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Guadalajara: The Essence of Mexico

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Known as “the Pearl of the Occidente” for its great beauty, Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco and one of Mexico’s largest, busiest and most interesting cities, offering visitors almost everything they could want in a trip to Mexico.

In many ways, Guadalajara is an iconic Mexican city; it’s historic, vibrant, and alive with music, festivities and colorful local charm. It’s also known for being the birthplace of both the Mexican Hat Dance, Mariachi music and tequila.

However, Guadalajara is also a complex city that draws visitors of every kind, from those looking to escape and have some fun, to those who want to experience Mexican art, architecture and history in a whole new way.

Guadalajara’s picturesque cityscape features graceful tree-lined streets, charming old neighborhoods, tranquil green parks and stunning historic buildings. The weather is pleasant year-round, with an average yearly temperature of just 67 degrees. The locals are friendly, warm and welcoming, and, while it’s always prudent to take extra safety precautions anywhere you visit, Guadalajara is generally considered a safe city to visit.

Guadalajara is a busy, bustling metropolis that’s full of life and color. Seven million people call the city home, and thousands of people visit it each year. Guadalajara serves as an economic powerhouse, not just in Mexico, but in the Americas overall. Known as the Silicon Valley of Mexico, the city has a foothold on the high electronics industries, and is home to such companies as IBM, Dell and Solectron.

Guadalajara also has a thriving tourist industry, and for good reason; there is much to see and do, and there are numerous hotels, restaurants and pubs to choose from. Whether travelers are looking for a quiet and relaxing spa getaway, or they want to be at the heart of all the action, they are spoiled for choice when it comes to lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment options.

Named “Cultural Capital of the Americas” in 2005, Guadalajara is a forward-thinking city that has made a name for itself as a cultural hub. It hosts the world’s second largest book fair, as well as Latin America’s most prestigious film and visual arts festivals. Guadalajara has produced many prominent artists, musicians and writers, and in recent years, the city has increasingly drawn in contemporary artists, musicians, fashion designers, architects and intellectuals from around the world.

Things to Do and See

Churches and Temples

Guadalajara boasts a number of exquisitely beautiful and historic places of worship. Some must-sees include:

Templo Expiatorio: This stunning temple is designed entirely in Baroque style, and features a Gothic, Old World appeal and an amazing attention to detail. One of the design highlights is the procession of Jesus and his disciples that comes out of the clock on the hour.

Catedral: The impressive façade of this cathedral is an iconic part of Guadalajara’s architectural landscape. With its dramatic spires, majestic vaulted ceilings and intricately detailed décor, this landmark is truly worth a visit. The Catedral’s surrounding plazas are laid out in the shape of a Celtic cross, and feature a delightful assortment of shops, cafes and restaurants.

Basilica de Zapopan: Built in the 1690s, the Colonial-style Basilica de Zapopan is one of Guadalajara’s oldest structures. This church is smaller and more low-key than others in the area, but it is beautifully ornate, and is across the street from restaurants, shops and pubs.

Cultural Attractions

Ruins of Teuchitlan: While far smaller than the dramatic ruins of Machu Picchu or Tulum, the Ruins of Teuchitlan are still a delight to explore. The grass-covered pyramids are a must-see. Learning the history and significance of the ruins should make any history buff happy.

Centro Cultural: A stellar example of Colonial architecture, the Centro Cultural is as beautiful as it is informative. The perfect place for a leisurely stroll, the Centro is an extensive complex featuring plazas, fountains, and historic buildings.

Museums and Galleries

Instituto Cultural Cabanas: Originally an early 19th-century orphanage, the Instituto Cultural Cabanas is a one-of-a-kind gallery in which the building is as intriguing as the artwork. This is the home of the famed Orozco murals, which are well worth seeing, and the Instituto’s courtyards also serve as a display for traveling art exhibits.

The Magic Top: This delightful children’s museum provides captivating interactive exhibits for children of all ages and interests.

Museo Regional de Guadalajara: Built in the 1600s in Spanish Colonial style, this small, yet intriguing museum once served as a house and a military command center. Today, it houses fascinating regional historical relics that date back to prehistoric times. The bottom floor is dedicated to the pre-Hispanic era, and the top floor is dedicated to exploring the history of Colonial Guadalajara.

