Cave Touring in France: A Fun Way to Explore History

Those who think France only has castles and wines, then you better think again. It is not only the perfect romantic get-away. It is also the haven of any history and adventure lover. So better, prepare those boots, jeans, and shirts and enter into numerous caves in France.

                      

The Dordogne Region

This area in France is known for its prehistoric caves. It will never disappoint you so make sure you are prepared to get wet. However, it is highly recommended for you to find a vacation house because a week will never be enough to satisfy your craving for this place filled with natural beauty, great cuisine, fortifications, ancient castles, and prehistoric painted caves.

The Best Form of Transportation

The best way to explore the area is by hiring a car. You can find many companies offering these services from Toulouse, Bordeaux, Angouleme, or Limoges airport. From there, you can put your entire luggage and hop inside your chosen vehicle for an entire month of escapade in the beautiful area of Dordogne. Your children will be thrilled to join the ride with you because they will be seeing in person wonderful places that they only see in television and in print.

The Lascaux Caves

This may be replica of the original Lascaux Cave, which has been closed for protection, but you can’t help but admire the commitment of all those artists who meticulously copied the paintings. It remains absolutely gorgeous with the gorgeous rich black ochre and deep red tints used by the prehistoric humans. Interestingly, you will only see images of animals on the caves and no hint of flowers or plants in it.

The Cathedral of Crystal

This is visually stunning cavern. There is a unique way offered by the tourism administration to explore the place. You can take a ride on a suspended basket that is slowly lowered for you to enjoy the spectacular rock formations hidden in its midst. It is a treat for any nature lover and lover of unique adventure tours.

Gouffre de Padirac

The entrance to this cave will keep you in anticipation. It is a long and eerie journey by boat that will allow you to pass through a subterranean stream and variety of underground caverns that are filled with extraordinary rock formations. Take time to enjoy the site and the emotions you will experience through this trip and remember it for life.

There are numerous caves to explore in Dordogne. You will have an entire month enjoying each of these while indulging in their foi grass and truffles. It will be a very fulfilling journey you may even wish to stay longer in its midst.

About the Author:

Shaiya Ong is a freelance writer for www.frenchairportguide.com. She consider France as the most beautiful places to visit in the world.

Getting a Taste of Italy in the Isle of Wight

A stay on the Isle of Wight can offer you everything you could ever want out of your holiday. If you are travelling with the family; there is so much that you can do and experience together to really get the most you can out of your stay! There are 15 towns on the island for you to explore and a huge range of activities and attractions for tourists; the list goes on and on.

You can get that holiday that you wanted at an affordable rate making it a more realistic dream this year. Better still; you can have flexibility and relaxation in accommodation that is yours and yours alone. The kids can have all of the room they need with enough space to accommodate a family so you can all be comfortable during your stay. Enjoy a home from home with self-catering holidays on the Isle of Wight and let the culture exceed your wildest expectations.

The Isle of Wight explores so many cultures in itself with its variety of restaurants and attractions. A self-catering holiday is beyond ideal for a family holiday but for those few nights when your budget allows; you can experience a taste of Italy right there on the Isle of Wight as well! Savour in the delights of delicious, authentic Italian cuisine at Valentino's for first class food that the kids should be satisfied with too! The pizza is sure to go down well. Tonino's Italian Restaurant is known to provide some of the best traditional Italian cuisine for the ultimate taste of Italy and brings your meal to you in a friendly, warm environment. Try the fish dishes prepared with the catch of the day! And, again, there is pizza for the kids so you can enjoy a relaxing family meal out.

Self-catering holidays on the Isle of Wight are a fantastic way to bring your family an adventure and experience that they won’t forget in a hurry. Enjoy the historical sites and castles for a fun day out and the Jazz music festival in the evening if you time your trip right. The museums offer something for everyone to enjoy so the Isle of Wight can adhere to your whole families wants.

Enjoy space, freedom and the time to relax in a luxury holiday cottage near one of the stunningly beautiful beaches and watch the sun set over the horizon for the ultimate peaceful experience. Your family can take part is all of the activities on offer and spend a day sailing, windsurfing, paragliding; whatever tickles your fancy. Explore at your leisure for the very best that you can get. Take pleasure in, and take the younger kids, for a bit of crab fishing or rock pooling and build the most impressive sand castles!

Whatever your preference of activity, you will be kept entertained all trip round. Make walking part of your trip and explore every inch of the walks, footpaths and even join in on the walking festival that is held every May! The options are there to be taken advantage of!

