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Things to Do in Brighton
Posted by worldtravelerThere is something for everyone in the city of Brighton. Arts and entertainment are buzzing across the city from dusk until dawn. See comedy and cabaret at the Komedia, or top bands at the Brighton Centre, enjoy world music, opera and ballet at the Brighton Dome and west end shows at the Theatre Royal. The choice of entertainment in Brighton and Hove is endless!
The city also has some of the best clubs on the south-coast as well as a fantastic live music scene - a must for any socialite.
For the more wholesome visitor there’s nothing quite like a bracing walk along the prom or a stroll out to sea on the Brighton Pier to clear heads and revive appetites! On a wild and wintry day, it’s an exhilarating experience. However if you’d rather ride, take the Volk’s Electric Railway, England’s oldest, along Madeira Drive to Brighton Marina, admiring the fine Regency terraces as you go.
Experience all the thrills of traditional and modern rides on Brighton’s famous pier - there’s a wonderful atmosphere at dusk when the sun goes down and the lights come on, great for families and people watching!
Eating out in Brighton
Eating out in Brighton and Hove is second to none. With a fantastic range of restaurants, pubs and bars, eating out in Brighton is pure gastro heaven, whatever your tastes - or budget. Consistently topping awards at the Observer Food Awards, whether you’re looking for award winning cuisine, veggie treats, a tasty beachfront brunch or delicious cheap eats, eating out in Brighton is a culture in itself.
Places to visit in Brighton
Brighton is simply bursting with attractions. Experience the heritage of the Royal Pavilion and Preston Manor, indulge in the seaside fun of Brighton Pier, Brighton Marina and the Sea Life Centre or get cultural with Brighton & Hove Museums. A unique mix of heritage, culture and cosmopolitan fun, Brighton and Hove attractions cater for everyone.
For something more sedate try a boat trip or check out some of the stunning Brighton and Hove countryside sitting on Brighton’s doorstep. With a backdrop of the Sussex Downs and traditional English countryside, Brighton and Hove is also a great base for exploring the region. Read the rest of this entry »
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Museum at Cartagena is a Visitors Delight
Posted by worldtravelerFor travelers who like a bit of culture on vacation, a Spanish holiday in Cartagena is worth considering. This port city in the province of Murcia is an eclectic mix of old and new. Evidence of its Carthaginian roots can be seen in some of its architecture, though its rule has long since passed.
In fact, the city has changed hands several times over the last few millenniums. As its name implies, it was founded by the Carthaginians. Specifically, it was General Hasdrubal the Fair who named the port “Qart Hadast,” or “New City.” He was lauded for his skill in obtaining the port in 230 B.C. However, Hasdrubal and the Carthaginians didn’t hold it for long. By 209 B.C. it had fallen into Roman control. Since then, it has been influenced by other cultures. Today Cartagena’s mix of cultural heritage makes it an attractive place for a Spanish holiday.
One noteworthy fact that visitors will not be able to miss: Cartagena is still surrounded by walls. It is a telltale sign that Cartagena was an important city. It is still home to a large naval station today. Forts stand throughout the city as a testimony to its place in Spanish history. Visitors who want to learn more about its naval heritage can visit the Museo Naval de Cartagena (Naval Museum). Though it’s housed in a modern building, its contents speak of eras past. Visitors will find a complete history of the navy’s activities in this port. Of special significance to locals is the room devoted to the life and career of Cartagena native Isaac Peral. A scientist and sailor, Peral invented the first submarine, which was launched in 1888. Peral’s contributions to the history of the navy are noted even outside the museum. A number of streets and other sites were named after Peral. Read the rest of this entry »
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Israel’s Ein Gedi National Park
Posted by worldtravelerIt’s a common knowledge that Israel plays a major role in both religion and history. For religion, it’s a fact that the founder of Christianism Jesus Christ was born in Nazareth in Israel. In the historical sense, Israel was the land of the Jews and they fought for it to the extent of engaging in war to protect it. It is also considered the “Holy Land” due to it’s strong emphasis in the bible. Despite it’s religious significance, Israel is abundant in flora and fauna that tourists around the world can marvel.