Museo de las Artes: This well-maintained museum is built from brick in a neo-Classical style, and stands as a work of art in and of itself. The museum houses artwork from around Mexico, and features both permanent and temporary exhibits.

Bosque Colomos: Located right in the heart of the city, Bosque Colomos is the ideal family park, featuring green, shady spots for picnics, picturesque ponds, and playgrounds. Take a leisurely walk, or rent a horse for a very affordable rate.

Parque Mirador Independencia: This stunning park offers a respite from city life, with benches and cool shady spots perfectly positioned for incredible views of the Barranca de Oblatos Canyon.

Forest of the Spring: Just 45 minutes out of the city, this beautiful park offers unimpeded views of the woods and the mountains, as well as opportunities for hiking, biking and horseback riding through the woods.

Last Minute Car Rental in Kenya

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Last-minute car rental trips have been more popular than ever and we’re going to rely on them more than ever in the upcoming months. Just like any other form of travel, they come with many ups and downs, and here are a couple of reasons why you should give them a try.

The Benefits of Last Minute Travel with a car rental

Although this might stress some people out, I think there are a lot of benefits to rent a car for self drive in Kenya;

Time-Saver

Planning your travels can be fun, but it’s also time-consuming. You’ll spend hours looking for cheap accommodation and transportation, reading reviews, and looking for the right option. When you’re planning your trip last-minute, you won’t end up wasting so much time second-guessing your choices.

Planning a vacation, or any kind of travel, can be very time consuming. If you don’t have much time, you can’t spend as much time planning.

You are forced to make quicker decisions and spend less time second guessing yourself. This is perfect for someone like me who often finds them self in analysis paralysis, and completely unable to make a decision. Especially with booking a place to stay, I could spend weeks (or more) going back and forth without actually making a decision.

Cheap Options

Most people book their trips in advance to save money, but it’s also possible to find many affordable last-minute offers. Hotels and tour agencies tend to dock their prices once it becomes clear they won’t be able to sell out and you’ll end up saving money on flexibility fees. 

Spontaneous Adventures

Planning your travels for months in advance is almost impossible at this point in time. Once you feel it’s safe to travel, you have to use that moment to your advantage and embark on a spontaneous adventure as soon as possible, preferably close to home.

It is Exciting deciding to go somewhere at the last minute and just doing it is exciting. It feels spontaneous. It feels liberating. It feels like you are young and carefree, even if that completely isn’t the case and I guarantee you will feel the excitement and thrill of a last minute trip.

You are living in the Moment

So many people talk about how fun it is to look forward to a trip. And how they can’t wait until their departure because it is going to be so amazing. But if you are constantly looking toward that next trip or another shiny object in the future, you can’t really live in the moment. I prefer to enjoy what I am doing today, and really live in the present moment.

Everything is fresh in your mind

This is my number one reason why I like to plan things at the last minute.

I tend to read as much as possible about a place before we go, so I know exactly what I want to see and do. If your memory isn’t stellar, it is so easy to forget all of the great things you read while you were planning your trip. If you are planning at the last minute, these things will still be fresh in your mind.

You save money

While this one isn’t a guarantee, and you have to be pretty flexible, there is a good chance that you could save a lot of money by booking last minute travel deals.

Hotels often have last minute deals if they are trying to sell any remaining rooms. And since you are booking so close to your departure date, you can avoid paying extra for the flexible rate that allows cancellations or changes.

And while I have never personally done a package deal, there are often some pretty amazing discounts on last minute vacation packages.

Potential for the Best Price Possible

Although planning in advance delivers the comfort in knowing everything from your airplane seat to the hotel room’s view exactly the way you want it, last-minute travel can mean cashing in on some great deals. It’s not always a guarantee, but if you’re flexible in your flight times and hotel stays, you’ll have a good chance to see savings.

Liberty Travel works along with our partners to secure last-minute vacation offers. And when you book through our services, you won’t have to spend hours researching resorts with availability or hunting down the best possible airfare. Our expert consultants will handle everything, so you can just relish in the excitement and exhilaration of escaping on a last-minute vacation.

Last-Minute Car Rental FAQs

Can I rent a car last minute?

Yes, Kenya car rental offers last-minute car rentals and travel deals, depending on availability. You can call our customer service representatives at the location you plan to rent a car, or show up during business hours and see what’s available.

