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Some of the exciting wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, India

Kerala is an exciting state located in South India, receiving travelers from all regions of India and the world. Forest occupies almost thirty percent of Kerala’s landscape. The state has long coastlines and fantastic backwaters that attract visitors from all over the world. The Western Ghats cover 72.08% of the total geographical area of ​​Kerala.

The vibrancy of the Western Ghats, Kerala spice plantations and backwaters add to the scenic beauty of Kerala. The total forest area encompasses five national parks, as well as thirteen wildlife parks. All these aspects help the development of tourism in Kerala and make Kerala tour packages rank high among Indian Tour.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The other name of the Periyar wildlife park is Thekkady wildlife sanctuary. The geographical area of ​​this wildlife sanctuary is in Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts. The nearest railway station to reach the place is Kottayam. The sanctuary encompasses a beautiful lake, so many varieties of flowering plants, peculiar varieties of birds, toxic reptiles, endangered animal species like lion-tailed macaque, deer, etc. Giant King Cobra and Great Hornbill are other attractions in this wildlife sanctuary. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises on the lake and take pictures of birds and also go on elephant rides.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Idukki Wildlife Park is located in the middle of the Periyar and Cheruthoni rivers. The central attraction is the Idukki Arch Dam itself. The dam is 168 meters high. From the dam, travelers can see lush green forests, exquisite water reservoirs, and mountains. Tigers, bison, herds of elephants, kingfishers, and Myna are common sights in the sanctuary. The place is ideal for trekking, and boat rides. The entire forest is under the premises of tropical evergreen forests.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere and Bandipur National Park. Tourism is a fast emerging sector in Wayanad. The government is planning many ecotourism projects for the development of tourism here. The Wayanad forest area is thick and dense. The biosphere is home to elephants, black panthers, tigers, peacocks, bison, wild leopards, and deer. This forest area consists of a good density of King Cobra. The Sultan Bathery Spice Plantation, which lies under the reserve, is peculiar in its kind. It is one of the must-visit destinations in India. Road transport is the only way to reach the sanctuary.

Thattekkad Wildlife Sanctuary

The popular name of Thattekkad wildlife sanctuary is Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. There are some reserve areas in the sanctuary that preserve trees such as rosewood and teak. It is one of the best bird sanctuaries in India. Visitors can view hornbills in their habitat here. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from May to July. In this period many migratory birds visit this sanctuary. Hawk, Sunbird and Blue-winged Parakeet are common in this sanctuary. Peculiar Types of Refuge and Crimson-throated Barbet are other attractions at the sanctuary. It has more than five hundred varieties of birds. There are convenient means of transportation available to reach the sanctuary.

These are some of the wildlife sanctuaries worth visiting in Kerala.

Goa Hotels: Below Your Budget

Goa hotels include a wide range of accommodation options throughout the coastal city. Bordered by the Arabian Sea, Goa’s picturesque archipelago draws crowds. The land of incredible natural splendor, sandy beaches, sun-drenched bays, refreshing coconut palms and dazzling parties, Goa is not without its accommodation options. With their restaurants that smell good of freshly cooked seafood, traditional Indian and continental cuisine, and rooms brimming with modern amenities, these Goa hotels offer a lavish cocoon of comfort to their visitors.

You can choose from a wide range of hotels in Goa that include deluxe, budget and luxury category hotels. Backpackers, however, choose to keep it subtle and prefer budget, three-star or economy-category hotels, of which some of the best options are listed below:

Terra Paraiso Bardez Resort: A unique 3-star property in Goa, Resort Terra Paraiso Bardez is there to offer an exciting range of Portuguese-style villas in Goa. High standards of hospitality, convenient location and fabulous rooms in these villas packed with modern amenities and elegant décor are some of the hotel’s highlights. Room amenities include air-conditioned rooms, telephone, mini bar, satellite TV, tea/coffee maker, jacuzzi in Super Deluxe rooms, safe in all rooms and much more.

Victor Exotica Beach Resort: Another fabulous property, Victor Exotic Beach Resort is one of the best three star hotels in Goa. The resort restores the Portuguese heritage in its charming architecture and breathes fresh with the cool breeze coming from the sea. Extraordinary experiences await you at the resort as you dine to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the day dawns with the golden rays of the sun kissing the sandy beaches.

Kerkar Retreat: A budget category property, Kerkar Retreat is ideally located near the famous Calangute Beach and is close to the Kerkar Art Complex. While its cozy rooms are packed with all the essentials, its homey vibe and lower price point do the trick for travelers on a strict budget and make the property one of the most popular budget hotels in Goa. The pristine environment and well-spacious rooms are just some of the highlights among a range of attractive features that the hotel makes available to its guests.

the arab retreat: The elegantly furnished apartments of The Arabian Retreat are located just a short walk from the border between Calangute and Candolim. Its cozy interiors, friendly disposition and relaxing atmosphere make The Arabian Resort an oasis of comfort to serve guests with its best deals at the most affordable prices.