Kure Beach, North Carolina

For most tourists in the Southeastern United States, there are a few typical destinations: Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, and Charleston being the most popular. For those who want a place without the hustle and bustle provided by the above three, there are several other great options along the North Carolina oceanfront. Kure Beach is the perfect destination for families seeking a quiet, serene beach town where the number one attraction is as it should be: the beach itself.

Outdoor Activities

There are dozens of great outdoor activities to enjoy during a vacation to Kure Beach. With Surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, hiking and other options, there will never be a day where you won’t be able to find something fun to do. For those looking to learn how to surf, the nearby town of Carolina Beach is home to the Tony Silvagni Surf School. Taught by pros, the school offers families a different kind of entertainment while on vacation. Kure Beach is also centrally located near countless parks including Carolina Beach Lake Park and Fort Fisher Recreation Area.

Attractions

A popular attraction near Kure Beach is the North Carolina State Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The Aquarium contains countless activities that the whole family will enjoy. Renovated in 2002, the Aquariums “Exotic Aquatics” gallery features spiny lobsters, lionfish, dart frogs, and even a living Pacific coral reef. The more than 2500 animals on display including sharks, stingrays, and alligators will amaze young and old alike. Also, the aquarium recently opened an outdoor play area for kids names Adventure Reef, providing kids with a place to crawl, jump, and balance as adults relax for a moment. The best part is that the Aquarium is open 362 days a year so the family will never miss out on the fascinating exhibits.

History

A great piece of history engrained in this area is the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Museum. The site is the South’s largest earthen fort and the site of the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War. The one-quarter-mile long tour trail contains exhibit panels with photos and text along the way. A restored cannon emplacement is located on top of one of the batteries and the Site gives visitors an in-depth look into the past. 

Restaurants

There are a handful of locally owned restaurant in Kure Beach, most notably Big Daddy’s Restaurant. Big Daddy’s offers guests fresh seafood caught and cooked locally, providing delicious fresh food at a great price. Another great seafood place to check out is Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill. Similar to Big Daddy’s, Jack Mackerel’s serves up fresh, local Seafood at a cost around $10-$20 per entre. Kure Island is one of the best places for fresh, local seafood and the restaurants here prove why.

So instead of following the trend and going to Myrtle Beach, why not try something different this year on vacation? A Kure Beach vacation offers serene, peaceful beaches while still providing great attractions for the whole family. With that old beach town feel, Kure Beach will remind you of better times, while helping you make new memories as well.

 

Author Bio:

James Zeller is an online content and blog writer with experience writing in a variety of industries. From travel to food to retail, his experience has helped him gain knowledge in a wide variety of topics.

The World Famous Great Wildebeest Migration

The wildebeest migration is one of the most talked about experiences in African safaris. It has been listed as one of the new seven wonders of the world because of the skill with which it takes place. Over one million wildebeests migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania into Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve, alongside thousands of Thompson’s Gazelles and zebras looking for greener pastures. These species graze together, and it has been termed as a way to prevent frequent attacks by predators.

This migration into Kenya starts around July and lasts until October when the herds move back to the Serengeti National Park. It is the best time for tourists in Kenya to visit the Masai Mara and see the herds crossing into the country. The grasslands in the Masai Mara grow from April to June which is the rainy season, and these herbivorous herds must cross to this region when the Serengeti area dries.

Credit: Mike Lab @ Flickr.com

Towards the end of June, these herds move from Ngorongoro conservation area to the Maswa game reserve in readiness for migration. They cross the Grumeti River which passes through the Serengeti National Park before moving Northeast into the Grumeti game reserve around July.

One of the major hurdles the animals face occurs when crossing the Mara River along the Kenya- Tanzania border so that they can get into the Masai Mara. The migration cycle fascinates even scientists because of  the swiftness with which it takes place. They have concluded that it is caused by an intelligent instinct in these animals that ensures they are all ready for the move.

The migration allows the herds to find grass and water, even though thousands of animals are trampled upon during the march as they cross the Mara river. The migration attracts other species such as crocodiles, hyenas and lions hoping for some juicy prey given the fact that the Masai Mara is home to the big five as well as hyena and crocodiles.

These predators lie in wait on the grassland, and they make vicious attacks at any time during the migration. It is a breathtaking view as lions and cheetahs chase gazelles and wildebeests giving tourists unprecedented photo opportunities. The crocodiles lie in wait in the Mara and Talek rivers.

Credit: BrianScott @ Flickr.com

Speed helps wildebeest overcome predators because the herd moves at over 60 km/h. The younger animals are tucked within the herd thereby protecting them from predators. However, the mere power needed for this migration kills weak animals leaving a stronger herd.

