat: Head to leafy Connaught Avenue where there is a collection of family-run restaurants serving delicious home cooked grub. 

Stay: Much like the surrounding area, The Rock Hotel (website:www.therockhotel.co.uk) exudes a chintzy charm that brings to mind the bygone era of doilies and flock wallpaper. Sat on The Esplanade, the hotel offers uninterrupted views of the sea and double rooms from £80.

Getting there: By road leave the A133 at Weeley and take the B1033 directly into Frinton-on-Sea. Trains go from London Liverpool Street to Thorpe-le-Soken, from where a connecting train takes you into Frinton-on-Sea.

Holkham Bay, Norfolk

Tucked beyond the secluding fringes of a pine-tree blanket, Holkham Bay is easy to miss from the road, but well worth the hunt. After a short trip down Lady Ann's Drive (opposite the Victoria Hotel), and a walk through the dunes, three miles of custard cream sand stretches as far as the eye can see.

If you prefer to spread your picnic in peace rather than squeezing onto a stamp-sized patch of sand this is the beach for you. The stretch of coastline is so quiet that the Queen herself often does a spot of corgi-walking whilst in residence at Sandringham. Hollywood royalty has also graced Holkham's sands with Gwyneth Paltrow strolling down it in the last scene in Shakespeare in Love.

Eat: with its distinct lack of fish and chip shops and candy floss stalls, the only place to buy some grub is at the sandwich hut near the car park. But if you don't want to shell out a small fortune then bring a picnic with you. Stock your hamper in Wells-next-the-Sea, which also has a few dining options. A closer choice is the Victoria Hotel (website: www.victoriaatholkham.co.uk) which can arrange a picnic hamper or you can try the local produce in its restaurant. 

Stay: the Victoria Hotel (doubles from £120) offers a mixture of chic and old-world charm and is within walking distance of the beach. For a cheaper option head into Wells-nest-the-Sea where there is a choice of great value b & bs.

Getting there: By road turn off the A149, and take the turning opposite the Victoria Hotel, for Lady Anne's Drive, where you can also park for £3 per day.

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower

With craggy coves, a hefty slab of sand and toiling surf, this is one of the most charismatic bays in Britain. The strong coastal breeze makes it an ideal spot for sailing and windsurfing and nature enthusiasts will revel in the nearby sprawling National Nature reserve straddling the cliff tops. The walks are definitely not for the faint-hearted as some of the trails cut a steep route up towering sand dunes and along hair-raising coastal paths. If you are feeling active, head into the salt marshes and valley; complete with its very own fairy-tale Castle.

Eat: There are many restaurants in Gower itself or head to the village of Mumbles and dine in one of its many tea rooms. 

Stay: You don't get much of a better beach view than from the cliff top campsite overlooking the bay. The Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park (website:www.threecliffsbay.com) has its own private path to the beach and a view that was voted ‘Best in Wales' by Country Life Magazine.

Getting there: By road leave the M4 at junction 42 and follow the signs towards South Gower and Port Einon. Trains go to Swansea City Centre, from where you can catch the 118 bus to Gower.

Porthminster beach, Cornwall

Cornwall's answer to the star-studded shores of Biarritz, this ‘urban' beach is minutes from the surfer-studded bustle of St Ives and boasts alluring jade green waters. Although St Ives has made its name as the South's answer to the glitzy Grand Plage, Portminster is actually a great family choice. The award-winning half-mile crescent of powdery perfection is in a sheltered location making it ideal for letting little ones take a dip without fear of being bowled over by waves as seen on other beaches along the bay. 

Eat: St Ives is awash with restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes, from traditional pubs and sugar-scented bakeries serving homemade treats to gourmet delicatessens and high-brow eateries. If the walk into town doesn't appeal, Porthminster Café is beach-side and serves up a delicious range of fish fresh off the line.

Stay: The Porthminster hotel (website: www.porthminster-hotel.co.uk) is nestled in subtropical gardens and perched above St Ives Bay, with direct access onto Porthminster beach. Doubles rooms are from £60 per person, per night for dinner and bed and breakfast. 

Getting there: Trains go into St Ives, from where Porthminster beach is a short walk on the south side of town. By car follow the A3074 through Lelant and Carbis Bay to St Ives.

For more information: See the VisitBritain website at www.visitbritain.com.

Best of British: camping holidays

Camping has come a long way since beige caravans and long-drop latrines. So whether you're looking for a retro trailer, an authentic tipi or a windswept wilderness, WTG's guide to the best UK camping spots will help you find your perfect pitch.