The pleasure of vacationing in the beautiful seaside city is made even better with all these affordable accommodation options available here. Its ideal location by the sea and its comfortable rate are its main attractions that attract hordes of backpackers and budget travelers. These Goa hotels offer the best amenities regardless of their star rating, making travel to Goa affordable for everyone.

Gay Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale

Beautiful white sand beaches, a warm blue ocean and sunshine are what make Ft. Lauderdale an idyllic vacation spot any time of year. Located on the east coast of Florida, even the hottest days are tempered by gentle breezes off the Atlantic Ocean.

Recently, Ft. Lauderdale has grown in popularity as a GLBT vacation destination and is now recognized worldwide as a gay-friendly resort. There are several hundred gay-owned and operated businesses that offer a multitude of options for the gay traveler. With a plethora of bed and breakfasts, resorts, bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops, this ocean city has made its name as a separate gay mecca from its neighbors Miami, South Beach, and Key West. From the blue waves and white surf of the beaches to the Florida Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale offers sea, sun, shopping, arts and entertainment for the discerning gay tourist.

Just steps from the ocean is a vast network of canals and marinas that has earned Ft. Lauderdale the nickname of the Venice of America. Here you will find spectacular millionaire homes with extensive gardens right down to the waterfront and yachts that are houseboats waiting to venture out into the open sea. The water taxi is the means of transportation for the locals, which also offers a tour of the canal with a glimpse into the lifestyle of the rich and famous. For just five dollars, you can travel all day from one end of the canal system to the other, with plenty to see and visit along the way. There are no gondolas here, but it’s worth planning a full day to tour these canals. , or simply use the water taxi as a means to go to dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

Between the ocean and the canals is where you’ll find a community rich in gay guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and resorts. Although bars, clubs and restaurants are close by, car hire is a must, they are very affordable and can be hired at the airport or through your hotel concierge and make it very easy to get around and visit the many attractions available to the gay traveller. .

Located three blocks from the ocean and a short walk from the gay beach is the Flamingo Inn Amongst the Flowers, a European-style boutique hotel with tropical island luxury. We highly recommend this affordable and upscale gay resort as a perfect base to enjoy all Ft. Lauderdale has to offer. All rooms and suites have been recently remodeled and renovated with comfortable four-poster beds and modern bathrooms. The patio includes fountains, a large swimming pool and comfortable sun loungers with umbrellas for the hottest moments of the day. Indulge in a relaxing poolside massage, simply soak up the sun, or enjoy a good book in this peaceful retreat. Perhaps the greatest amenity that the Flamingo has to offer is the friendly and helpful staff who will ensure you have everything you need for the perfect vacation and provide you with all the necessary knowledge about the local community. The Flamingo Inn strives and achieves perfection in gay accommodations.

Located about a ten minute drive from the beaches is the township of Wilton Manors, which is the gay community of Ft. Lauderdale similar to Greenwich Village in New York. Home to over forty gay businesses and powered by the successful George’s Alibi video bar and cafe, Wilton Manors has everything to offer in shopping and entertainment. After your first visit, you’ll probably return to try the different restaurants and bars as part of your evening delight. Dorothy’s Cafe, Hamburger Mary’s, Chardees, Tropics, and Simply Delish are just a few of the dining options sure to please this quaint and charming gay-friendly South Florida community. Shopping at Wilton Manors also offers plenty of variety at Bottoms and Tops, Gay Mart, Miguel’s, Zoo Two 4 Shoes, and Zoo Two Clothing Company, just to name a few of the fun boutiques. A trip to Ft. Lauderdale is not complete without spending some time enjoying the town of Wilton Manors for a gay community experience.

Without a doubt, Ft. Lauderdale is best known for its beautiful white sand beach with the calm clear blue ocean that stretches for miles. Not surprisingly, with a large resident and tourist gay population, there are three recognized gay beaches. These can be found in the north, on 18th Street, centrally located on Sebastion Street, and in the south at Dania Beach, with the central beach probably being the most popular and closest to most gay accommodation. These gay areas are easily identified. by the parasols of the rainbow umbrellas and the bathers they attract. With beach volleyball and other ball games, people watching in these areas can be a very enjoyable way to spend a hot sunny afternoon with cool dips in the ocean when it gets too hot. There are also plenty of beachfront cafes with spectacular views to enjoy when food becomes a priority.

