‘Destinations’ Category

The Top Five Places To Explore This Summer

May 17th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

Looking forward to getting away for a few times this summer? You are not alone! From beach getaways, to cities, to great spots for camping, I’ve made a list of places I think you will enjoy.

1.)   Martha’s Vineyard, Ma.  This island off the coast of Cape Cod, Ma is one of my favorite places in the world, and a perfect beach getaway. There is a bit of something for everyone here. Fishing, great beaches, bike paths, sailing, fabulous restaurants along the harbor, and an a great nightlife. Pack your swimsuits, and straw hats and book your tickets to experience the vineyard now! Perfect for hen weekends or even as a family get away.

2.)   The Hamptons.  A group of villages and hamlets in the townships of Southamton and East Hampton, which from the South Fork of Long Island, New York. The Hamptons are the place to see and be seen in the summer, they have some of the most expensive residential properties in the U.S, not to mention some of the best parties! You know you’ve made it, when you’re spending your summers lounging in the Hamptons in your wide-brimmed hat on the beach sipping on a gin and tonic. You’ll want to bring your preppiest outfits for this trip.

3.)   Aspen, Colorado. I live here year round, and I can tell you that this isn’t just a ski town. Summer in Aspen is awesome. We have a ton of music festivals that take place on the mountain, Food & Wine magazine hosts food and wine in the month of June, and some of the best chefs in the country are here cooking & giving demonstrations. The river rafting and hiking is phenomenal, and the sun is always shining. If you’re into fly-fishing, we have some of the best rivers to fish on in the country.

4.)   Chicago, Il. The people are friendly, the food is great, and it’s one of the more affordable cities in the United States. I say, go for it. They’ve got the taste of Chicago going on in the summer, which usually takes place in July. There’s great bands playing at the taste, and tons of great food from local restaurants.  If you’ve never had a Chicago style hot dog, this is the event to try one at. What’s not to like about walking from booth to booth eating food in the sunshine listening to good music? While you’re there, check out the Field Museum & the Shed Aquarium.

5.)   Yosemite National Park. This is for all of your outdoorsy types out there.

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Hollywood Holidays- Luxury Destinations as Seen in the Movies

May 10th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

Here is my rundown of the most stunning luxury destinations featured on the big screen, and the films that helped to make them famous.

Gone With the Wind

Deep South America is well known for its class, sophistication and style. Atlanta, Georgia was made famous by Gone With the Wind, and the town is still characterised by opulent mansion houses, sugar plantations and gorgeous gardens. A tour of the Deep South takes you back to the gold age of the USA, when it was all about romance, manners and money.

Lord of the Rings

Okay, so Frodo wasn’t exactly on holiday, was he? I’m not suggesting you pack up your Jimmy Choos and head to Mordor, but New Zealand has some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. Luxury rail tours are a great way to experience the wild New Zealand countryside.

Image: Dem Romero

The Beach

Nobody wants to get attacked by a shark or join some suspicious bohemian cult whilst their on holiday (Except, of course, Leonardo di Caprio). But we do want paradise, white sandy beaches, palm trees and crystal clear ocean. The movie was set in Thailand, and the beach itself is Maya Bay on a small island off Thailand’s west coast, called Ko Phi Phi Leh. All of the Thai islands are equally as stunning, and you can visit this particular beach on day trips from larger Ko Phi Phi.

The World is not Enough

The fabulous ski sequences in this epic James Bond film were shot on the slopes of Chamonix. You too can ski like a heart throb sleuth with a visit to this cute French town and its world-class ski resorts. Exclusive villas and concierge services mean that you can live like a movie star while you’re there too.

Pirates of the Caribbean

You probably won’t be terribly surprised if I tell you that this film was shot…wait for it….in the Caribbean! But where, I hear you cry? Most of the scenes are shot on the island of Dominica, but Port Royal, where Elizabeth lives, is at the mouth of Kingston harbour, Jamaica. Lay out your towel on the beach, grab yourself a cocktail and wait for Jack Sparrow’s ship to near. Let’s face it, we wouldn’t mind being kidnapped by a pirate if he looked like Jonny Depp, would we ladies?

