South America Archives - Seek Your Trip

January 27, 2017 by Arlene

5 Unforgettable Trips You Must Take

One of the best ways to broaden the mind is by travelling the world. With so many fantastic destinations you can visit, it can often be difficult to discover the best place to book on your next adventure across our beautiful planet; however, you can’t go too wrong with the following cities…

Amsterdam, Netherlands

There is so much to see and do in Amsterdam that you would struggle to fit it all into one trip. The city offers the perfect blend of historic heritage with modern living, as you won’t know where to look in the Red Light District, whilst you won’t be able to take your eyes off the old merchant houses that offer unique tilts.

Be sure to take your camera, because you will want to take a snapshot of the UNESCO canals, and make room for a coffee and cake in one of the many cafes dotted across the city. You can visit Vincent’s largest collection at The Van Gogh Museum, and you can even watch free international and Dutch movies at the EYE Film Institute. There really is something for everyone in this exquisite city – look at the many more things you can do with the Amsterdam city guide.

Las Vegas, USA

No destination quite compares to Sin City. With exquisite casinos, stylish hotels and exceptional stores, you will most likely never want to leave the wonder that is Las Vegas. In addition to the glitz and glamour of the casinos, you can enjoy outdoor movies at Container Park, sunbathe by the hotel pool, or can view 250 genuine artefacts salvaged from the wreck of RMS Titanic.

Barcelona, Spain

You would have to be crazy not to consider Barcelona for your next city break, which is just as beautiful as the likes of London and Paris, but a whole lot cheaper. With so many free attractions, affordable tapas restaurants, inexpensive wines and amazing landmarks, you might even think of upping sticks and moving to the city forever.

You will be lost in thought as you walk along the cobbled streets of the Gothic Quarter, thinking about the many different people that once walked the same route. Tourists will not want to miss the unusually-beautiful La Sagrada Familia, as this mesmerising church has been under construction for 100 years.

San Juan, Argentina

While most travellers will be tempted to visit the Mendoza in Argentina, you would be wise to add San Juan to your list. The little town offers beautiful wineries, which is complemented by a laid-back, low-key lifestyle for a truly relaxing break to Argentina. One of the best times to visit San Juan is during the low season, which is between April to December.

Notable attractions include Las Marianas winery, which was built in 1922 and offers examples of original wine-making equipment. You should also head up to the Lookout Tower for unencumbered views of the town and nearby countryside.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful and affordable cities. Journey through the Old Town Square to come across surprising gardens, ancient chapels, traditional bars and chic cafes. The Czech Republic is also known for producing the world’s finest beers, so you should treat yourself to a glass or more during your trip to the city. There are also unusual sights at every turn, such as a 1950s nuclear bunker beneath a hotel or a cubist lamppost that adds a touch of uniqueness to this exceptional city. Just some of the best landmarks to visit include Prague Castle, the Prague Jewish Museum and St Vitus Cathedral.

August 26, 2013 by author

The Quaint and Charming Side of Quito, Ecuador

The capital city of Ecuador is teeming with so many things to see and do, and some of these are not found in the modern and high rise sections of the city. In order to see the real beauty of this city, you should include in your itinerary the following places, where you’ll also see and learn the rich history and culture of the place.

The Old Town

This section of the city is where you can observe how much the place has been influenced by the Spaniards. Here you can see the ancient buildings restored to their original beauty and colonial architecture. Because of its architectural beauty and importance in the history and culture of Quito and Ecuador, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many things to see here in this area. First off, don’t forget to drop by the Monastery of San Francisco for some quiet time and reflection. There are also the different plazas like the Plaza La Independencia which makes for a lovely walk. If you want to know more about the place, you can visit the Museo de Arte Colonial. There are other similar buildings in the area, some of which are not so well-known. Don’t worry though, since the locals are pretty friendly helpful and will surely point you to the right directions every time.

The Public Market

When in Quito, avoid the pricey malls and shopping centers, and instead head on to the different public markets found in Quito. There are many of such places in the area and surrounds. For one, there is the La Mariscal market where you can buy handicrafts and souvenir items. You can also head to Otavalo and Cotacachi town market where you can buy the same. They also sell other things like textiles and clothes, beautiful handmade leather items, and even home furnishings. You can practice your haggling skills and if you’re good at it, you may even get your desired item for a lot less. In addition, there are vendors and hawkers that sell local food and delicacies – be sure to try them out to complete your Quito visit.