Florida’s weather offers vacations year-round, but spring is probably the mildest and most popular time of year to visit. The Ft. Lauderdale Pridefest takes place in March and claims to be the largest Pride celebration in Florida. With entertainers and events, this weekend is planned for both residents and tourists to show their pride. The Gay Rodeo is also a great attraction. In addition to the rodeo events at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie (just outside of Ft. Lauderdale), there will be a country and western dance, a pool party, a nightlife tour at Wilton Manors, and a southernmost event in Ft. .lauderdale. For anyone who has experienced a gay rodeo, this is sure to be a popular gathering on the IGRA circuit.

Finding your way is easy with a fun Columbia map or the local Hotspots publication. Both are easily accessible, handy-sized reference guides to all things gay in this Florida beach paradise. There is also a comprehensive service called The Naked Concierge that uncovers the truth about Ft. Lauderdale’s gay community and is the go-to source for travel information to plan the perfect getaway in the sun and surf before you leave home.

Getting there is easy with airlines offering direct flights from Canada’s major cities and connecting flights from smaller airports. Rest assured, your flight from the north will be rewarded with a South Florida gay welcome that is second to none.

The true essence of honeymoons

Honeymoons are essentially part of wedding events. Aside from exchanging wedding vows, a honeymoon should be a lifetime event to remember for the newly married couple. To make it a memorable and lasting event, the preparations that are as necessary as those that are carried out at weddings are equally important. There are a thousand and one ways to spend a honeymoon as well as destinations where to spend it, but there are certain fundamental aspects in the selection of destinations and honeymoon themes.

Before choosing a destination, newlyweds should consider each other’s preferences and objections. As marriage encompasses consideration of the unique personality and individualism of each individual, the choice of destination and activities should be tailored to the personal preferences of both so that they enjoy doing those activities together, which is the true essence of honeymoon. .

For those looking for a quiet, private, isolated and peaceful environment, the pristine silence of a mountain resort is the best option. The couple can participate in various recreational activities while communicating with the spectacular beauty of nature through activities such as hiking, trekking, camping. Indulging in competitive fun is sure to strengthen marital bonds. Several national parks, for example, have campgrounds equipped with camping amenities and prearranged activities to give campers a worthwhile camping experience. The simplicity of country life will definitely make one snuggle up to get some much-needed warmth from each other at night.

If both of you enjoy being kissed by the sun and frolicking in the water, then the calm, serene and pristine white beach setting will suit and perfect for water sports activities like jet skiing, diving, snorkeling and island hopping. . If money is out of the question, the powder-white sand beaches in Hawaii, the Bahamas, the Maldives and among others will ensure a fun-filled honeymoon experience for water lovers. In addition, the resorts offer exotic and delicious delicacies that the newlyweds can feast their tongues on. That’s not to mention the native wines that are sure to loosen your post-wedding nerves and inhibitions.

For those who are romantic but cannot live without modern conveniences, technology, and the bustle of city life, going to such romantic places as Europe, particularly France and Italy, where love is sure to blossom, is an exciting idea. Italy, the undisputed land of Amore, is a classic place conducive to romance while also offering excellent modern facilities for a luxurious honeymoon stay.

Just because you and your new husband or wife don’t have an unlimited source of money to splurge on a great honeymoon doesn’t mean you can’t have the fantastic honeymoon you want. The key to a memorable honeymoon lies in doing activities together that you both enjoy. Whether they spend this time camping out in the back of their house or in some five-star hotel in Asia, what matters is that they share a common denominator: a commitment to love and honor each other.

Favorite Beaches in Puerto Rico

The Islands of Puerto Rico are a treasure of the Caribbean. The country is divided into 5 regions. The North Side and the city of San Juan are full of historical sites, beaches, lagoons, lakes, caves and forests. While you’re in the East, you’ll find fabulous golden beaches, golf courses, nature reserves, and spectacular underwater reefs and cays. On the other hand, the central area is popular for its coffee. The aroma and flavor of an Arabic coffee has warmed the hearts of many coffee drinkers since the day it was first produced around 1736. The area is also rich in archaeological sites and is home to two of the most famous botanical gardens in the world. .

Although there are many things to talk about when considering this area, this article is all about the famous beaches. Most of the stunning beaches here aren’t really part of its main island. But rather, you can find these beaches on islands off the main coast. What you’ll usually get with these beaches is a traditional tropical paradise instead of being overcrowded with lots of clever tourist ploys. Below are my favorite beaches in Puerto Rico.

Mona Island – This island is at the top of my list due to its incomparable ecosystem and other than that there are no hotels to spoil the view of the beautiful surroundings. Mona Island is often referred to as the Galapagos Islands of the Caribbean. This is because you can find many strange species roaming inland and in the open water. Because of this, the island is closed to tourists during the hunting season, which is usually from January to April. If you want to tour the island exclusively, you will need permits from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and they only offer this during the months of May to November.

Coco Beach – Coco Beach is not as mysterious as Mona Island, but it does share some similar characteristics. It provides persistent stretches of pristine beach and you will find the color contrast between the green sand and the vibrant blue sea spectacular.