Can you get a rental car same day?

Yes, you can get a rental car the same day as making a reservation. However, there may not be any rental cars available, or the vehicle selection may be limited. Fill out the form above to see the current rates and availability for same-day car rentals and for the best last-minute travel deals.

Tip: To get a last-minute car rental the same day as making a reservation, you do need to set your pickup time at least one hour ahead of the current time.

Is it cheaper to rent a car last minute? 

Sometimes it can be cheaper to reserve a last-minute car rental, but you are always taking the chance that there won’t be any rentals available. Rental prices also fluctuate and can be influenced by the day of the week, holidays, and availability. If getting the best deal is your goal, you don’t need to wait until the last minute. When you book ahead and choose “Pay Now” you get a discount on your rental rate.

What is the best day to book a car rental? 

When it comes to freedom and low rental rates, any day is the best day to book a car rental with Kenya car rental. Plan a last-minute trip or grab a rental after an unexpected car malfunction. Rates vary from day to day, and Kenya car rental team members are always ready to help you find travel deals today.

 Conclusion

Enjoy our last-minute specials and upgrade anytime. Almost every trip we take is booked at the very last minute. I usually have a rough idea of where I want to go and when. Especially if it is a weekend trip, those are usually planned a day or two before we leave, it helps tourists to book a car at the last moment.

How to Rent a Car for Self Drive in Kenya

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Traveling privately is nowadays the safest and most comfortable way to explore Kenya, regardless of whether you love self-drive or require hiring a car with a driver to get around there is no rejecting that renting a vehicle is the best time and money-saving alternative.

Kenya is among the best safari destinations on the African continent blessed with an abundance of attractions that have made it an exceptionally famous tourist center visited by a huge number of tourists from different parts of the world every year.

Moving around Nairobi or any other destination in the country can be very hectic particularly in case it’s your first time and that is the place where Car Rental Companies come in, There are several car rental agencies all around the country each offering different vehicles at different costs ready to help you by offering you self-drive trips. Kenya car rental offers GPS at an extra cost.

In the event that you planning to explore Kenya for safari, vacation, business, or leisure and you need to hire a vehicle to move around.

Below are the steps to follow to rent a vehicle in Kenya conveniently with less stress

Check Online

Since everything was put online, now it’s easy to hire a vehicle in Kenya for any purpose. You just need to go and search on the internet and search for keywords like  Kenya car rental or even you can try to specify the type of car you want like ‘hire a Toyota Rav4 in Kenya’, or Land Cruiser Prado for hire in Kenya.

Then you will have to choose from the variety of rental companies that will come and you compare the prices before you book the car. For best services, it’s recommended to at least look for reputable rental agencies with good reviews from past clients.

A comprehensive selection of vehicles

First things first – a good car rental company should certainly offer a comprehensive selection of vehicles. You’ll want to know that your chosen providers are able to meet your car hire requirements, whether you’re driving one other passenger or ten. If the company in question doesn’t offer a variety of vehicles, it may be a sign that they aren’t as well-established as others in the local area. As a bare minimum, your car rental company should offer a selection of cars, vans and people carriers, but from those with years of expertise, you may expect a range of trucks and tippers too.

Before committing to a company, double check their website and give them a call to discuss what cars they offer. Whether you have a particular manufacturer you like or you’re just not sure which style would be best for your requirements, it’s always good to discuss this with the company in question.

Inquire

After finding the car rental agency you can use, the next step is to send them an inquiry by filling the contact us form or send a direct email and you should include the specifications of the car you want to hire and the number of days you want to be with the car. But it’s recommended to contact several companies for the best deal because different companies have different rates.

Negotiate

Once you send your inquiry, in something like 30minutes or 2hours you will get a reply about the different types of cars they have and their prices, then you can choose the one that fits your needs and then you try to negotiate on the prices. You should put in mind that if you booking for many days there are high chances that you will get a good discount on car rental.

Deposit

After agreeing on the price you will pay per day, they will send an invoice containing the bank account and you will have to deposit 10% of the total amount of money you have to pay for the whole rental period. The remaining balance will be paid upon the arrival when you picking the car or when they deliver the car to your hotel or place of residence.