Blackberry Wood, Sussex

This much talked about campsite thoroughly deserves its good reputation. And at 25 minutes' drive from Brighton at the foot of the South Downs, it's very convenient if you happen to live in London. Pitches are set in private clearings with names like Minty, Fruity and Boho. The native deciduous woodland is magical and the fact that camp fires are positively encouraged is testament to the friendly owners' love of proper camping and toasted marshmallows.

Price: £5 per tent, £7 per person per night (high season).
Facilities: Toilets, basic energy saving showers, logs for sale, bonfire pits.
Website: www.blackberrywood.com

Camping wild, Dartmoor and Scotland

Dartmoor National Park is the last place in England where you can legally camp wild. Spending one or two nights on the open land here is perfectly acceptable provided that you choose your spot sensibly. Don't pitch your tent on farmland, on moorland enclosed by walls, within 100m (328ft) of a road, on flood plains or on archaeological sites. Camping beneath scarred tors as the wind rakes across the moors is great fun and you'll share your campsite with wild ponies.

In the Scottish highlands and islands, there's no greater pleasure than sharing the heather-sprayed hillsides and shimmering lochs with a loved one under canvas. Just don't forget your torch, midge net and repellent - the small, biting insects can make spring and early summer miserable if you don't have the right kit. Be sure to check you're not camping on private land.

Price: Free.
Facilities: None.
Websites: www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk and www.outdooraccess-scotland.com

Great Langdale National Trust Campsite, Lake District

Sitting rather smugly a saunter from some of the most sublime scenery in the Lake District, Great Langdale's a cracker. As you'd expect from the National Trust, the whole thing's wonderfully efficient, well-appointed and rather tasteful. Find a woodland pitch in the lee of the postcard-friendly Langdale Pikes and then set off to explore some of the best walks in the Lakes.

Price: £10.50 per pitch (includes one vehicle, one person and a small tent) (high season).
Facilities: Toilets, showers, basins, laundry, drying room, washing-up facilities, disabled facilities, electric hook-ups, kids' playground, shop.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-global/w-localtoyou/w-northwest/w-lakedistrict-feature/w-northwest-lakedistrict_camping/w-northwest-lakedistrict_camping-langdale.htm

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower, near Swansea

A room with a view - well, a tent with one, anyway. This campsite peers gingerly down over Three Cliffs Bay, an arc of sand embraced by green-topped cliffs. It truly has one of the best views of any campsite in the UK. It can get blustery on the exposed cliff-top so bang your pegs in deeply to avoid losing your tent and your dignity.

Prices: £15 per small two-man tent.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, washing-up facilities, disabled facilities, electric hook-ups, shop.
Website: www.threecliffsbay.com

Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye, northwest Skye

Placed between the lapping waters of Loch Brittle and the Tolkien-esque rocks of the Black Cuillin mountain range, Glenbrittle campsite is pure magic. Scale the rocks, stalk red deer or swim in the fairy pools - vivid blue swimming holes at the foot of the Cuillins.

Price: £5 per adult per night.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, shop.
Website: www.dunvegancastle.com

Vintage Vacations, Isle of Wight

Bequiffed 1950s enthusiasts take note. There's no need to let the pompadour droop on a camping trip. Vintage Vacations offers American trailers and slick Airstream caravans for fun, surprisingly comfortable breaks. The Airstream is a cool classic - if James Dean were a caravan (sorry, Jimmy!), he'd be one of these. Silver, smooth and so shiny you can fix your 'do in the reflection on their aluminium skins, the 10 caravans occupy a farmer's field on the Isle of Wight.

Price: £495 per week (high season). Trailers sleep four.
Facilities: All mod cons, though toilets in the trailers are not in use.
Website: www.vintagevacations.co.uk

Tamar Valley tipis, Deer Park Farm, Luckett, Callington, Cornwall

The Tamar Valley, dividing Devon and Cornwall, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And if this leafy setting isn't authentic Wild West, then the traditional Sioux tipis certainly are. Beautifully simple, these white wizards' hats emerge from the greenery to delight unwary cowboys. Decorated by Native American murals, the tipis were made by the same folks who supplied the set of Dances with Wolves. As well as a wood-burning stove, there are fire pits and camping stoves.

Price: Small tipi sleeping two/three, £400 per week; large tipi sleeping four, £450 per week (high season).
Facilities: Cooking utensils, wood-burning stove.
Website: www.tamarvalleytipis.co.uk

Lleithyr Farm, Whitesands Bay, St David's, Pembrokeshire

Bang on Wales's best Blue Flag surfing beach, this small campsite is popular with dedicated wave watchers. Pembrokeshire National Park is the only truly coastal national park in Britain and has some of the finest coastline in the UK. Inland, Britain's smallest city, St David's is an enchanting spot. Its lichen-speckled cathedral is worth a visit as are the remains of the atmospheric 14th-century Bishop's Palace.