A Room With a View

Take yourself off to Florence for a fabulously romantic city break in the cultural capital of Europe. Live like Forster’s Lucy in this city of art and antique architecture.

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The Most Talked About Museums and Parks in US

May 10th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

You are a self – confessed information – hungry – buff. You have been reading history books for years now. And you have been reading general information magazines.  But you have to take one notch higher. Books and surfing the internet can be fun. However, it is more fun if you visit museums and other areas that showcase interesting facts about US. Not only that you will learn the past, you can see and you can feel a piece of it. What’s more exciting than that?

If you don’t know where to find the best parks and museums, I’ll give you my personal choices. These galleries keep my interest because of the heritage that they are carrying.

In California.

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park. If you want to know that life of the Pomo, you should try going into the Anderson Marsh Park. They preserve their culture and you can even try their hiking sites. I mean, you should go here for a change. And just so you know, there are sites in the park that are more than 10,000 years old. Can you just imagine how these people take care of their surroundings? I’m sure that you will be inspired by their simple way of living.

California  Museum for History, Women and the Arts. This museum is situated in a 20,000 square feet building in Sacramento. In that vast area, you can do exhibits, lectures, receptions and events. Just by looking at the name of the museum, you’ll know that it is mostly dedicated for great women of yesterday and today. If you are a feminist, there is no way you should miss their great exhibits.

 

In Florida.

American Victory Ship and Museum. Would you like to feel the vibes of being an old school navy? This is the place to be. It is actually 1 of the 4 WWII ships that are still operational. Many believe that it is a true American icon. From here, you will see interesting artifacts such as medals, uniforms and even documents.  

Black Heritage Museum. What I like about the Black Heritage Museum is that it promotes racial harmony. There’s no room for superiority complex. Everyone is treated equal. If you still have that racial thinking, you better go here. That way, your mind will be open that color isn’t the basis of one’s character.

In New York.

African American Museum of Nassau County. If you are an art buff, this might be a great place to relax. I’m sure that the works of African American artists would starve your eyes for more.

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Five Things To See In Mumbai

May 10th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

Your India itinerary might as well start with a flight to Mumbai, followed by a train trip with the locals to fly out from, say, Delhi or Kathmandu, depending how much time you have to spend in this amazing and inspiring country.

Bollywood

Mumbai, previously known as Bombay (mainly due to the British colonials’ lack of pronunciation skills) is the most densely populated city in India, and the country’s commercial and entertainment hub. Yes, this is where you go on pilgrimage to Bollywood cinema, the largest and most prolific film industry in the world, churning out around 200 epic (in many senses of the word) movies per year! If you have enough stamina and a strong bladder, go see one of the current blockbusters at the lush art deco Eros Theatre. True genre devotees will want to go on a special tour of Film City in Goregaon, out in the city’s western suburbs.

Truly a city of contrasts, where the richest mingle with the poorest on streets overcome with traffic which would have Westerners break into road rage in droves, Mumbai is colourful chaos embodied. It has to be experienced to be believed, much like an intense joyride with its ups and downs – in close sequence.

Architecture

For British Raj aficionados, this sprawling metropolis features splatterings of colonial architecture all over the place, including the iconic Gateway of India, the CST Railway Station building, and Elphinstone College, to name a few. To see the real India however, head to Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, a massive open air laundry, where the city’s washing is done the old-fashioned way – by hand.  A confronting and humbling experience for sure, but then again there is plenty of those to be had in India.

Temples and Mosques

There a number of interesting temples and mosques to visit in Mumbai as well. One of them, the 15th century Haji Ali tomb, is exotically located in the coastal waters and accessible only during low tide via a longish narrow walkway, frequented by many pilgrims looking for a blessing.

Street Bazaars

No visit to Mumbai will be complete without diving into the full-on whirlwind of street bazaars, where you can get, well, anything really. Try the touristy Colaba Causeway for bargains, Chor Bazaar in the Muslim section of the city, or a traditional indoor fruit and veg Crawford Market to shop with the locals.

National Parks and Scenery

If you need a rest from the never ending hustle and bustle of Mumbai streets, head to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, where you can quite literally hide in a cave. Well, you might have to shove some yogis aside (just kidding)!