Confirm the Booking

After paying the deposit through bank wire transfer or Pesapal, the company will send a signed and stamped receipt showing the money you paid, the balance you remaining with, the number of days, and when you have to pick your car.

After all this, you will just have to wait and fly to the country where you will meet the driver from the rental company at the airport or hotel who will brief you about how the car works, and then you will be set to drive off.

Vehicles in good condition

When hiring a car from a rental company you should also expect the vehicle you hire to be in great condition. While you may not be able to check this before making the booking (although reading previous customer reviews and testimonials is a good place to start), you should certainly spend time checking when you collect the vehicle. If the vehicle you’ve hired isn’t in great condition, it speaks volumes about the professionalism and diligence of the company. And, if something were to happen on the road, you’d want total peace of mind that the company you’ve rented from will be willing to help.

Conclusion

Whenever you think of going for a self-drive trip in a foreign country, the first question you should ask yourself is where and how you going to get a car to use. This is a very vital question and most travelers keep asking this same question as they plan for a self-drive trip.

The best way to contact a dependable car rental agency in Kenya is by checking online on the agency website check the vehicles available and then choose what is better for you, then contact Kenya car rental through the website by clicking on contact us.

Finding Travel Deals via Twitter

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Traveling is an expensive hobby or an expensive career, depending on why the person decides to travel. With this being said, most people are always ready to find a deal and are always hoping a deal will pop up before they have to travel. Those who are looking for deals will find Twitter can be a great way to get in contact with companies who are offering deals, as well as finding deals that are last minute to their destination.

Twitter and Last Minute Deals

When an airline or a hotel has vacancies, they most often like to get these filled. Even if the company has to offer these at a discounted price for those who decide to utilize these, the company is still going to make a profit. Though this profit may not be as much as they wished it would be, it is still profit. This is something in which all companies are striving to do. With this being said those who are looking to travel at the last minute could utilize these deals and find a significant amount of savings. They are going to find the savings could be as much as fifty percent on their entire trip. These companies will utilize Twitter as a way to advertise their special travel deals and ensure that this is reaching the maximum amount of people that is possible.

Travel Deals all the Time

Though most people think of Twitter as offering last minute travel deals, a person will find there are just as many average everyday deals that are advertised on Twitter. Most companies have a Twitter account, which will post when they are having sales on certain items. This can be said of the travel industry as well. For example, a travel company may offer a seven-day cruise on Twitter that has been discounted in price by around thirty percent. The idea that these companies have is to reach the maximum amount of people that is possible with this deal in hopes that more people will take them up on the offer. For those who are looking to travel to a certain destination, they may be able to find this deal online via Twitter. In any case, it is worth a shot.

Finding the Deals

For the most part, the person will want to follow travel companies or businesses in which they know may offer these deals from time to time. They are going to find that through following them, they will always receive their Twitter updates and this is something in which the person will use to get the deal as soon as it is released.

Those who utilize Twitter in order to find deals often state that this is the only way in which the person should shop for travel deals. The idea of traveling cheaper is always a winner with those who do this quite a bit, and the deals that can be found on Twitter is going to make any traveler’s day one that is delightful.

Have Fun and Stay Safe whilst in Ibiza

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Ibiza Travel Guide

Ibiza is a popular destination with all types of travellers, from young clubbers to families and pensioners. With stunning scenery, great weather and plenty to do, there is something for everyone here. Here are a few tips on how to make sure you stay safe on holiday.

Keep hydrated

It’s really important to make sure you drink enough fluids in the hot weather. Bottled water is widely available and is the safest way to ensure you stay refreshed. Remember to have a cool rather than ice-cold drink if you are very warm, as this runs the risk of headaches and an upset tummy. Wait until you have cooled down before reaching for the ice.

Stay Sun Safe

Relaxing on one of the island’s beautiful beaches is one of the most popular activities but the sun can be very strong. Apply adequate sunscreen at regular intervals, especially after you have been in the water. Wear a hat and T-shirt for additional protection if it is very hot and stay in the shade between 11 and 2 when the sun is at its highest.

Buddy up

Ibiza is a great place to visit with friends but if you are travelling in a large group it can be difficult to keep track of everyone. Make sure you have contact details for everyone in your party in case you get separated. Consider pairing up with a friend – the clubs and bars can be very busy, especially at closing time and you don’t want anyone to get lost or left behind alone.

