adventure Archives - Seek Your Trip

March 10, 2019 by Arlene

Top Destinations To Consider For Your Special Getaway This Year

With spring well and truly on its way and the snow and cold beginning to dissipate in many parts of the world, you may be starting to think about the coming summer months and all the fun and frivolity to be had. If you’re planning a great summer getaway with the family, now’s the time to start thinking about it. Have you ever wondered about travelling to those long lost countries that no longer exist and what parts of them you should visit today on a summer holiday with you and your sweetie? Have a look at these top Azure Collection destinations to choose from, some ‘old lost countries’ and others not.

Tanzania

This gorgeous African country isn’t technically a lost country, although it’s name has changed over the years. Formerly known as Tanganyika, Tanzania is one of the most visited on the continent, and for good reason. With its rugged mountains, vast Serengeti plains, Mount Kilimanjaro and island of Zanzibar, you’ll find you never stop in Tanzania. Welcoming locals greet you with “Mambo” or “Jambo” and you can be sure to find something to enjoy somewhere in the borders of this bustling and colourful nation. Whether it’s kicking back on the powder white beaches of Zanzibar or going on a luxury safari in one of the many nature reserves, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or visiting the birthplace of Queen’s Freddie Mercury in Stone Town, you will be sure to fall in love with Tanzania over and over again.

Canada

Canada is a lost country? Not in itself, but from 1907 to 1949 the Dominion of Newfoundland was actually its own self governing entity before becoming a part of the country of Canada. Newfoundland is probably one of the most unique provinces in Canada today due to the fact it’s retained much of its own culture thanks to being a self governing body for much of the 20th century. Home to the oldest English colony in North America, Cupids, it’s an excellent place for those who want to explore the history of colonisation of the continent. The capital, St John’s, is a great place to mingle with the extremely friendly and welcoming locals – so friendly in fact that you might even get invited to a barbecue or two.

On the Avalon Peninsula and near to Bonavista you can sometimes catch a glimpse of an iceberg or three in the springtime. Sometimes they stop off for a day or two in the bays of small cove towns where the locals will go ‘iceberg harvesting’, a tradition where locals will fish broken iceberg ice from the sea for use year round in their drinks. In fact, it’s such a time honoured tradition that Iceberg Vodka, a Canadian liquor corporation, uses iceberg water in their different vodkas and rums. There’s also Iceberg beer available, made by the Quidi Vidi Brewery in St John’s.

Don’t miss: L’Anse Aux Meadows, way up in the tip of the island near St Anthony. A picturesque drive, L’Anse Aux Meadows is believed to be the oldest viking settlement in North America.

Czechoslovakia

Czechoslovakia, a ‘lost country’ was its own governing nation after it split from the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918 after the fall of the Empire following the First World War. Following a period of control by Nazi Germany and the Soviets, eventually the country peacefully divided in 1993 into the Czech Republic (now sometimes known as Czechia) and Slovakia. For those who want to visit either, you’re in for a treat of all the senses as both countries boast immaculate scenery, amazing locally brewed beers, and mouthwatering food, much of which has been influenced by surrounding countries including Austria, Germany and Poland.

The capital cities, Bratislava of Slovakia and Prague of the Czech Republic are both ideal spots for anyone to start their adventures. With typical European town squares featuring impressive architecture and history, they make great places to get lost amid back alleys with lots of opportunity to stumble across unexpected surprises. For the nature lover, both countries are home to amazing natural areas such as the spa town of Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic or the Tatras Mountains in Slovakia.

So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, something a bit more upscale and cosmopolitan or a real adrenaline-pumping adventure, these suggestions will truly give you something to ponder while you think about your next preferred holiday. Enjoy!

February 17, 2018 by Arlene

NZ South Island’s Best Summer Activities and Sites

New Zealand is a gorgeous country filled with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Known for setting the scene in the Lord of the Rings film franchise, it is one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a tranquil retreat. In fact, we highly recommend taking a tour of New Zealand’s South Island for the full experience. In this article, we take you through some of the country’s best activities and sites.

Aoraki/Mt. Cook

This is one of the best and most scenic locations, and it stands as the highest peak in the country. You can experience this natural wonder on foot if you have time to spare, or from the air if you want a birds-eye view. The mountain itself is surrounded by beautiful turquoise waters, and we highly recommend taking the time to explore the area by boat if you get the chance.