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The Top 5 European City Break Destinations

May 8th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

So you have decided to take a short break and you’re looking for some suggestions on where the best place is to take a City break in Europe. The good news is there’s many more than one; in fact Europe is littered with fantastic Cities in which to while away your time. As a seasoned traveller, it is my pleasure to introduce you to my top five short break Cities in Europe, all of which I have visited myself on a number of occasions. If you haven’t been to Europe before then you are in for a real treat!

1.  Barcelona:
Oh how I love this place. It’s easy to get to from all international and small airports and can be done on a shoestring or extravagantly. The City is a shrine to architecture and I spent most of my first visit here walking around looking up. Every building has a uniqueness that is rarely seen in any other metropolitan City. Barcelona is most proud of its son Gaudi, who has left a lasting impression in this wonderful part of Catalunya, and his Sagrada Familia is a must see. For foodies, you can book a bed & breakfast via Wimdu and have a real treat.

2.  Koln (Cologne):
A feast for the eyes in the wintertime or the summer, Koln has so much to offer lovers of history, shopping and sport. (Now that’s some combination). My favourite time to visit is in December, when the Christmas atmosphere is at full swing and the world renowned Christmas markets will enchant you.

3.  Budapest:
An age old City that has been given a new lease of life since its entrance into the EU. The city is split in two by the Danube River, Buda on one side and Pest on the other. The last time I visited was in January, where the river was almost totally frozen, a sight to behold and still makes me gasp when I think of it. Fishermen stood on floating rafts of ice in the freezing cold while they caught what could only have been the freshest fish in the world!

4.  London:
My home (so I am slightly biased). There’s not enough words here to describe how many things there are to see and do in this amazing City. The bustling streets host a fantastic cultural mix, restaurants of every cuisine and markets that will have you smiling for the day. You can’t leave without catching a show in the Westend and doing a night tour on one of the big red open-topped buses.

5.

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The Best Design Cities In Europe To Visit In 2012

April 20th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

Designers and architects are constantly coming up with new and exciting ways to amaze people on the street. Buildings are taller, wider and more extravagant than ever and this can be seen all over Europe. Some cities are at the forefront of European design and they are worth a visit based on this alone.

One of the cities that have made the biggest transformation in the shortest amount of time is Berlin. When the Berlin wall fell it ignited a flame in Berlin, a flame driven by forward-thinking architects and designers; a flame that changed the face of a city in 20 years, a flame that changed some of the darkest places in the world to some of the most beautiful.

The city is now full of exciting pieces of art and buildings. The German Reichstag is a prime example. A building with a dark history was transformed to a building of outstanding beauty, with a massive glass bowl on the top to show the world that Germany is now transparent and bright country. This combined with the futuristic Sony Centre and the remodeling of Berlin Railway station are the three main pillars of German design and ingenuity.

When you travel to Barcelona, Spain, you will instantly be struck by the outstanding beauty in almost every single structure. The city is now at the forefront of European architecture with some of the most exciting buildings in the entire world. The people of Barcelona have been able to incorporate the traditional architecture with new and modern influences to create some astounding structures.

The Fish, an artwork by Frank Gehry, is an iconic building that really defines Barcelona as a place of outstanding design and architecture. This along with the Mare Nostrum Towers and the Agbar Tower makes up the foundation for any great design trip to Barcelona.

London has been seen as a very traditional and old city for many years. Tourists have travelled to the city to see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. But along with the changing approach to design in the city, the city has started to change as well. The British Museum is a perfect blend of old and beautiful along with new and exciting. Old Victorian buildings with massive stone pillars are combined with huge glass domes and a weave of steel frames.

The Gherkin was one of the buildings that lit the spark that started to change the face of London. This massive structure, made mostly from glass, rises several hundred feet in the air and dominates the skyline.

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Whitewater Rafting in the Tasmanian Wilderness

April 20th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

One way to access an otherwise inaccessible wilderness is to take a raft. Travelers with a serious taste for adventure, a passionate love of the great outdoors and a sensitivity for the environment have found whitewater rafting on the Franklin River in Tasmania the perfect way to get everything they are looking for and more.