One of which is Ein Gedi National Park located in the caves of Qumran, near the Judean Desert and Dead Sea valley. Literally means Kid (young goat) Spring, this oasis is the biggest and most important as it supplies water in some parts of Israel. There you can find two rivers streams, the Nachal David and Nachal Arugot that is overflowing throughout the year. Together with other springs such as Shulamit and Ein Gedi, they can produce as much as three million cubic meters of water per year enough to supply a city all year round. Read the rest of this entry »
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Red Fort - Mughal Magnificience
Posted by worldtravelerDelhi, the ruling city of India ever since the Mogul era and the British Raj, has not lost its historical charm despite extreme urbanization and modernization in the city’s infrastructure. Amidst the malls, multiplexes and plush cultural centers are fragments of the city’s incredible past which have witnessed each moment that history books so passively speak of. The historical monuments still bear testimony to the rich and intriguing history of the country. The Red-Fort is one such fascinating example of the Mogul architecture which attracts the most tourists from India and abroad. The magnificent fort stands in Old Delhi and is surrounded by markets and alleys that exude incomparable old-world charm which leaves any visitor longing for more.
True to its name, the Red Fort was built of red bricks by Emperor Shahajahan (of the Taj Mahal fame) over a period of ten long years in the seventeenth century. Situated on the banks of the auspicious river Yamuna, the Fort spans an area of 2 kilometers and could qualify as a small city in itself. It is said that in times of glory, about 5000 people resided within the fort including the members of the royal family. A detailed survey of this majestic monument deserves a whole day in the vacation plan of any tourist visiting Delhi. Read the rest of this entry »
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World Travel News Gay and Lesbian Travel
Posted by worldtravelerOut and proud and looking for a fantastic travel experience? Every couple wants the opportunity to relax, have fun, and be themselves while on vacation, so we’ve compiled a list of some great gay-friendly vacation ideas, from exciting gay and lesbian events like Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney, to laid-back, rainbow proud cities like Key West and Provincetown where couples can walk hand in hand along the beach, or enjoy a romantic evening over a candle light dinner in a carefree and accepting atmosphere.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
This year, Sydney’s annual fun fest is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary — if you’ve never been to this dizzyingly delightful event, this is the year to get inaugurated! From cabaret to comedy, dance parties to discussion groups, film festivals to fabulous fashion, Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the world’s most joyous and memorable events. Big performers this year include comedian extraordinare, Marget Cho, and pop legend Cyndi Lauper. Celebrations actually get under way in February, with a full month of cultural, social, and musical events, all leading up to the preeminent Mardi Gras parade and party on March 1. Whether you choose to march in the parade, or watch from the sidelines, your sense of pride will skyrocket as thousands of gay and gay-friendly folks gather to celebrate this year’s theme, “Brave New Worlds.” The after-party promises an electrified night of performances by some of the world’s most cutting-edge DJ’s mixing beats inside kaleidescopic light shows. Let the dancing begin!
Tickets and passes for individual events, as well as the main parade and party are going fast, so if you want to be part of one of the greatest gay and lesbian celebrations in the world, start booking as soon as you can. For a list of great hotels to choose from in Sydney, check out Sydney Hotels.
