Morocco – close to Europe but a world apart

With its sparking coast, exotic cities and desert dunes, Morocco is a diverse and exciting country that feels a world away from Europe. Low cost airlines have transformed it into an easily accessible destination and the journey to Marrakech takes only three and a half hours. Morocco is consequently one of the best holiday destinations outside of Europe, providing a far-from-home feeling and plenty of adventure without breaking the bank.

One of Morocco’s most appealing qualities is its magical city life, horses and carts still common in the streets, minarets and domes decorating the skyline. Most flights arrive in Marrakech, where visitors should stay at least a couple of days to experience this enchanting city, parts of which have changed little over hundreds of years. Exploring the markets is a treat not to be missed. Mountains of multi-coloured spices are sold between silversmiths and treasure-trove antique stalls.

Leather goods, jewellery and handmade musical instruments are also abundant, and haggling for souvenirs is a fun part of the Moroccan shopping experience. At night, the main square is filled with snake charmers, story tellers and acrobats. Moroccan dining is world class, tagines of couscous, steaming vegetables and fresh fish served in lantern-lit restaurants around the square. Restaurant interiors add to the magic, terracotta, tile work and silver upholding traditional Arabic design. The Medieval city of Fes is also a highlight, as is the charming city of Chefchaouen, where the traditional hillside houses are all painted white.

A trip to the Sahara is an experience of a lifetime and guided tours on camel back are offered throughout the capital. On a two day trip, groups are led into the desert where large tents and a campfire are set up for the night. No matter what you are told about the clearness of the night sky in the Sahara, you will still be humbled and astounded when the stars come out, so many and so bright that they light up the desert. Sleeping on the sand is magical, guides pointing out constellations and shooting stars after supper. The stars are rivalled only by the morning sun, rising like a golden orb over the rolling dunes.

Morocco’s coastal destinations are the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. Bohemian Essaouira is a famed location amongst musicians and artists, past residents including Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley. Cobbled streets are alive with colour, North African rhythms and art pouring from cavernous shops. Surfing is a popular pursuit and the town has a laid-back vibe to match. For a classic beach experience Agadir is the destination of choice. A sun-seekers paradise, pristine sandy beaches hem the turquoise waters of the Atlantic. Resorts offer first class accommodation and family friendly activities including water sports and sightseeing.

With breath-taking hiking trails in the high Atlas Mountains and world class skiing to boot, Morocco has all the components to make it one of the best holiday destinations in the world.

Many thanks for this guest post from Tom Volpe from Heading There, a guide written by travellers, for travellers

More holiday ideas in North Africa

Seagulls and salt spray in Essaouira – Morocco
Travelling in Egypt – Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh and Siwa
6 misconceptions I had about Alexandria – in Egypt

Photo credits: Essaouira by Primeroz,  Chefchaouen by Fulvio’s photos. Other photos by Tom Volpe.

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

You’ll also find our sister blog with tips on how to build a successful travel blog at My Blogging Journey

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Spotlight on Cabo San Lucas in Mexico – what to do and where to stay

If you’re looking for a holiday in the sun in Cabo San Lucas, this guest article will give you ideas on the beach and accommodation options you’ll find in this popular Mexican Resort.

Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas

On Medano Beach, lazy waves quietly roll onto the shore, washing over the feet of children trying to build a sand castle. Parents relax nearby, keeping a watchful eye on their children while enjoying the sight of boats sailing past one of Mexico’s most comfortable and friendly beaches. Just to complete the holiday experience, vendors pass by offering anything from temporary tattoos and jewelry to snacks and beach supplies to anyone who needs them. Restaurants and beach clubs like Billygan’s Island and The Office are popular with people passing by and looking for refreshments.

Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun, head out onto the water, or just settle down and watch people pass by, Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas will probably meet your every need. It even has boats, jet skis, and other equipment available from shacks out on the water and luxury vacation rentals. Medano Beach is a bit of a nonstop party, but if that’s not what you’re looking for then try…

Lover’s Beach and Divorce beach

Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach are more serene locations that can be accessed by Water Taxi (or similar transportation), and they’re located a little further away from the main entertainment areas in downtown Cabo. For a very reasonable fee, it’s easy to hire somebody who will take you out to the area, as well as show you which areas are safe for swimming and diving; you might even be able to do it yourself if you have access to rental equipment and know where to go.

Once you’ve had your fill of excitement, Cabo San Lucas villas, hotels, and resorts are all options for sleeping after a day out having fun, but not all bedrooms were created equal. A traditional hotel is probably your best bet if all you really want to do is swim, relax on the beach, and perhaps go shopping in downtown Cabo; it’s inexpensive and will get the job done.