Fiordland National Park

This is one of the most memorable and beautiful places in New Zealand. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it features some of the most picturesque scenery you can imagine that you are able to experience from the air, on foot, or even by boat. With so many photo opportunities, it has to be one of the most photographed locations in the world – and when you get there, you will see why.

Birdwatching on Stewart Island

What’s better than a bit of tranquil birdwatching? On Stewart Island, you can get close enough to the birds to interact with them. Stewart Island houses New Zealand’s largest and most diverse bird population – and you can find absolutely anything here. Whether you are looking to spot a kiwi, a penguin, or an albatross, we are sure that you will get to see one here. There is even the rare weka bird that you can get right up close to if you are lucky enough. There are 240 km of walking tracks and a number of great tours you can go on.

The Street Art Trail, Christchurch

If you’re a culture and art lover, then Christchurch offers one of the best locations for you to visit. The Street Art Trail spans the entirety of the city streets – and you never know where you might run into a modern and creative design. The whole city is drenched in creativity, and there are a number of stylish and unique cafes that you can visit for an unforgettable hot beverage.

The Wineries in Central Otago

When you visit Otago, there are vineyards as far as the eye can see, and you can expect to try some pretty fantastic wine while you’re here. It makes the perfect place for a lazy afternoon, and the sights are unlike anything you have ever seen. Land stretches for miles in front of you, with rushing rivers and snow-capped mountains on the horizon. Cycle, run, walk – whatever you do, make sure it’s between the vines for an unforgettable experience.

Abel Tasman National Park

This gorgeous national park makes the perfect place for taking some time to go kayaking, or for going on a sailing trip to reconnect with nature. The turquoise waters provide the perfect place to spot dolphins and seals that frequent the waters. There is even a stunning track for hiking that will lead you through native bush, alongside limestone cliffs, and past some of the most golden beaches you have ever seen.

To Conclude

Hopefully this article has given you a few ideas on where to go when you arrive in New Zealand. With so many places to visit and explore, we know that you are going to have a fantastic time on any New Zealand South Island tour that you decide to take. It’s a trip you are bound to remember for a lifetime!

May 29, 2017 by Arlene

Croatian Wines – Simply The Best

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Croatia is a beautiful country nestled on the Adriatic Sea, part of the bigger coastline of the Mediterranean. Croatia is comprised of over a thousand islands and a large continental or mainland region which is home to several vineyards. There are three main wine regions in the country of Croatia – Continental, near the capital of Zagreb, Istria – along the northern coast and islands and Dalmatia down toward the southern tip and its islands. Each of these regions has their own specific tastes and textures of wine. Here we have a look at all three.

Continental

One of the continental regions that is known for its impressive wines is the north eastern region of Slavonia. This area gets a cooler more continental climate that comes down from central Europe and across its diverse landscapes such as valleys, mountains and hills. Plains and river basins with the fresh waters of the Danube, Drava and Sava makes for ideal wine growing country with the Grasevina grape having been planted and harvested here for centuries resulting in some beautifully crisp, fresh white wine.

Istria

The largest peninsular region in the Adriatic, Istria is home to luscious weather and cool breezes from the sea. This region was once a part of Italy and it can be evidenced by not only the types of Italian grapes that are found throughout the vineyards but also in the Italian language being spoke throughout the town squares and in the markets. Moscato and Terrano, a controlled grape, are grown in the region with exceptional results in the red earth that is similar to that found in parts of Italy. This makes for Croatian wines from Istria having the level of quality and texture to rival the best Italian wines. For some of the best wines in the area, seek out the Coronica Winery where the grapes are bred with intense character and robust flavour, resulting in impressive wines of exceedingly high calibre.

Dalmatia

This gorgeous coastline is home to a number of impressive vineyards that stretch from Zadar down to the area around Split. This area is known for the Babic grape, a Croatian grape that has been used for centuries to create delicious robust red wines with a hefty strength and delicious flavour. Generational vineyards scatter the region where grape growing and winemaking traditions have been passed down though families over time. This creates a rich wine history that is unrivalled in the area, with historic wine blends you are unlikely to find elsewhere. Small plots of grape vines are grown here in small plots surrounded with dry stone walls and the soil, while strange for grape growing, somehow works its magic and produces some of the most delicious grapes for wine you can find. For the best of the region, try to find wines by the Skradin and Bibic families – winemaking families for over 500 years.

So there you have a rundown on Croatian wines and where to find the best in the country. Any trip to Croatia isn’t complete without trying at least one or two of their famous wines, varieties that you are unlikely to find elsewhere in Europe without at least a good hefty hunt through wine stores.

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.