Although not dangerous or life threatening if undertaken with an experienced guide, a rafting tour of the Franklin is not an excursion for weekend warriors. For one thing, the excursion takes around 10 days to complete if you travel the full length of the river. For another, Tasmania’s climate is cold and sometimes harsh. You won’t be stopping your raft on the shores fronting a resort every afternoon: you’ll be camping out in one of the world’s great wilderness areas.

Are you still interested? Here are some of the things you can expect to encounter when you go whitewater rafting on the Franklin River:

  • An easy start will take you down the Derwent River to the confluence of the Derwent and Franklin Rivers
  • A stunning first day on the Franklin River as you traverse Aesthesia Gorge, the first of many.
  • A climb to the top of Frenchman’s Cap to an elevation of nearly 5000 feet.
  • Some serious rapids, combined with tranquil paddles surrounded by stunning wilderness.
  • The breathtaking Great Ravine.
  • Some portaging when necessary before tackling the infamous Cauldron.
  • Adventures through thick rainforests and explorations of limestone caves.
  • Finally, you will meet the Gordon River and enjoy a leisurely drift to your final destination.

Several experienced whitewater rafting companies offer excursions like the one outlined above. As exciting as it sounds, words can’t do such an adventure justice, though. Should you decide you want to go on one of these adventures, you’ll need to come prepared. A 0 degree Celsius rated sleeping bag is recommended, plus thermal underwear and warm socks. Footwear should be rugged enough to handle the areas where you’ll be portaging and you may even want to bring along a wet suit or dry suit for some of the rapids. Other than that, you will need to travel light.

Franklin River whitewater rafting excursions are eco-friendly. What you take in with you, you will also take out. No waste will be left to tarnish the pristine wilderness you pass through. Also, don’t expect to even find a comfortable tent site, much less any amenities. On many nights you will be sleeping in densely wooded areas where erecting a tent is not an option. Tour operators recommend skipping the tent altogether and bringing just a tarpaulin to lay your sleeping bag on top of.

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Holidays in India 2012: Destinations to Visit for Indian Holidays

April 20th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

Need to know where to spend the holidays in India. The diverse country of India is home to a number of tourist destinations that are sure to make your holidays a memorable and fun filled one.  To start planning on where to celebrate your holidays in India for 2012, here are some of the great places that you can visit.

Corbett National Park – Gandhi Jayanti Holiday

Corbett National Park is considered as the first and the finest national park in all of India. The national park is located at the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttranchal, India.

The Corbett National Park is home for a variety of animals but is well known for its tigers, leopards and elephants. The national park was once considered a favorite hunting ground by the British people. It is named after Jim Corbett, a renowned hunter – turned conservationist. The Corbett National Park is a great place to enjoy the Gandhi Jayanti holiday for those who appreciate the beautiful wonders of nature.

Dal Lake – Independence Day

Pristine waters and magnificent view, these are but two of the best ways to describe the Dal Lake. Considered as one of the most beautiful lakes in India, the Dal Lake is bordered by mountains. Beautifully crafted and uniquely decorated houseboats are used to explore this top destination for the Independence Day holiday in India for 2012.

The Himalayan National Park – Republic Day

The Himalayan National Park is home for 30 species of mammals and about 200 species of Birds. The magnificent park is a favorite destination for the Republic Day holiday and perfect for those who want to explore the wild and for those who are seeking adventure. The Himalayan National Park is also frequented by mountain climbers and adventure seekers.

The Taj Mahal

Considered as one of the best architectural wonder in India, the Taj Mahal is a testament of the never ending love of Shah Jahan to Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a huge complex of gardens and beautifully designed structures centered by a large temple.

This top destination is always a great place to spend any Indian holidays and obviously a great place for those who appreciate the wonders of architecture.

City Palace

Considered as the largest palace in Rajasthan, the City Palace is an architectural marvel built in the city of lakes and romance. The palace is built overlooking the beautiful view of Pichola Lake. Like the Taj Mahal, it is a perfect place to enjoy any Indian holiday.