Alternative wonders of the world

WTG presents its guide to seven alternative wonders of the world. If you're tired of hearing about the world's more traditional spectacular sites, then consider a visit to some of these little-known gems picked from around the globe.

Colca Canyon, Peru

Makes the Grand Canyon look like a crack in the road.

With a passing glance, the scale of Colca Canyon could easily be missed. It doesn't possess as many startling drops as its American counterpart and its sloping climbs can be deceiving but don't let your eyes fool you; statistically there's no contest between the two. Colca Canyon is over 3,000m (9,842ft) deep; that's more than two times the depth of the Grand Canyon.

Most of Colca Canyon is uninhabited but a number of colonial villages are sprinkled across lower parts of the valley. Although there are endless stunning views and a huge variety of seasonal colours in Colca Canyon, the Andean Condor is the major draw for tourists. The Cruz del Condor is the most popular location to watch condors ride the canyon's thermal waves.

Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), Columbia

All the mysticism of Machu Picchu without the crowds.

After days of hard trekking, you pause for a moment before the final descent to Machu Picchu. As the morning fog clears you wait with baited breath for the first view of the astonishing Inca settlement, only to find an army of buses parked directly in front of you.

It's not unreasonable to expect something a little more personal after all that effort and the Lost City in Columbia is the perfect alternative. There are no roads for miles around the Lost City, so there'll be no unwanted bum bags in your holiday photos. The three-day trek through undulating jungle to reach the Lost City is hard going, and culminates in a climb up 1,200 near-vertical steps. It wasn't discovered until 1972, despite being older than Machu Picchu, although local tribes have visited the site for much longer. The city itself is made up of ascending terraces and circular platforms. Helicopters frequently land on the highest point of the city and for a tidy sum those who can't face the walk back can hitch a lift.

Tikal, Guatemala

Instead of desert think rainforest for the Central American version of the Egyptian pyramids.

The Egyptian pyramids may be the most famous pyramids in the world, but the endless miles of sand hardly make the most intriguing of backdrops. Tikal, the most important of all the Mayan cities, was inhabited until the 10th century AD and is surrounded by rainforest containing a huge variety of wildlife. Animals ranging from jaguars to toucans can be found in Tikal National Park, and a glimpse of them certainly beats a face full of sand.

There are thousands of different structures at Tikal and many have yet to be excavated, despite 30 years of archaeological work. There are a number of palaces and public open spaces in the ceremonial centre of the site but the pièce de résistance is the six Mesoamerican pyramids, some of which are over 60m (200ft) tall.

Tufi, Papua New Guinea

Unchartered diving awaits in Papua New Guinea's version of the Great Barrier Reef.

Visitors to Tufi have the chance to explore some of the world's most pristine underwater delights. Tufi is only accessible by boat or plane and divers can take their pick from WWII wrecks, inland fjords or coral reefs. Even the outer reefs, many of which have yet to be mapped, can be reached by boat in 30 minutes. The mixture of soft and hard coral makes for overwhelming underwater diversity. Finally, the 30m (100ft) visibility and year-round water temperatures of over 25°C (77°F) mean you won't miss a trick.

Kumbhalgarh Fort, India

The Great Wall of China minus a few thousand miles.

Kumbhalgarh Fort was not designed with easy access in mind. It was built on a steep hill in 1419 by Maharana Pratap, one of Rajasthan's heroes, and remains unconquered to this day. The main reason is that it's circled by a 36km (22miles) continuous wall, the second longest in the world behind the Great Wall of China.

Given that the walls are up to 7m (25ft) thick and seven fortified gateways protect Kumbhalgarh, it's surprising anybody tried. Find a suitable perch when the sun goes down- the fort is spectacularly lit up for a few moments each evening.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Arènes d'Arles, France

The glory days of Rome's Colosseum are long gone, but this Roman amphitheatre is still used today.

It doesn't boast the 50,000 capacity or the same grand history as its Rome counterpart, but Arles's Roman amphitheatre has all the same ingredients and it is wonderfully well preserved. Most importantly, it's still used today as a bull-fighting venue so with a leap of imagination there's still a chance to soak up some of the atmosphere generated in ancient Rome. When you've stopped shaking your fist, there are many other examples of Roman architecture to explore in Arles.

Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul

The Taj Mahal was built for one lucky lady, but Istanbul's Dolmabahçe Palace stands toe-to-toe for sheer opulence.