What Controls The Wildebeest Migration?

·         Quality of pasture - Wildebeests move in search of pasture that provides nutritional content. This is in relation to the phosphorus and other mineral content.

·         Availability of water- East Africa experiences some overly dry months in different parts and wildlife migrates in search of water.

·         Overpopulation of the herds

·         Predators

·         Human activity on the migration route. For example, building of roads in the Tanzanian side of the migration route can have long lasting effects on this natural wonder.

Why Consider Watching the Wildebeest Migration?

It is one of the unique wildlife migrations in the world in relation to the spectacle as well as the number and species of animals involved. If you want to see all the wild animals that Africa has to offer from the lions to giraffes and hippos, this migration brings them out of their holes.

It is a picturesque experience and an opportunity for memorable video or photo moments. It is affordable because there are lodges and camps within the Masai Mara or in Tanzania from where you can follow the herds.

When planning to go on a Kenya safari to watch the wildebeest migration, it is important to consult a tour company about the most appropriate time because the move depends on changes in climatic conditions. Even though the rains are expected between May and June, any change in the amount of rainfall affects availability of pasture. The tour experts can predict when the migration might take place.

There are a number of lodges and camps that have been built in Masai Mara to accommodate tourists that flock to this game reserve to witness the migration.

Budget Is Not An Issue In These US Destinations

Budget Is Not An Issue In These US Destinations

Having limited budget need not be an issue when planning a trip to the United States. There are several affordable vacation spots that you can visit even if money is tight. There is not much difference because these destinations offer the same enjoyment as with the more expensive tourist sites. So here is a list of some of the more affordable US vacation spots.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park provides tourists with various natural attractions and affordable camping areas. It has plenty of refuge for people who are looking for a temporary sanctuary from their hectic city life. For a minimal entrance fee, you can gain access to the extensive hiking trails and captivating scenery the park can offer. If you still prefer life in the city, San Francisco is just a few hours away by car.

Glacier Point is regarded as one of the best and most extensive lookout points in Yosemite. It offers a glimpse of the park’s landmarks such as the Half Dome or the floors of Yosemite Valley. For those who do not want to endure the difficult climb, there is a roadway enroute to the lookout point.

Nashville

Nashville is known for having the most affordable hotel accommodations in the South. This Southern city offers visitors a glimpse of its architecture and a variety of restaurants serving hearty Southern delicacies. With budget-friendly rates, visitors would not mind staying for a few nights in the city.

Nashville boasts of a variety of attractions that can ensure a worthwhile visit in the city. The Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art provides both art aficionados and nature lovers a breathtaking experience. Take a look at the garden’s roses, peonies and magnolias as well as several greenhouses. The museum is home to an impressive collection of 19^th and 20^th-century American art and furniture and artifacts from different parts of the globe.

San Antonio

Home of the NBA champions San Antonio Spurs, this Texas city is bustling with activities that will surely keep tourists busy during their trip. Finding affordable lodging and dining will not be an issue especially in surrounding neighborhoods like King William and Alamo Heights.

San Antonio has its own share of sites and attractions that will guarantee an enjoyable and worthwhile trip to the city. The River Walk is the most popular tourist destination in San Antonio as it provides guests with a picturesque sight of the San Antonio River. January is the best time to visit here because of the River Walk Mud Festival and Parade.

Adironbacks

Adironbacks offers guests an affordable way to enjoy the Great Outdoors. Camping out here is extremely affordable and hiking is relatively free. In fact, you can even use the extra money to rent a canoe in Saint Regis. If you are just a beginning ski enthusiast, the slopes of Mount Pisgah is worth trying out.

You may also consider a trip to Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. Dubbed as the “Key to the Continent,” Fort Ticonderoga served as the strategic focal point during the Revolutionary War and the French and Indian War. Today, it is now a living museum showcasing barracks, kitchens, and cannons.

Vacation or Honeymoon in Seychelles? Great Idea!

Are you planning your dream vacation? Or are you going on your honeymoon and have chosen the Seychelles?Congratulations on your travel destination! It hasbeen blessed with picturesque beaches, white topaz waters, lush forests and renowned giant granite boulders, which create a surreal atmosphere.

It is said that after God created the world, He was left with a handful of diamonds. Just then, He turned His gaze to eastern Africa and decided to create there a place of unprecedented splendor. He threw diamonds in the ocean and they turned into Seychelles.

The archipelago consists of 115 islands and we guarantee you will have a great time on each of them. Irrespective whichone of three main islands you choose- Praslin, La Digue or Mahé(Turtle Island or the Island of Birds), your stay will be excellent.

