The age-old battle of the campsite. Which is better? A tent or a campervan? Die-hard camping fans will always claim that the tent is the ultimate outdoor experience. Lightweight, easy to put up and just as easy to take down, tents have been the best way of having a cheap holiday for generations.
But...
Anyone who has ever tried to pitch a tent in a force eight gale and torrential rain will know just how soul destroying it can be. No matter how good a tent is, a leak will eventually ensure that your bedding, change of clothes and even your socks are as damp as the rest of you. Unless you're going for a family-sized construction with separate rooms for the kids and a communal area in the middle, there's not much privacy either and they can be very cramped. And if it suddenly turns cold outside, it's going to turn cold inside too.
Yes, camping has the advantage of being a cheap way of spending a couple of weeks away from your normal environment, and quite often site camping plots are considerably cheaper than a campervan plot. So what advantages does a campervan have?
The obvious...
The first and most obvious advantage of a campervan is that there's no need to spend an hour in the rain trying to find your tent pegs. With a campervan you just park up, pop the top (if you're lucky enough to have a pop-top van) and get the kettle on. When you're ready to move on all you have to do is take the top down, get in the driving seat and you're off. Pitching and striking takes all of 30 seconds, even in a force eight gale.
Cooking on a camping stove may be some people's idea of fun, but the campervan has the advantage there too. A decent sized stove can greatly increase the variety of meals you can cook, especially if you have kids along too. You're not restricted to bacon and eggs or stew in a tin - and with plenty of storage space you can take your provisions with you instead of searching for a local shop late in the evening in the vain hope that they haven't run out of bread.
And then there's the leaks. In a campervan (unless the seal on the pop-top's starting to crack!) you don't get that infuriating and unexpected drip down the back of the neck at three in the morning. Your clothes and your bedding stay dry and you can even leave muddy boots outside under the van so you don't trample dirt inside.
The not so obvious...
Sometimes trying to find a campsite late in the evening can be a tough job for even the most organised of camping enthusiasts. With a campervan a quiet lay-by can serve as a makeshift stop, as long as you don't mind the occasional bit of traffic noise. Campervans give you a lot more freedom in where you choose to stop for the night, but do check any local by-laws and restrictions before you plot up (they can often be found on notice boards in larger lay-bys).
While camping invariably means blow up mattresses that suddenly develop a slow puncture in the middle of the night, with a campervan you have the luxury of a proper mattress and all the bedding you could want. Warm, cosy and comfortable, a campervan will easily sleep four and some will even sleep six (at a push).
If you're talking practicalities, then the campervan wins every time. Stuffed full of everything you need to just get up and go on a whim, there's a lot less organisation required to go campervaning. But for the real die-hards you can always put a tent in the van as well, just in case you fancy a night under canvas!
The Philippines holiday guidehas really taken off as a tourist destination in the last few years. Not only is it easy to get around with a small navy of ferries, shuttle boats and water taxis but English is widely spoken and there are an astonishing amount of different things to do.
Whatever you want, from relaxing on the beach to a quiet mountain retreat, the Philippines has it all. Divided into three main island groups: Visayas, Mindanao and, home to Manilla, the capital, Luzon. All have their own attractions.
The best place for just relaxing on the beach is, arguably, Boracay Island, near Luzon island. With long white beaches and clear waters it is ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving and relaxing. In the south-east, in the Visayas islands, lies Cebu, which is internationally known for its suitability for watersports.
If a busy and cosmopolitan city is more up your street for some of your holiday then you cant go far wrong with Manilla. Taking its name from the Nilad, a white-flowered mangrove plant, it has a long and turbulent past by any standards. Manilla has risen above all its past troubles and is now a thouroughly modern city where the past is still preserved and visible.
Places to see
Manila
Set on Manila Bay, the capital of the Philippines is divided into different districts, each with something to offer. They are linked by the fantastically painted, but less fantastically maintained ‘Jeepney’ pick-up trucks that ferry the locals from place to place. Many people stay for just a day or so before moving on, but there is plenty to explore in the city.
Remnants of the colonial Spanish era are found right in the heart of Manila in the ‘Walled City’, Intramuros, which is one of the best-preserved colonial city centres. Dungeons and old churches share space with art galleries, theatres, and a nature park. Nearby Rizal Park is a great place to visit first thing in the morning to see the locals doing their Tai Chi or practising the traditional martial art of arnis de mano.