Keep copies of your documents

Your passport and insurance certificate are important documents that need to be kept safe. It is a good idea to make photocopies so you have the details handy even if you lose the originals. If you have taken travellers’ cheques, make a note of the numbers.

Mind your money

Ibiza has a very low rate of crime, but deter potential thieves by keeping a close eye on your belongings at all times. Never leave bags unattended. Keep your wallet or purse on your body, rather than in a bag or jacket that might be hung on the back of a chair. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you. Most hotels and apartments have a safe for you to keep documents, jewellery, bank cards or money in.

If you are unlucky enough to have your valuables or passport stolen, you will need to file a report with the local police for your insurance claim. You can either do this in person at the station, or over the phone, which is often quicker and easier. You will be given a reference number and advised where to collect your copy of the report from. Be aware that if you need to file a police report, this must be done before you leave the country as you have to collect it in person.

Safety first

Hiring a car or motorbike is fantastic way to explore this stunning island. Make sure that any vehicle you take out is in reliable condition and that you wear the appropriate safety gear. If swimming in the sea, bathe where flags indicate that it is safe to do so.

Ibiza is a fabulous island with plenty for everyone to enjoy. There are lots of fun activities to do and with a bit of common sense you can avoid taking unnecessary risks. Follow these simple tips to ensure you have a great time and stay safe.

Insights on Istanbul Turkey

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Istanbul City

Turkey’s famous city is Istanbul which ironically is not its capital. The capital of Turkey is Ankara, but Istanbul has great historic importance, and it connects Asia and Europe.

Istanbul is still bustling with city life and overcrowded but compared to before, it is a cleaner and safer city. Local Turks can be seen walking the streets with mobile phones or sitting at restaurant outdoors watching people and the day go by. Italian influence can be distinguished and the environment is warm.

Upon deciding to travel to Istanbul, you must be knowledgeable about some information concerning your stay. It is advisable that you know about the destinations, activities, laws and tradition so as not to offend locals or even get in trouble. Information about Istanbul hotels, their location, facilities and rates are also important for you decide where to stay to make your visit as comfortable as possible or oppositely as adventurous as you can make it to be.

A nice hotel is situated in Sultanahmet which is the old city of Istanbul. Hotel Hippodrome as it is called is only a few steps away form the Blue Mosque and also near the vicinities of the Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, the Underground Cistern and several bazaars. Room amenities include cable TV, mini-bar, shower, direct dial phone and dryer. The hotel also offers free service for airport transfers.

If you want to stay in a hotel accommodation offering great historical value, you may want to try the Anzac House Hotel. This hotel is located just around three hundred kilometers south of Istanbul in Canakkale. It takes around six hours to reach the vicinity by bus coming from Istanbul. If staying here, one could visit the battlefields of World War One in Gallipoli as well as the famous ancient city known as Troy. This hotel offers the basic facilities a hotel can offer with quality service from a friendly staff and a great traditional atmosphere.

Turkey is a bridge between Asia and Europe with three percent of Turkey actually situated in Europe. Visitors need to pass Bosphorus before they can enter Asia Minor as most of Turkey is in Asia known as Anatolia.

There are several charter services which tourists can take going to the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, but most times they don’t make it to travel to Istanbul. Although it maybe pleasurable touring around the resorts along the coasts of Alanya, Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir and Marmaris, there are also other activities that can be experienced in Turkey.

Turkey is a Republic and was has always been considered as an exotic and dynamic travel destination. A Turkey travel is well able to take a visitor to a journey through time itself as being witness to the different cultures from one to another within a country. The Romans and the Sultans of Ottoman once inhabited Istanbul and the traces of these cultures are historically engraved unto Istanbul’s character. One could bear witness to several ancient sites of civilizations which seem like a big outdoor museum.

Planning an Ideal Family Holiday Getaway

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Every family has their very own holiday traditions that really help to create an ideal holiday getaway experience, but in some cases it’s nice to throw new things into your holiday trip vacation. If you’re looking for a little something unusual, you should check out different ways to spend your holiday vacation with your family or loved ones.

Choosing the desired destination for your upcoming holiday trip or vacation can be extremely difficult. Fortunately, there are several places you can check. In some ways, this will make things easier since you can go wherever you want, but it also makes things difficult as you have to choose only one location when there are many excellent ideas to choose from. The first thing to decide on the best destination should be to choose what you’re really trying to get away from your vacation.