Shacks Beach – Shacks Beach is located in Isabela and is also known for its spectacular waters that provide some of the best diving, surfing, and windsurfing in the country. Its sleepy coconut palm trees lined the beach are also an ideal place to nap or relax. What is particularly attractive about the beaches in this area is that most of the islands are secluded. Most of the visitors love the feeling of separation which is quite relaxing and memorable.

But of course, not everything in Puerto Rico is about seclusion, there are many wonderful and fun activities that you can do here. This island is known worldwide not only for its pristine beaches, but also for its ample opportunities for recreational water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, scuba diving, and surfing. Parasailing – The great thing about parasailing is that you get to see the beautiful surroundings in a different way. It’s like taking a balloon ride. It is very exciting to be thrown from the edges of the beach. Jet Skis – For an incredible adrenaline rush, ride a jet ski and ride the ocean waves at 30 km per hour. Jet Ski rentals are available at most ports on the beaches. You must visit the cove known as Taurito when you go on a jet ski. Surfing – Surfing is another sport that you can enjoy during your holidays in these islands. There is even a surf school near the beaches that offers professional training for aspiring surfers. Most of the surfing activities in this territory will take place in the north of the island such as Pozo Izquierdo and Las Canteras in Las Palmas. Diving – The crystal clear waters of the Canary Islands are very ideal for divers. Diving is a sport enjoyed by locals and tourists throughout the year. One of the established dive shops to visit is Top Dive located in Port Escala.

The beautiful scenery, rich culture, and vast history provide a sensual feast for visitors. The country is very easy to discover, since even the most remote areas can be covered in 3 hours. Each activity you will do in Puerto Rico can help you discover the history of each place and culture, as well as understand each town you will meet.

Why choose ski accommodation in France?

Some of the best ski destinations can be found in France. Skiing in France promises travelers a noteworthy vacation, be it summer, winter, or vacation. Booking is hassle free and direct flights are available everywhere. You can be sure that the snow depends. Both adults and children will enjoy skiing. The hint varies by skill. Adults and professionals can enjoy a challenging course, while children and beginners can ski on a friendlier slope. Ski resorts ensure that families are well catered for. They offer recreational activities for children to enjoy while their parents or guardians are away, such as swimming, dog sledding, and ice skating.

Ski destinations to look forward to are Three Valleys, Espace Killy, Portes du Soleil and trendy Paradiski. These destinations are linked to renowned resorts such as Val Thorens, Tignes, Les Arcs and Espace San Bernardo. After an exhausting day of skiing, the best thing you can do is enjoy a hot bath and relax to fill yourself with energy and prepare for the next day.

Ski accommodation in France is prevalent and encompasses everything from apartments to chalets to hotels. It is not difficult to find one that suits your preferences and budget. The catering services guarantee unparalleled service, remarkable amenities and excellent cuisine. On the other hand, self-service services give passers-by more freedom to do as they please. Self-catering represents your home away from home.

In the Three Valleys, where ski accommodation in France is extensive, you can enjoy a number of apartment complexes. Résidence Le Valset is in Val Thorens and is strategically located at the entrance of the ski resort. The landscape is extraordinary, which can be admired from the balcony. The apartment is independent and you can choose accommodation that includes transport from the apartment to the ski resort. Renting becomes more affordable with room-only services. For a serviced chalet, Silver Lining Chalets offers the best services and the extraordinary view of the Three Valleys. This one is located in the valley of Le Bettaix.

Espace Killy is known worldwide as the largest ski terrain and is popular for its difficult slopes. The resorts of Val d’Isere and Tignes are favorites with tourists for the active nightlife accented by lively bars. Chalet Chardon in Tignes is definitely a good and affordable find. You can get the picturesque view of the village and the fantastic lake. Chalet Alpey, quite economical, represents the true alpine style. Val d’Isere, on the other hand, offers chalets and hotels for those feeling extravagant. The Hotel Les Barmes de L’Ours is a four-star hotel with luxury rooms and relaxation services. The rooms vary in four exceptional themes such as Lodge, Chalet, Nordic or Loft.

Portes du Soleil is a large region of the Alps. Among the fourteen valleys it encompasses, Avoriaz is undoubtedly the most popular. Avoriaz is known for having the most reliable snow, as it is located at a high altitude. Pierre & Vacances Sepia is a 3-star residence in Avoriaz with direct access to the slopes and close to the ski lifts. For the best value from an independent service, Chalets Des Alpages is a good choice.

Paradiski is a spectacular ski destination. Résidence Pierre & Vacances Le Belmont is the best option located in one of the best resorts in the destination, Les Arc. The residence has been renovated and the rooms have been enlarged. It is close to the shopping centers and the ski lifts are very accessible. Résidence Les Balcons de Belle Plagne is from another popular ski resort, La Plagne, offering amazing accommodation and a breathtaking panorama. This residence features Le Chalet de Kanter Master, which is a restaurant serving local delicacies.