Colonial Houses

There are many colonial houses and buildings in the area as well. One such example is the Iglesia de San Francisco. Interestingly, this is also considered to be the first church to be built by Franciscan priests in the whole of Americas – dating back to the 1500s. Although it was first intended to be a place of worship, it is now pretty much like a museum, housing paintings and other forms of art works from great artists back then. They also have some antique furniture on display. There are several colonial houses in the area, like the Casa de Benalcazar and the Casa de Sucre, the later being the residence of a celebrated Latin American war hero.

There are so many things and places to see and explore in Ecuador – so many things make it unique and one of a kind, and majority of these things can be found in the charming city of Quito.

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Photo by jamescastle on Flickr

April 21, 2013 by Arlene

April 2013 Festivals Around the World

Festivals have always been an activity of great pleasure. As time goes on more and more interesting and exciting festivals have popped up around the world. From beer to wine, to medieval reenactments, to flowers, to music to food and much much more. April 2013 is no exception for hosting the most fun and interesting festivals of the year. Check out the list below and book your flight soon to get in on the memorable action!

Festival infographic

Infographic Source: Flight Centre, April Festivals from Flight Centre

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Photo by David Atkinson Images on Flickr

April 1, 2013 by Arlene

Five Magnificent Places In The World For Deep Sea Diving

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When determining the next place to cross off of your wish-list of destinations to visit, then you really must consider one of these six magnificent places in the world for deep sea diving.

The Galapagos Islands

Certainly one of the most spectacular places on our magnificent planet has to be the Galapagos Islands. Made famous by the research of Darwin, the Galapagos offer views into ocean life and aquatic species that exist at no other place in the world.
Many of these creatures have evolved to be well-suited for the exact conditions present here on the islands. Being that the islands are quite a distance from any other mainland, unique species have evolved here that exist nowhere else in the world. The animals and ocean life on the Galapagos Islands have never learned to fear humans. This allows for spectacular viewing opportunities that can only be found here. You will see animals and sea life acting in their normal behavior, unaffected by human activity, and in their natural surroundings; A once in a lifetime experience.

Lady Elliot Island, Great Barrier Reef

If it’s the Manta Rays that you’re wanting to see, then you will be left in total and complete awe of these amazing creatures as they glide effortlessly through the aqua blue waters of Lady Elliot Island, Great Barrier Reef. During the Winter months, the massive manta rays are known to populate the area. This small island contains just one resort and one airstrip, so be prepared for a slower paced lifestyle here. The deep sea diving that can be found at Lady Elliot Island will rival any other location on the planet. The reputation of The Great Barrier Reef speaks for itself, and you won’t be disappointed.

Cayman Islands

The historic volcanic activity of the prehistoric past at Cayman Islands has helped to create one of the most exquisite of all the underwater environments. The Cayman trench has forged tremendous vertical walls that stretch as far as the eye can see. The Trench is the premier feature of the Cayman Islands which encompasses Cayman Brac, Little Cayman, and the infamous Grand Cayman Island. One of the features that make the Cayman Islands unique to any other is the unparalleled underwater clarity that make these islands perfectly suited for deep sea diving.

Bay Islands, Honduras

Groupers, Creole, and a wide variety of marine-life swim through the deep blue currents of Half Moon Bay Wall. Here, an underwater tunnel takes divers through a dazzling display of sea sponges, sea fans, black coral, and amazing sea creatures of all types. There is also a deep fissure named Mary’s Place. During the right time of day, Mary’s Place might become illuminated with moving streaks of sunlight that appear to dance through the water. At other times of the day, Mary’s Place can have an eerie and ominous feeling. In any case, these underwater drop-offs and ever changing coral make scuba diving here an experience of a lifetime.

Hawaii

How can we have a top six deep sea diving list and not mention Hawaii? As you relax and enjoy luxurious Maui Villas, take advantage of all the island has to offer during your vacation. Known for its popular scuba diving destinations, Hawaii has many unique diving sites that can be reached year round. One particular feature that makes diving in Hawaii so spectacular are the night dives that are available here. Arm yourself with a flashlight and dive into the dark waters of the sea. When you turn the flashlight, plankton becomes attracted to it which attracts manta ray and other underwater ocean life. This make for the most unique underwater spectacle that many never get the opportunity to experience.