Every person is different and there are various travel options for everyone. A lot of people simply want to sit back and relax, not necessarily doing anything at all. Other people are interested in things they may have never seen before and explore the world. You may be the kind of person who’s always on the move, or you will be more likely to just staying in one location without being worried about anything at all. Make sure that you plan a vacation that will suit your personality. With so many choices, it’s also smart to keep things fresh by always going to new destinations and experience something totally new. You will never run out of destination options. If you have recently been to a specific country or region before, choose a completely new one with completely new sights and attractions.

If you’re working too much and wish for the perfect time to unwind, then you should pack your bags for the holiday season and go on a trip because the holiday season is just around the corner. After having a busy year with work as well as other life events, you owe it to yourself to sit back, relax, reflect and be glad about all of your blessings, all you’ve attained and for all of your accomplishments over the past year. Holiday Royal will accommodate your every need using their diverse variety of destinations and specialized holidays where you can expect to have the best memories of your life that you will always remember.

Visit Holiday Royal Twitter for up to date updates on hotels, resorts, villas, condominiums and cruises. Being a Royal Holiday member means having unlimited vacation opportunities from the best hotels, resorts, villas, condominiums and cruises for many years to come. Whether you travel with family or friends, your Royal Holiday membership rights allows you to take full advantage of several amenities, activities and services offered by the resort of your choice.

A Guide to Europe’s Top Free Day Trips

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Free Europe Day Trips

We all love travelling, but it is no surprise that holidays are becoming really expensive. From purchasing flights for all the family to getting the right hotel and paying out for transfers, just getting to your chosen destination can be costly. Add the spending that doesn’t seem to stop once you’re there, with meals, days out and picking up the odd souvenir, it takes its toll on your budget. However, if you want to keep your costs to a minimum there are a few destinations in Europe that offer some great day trips and events, all completely free.

Start by heading to Collioure in France, a gorgeous seaside town just off the Spanish border, during August. This is when you can get involved in the Festival de Saint-Vincent. For several days you can immerse yourself in the celebrations, with folk dancers, musicians, water games and competitions and impressive firework displays. The town is also the best place to hear live jazz, so you won’t have any trouble filling your days without emptying your pockets.

Take to the high seas

You could consider cruise holidays along the Italian coast, where you can have all the fun on board an activity packed cruise ship, such as swimming pools, sports and great evening entertainment with the added option of being able to head off for an excursion into Italy when the mood takes you. There are always lots of festivals in Italy, for example; take a day trip into Naples in July and you will discover the celebrations and party atmosphere of the Festa della Madonna del Carmine.

If movies are more your style, head to Croatia for the popular Motovun Film Festival. Motovun is a quaint hilltop village, which is beautiful in itself and during the festival, more than 70 movies are shown on giant screens throughout the village. To keep costs down you can even opt to camp at the free campsites nearby, giving you the chance to meet new people and discover more about the village.

Go clubbing without the high price tag

For those who enjoy the atmosphere of party destinations such as Ibiza but aren’t too keen on the costs that come with it, it is good to know that you can enjoy all the clubbing you want without having to pay out. Yes, all the big clubs, like Pacha for example, do come with a hefty entry fee, but if you head just a little further out you can discover a number of clubs offering free entry. You’ll find the same party vibe and there might even be a big name DJ or two as well.

If you enjoy an active family holiday, why not consider the Lycian Way in Turkey. As one of the world’s best loved walking trails, this route along Turkey’s stunning coastline will keep you busy and keep you fit! It is colour coded, making it extremely easy to navigate and to keep your costs down, you can camp for free at many places along the route. During your walks you can discover mountain streams, Roman and Byzantine ruins and the odd deserted beach on which to relax.

Best Things to Do in Cartagena

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No matter what you love doing in a new city, Cartagena, Colombia has something for you. Cartagena is the fifth largest city in Colombia, and is known for its maritime industry as well as its tourism industry. Despite Michael Douglas’ pronunciation of the city’s name in the film “Romancing the Stone,” locals would certainly appreciate you leaving out the “nya” sound when in Cartagena, and they love to show tourists all the best parts of their city.