Manila is also home to Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the highest chief executive of the country and one of the most historic structures in the Philippines. Along the northern bank of the historic Pasig River is Chinatown, a symbol of the long history of Chinese presence. Makati is the business district of the city, but it is also home to some of the grandest five-star hotels and largest shopping centres. Malate and Ermita districts are also popular for their variety of restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, art and antique shops.
Cebu
Even before the Spanish colonialists arrived here in the 16th century, trade with the Chinese flourished in this province and many Chinese and Spanish landmarks remain. The magnificent Basilica Minore del Santo Nino was built in 1575 and stands close to Magellan’s Cross, which apparently contains splinters from a cross he planted on the shores of Cebu on his first visit in 1521. The Taoist temple, located in a residential area known as Beverly Hills, is a symbol of the city’s large and influential ethnic Chinese population. Across a road bridge from the airport is Mactan Island, a 15 square kilometre island made entirely of coral reef. Once a quiet fishing community, it is now home to some of the best beach resorts in the Philippines.
Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa, Cebu
Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort is Cebu’s most exclusive deluxe resort and provides its guests with the ultimate tropical paradise experience. An idyllic resort with a beautiful private beach, it offers an exciting range of recreation activities and superb cuisine. Every guestroom blends tropical decor with modern amenities, and private balconies provide panoramic views of the Visayan Sea.
Welcome to Bohol, God's Little Paradise, as it is sometimes called by the Boholanos themselves. This is not fully unjustified, as the island is one of the most diverse and attractive destinations in the Philippines. Within its area of about 4200 square kilometers, it houses countless white sandy beaches, numerous historic churches and watchtowers, enchanting waterfalls and caves, and, unique in the world, its amazing and stunning Chocolate Hills.
Scenic Bohol casts an enigmatic charm drawn from the many archaic mementos spread throughout the oval-shaped island - from unique rock formations to a 45-million-year-old mammal species, from massive stone watchtowers built by the Spaniards in the 18th century. Surrounding the mainland are 73 other smaller offshore islands and islets whose palm-fringed coastlines are rimmed by white sand and sheltering coves. Serpentine coastal highways wind along unsullied beaches and rustic rivers where the tourist can stop at any point and jump in for a dip.
Bohol is famous for whale watching, river cruising, smallest primate-Tarsier, Sandugo Festival, beaches, scuba diving, mountain climbing, caving, cambuhat oyster farm (ecotourism activity), Bird watching
Town visits promise exciting cultural treats that include scheduled performances by the Teatro Bolanon, Dimiao Rondalla, Diwanag Dance Theater and the award-winning Loboc Children's Choir.
Australia is a huge country, covering 5 different time zones. It boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, stunning and unusual landscapes, vibrant cities and also vast expanses of baking hot outback.
Most of the major cities are situated around the edge of Australia, with most of the population clustered into the South East corner and along the coast of Queensland. The capital Sydney is one of the most exciting cities in the world, with the world famous opera house and harbour bridge, great nightlife and superb beaches. Queensland is known for its great weather, beaches and surfing. Further north in Queensland is the Great Barrier Reef, one of the wonders of the world.
Further south is Melbourne, with a slightly milder climate and a fantastic reputation for shopping. In the heart of Australia lies Alice Springs, gateway to nearby Uluru or Ayer’s rock, a striking rock red formation rising high into the sky.
Why take a holiday or vacation in Australia?
You will find a warm and friendly welcome in Australia, and the warm weather guarantees an outdoor lifestyle and lots of opportunities for sports and activities such as walking, running, swimming and surfing.
Australia is a superb travel destination, with its stunning natural beauty, warm climate and great beaches. Australia is a vast country, and many travellers choose to join organised tours in order to get around and to appreciate its diversity. The national airline is Qantas, and there are many international airports, including Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne.
The 'outback' may be hard to define, but you'll know it when you see it. The outback is mythical Australia - red dust, empty tracks, unique wildlife, tall tales and big characters. It's not just about lifeless desert. With its awesome sense of space and few people, the Northern Territory is the real outback. There are vast open skies, wildlife abounds, the pubs are quirky and the characters you'll meet here are authentic and larger than life.
City Breaks - London
London is an amazing place to visit and if you are planning a trip you should really be very excited to be going. There is so much to do and a lot you should see. Don't try and over do it. If you're only here for a couple of days just select the places you really want to see and spend enough time in each place.
With so much to see and do in the London area this can be an overwhelming question. It is difficult to pinpoint all the things you wish to do and see during your visit.