For every claim the Taj Mahal can make for being the most elaborate palace in the world, Dolmabahçe Palace can match it. The Taj Mahal may be decorated with precious stones, but Dolmabahçe has its very own crystal staircase built in the shape of a double horse shoe. The crystal fixation doesn't end there though; the palace contains the world's largest bohemian crystal chandelier with 750 lamps and weighing 4.5 tonnes. Sultan Abdülmecid built it in 1843 for the princely sum of 35 million tonnes of gold and another 14 tonnes were used to gild the ceilings.

worldtravelguide.net

Hawaii Hotels and Vacation Ideas

When you’re shoveling snow off your car this winter, or standing in a busy check-out line doing holiday shopping, or just in the middle of a typical hectic work week, do you ever just long to get away from it all? For many of us, soft sand beaches, warm sun on our shoulders, and tropical breezes are the perfect salve to alleviate our stress. Hawaiiis the quintessential winter escape — perfect weather, breathtaking scenery, plentifulattractions, and world-class hotels. Hawaii is also just a hop, skip, and a jump from the continental United States, making it easily accessible to all kinds of travelers. Today we offer you some ideas to plan your next trip. Get ready to catch some rays! Your welcome lei is waiting.

Honolulu

Hawaii’s capital city Honolulu has immense popularity, and all for good reason: its hotels are some of the nicest in the world, and award-winning restaurants combine innovative menus with a dining experience that takes advantage of the balmy Hawaiian climate with plenty of patio seating. Top that with superb nightlife, great shopping, and gorgeous beaches, and you’ll never even have to leave the city! If you do want to experience all the natural wonders of the island, a short drive will get you to volcanoes, waterfalls, mountains, and more.

Check out our Honolulu Hotels page to see the variety of accommodation options available. Looking for another city in Hawaii? Here is a handy hotel guide, listed by city: Hawaii Hotels.

Attractions

Looking for more ideas besides Honolulu? How about swimming, scuba diving, sailing, dancing, or visiting cultural sites and museums? If you’re a surfer, winter boasts the biggest waves. There are no shortage of things to do in Hawaii. While on her vacation toOahu this past September, Realtraveler Brisbird experienced scenic drives, visited a macademia nut farm, toured a pineapple plant, and saw many sites including the Halona Blow Hole and the Japanese Byodoin temple. In the evening, she saw a great show:

“The Magic of Polynesian Show was a visual spectacular of polynesian dance and illusion show. It had all the regular tricks - disappearing assistant, cut-off head, escape artist, appearing helicopters from nowhere, disappearing magician appearing in the middle of the audience - lots of dancers and a flame twirler. Joe and I both agreed it was a great show. After this we wondered back via the International Market, window shopping and buying souveniers.” (more…)

Spas

Some of the best spas in the world are found on the Hawaii archipelago, especially on the Big Island and Maui. It’s easy to find a package deal that includes accommodations, lavish breakfasts, and soothing spa treatments like massages, facials, and more. Pamper yourself while you’re on vacation!

For Golfers

Many Hawaii hotels have their own golf courses or are in close proximity to one. Hawaii is famous for its spectacular golf, with the rolling greens backdropped by some of the world’s most stunning scenery. Jonathan (of the duoSiobhan & Jonathan) thoroughly enjoyed his time on the Hawaii golf scene:

“The golf course was awesome, perched up on the the hill over-looking the islands of Molokini and Molokai and sometimes we just had to just stop and soak up the view. I had bought these really cool salmon coloured balls, 9 of them, figuring that they would be really hard to lose. I started in on the balls that the guy in the golf shop gave me by the end of the 3rd hold. Oops. Didn’t matter though, we had a blast…difficult to describe the course with words and can’t show you pictures because we forgot the camera but take my word for it, it was gorgeous.” (more…)

These globetrotters also experienced another Hawaii vacation must-do: snorkeling! Check out this excerpt from their blog:

“Everyone was meeting down on the beach in Wailea just to relax, swim & snorkel. So, we drove down taking an accidental detour that ended up in a stunning drive along the coast of Maui. The sights were absolutely breathtaking! When we finally met up with everyone else, Mike suggested that we take our snorkeling gear and go explore a little point about a half mile down the beach. Other people had told us the coral was a bit pretty, but we never expected what we actually found! We were lucky enough to come across a group of green sea turtles gnoshing on the kelp that was floating around. I even took a bit of kelp in my hand and had one of the smaller turtles take a nip from it! There had to be at least 15 turtles; they were everywhere you turned! It was truly a ‘Finding Nemo’ moment!” (more…)

This only scratches the surface of the things to do in Hawaii and the gorgeous hotels to be found there, so plan your winter getaway today!

Resources:

Hawaii Travel Guide
Hawaii Hotels
Honolulu Hotels