Accommodation options in Cabo San Lucas

However, with everything from jet skis and kayaks to golf courses by designer Jack Nicklaus available in the region, you’ll probably end up missing out on a lot of things to do if the sun is all you’re looking for. If you’re going all the way to Cabo for a trip, you may as well do it right. The most effective way to get access to things in Cabo is to stay at a resort; places like Palmilla Resort offer fine dining, access to spas and recreation, effective concierge services, and other features that can help you get the best deals on activities in the region. The initial price tag may be higher than a hotel, but if you plan properly, you might end up saving a lot of money you might otherwise have spend on activities not connected to a resort. You should compare services, though, since different resorts offer different things.

From shopping to surfing and everything in-between, there’s no place in Mexico like Cabo San Lucas for a truly tropical vacation.

My thanks for this sponsored article to Lacure Villas who offer holiday villas in Cabo San Lucas and many other worldwide destinations.

More holidays in the sun

Diving and party time – a budget getaway in Cancun, Mexico
Swimming, Surfing and Snorkeling – best beaches in the Dominican Republic
Our top 5 sights on Awesome Aruba

Photo Credits: Medano Beach by Price Travel, Lover’s Beach by Minnemom,

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

You’ll also find our sister blog with tips on how to build a successful travel blog at My Blogging Journey

 Don’t miss out – subscribe to Heather on her travels

Inspiring Hawaiian Look Out Points

I think it’s natural to forget about the beautiful world we live in. With all the amazing wonders of modern day technology, who cares how green the grass is, or how tall our trees stand or the colors of the birds that fly above or the wonders of the sea creatures that swim in the oceans. But one of the things about Oahu is not just the great many Oahu hotels that are in close proximity to the city center, but the amazing places you can visit, both natural and man-made, that will inspire even the cynics of this world. Take a trip to my three favorite Hawaiian look out points and I promise you, you’ll be inspired by the beauty and serenity of this world.

Waikiki’s Most Beautiful Gem: Diamond Head

As the single most recognizable attraction in all of Oahu, Diamond Head is the perfect place for you capture a post-card worthy photo. Defining the island skyline for over 200,000 years, this 762 foot tall extinct volcano beckons to hundreds of thousands of travelers every year. And the best view of the island is offered atop the summit of this unique beauty, lending you a panoramic picturesque view of the island not available anywhere else. But please beware, the hike to the top is not an easy one by any means, so make sure you’re prepared with plenty of water, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.

Remember, Remember This Day in December: Pearl Harbor Memorial

Not necessarily a “look-out” point in the traditional sense of the word, but an eye opening experience nonetheless. As the only naval base in the US designated as a National Historical Landmark, a tour of Pearl Harbor gives visitors the opportunity to visit the USS Arizona Memorial to learn about the historic attack and pay respects to the brave soldiers who lost their lives on December 7, 1941. Nothing will prepare you for the somber mood aboard the boat shuttle that will take you to the final resting place for many of the ship’s crew but at the same time, nothing will be more inspiring than to see the shrine built to commemorate the lives of these brave soldiers.

Under the Sea is Where You’ll Want to Be: Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

If you think you’ve seen everything there is to see on land, you should consider taking your next adventure under the sea. Find yourself inspired when you witness first-hand the colorful corals that populate the ocean floor, watch the bright yellow tang swimming beside rainbow runners, and see and swim along with the state fish of Hawaii: the humuhumunukunukuapuaa.

Hanauma Bay is known for their clear waters with a rich marine life that is the perfect place for beginner snorkelers. If you want something a little more advanced, Oahu has plenty of other beaches that have calm and clear waters for you to explore as well. But I can guarantee that the vivid colors you’ll see here will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

A hike to Diamond Head, a day of remembrance at Pearl Harbor and an underwater adventure at Hanauma Bay are all beautiful ways you can explore the beautiful island of Oahu. I hope that with these three adventures, you’ll be inspired to seek out the other beauties of Hawaii, since there are just so many of them. Picking only three was a difficult task, but I hope that reading my short list will inspire a hundred other adventures. So go forth my friends and find other exciting Hawaiian adventures! Mahalo and aloha.

My thanks for this sponsored post to Aqua Resorts – for boutique and budget-friendly hotels and resorts in Waikiki, Oahu and Hononlulu

Photo credits: Diamond Head by RaSchi, Pearl Harbor Memorial by wallyg, Humuhumunukunuku apua’a by pQbon

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

You’ll also find our sister blog with tips on how to build a successful travel blog at My Blogging Journey

Don’t miss out – subscribe to Heather on her travels

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