We have compiled a list of 10 attractions which should be of interest:
British Museum
Great Russell Street
London, WC1B 3DG United Kingdom
Phone: +44 0207 7323 8299
The British Museum is one of London’s top tourist attractions. It also offers quite a bit of information. It was built in 1753 and the Museum's distinctive Greek revivalist structure was built during the 19th century. It covers 14 acres of land with the exhibitions and admission is free for all
Tower of London
Tower Hill
London, EC3N 4AB United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7709 0765
The Tower of London is a place of past executions and 900 years of history. In those violent years it was used as a place of imprisonment. Crown Jewels is one of the famous attractions at this site and there are guided tours of the area available to see it.
Westminster Abbey
20 Dean's Yard
London, SW1P 3PA United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7222 5152
At Westminster Abbey it is famous for being an architectural wonder of the world and it is absolutely breathtaking. The place for the country’s coronations since 1066 and for numerous other Royal occasions this is a masterful work of art and at present, it still is a church with regular service hours.
Houses of Parliament
Westminster
London, SW1A OAA United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7219 4272
House of Parliament for 900 years has been the home to the English government. Inside its massive walls are 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and11 courtyards and it houses Westminster Hall, the Crypt Church, Members' Lobby, the Commons Library and the Peers Library. Outside in the tower is Big Ben a most celebrated structure.
Science Museum
Exhibition Road
South Kensington
London, SW7 2DD United Kingdom
Phone: +44 870 870 4868
The Science Museum offers a glimpse into the future as well as the latest technology. Interactive exhibits and audience participation shows make this a fine day of events and entertainment. It is fun for the whole group and make a day out of this fine experience with shops and dining places also.
Tower Bridge
Tower Hill
London, SE1 2UP United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7403 3761
The Tower Bridge is known around the world and is famous as being one of the most visited bridges in all of history. It opened in 1894 and has excellent views of the Tower of London and of river life on the Thames. A tremendous exhibit awaits you at this site.
Madame Tussaud's
Marylebone Road
London, NW1 5LR United Kingdom
Phone: 0870 400 3000
Madame Tussaud’s is the famous waxworks and was started by Madame Tussaud in 1835. She used to make making death masks during the French Revolution. Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette are displayed beside the actual blade that beheaded them and that is just a few of the fantastic sights you will see when you visit here.
Windsor Castle
Windsor
Berkshire, SR4 1NJ United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1753 869 898
The Windsor Castle is the home of the State Apartments, the St George's Chapel, the Gallery and the delightful Queen Mary's Dolls' House. This is an awesome and enormous site and it gets very many visitors at all times. Leave time to see how the British monarchy live in this fantastic site.
Kensington Palace
Kensington Gardens (off High Street Kensington)
London, W8 4PX United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7937 9561
Kensington Palace is where the Queen Victoria was born in 1819, and Princess Margaret and other royals still live in it. Kensington Palace was the London residence of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Please make every effort to pay a visit to this attraction and share tea and lunch in the Orangery room weather permitting.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace Road
London, SW1A 1AA United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7321 2233
The Buckingham Palace is the home of the British royalty since 1837. The changing of the guard is tourist attraction that you must see. See the Queen’s horse and stables in the Mews and walk the fascinating grounds. This is where it all happens in the home of the royals.
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When Bodrum still bore the name "Halicarnassus", the capital of Caria, the city and its peninsula produced a considerable number of prominent personalities whose names continue to be celebrated in history. In later ages others gained admission to this Roll of the Renowned - which is not closed yet.
Hailed as "Father of History"; traveled extensively and wrote "Histories". Born ca. 484 B.C.
Navigator and explorer; sailed from the Indus River to the north reaches of the Red Sea. (ca. 510 B.C.)
Queen of Caria, member of the war council of Xerxes of Persia; commanded her own naval squadron in the Battle of Salamis (480 B.C.)
Ruler of Caria; enlarged Halicarnassus, brought in population and surrounded the city with extensive walls.
Sister and wife of Mausolus; built the Mausoleum; conquered Rhodes by stratagem.
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Queen of Caria; deposed by her brother, reinstated by Alexander the Great who became later adopted son.
Historian, linguist and critic; wrote a 20 volume history of Rome and other works.
Poet, satirist and bete noir of the establishment; reed flute virtuoso.
Known as Dragut to western historians; corsair, then admiral in Ottoman navy, killed in the siege of Malta (1565).
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