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Top 5 Outdoor Sports Weekend Destinations

April 20th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

There is nothing like travelling in the great outdoors to refresh the mind, body, and spirit.  Whether it be hiking, climbing, or walking on new trails, taking time to be outside can be great.  I know amidst the hustle and bustle of busy lives, taking a weekend to just get outside and play can be a wonderful refresher and I truly believe that the UK provides some of the best outdoors sports weekend locations in the whole world.  Below are just five of mine and my family’s favourite locations for an outdoors weekend in the UK.

Grendon Lakes

At the top of my list when it comes to the best UK outdoor destinations is Grendon Lakes.  The one-hundred and fifty acres of this park has something for everyone.  Whether it is hunting or fishing or even paintballing, there is so much to do to keep your activity level up and your family busy.  Located in Northamptonshire, the options are literally endless at this site.  You can take advantage of all of the amenities of modern life at the clubhouse or camp in the peaceful area between the twelve lakes situated on the property.  Endless possibilities make this site one of my favorite destinations in the UK.

Brenscombe Outdoor Centre

Brenscombe Outdoor Centre in Dorset is another location that makes for a great stop.  Travelling here for business and corporate weekend getaways, I was amazed at everything they had available to participate in.  Climbing, high ropes courses, and kayaking are all options to participate in as well as powerboat courses.  If you are looking for a family getaway or business adventure, try this great outdoor location and you may just find yourself as pleased as I was.

Argyll

Argyll, Scotland is another great location to travel to, especially for the avid kayaker.  Seafreedom Kayak is the place to go for those who want to spend their weekend out on the water.  Kayaking is available, with all the supplies, and the trip can be taken all year round.  Kayaking on the waters during a cold winter day is an experience that all should have!

Llandovery

Llandovery is home to another family favourite of mine: Llanerchindda Farm.  This family business is located on fifty acres of beautiful land.  The food is fantastic here with traditional Welsh cuisine offered throughout the day and a three course dinner offered every night!  These homemade meals are a great ending to a day filled with clay pigeon shooting, photography, fly fishing, and more, it is a highly recommended spot for all outdoors fanatics.

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South Lake Tahoe: A Vacation Spot for Any Season

April 20th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

There are many beautiful places in California, but few as delightful as Lake Tahoe. It is one of those special spots that nourish my soul. It’s hard not to be awed by the clear water reflecting mountains covered with spiky pines.

For a vacation, South Lake Tahoe is a paradise. There are quaint shops where you can pick up souvenirs of your trip and a great miniature golf and amusement area for the children. Although known more for it’s spectacular ski slopes, Tahoe is equally desirable for a summer getaway. There are all the wonderful warm weather activities you find in a great vacation spot – hiking, boating, water skiing, swimming or just lazy days on the sandy beaches to fill your hours. You can take a leisurely cruise around the lake on the big, white paddleboat or watch the wild geese waddle around the fringes of the lake.

By cmiked

If your taste runs to the excitement of the casinos, just cross the street at the state line in the middle of town. Unlike the bright lights and glitz of Las Vegas, these casinos blend tastefully with the surroundings.

Be sure to take a short drive along either the California or Nevada side of the lake. That gets you away from the tourist area, and the scenery is spectacular. Even in June the highest mountains were crowned with snow.

There is a wide selection of motels in the area. I stayed in a condo at the beautiful Lakeland Village Beach and Ski Resort. Although moderately expensive, it was well worth the price with 19 wooded acres, two outdoor pools, a children’s pool, laundry facilities, tennis courts and a private beach. The view was splendid, and I loved the pine tree growing through the front porch. It pleases me to see construction that takes the surrounding environment into consideration.

By absurd_hero

A caution here, the condos are not a very good idea if you have small children along. I spent entirely too much time trying to protect my 2-year-old daughter from the stairs. The stairs were also a challenge for me. If you have problems walking or climbing stairs, I would recommend that at Lakeland Village, you consider requesting a room in the lodge rather than one of the three story condos. But for families with older children or teens, you can’t beat Lakeland Village. The condos have fully equipped kitchens with everything you might need, including dishes, cooking utensils, microwave, full-size refrigerators, full-size coffee makers and dishwashers. These condos are often owned by individuals and used by the Village for vacation rentals.

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