Ca’n Cirerol – A Fantastic Villa to Enjoy the Taste of Traditional Mallorca

Ca’c Cirerol is a fantastic villa located on the outskirts of Portocolom, in the southeast of Mallorca. It is a comfortable country house that offers everything to enjoy a wonderful vacation with your family or friends. The villa has a private pool, plenty of space, access to all modern facilities and stunning sea views from the front and terraces over the adjacent orange grove to the Mediterranean. It is a 3 star villa.

You can enjoy the sun all day long. The pool terrace is wide, spacious and quiet. You can sit under the shaded corner to relax and admire the beautiful sea views. You can also take a dip in the cool water in the private pool. The villa has a built-in barbecue on one side of the pool terrace where you can prepare meals for your family and dine together under the moonlight. There is a large shaded dining terrace perfect for enjoying your meals with the family and spending quality time with your family.

The villa has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The rooms are well connected and the rooms are spacious to easily accommodate six people. The villa’s interiors are simple and elegant, with beamed ceilings, original woodwork and large antique glass jars. The interior decoration of the villa contrasts very well with the modern fittings in the kitchen and bathrooms. The lounge has Wi-Fi, TV, DVD and wood burning stove. The kitchen also has all modern equipment, including oven, microwave and dishwasher. The double bedroom is air-conditioned with a walk-in wardrobe, en-suite shower room and door leading to the terrace. The double room also has air conditioning and a bathroom with a washing machine.

Beach lovers will love staying at the villa because many beautiful beaches are within a short drive from the villa. There are many pretty sandy coves within a few kilometers of the villa and are well worth visiting while staying at this villa. The beaches have a beach bar that serves drinks, snacks and light meals. You can also rent sun loungers and parasols lying on the beach and enjoy your vacation.

You can also enjoy water sports such as diving, pedalos, kayaking and parasailing. If you want to enjoy golf, you can visit the Val d’Or golf course which is a fifteen minute drive from the villa, enjoy horse riding and visit the popular restaurants that are located a few kilometers from the villa.

If you are planning the perfect beach holiday with your family or friends in Mallorca, then Ca’n Cirerol is the perfect place to stay. It is perfectly positioned to enjoy the wealth of fabulous beaches and sandy coves.

The beautiful fishing village of Portocolom is situated close to the villa, where you can take a boat and travel around the pretty port and enjoy wandering the streets of the village, lined with traditional pastel colored houses. The center of Porto Colombo is located at a distance of half an hour from the villa. It is around an hour’s drive to the villa from Son Sant Joan airport.

Have a memorable vacation abroad in Singapore and Malaysia this winter

‘Good planning leads to better holidays’: it’s a well-known concept. And if you think that’s the right thing to do, then now is the time to plan your winter vacation. When it comes to picking up a location, there are plenty of options available both in India and abroad. But how about a trip to Singapore and Malaysia this winter and enjoy the abundant surroundings, exciting rides and safaris, fun-filled beach activities and delicious cosmopolitanism? Located in Southeast Asia, these two nations are extremely pleasant for vacations. Here is a guide on how you can enjoy a week or two in Singapore and Malaysia.

You can start your journey from Singapore. Several flights from Delhi to Singapore operate daily, so you can easily reach the island. Book your hotel (centrally located) and other travel requirements well in advance. There are so many things to do and see in Singapore that you may not know where to start. Let me suggest you in this matter. Set aside a day to visit Sentosa (island) and enjoy fun and festivities on its sandy beaches. From sunbathing to surfing, diving and snorkeling, you’ll have a variety of water activities to enjoy. You can decide ‘what to do’ considering your time, interest and budget. Sightseeing in Sentosa is also fascinating. There is an underwater world and Dolphin Lagoon, iFly Singapore, Fort Silaso and Merilion Tower, which combined make the island a paradise for travelers, regardless of the age segment you belong to.

The main island of Singapore is also a tourist hub dotted with impressive skyscrapers, glorious historical monuments, impressive shopping complexes, and world-class hotels. Many gardens and parks in the city entertain families and children. Singapore Flyer and Night Safari are two world-class tourist sites here, attracting thousands of travelers throughout the year. Biking at East Coast Park, shopping at Orchard Road and dining at Raffles Hotels can provide memories to last a lifetime. Although even one month is not enough to explore each and every tourist attraction in Singapore, you can enjoy popular sightseeing and activities in five days with proper planning in advance.

