nature

Copper Canyon also called Barranca Del Cobre in Spanish is a lush canyon system in Chihuahua state northwest Mexico.  The Barranca Del Cobre canyon system is four times the size of neighbouring Arizona’s Grand Canyon and deeper in some areas. Apart from its natural beauty and breath taking views the Copper Canyon offers a train journey that travels from sea level to 7,500 feet in less than 150 miles; giving it the name “Train in the Sky”.

The ride on the Copper canyon railway is the main attraction of the region because from the train it’s like you are seeing the entire world.  The railway system took almost 100 years to build and is considered to be an engineering marvel.  The copper canyon rail excursion is voted the most exciting train journey in the world.

If you though Thailand was just a beach holiday destination, then think again. Northern Thailand offers all kinds of exciting things to do – once you’ve worn yourself out experiencing all it has to offer, a couple of days relaxing on a beach is the perfect antidote. Here are our top five activities in and around the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai for you to enjoy.
1.    Jungle trekking and hill tribes
If you’re adventurous enough for jungle trekking, head for Chiang Rai.  It’s a truly magical experience exploring the mountains of the north.  Many of the hiking trails pass through the villages of Thailand’s famous hill tribes, who still maintain their traditional way of life.

Pictures of beaches in Scotland were shown to the public and they were asked where in the world they think the beaches were. Surprisingly many thought the pictures were of beaches in Thailand and other places in the Far East. From the north (Scotland) down through Wales to the southern tip of England there are beaches to suit different beach activities. So whether you live in the UK or on holiday why not give one of its beaches a try – my favourites are in Cornwall.

Depending on who you speak to Colombia is synonymous with Coffee, Cocaine and Football. That is because that is mostly what is printed in the news and shown on television but there is more to this South American, Spanish speaking country, than we hear in the news. Colombia is rich in history and culture and unlike the Caribbean islands to the north of it; it has manage the keep some of its indigenous people along with some of their historical sites.

This short break idea takes to different places around the world where worshippers of white water rafting make their pilgrimage every year. These are the Colorado River USA; Inn River, Switzerland; Apurimac River, Peru; çoruh River, Turkey and Tummel & Tay Rivers Scotland.

First it’s the çoruh River in the north eastern part of Turkey. The çoruh River offers a roller-coaster of rapids coming down from the Kaçkar Mountains. A good time to go is in May – June when the water levels are at their highest and the surroundings hills are a light with beautiful flowers.

The adventure allows time for you to stop in remote villages to meet and chat with the locals. If you are upto it you can trek to the Byzantine castles, you can also sleep in riverside tents to see the stars each night.

A visit to Stavanger will change your view of the Nordic region. Located on a peninsula in Southwest Norway; it is a thriving cosmopolitan city with a long history, vibrant cultural scene and close by are Norwegian’s famous fjords (voted most unspoilt destination).  One of the great things about Stavanger is most things are just minutes away from the city centre.  It has the region’s most breathtaking mountains, beautiful waters, and long sandy beaches and being on the Gulf Stream it has an unusually mild climate with pleasant summers.

Rich History and Vibrant Cultural Scene

If you are in Ireland or planning to visit Ireland as part of a short break, then let me suggest the town of Sneem - a gentler side of Ireland.  Sneem is located at the very edge of the Kerry Coast (south western Ireland) over looking the Atlantic Ocean. It is about five hours drive down from Dublin and covers some of Irelands most breath taking scenery – beautiful maintains, and the Lakes of Killarney, they are unforgettable.

If you love to walk, treck or just enjoy being out in nature,  then this short break idea will be just up your street.  Situated in the South-west region of Turkey is the The Lycian Way it's a 509km foot path through some of Turkeys breathtaking scenery, from mountains to coastline.  The region get is name from the Lycian people, who in about 200BC – in between ruled by the Persions (who invaded the city of Babylon and took it from Nebuchadnezzar) and the Romans - created their own confederation of city states.

As a short break idea the Lycian Way is an easily accessible trail that can by enjoyed by season walkers and those who want to be part of the history of this famous path.  The Lycian Way in Turkey offers the ultimate combination of hiking along scenic trails and relaxing on idyllic beaches.

Sossusvlei in the Namibian Desert is one of the landscapes making the difference to the Namibian destination. This region also forms part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, making it perfect for a Balloon Safari. Stretching 1,000km (1,000 miles) along the Atlantic cost of Namibia and varying from 50 – 160km (30 – 100 mile) in width expanding into southwest Angola.  The Namib is one of the world’s oldest desert over 50 millions years of dry times behind it. The Namibian desert has an average of less than 10mm (0.4inch) of rain each year.

The island is said to be one of the Caribbean’s best kept secret for luxury and relaxation.  Canouan Island is the place to get away from it all in style and comfort.  The island has received rave reviews on travel forums from those that have visited the island.

The Canouan island  is 3.5 miles by 1.25 miles and lies at the south-eastern tip of the Caribbean and forms part of the Grenadines islands and lies approximately 25 miles south of St. Vincent with the Caribbean Sea on the West* and the Atlantic ocean on the East side*.  The average temperature for the island range from 24c/75f to 30c/87f.  Driest season is December to May.  The coolest months occur between November and February.