Hot Beaches and Spicy Nightlife

If the beaches and the nightlife scene are your speed, Cartagena has plenty to offer. The metropolitan area alone has over 11 miles of beaches, and another 62 miles stretch from Cartagena to Barranquilla in the north. If you want to stay closer to the action, the beaches in town are your best bet. If you’re looking for a more Caribbean experience, then head to one of the beaches farther out of town. In the evenings, soak up local culture in the restaurants in the area and visit some of the clubs.

Stunning Art

For those who prefer to visit museums when they travel, you can find quite a bit of local art in Cartagena. The Museum of Modern Art is a great place to view both contemporary and historical works. The Teatro Adolfo Mejia is a stunning combination of both art and architecture, all the while providing some historical context for the area. If modern art is your focus, the High Hopes Gallery or the NH Galeria may be what you are looking for.

History: From Forts to Stockades

Cartagena’s history is both long and rich, with lots of evidence left behind to document its colorful past. Visitors can visit the Convento de la Popa, which dates back to colonial times and includes stunning views of both the city proper and the Caribbean. The fort that once protected the city, Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, is another site to put on the “must visit” list. Construction began in 1639, but was only finished a century and a half later. Brave tourists might want to visit the Palacio de Inquisicion, where you can still see the stockades used during the Inquisition.

Ancient Architecture

Tourists interested in architecture should not miss the old town, or the Centro Amurallado. The original walled city butts up against the fortress and still includes colonial buildings, churches and plazas. You can even get accommodations within this area, which is particularly nice if you intend to spend a lot of time hunting down architectural sights to see.

No matter what you prefer, Cartagena has something for everyone. In fact, if time permits, visitors should try to sample as much as possible from all the city has to offer. There are seasonal festivals, such as the November beauty pageant or the Easter film festivals, so it pays to plan your trip according to your interests.

5 Attractions Not to be Missed Whilst in Lanzarote

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The island of Lanzarote is a popular destination for people in northern Europe such as the UK and Eire due to its fantastic yearly weather, in which temperatures remain a steady 25 degrees.

Much like the other six Canary Islands, Lanzarote is Spanish owned and so the customs and cuisine is very similar to that of the mainland. Here are some of the attractions on the island that are not to be missed by those who travel here. Go to http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/Lanzarote for the best deals on getting to the island and discovering some of these amazing attractions.

Timanfaya National Park

Lanzarote as an island was formed as a result of volcanic activity and as such its landscape reflect this. The Timanfaya National Park is no different as it is situated in the epicentre of a six year long eruption during the 1730’s. When the eruptions finally stopped there was simply a lava carpeted wilderness left which covers approximately one quarter of the island.

This landscape is like something from the Moon or Mars, and tourists can explore the volcanic wasteland through guided tours before heading off to the El Diablo restaurant. This is one of the best places to eat on the island, and was created by the most famous resident Cesar Manrique. You will be able to enjoy chicken and fish cooked on massive grills which are fuelled by geo thermal heat from the dormant volcano below.

Jameos del Agua

Manrique had a massive impact on his birthplace as he campaigned against over development on the island while created nature friendly attractions that incorporate Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain. The Jameos del Agua is one such attraction and is certainly a contender for his best one. Here he transformed 6 kilometres of lava tunnels into a multi faceted events and performance space.

These spaces include a concert auditorium, underground lagoon and a wonderful collection of tropical gardens. Back in the 1960’s this help advertise the island with plenty of celebrities visiting and the island gaining a lot of publicity in magazines and newspapers.

LagOmar

The intricacy and brilliance of the Jameos del Agua became the inspiration for Omar Sharif’s own residence on the island named LagOmar. The house was built into the side of a mountain and a former quarry in a small village in the centre of the island.

Sadly for Omar, he lost his new holiday home in a bet and left Lanzarote, never to return. These days the LagOmar is open to the public as a house museum and a restaurant.

The Valley of 1000 Palms

Lanzarote is a dry island with no natural water sources. Rainfall is minimal given its location of being in close proximity to North Africa and as such the growth of plants and trees are limited. A visit to the north of the island then can be quite an eye opener as you will be walking into beautiful green valley full of Canarian palm trees.

The history behind these trees is that the village of Haria, which is located on the valley floor, have planted a palm tree for every new born baby for hundreds of years and the result is the amazing valley of trees.

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