A tour of Malaysia amazes you with its delightful mix of modern conveniences and rich cultural heritages. Kuala Lumpur, the capital of this beautiful Southeast Asian country, is packed with magical skyscrapers, glorious historical attractions, vibrant nightlife, and various other entertainment. Must-see attractions in Kuala Lumpur include the Petronas Twin Towers, Merdeka Square, the National Mosque, the National Gallery of Art, the National Science Center and the Batu Caves. Apart from the capital city, Melecca, Georgetown, Cameron Highlands and Negari Sembilian are other holiday destinations that you must visit when you tour Malaysia.

If you are short on time, you can plan your trip with a reputable travel agent. By booking all the necessary facilities like accommodation, flights or the complete Malaysia and Singapore vacation package in advance, you can have a pleasant travel experience.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery on your New Zealand holiday

New Zealand is a great destination for a motorhome holiday. New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes. There are starkly contrasting scenes, from volcanic mountains to idyllic beaches, from glaciers to mountain lakes, from lush tropical forests to rolling pastures, and one can be reached relatively easily by road in a short space of time. If you drive, you can experience the changing scenery as you move from one spectacular area to another. The spectacular scenery is not only in the destinations, but also on the way!

So, if you’re planning a New Zealand holiday, seriously consider renting a motorhome/campervan/motorhome to create your own road trip adventure.

Choosing a motorhome

There are numerous campervan hire companies in New Zealand offering a range of vehicles. Almost all campervan hire in New Zealand can be driven with a normal car licence. There are automatic and manual vehicles. The roads in New Zealand can be narrow and winding (especially in some of the beautiful mountains), so if you’re not used to a manual transmission, I’d advise looking into an automatic vehicle.

When deciding on the size, you must first accommodate all of your travel companions. If you are a couple and want to have a permanent bed, rather than making one every night from the lounge, you may want to consider a 4 berth caravan. However, remember that larger vehicles will be less easy to drive and maneuver.

New Zealand has plenty of areas where you can wild camp (or free camp, as it’s also known); however, to do so you need a self-contained motorhome, that is, one with a shower and toilet on board. Familiarize yourself with New Zealand’s environmental code if you plan to camp for free.

If you plan to use mainly camping, then a vehicle that does not have a shower and toilet on board is a good option and several companies have well-equipped vehicles that are not much larger than a car, so they are very easy to drive.

Planning your itinerary

There are beautiful places to visit all over New Zealand. If you only have a week, I would advise you to choose a few places on an island.

For example, if you are in the north island for a week, try this itinerary:

  • Day 1. Vehicle pickup in Auckland – city exploration. Visit the SkyTower or the museum where you can get great views and sit on the domain for a picnic.
  • Day 2. Travel to the Coromandel Peninsula – Plan to spend a night in one of the beautiful port cities, such as Whitianga or Whangamata.
  • Day 3. Explore the magnificent Coromandel beaches and visit one of the many art galleries that host local artists. If you wish, drive to Tauranga and spend time exploring Mount Maunganui.
  • Day 4. Drive to Rotorua. Take a drive to the Blue and Green Lakes, Lake Tarawera and the Buried Terraces or visit one of the many other tourist attractions at this geothermal ‘hotspot’. If you haven’t experienced a Maori performance, be sure to here.
  • Day 5. Travel to Napier via Taupo. Stop at Huka Falls in Taupo and then stop and have a picnic on the shores of Lake Taupo, where on a clear day you can see the peaks of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngarahoe on the volcanic plateau.
  • Day 6. Explore the art deco buildings in Napier before heading to Wellington (if you’ve arranged a return there) or back to Auckland. If you return to Auckland, you may want to spend the night in Taupo or Hamilton.
  • Day 7. Explore the city (Wellington) before heading back to your motorhome. In Wellington, visit Te Papa, the national museum, or take the cable car for spectacular views of the city and harbour. If you’re returning your vehicle to Auckland, try paying a visit to Takapuna Beach on the North Shore today.

For a one week itinerary in the south island that gives you a great view of beautiful scenery, try this:

  • Day 1. Vehicle pickup in Christchurch – city exploration. Take a ride on the gondola or take a tour of the city on a tram. The Antarctic Center is also worth a visit.
  • Day 2. Head over Lewis Pass to Westport. Travel through vineyards, then mountain passes to the wild west coast.
  • Day 3. Travel along the coast to Greymouth. This is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal drives. Stop at Punakaiki to see the world famous Pancake Rocks
  • Day 4. Drive south through Hokitika and the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers over the spectacular Haast Pass to Wanaka. This will take you a day if you take the time to stop and admire the scenery more closely along the way, so book a place in Wanaka to stay early. you go
  • Day 5. Travel to Queenstown, the “adrenaline capital of the world” for adventure. If you prefer more relaxed activities, take a detour through Arrowtown and Lake Hawea or simply browse the tourist shops in Queenstown.
  • Day 6. Drive north again, planning to stop at Lake Tekapo. If you have time, you can drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. Once night falls, hike from Lake Tekapo to the Mount John Observatory for an incredible view of the stars.
  • Day 7. Drive to Christchurch and return your vehicle

If you have two weeks, you can visit the North and South Islands by crossing the Cook Strait via a 3-hour ferry that crosses between Wellington and Picton (about a 4-hour drive north of Christchurch).