Mahé, the largest of the islands, is home to the capital, Victoria, and to about 90 % of the population. Named in honor of Mahéof Labourdonnais, the governor of Mauritius in the eighteenth century, the island houses rare plants in the mountains and foreststhat are no longer found anywhere in the world. Jellyfish trees, carnivorous plants and thevanilla orchid are just some of them. It is no surprise that the island offers so many options for fun and adventure – it is a paradise that everyone must explore.

If you happen to get bored on the beach, under palm trees or swinging in a hammock, you can go visit the Aldabra Atoll, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritagefor its purity. It is famous for the more than 150,000 giant tortoises that live ther - the largest community of this kind in the world and the richest marine life community in the entire archipelago.

Let’s have a look at some of the famous beaches of Seychelles.

Because beaches in Seychelles are more than simple strips of sand and because tourists always come back saying they are the most beautiful beaches in the world, it's time to talk about some of them, to give you an idea of how the most popular beaches look like.

·         Anse Source d' Argent

One of the most photographed beaches in the world, for which the archetypal expression "heaven on earth"wascreated,Anse Source d' Argent is spectacular due to its enormous granite boulders, with unique shapes carved by wind and rain. Located near a reef ideal for snorkeling, and for holidays with small children due to the tranquil waters, this beach is simply splendid.

·         Anse Royale

A delightful location for snorkeling and swimming, with waters that come alive with thousands of multicolored fish, Anse Royale is split by granite boulders in numerous small gulfs. With a little bit of luck, you can choose your own gulf, overshadowed by palm trees and the Takamakatrees.

·         Anse Lazio

Listed by most tourists among the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles, everyone agrees that Anse Lazio is very close to a natural paradise, as it must have been in the beginning of time, when man had not yet discovered every corner of the earth.

Jane’s biggest passion is being able to travel. She is known among her friends for her thorough planning before a trip and this is probably the reason why she always has a great time on vacation and is always prepared for any type of situation.

Top UK Destinations worth Finding Out

The UK offers lots of places you would like to visit when you feel the spirit of adventure in your veins. Most of them are great sightseeing areas and others wonderful for families for that unique and great experience in the heart of the UK.  Depending on what you are looking for, the enjoyment destinations of the UK are always open. Lacking something for your family, a spousal vacation or a good place for the weekend getaway in England is almost impossible. There is always something for everyone.

Staward Gorge And Allen Banks

These include river scenery and hundreds of acres making a gorge and some of the wondrous Victorian wildernesses you will ever see great for walks. The landscapes come with sites full of unique scientific interest since it is a protected area as a result of the wildlife, ancient woodlands and rare plants in it. You will find so many way-marked walks spread out before you for miles including a summer house reconstructed in the Victorian way as well as medieval tower remains.

Arbeia Roman Museum And Fort

Arbeia was a Roman Fort housing the Roman garrisons guarding the Tyne entrance. As per the finds and excavations done on the site, the fort is a wonderful reconstruction that depicts the intense Roman way of life. The Romans made legions wherever they went or needed across their Empire and thus the garrison manning the fort were Iraqis with Arbeia being the Latin word for Arab. Looking at the calendar of the museum you can always enjoy a candlelight tour across the fort and museum especially for those who might want to know what the Saturnalia festival was to the Romans.

Arts Fest Birmingham

If you find yourself in the Midlands during the month of September, you will find the city of Birmingham the best place to spend a weekend enjoying top notch performances without paying a single dime. Film, theater and concerts are always on schedule at the different theaters and venues of the city. You will also come across robust street performance with some of the special events performed in some of the Birmingham’s neighborhoods. It is an event usually supported and organized by the City Council of Birmingham making information about the event hard to find except a few days or weeks of the event. You can persistently seek information as September draws close from the Arts Fest official site.

Beautiful Beaches

Most people never thought of the UK as a destination when it comes to the beach life especially if the Caribbean and African beaches are anything to go by. However, this should not surprise anyone as a result of the thousands of miles that dot the British Isles with every two hour journey taking you to a beach in Britain.

However, if you travel to major beaches across the world for sunburn and some warm swimming, the beaches around the UK are not for basking or swimming for hours due to their chilly nature. You might not find the famed tropical charm in the UK beaches but riveting drama you will in terms of wildlife watching, exploring, surfing and walking along beaches isolated from the rest of the world.

Michael is a travel blogger and loves to travel new places around the world. He occasionally uses postcode finder to get information on certain post codes and area information that he is not aware of.