Key West, Florida
In Key West, where the average temperature is just under 80 degrees, gay and lesbian couples will find a fabulous variety of fun in the sun activities. One of the United States’ most gay-friendly cities, Key West is an island paradise where the official motto is “One Human Family.” Any time of year, travelers can enjoy tanning on the beautiful beaches, diving and snorkeling in crystalline waters, biking through the historic district of Old Town Key West, experiencing the vibrant nightlife of Duval Street, stopping to smell the roses at Key West Botanical Forest and Garden, and so much more. Key West is also host to some exciting annual events, such as Gay Spring Break in March, Pridefest in June, and Womenfest in September. Key West’s GLBT Visitor’s Center is a fantastic resource for gay and lesbian travelers, offering information on activities, special coupons, and discount offers. Read the rest of this entry »
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World Travel News Hawaii Vacations
Posted by worldtravelerSeeing as how our theme here at RealTravel this week is couple’s travel, I felt we would be remiss if we didn’t mention that one place, which quite possibly inspires more thoughts of relaxation and romance than anywhere else in the United States. I am, of course, talking about Hawaii. For couples around the world, a visit to this tiny archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean has long been the stuff of wistful dreams and fond memories, whether for vacations, honeymoons, anniversaries, or a simple romantic getaway.
Comprised of eight main islands, there really is something for every couple to experience in the Aloha State, from the ruggedness of camping to the ease of resort life. Regardless of your traveling preferences, however, one thing is absolutely certain: it will be beautiful and it will be memorable. Brightly colored exotic flowers, lush green ferns, sandy beaches in white, black and even green, and warm, blue waters are just the beginning. Of the state’s eight main islands, each has their own character, charm and attractions that make each a unique destination in and of themselves, but the three most visited are Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii (also known as the Big Island).
Oahu
Known as the Gathering Isle, Oahu contains the thriving metropolis of Honolulu, home to a vast majority of the state’s population. The third largest island in the chain, it is also by far the most popular destination for travelers, who flock to visit the famous, and often extremely crowded, Waikiki neighborhood. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of this more popular tourist hangout, try taking a trip to Oahu’s North Shore, which has some of the best places to surf in the world. Other attractions on the island include Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Read the rest of this entry »
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Traveling in Retirement
Posted by worldtravelerTraveling the world isn’t just reserved for young college kids, and this truth is no better demonstrated than by our many Realtravelers who have used their retirement years to take trips to every corner of the world.
The Surrey Skiers are one good example: a retired police officer and retired nurse, they created the acronym for their title “Skiers,” otherwise known as “Spending the kids’ inheritance.” Their travel style is as bold as their name, taking them through Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and more.
In their blog, they share tips for tips for other travelers about Beijing, Hong Kong, or Shanghai Hotels, or on attractions like the following: Read the rest of this entry »
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Romantic Getaways Monterey Getaways
Posted by worldtravelerMonterey, California, is a spectacular beach destination in Northern California. It can be a great weekend or day trip from San Francisco. There you can visit one of the largest aquariums, Monterey Bay Aquarium. This aquarium has all sorts of animals to see and interact with, from penguins, to sharks, to a huge kelp forest. After the aquarium you can enjoy the town of Monterey. Read the rest of this entry »
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Historical Sites in Peru
Posted by worldtravelerTasty pachamancas, alpaca ponchos and flashy folk dances are not the only lingering reminders of Peru’s fascinating past. The country also boasts a number of spectacular ruins that are sure to blow any history buff’s mind and dazzle every visitor passing through. The presence of the Incan culture can be seen all around its different regions, ranging from Machu Picchu in the Andean cloud forest to the ancient city of Caral near the central coast.
Machu Picchu is probably the most famous symbol of the Incan Empire and was built in the mid 15th century. Due to its secluded location it was forgotten for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham. RealTravlers Cass and Worth traveled to this marvel last February and were mesmerized by its beauty.
“With eyes still at half-mast we boarded the bus to see the sun rise behind a thick fog. For the first 30 or so minutes in the ruins, we had no idea which way to look through the fog. However, as the mist slowly parted, the timid rationing of the ruin’s appearance made its final unveiling all the more impressive. A deserving member of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is not only a marvel of architectural greatness, but also an example of a deep admiration for the natural world. The stunning temples, citadels and terracing act only to deepen the beauty of the surrounding piercing peaks.” Read the rest of this entry »