Where to stay

New Zealand has beautiful camping grounds and campsites. There are also many places where free camping is allowed. The following are options for you for your New Zealand vacation:

  • Serviced campsites such as Top 10, Kiwi Holiday Parks and Family Parks – you can get a discount with Top 10 if you plan to use their campsites during your holiday
  • Regional Council parks and campsites, particularly Auckland and Waitaki Lakes Regional Parks – facilities are often more basic than serviced campsites, but some of the locations are spectacular
  • Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites – These are very basic sites, which is fine if you have a self-contained motorhome, but they are often in the most beautiful spots so are well worth a visit.
  • Native Parks: You can join for a small fee. Members are given a number of places where they can camp, including vineyards and sheep stations.
  • Free Camping: You must have a self-driving vehicle to camp for free. Not all areas allow free camping, so you must follow the instructions. However, you can get up close and personal with some amazing scenery while camping for free in New Zealand. Make sure you know the Environmental Code

A campervan holiday is a great way to capture the stunningly beautiful scenery that New Zealand has to offer and for which it is world famous. It’s a cost-effective way to see as many sights as you can in a short space of time, while enjoying a relaxing vacation.

Future Formosan Town

Travelers and photographers from all over the world are constantly looking for that unique experience. That unique take on that unique place that earns the respect and admiration of friends and magazine publishers. With the ever-expanding tourism industry, these places are becoming harder to find, especially if you’re not friends with a local. When traveling to unfamiliar places, it’s easy to take it to the typical tourist spots and charge handsomely for it. Getting to those pristine gems out of the way takes research and effort. Most of the time, it is because of these two requirements that these places remain so beautiful in the first place; and make it that much more rewarding for those who actually make it.

Being an undiscovered gem in East Asia, Taiwan is full of these unexplored areas, making it a brilliant destination for those looking for a unique experience. This weekend I rediscovered one of these destinations that I have called ‘La Villa del Futuro de Formosa’. Below is her colorful story, I hope you enjoy it.

History

Architecture

The 1970s were an interesting time for everyone. New fashion trends, music styles, and lifestyle perspectives were emerging like never before. Now people not only had ideals, but also the money to buy them. There were also trends emerging in the architectural design industry, trying to satisfy the thirst of those looking for a unique home to match their new and unique visions of life. In an era when it was believed that robots and machines would eventually solve all the humanities’ inconveniences, Finnish architect Matti Suuronen designed a new house that he christened ‘Future’.

This new house was designed to eventually be the world standard of all houses, to allow worldwide travel and living for everyone. Constructed of reinforced fiberglass, this 16-piece ‘pod’ or ‘flying saucer’ shaped house was designed to be easy to transport and sustainable in any environment. The basic idea was to buy a house when you live on the beach in Hawaii, and when you want a change of pace and move to the Swiss Alps to live in a ski town, you just blow your house up piece by piece to be rebuilt. All that was needed were four concrete pillars for a base, and the house could be placed on top of them, allowing it to be placed almost anywhere.

In addition to the home’s unique transportable design, the interior was also designed with maximum comfort in mind. The living room had a number of reclining chairs, which people could comfortably sit in or even pull down and out to convert into sleepers for guests. These chairs were along the outside wall facing the center of the house where the kitchen and bar area met. This would have made a great dining room and sitting room for conversation, all in one compact space. Along the back of the home, the master bedroom and bathroom were kept tucked away with privacy and intimacy. An interesting environmental draw for this house was that, using the electric heating system, it could go from -20 degrees to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in just 30 minutes. Incredibly sustainable.

Sadly, fewer than 100 of these houses were built worldwide, which is commonly attributed to the Exxon Mobile crisis and the dramatic rise in the price of oil. The ripple effect of the increase made the plastics for these houses more expensive to produce, and naturally people began to lose interest. Matti Suuronen’s dream of a futuristic world with flying saucer houses whizzing through the air under helicopters died along with his design in the 1980s.

Company-Company

However, before the future of the Future took its course, a savvy Taiwanese businessman shared Matti Suuronen’s dream and took action with it.

Mr. Su Ming was a Taiwanese businessman with a vibrant past in the military during his early years. One of his first ventures was a now popular brand of Sarsaparilla soda that is sold throughout Taiwan. In the early days of it, it was not very popular with the local taste buds and got off to a slow start. However, with the American establishment of military bases in Taiwan as a post for Greater East Asia, Western tastes for culture and food began to develop in the country. Along with this, Mr. Su Mings’ carbonated drink sales skyrocketed and he set up a new factory, becoming a wealthy new member of the ton.

With his new money, Mr. Su Ming was eager to invest and decided to target an upmarket market of Taiwanese nationals buying vacation homes. He decided that water sports and beach life were the attractions he needed to create a beachside community for upper-class Taiwanese. With this in mind, he chose a beautiful beachfront location along Taiwan’s northeast coast, made a real estate investment, and began building a futuristic housing community filled with Futuro design houses as well as boxy beach villas. . The market for him was the super-rich of Taiwan, as these beach villas were originally priced at around what is today equivalent to $94,000 US dollars.

Informed by the local property manager, I was told that eventually the investors lost interest and the project ran out of money. He explained that many of the investors could afford to go abroad to other exotic locations and private villas, leaving little desire for a simple beach property vacation back home.

Also, in an interview with a local dance instructor at the neighboring spa and hotel, I was informed that the weather conditions in the area were extreme year-round; Summers are unbearably hot and winters bring intolerably strong winds and cold waters that break on the beach. He explained that it was not an ideal vacation home location and that the neighborhood had been empty for over 20-30 years.

The present-day result is the ruins of a once-futuristic, deserted, and unstable neighborhood of beachside villas, giving us a small window into what was once a successful businessman’s dream.

shooting experience

Transportation (travel)

Trying to hit the magic hour in the morning for the session, I left around 5:00 am to catch the first bus that would take me to the now-abandoned spa. This was only possible because Taipei’s transportation system is robust, making life easier for those who choose to avoid the danger of riding scooters in busy traffic. Winding through the mountains and watching as the landscape changed from high-rise apartments to hillsides and verdant jungle-covered temples, I couldn’t help but begin to appreciate how easy it was to get out of the mess in Taiwan. In just one hour, he was already on the coast. DSLR and tripod in hand, I got off the bus and saw the first Future.

feeling

The morning was cloudy, as it often is on the shores of Taiwan, which brought a whole new feeling to the stage. With the gray clouds rolling in, the sunlight scattered, and the Future house looming closer, I felt like he was literally about to be kidnapped. The spooky weather and abandoned structures really worked well together, giving me the creepy feeling that I had to go in, shoot and get out.

As I wandered the streets lined with the planned community, the color contrasts and random objects in the ruins presented an amazing window into the past. All Futuro-style houses were a dull orange or faded light yellow, indicating their age and rough past life. There were rust stains running down the sides of each house that resembled bleeding scars caused by years and years of the harsh environment beating them down. The steel canopy poles on each of the square house front porches had been torn apart by the high winds, like pipe cleaners bent by a child.

Overgrown, most of the houses had clearly been deserted for a long time. Surprisingly though, there were still a few where they had rusty padlocks on the doors, TVs inside, and looked like they were inhabited. This gave me the feeling that I was in some kind of abandoned city horror movie and continually checking the shadows to make sure there wasn’t anything creeping up behind me to drive an ax into my back.

I ventured into some of the houses that were not protected with wooden posts and barbed wire bolts to get a better look. I found Japanese-influenced tatami rooms, twin beds with sheets still on, and even toothbrushes along with a bottle of head and shoulder shampoo in one bathroom.

Kitchens with stoves, refrigerators, and air conditioning units still hanging on the wall screamed for the modernity that the entire project was aiming for back then. What I found quite attractive was that in front of the boxy beachfront villas, and below many of the Futuro-designed houses, there were tables and seats along with grills and gardens. It resembled what I thought of as a campsite, where families could gather and cook outdoors to enjoy nature and the company of their loved ones. An interesting contrast of feelings and mood for such a place.

Overall, the energy was a weird mix of extreme creepy offset by a feeling that it could actually have been a very nice community to live in if it had been successful. The interior design of the villas, along with the uniqueness of the community, could have been a very nice place for a camping holiday getaway just a short drive from the capital.

Lessons and enlightenment

The beachside villas established by Mr. Su Ming provide a unique and interesting view into Taiwan’s past and global trends in general. The place is an unmissable opportunity for any traveler or photographer who comes to Taiwan in search of a unique view. Fortunately, he’s so far been able to avoid the bulldozer, unlike his unfortunate West Coast sibling, Pod Houses in SanZhi, but it’s impossible to know when his day will finally be numbered.

Just a short time from Taipei, it’s also a good reminder of how amazing Taiwan is as a travel destination. As one of the undiscovered gems of the east, Taiwan’s landscape and culture remain rich and unique, but the country’s modernity makes it all very accessible. The Undiscovered Taiwan Future Village is an amazing travel experience and I would highly recommend it as a day trip for those who are interested in a place that is off the beaten path, has a unique and rich history, and is all in a very photogenic package.