Breaking Blue : Helping you explore the world!

Australia, affectionately known as Oz or ‘Down Under’, is a vast country (with a land area of over 8 million squared kilometres). It is impossible to highlight all its visitor attractions in just a few short paragraphs. The capital city is Sydney, famed for its opera house and Harbour Bridge. Other major Australian cities include Melbourne, Cairns, Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin and Perth – all of which are close to dazzling blue oceans and stretches of golden beaches. To get an idea of just how large the country is, the distance between Perth on the southwest coast and Brisbane in the east is over 3,600 km, and Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south is almost as far (just over 3,000 km).

Canberra and Sydney are located in New South Wales. Both are modern, thriving, exciting cities with plenty to offer holiday-makers and travellers of all ages. In addition to the distinctive opera house and its Harbour Bridge (which can be climbed or simply walked across, for a stunning view of the entire city), Sydney has some beautiful gardens and national parks, an aquarium, art gallery, museum and not forgetting the infamous Bondi beach. The Gold Coast is just over 500 miles away.

For arguably the best diving experience in the world, Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef has to be experienced. This region has plenty of hotels, from simple lodgings to elaborate suites. Other popular activities include glass-bottomed boat tours, dolphin-watching and even – for the brave – cage-diving with sharks. Another popular site in Australia is Ayers Rock (Uluru), in Alice Springs – which looks particularly sensational at sunset or sunrise. The beautiful island of Tasmania, a short boat ride from Melbourne off the south coast, is well worth a visit – a walker’s paradise with lush rainforests and breathtaking scenery.

There are over 300 airports throughout Australia, a network of established roads, rail links and plenty of “off the beaten track” routes, so it is truly a traveller’s dream. To take in the best of what this glorious, friendly country has to offer, you will ideally need at least three months and a well-planned itinerary. And decent hiking boots!

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When you want to go on a cruise you will have any number of companies to choose from when you make your booking.  So what makes P&O Cruises worth considering as your premier selection?

For starters there are seven ships you can choose from as the location for your holiday.  With another one – the Adonia – launching in 2011 you will see that P&O Cruises offer the best in accommodation and facilities across all their ships.

There are lots of destinations you can book with P&O; if you have ever wanted to see the fjords and visit Iceland, there is no better way to do it than on a cruise ship.  Then again if you have the time and the budget why not go all out and book your place on a world cruise? 

Their website also has a section which allows you to find the right type of cruise for you. This makes it a lot easier to search for what you need. This could be according to the length of time you want to spend cruising, or it could be related to what the cruise will be like. For instance you can search for P&O Cruises that are perfect for families.  Conversely if you are travelling with your partner and you don’t want to be bothered by kids, you can look for cruises that don’t allow children on board.

There are plenty of reasons why you should consider P&O Cruises over the competition. Which one will tempt you?

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Princess Cruises offer over 120 individual cruise holidays with over 330 ports of call so there is bound to be something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.

Priding themselves on excellent customer service Princess Cruise staff is always on hand to give help and advice to passengers who require it.

Covering all continents including Antarctica, and taking in destinations not covered by most other cruise companies such as the Falkland Islands, Midway Island, Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima, Princess Cruises has some of the most unique holiday destinations covered.

Princess Cruises offers a once in a lifetime world cruise of 107 days taking in 42 ports of call onboard the Pacific Princess (the new version of the famous Princess Cruise lines popular  ‘Love Boat’ from the television series of the same name).

Cruise options range from two days right up to the 107 day world cruise. All 17 Princess Cruise ships adhere to the same high standards, with the same wide range of onboard activities for both adults and children alike.

Princess Cruises also offer Cruise Tours. This is when part of the holiday takes place on land and allows the passenger to enjoy several nights inland to enjoy sights that cannot be accessed by ship.

One fun onboard activity is the golf simulator. You can even take golf lessons while at sea which is perfect for all abilities. While the adults are enjoying sports children can take part in scavenger hunts, themed parties and talent shows. Princess Cruises really are fun for all the family.

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With the world opening up to the point where anyone can hop on a cheap flight to just about anywhere, this is a great time to get out and see the world. Flights to Aberdeen, flights to London and flights to Edinburgh have never been cheaper, but if you prefer something a touch more exotic why not try Amman, the fabled White City of Jordan? Flights to Amman from London take about five hours, shorter than the average drive from London to Newcastle.

Amman is steeped in history being one of the oldest cities on earth, and is even mentioned in the Bible, where it is called Rabbath-Ammon. Everyone from the Seleucids to the Romans has occupied it over the centuries.

In Amman you get a vivid flavour of the Middle East whilst at the same time having access to modern facilities. You can spend the day haggling in the souks and bazaars, shopping in modern malls and refreshing yourself in traditional coffee houses. Pretty exhausted you can then return to a modern, air-conditioned hotel such as the Marriott or Kempinski, have a cool drink, an excellent evening meal and head off for a good night’s sleep.

There are plenty of things to see in Amman, such as the steam locomotives in the Hejaz railway station and the remains of Roman Philadelphie (built 138 to 161AD) plus excursions to surrounding sights of international importance, such as Petra and Mount Nebo.

You don’t have to be Indiana Jones to live the adventure, simply log on and book one of the many cheap flights going at the moment.

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Looking for something really different for your next holiday?  Travel to the American West and spend your holiday as a cowboy or cowgirl.  Experience the wide open spaces and see what life was like as the country expanded toward the Pacific Ocean. There are many holiday apartments or villas that will offer the beautiful vistas and experiences you seek.

Many ranches from Montana to New Mexico offer “working” holidays or vacations where you can begin or improve your horsemanship skills, work with the animals, or learn to cook beneath the stars.  The ranch holiday offerings vary widely, so it helps to define exactly what you want before beginning to search.

Some are more of the “dude ranch” style, where there’s minimal involvement in the day-to-day activities of the ranch, and more opportunities for trail riding, swimming, photography, fishing, camping, and relaxing.  Other working ranches count on the labour of the holiday seekers as a way to survive the tough economic times.  These cowboy holidays will have you hunting for lost cattle, branding or vaccinating animals, and in the spring maybe even helping with the calving or lambing.  It’s a much more hands-on, intense experience than the dude ranch holiday, but also very rewarding.

The most important consideration for this type of holiday is your horsemanship level.  Remember that ranches ride Western style.  The saddle has a pommel and usually saddle bags and you’ll need to wear cowboy boots and probably a hat to avoid injury and sunburn.  You’ll work hard, but gain new skills and see some of the most beautiful country in the world.  And you’ll meet people and gain friendships that will last a lifetime.

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After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, some said New Orleans would never recover.  Well, they were wrong, and a visit to this most dynamic of cities will prove it.  New Orleans has taken back its ‘joie de vivre’ and is moving forward in a big way.  The best way to see this wonderfully reborn city is to rent a holiday apartment or villa so you’ll have a place to relax like a local at the end of the day.

This city is eminently walkable, so be sure to take in one or two of the city walks available.  A graveyard tour – by day or night – is a must, as no one here can be buried below ground.  Because of the flooding issue, everyone must be cremated or placed in crypts, and over the centuries some elaborate, beautiful crypts have been built for the city’s elite.

The French Quarter is still interesting, though it has definitely taken a seedier turn since the 2005 rebuilding.  This city that has seen more than its share of warfare has two very good museums dedicated to the same:  the National World War II Museum and the Confederate Museum, dedicated to telling the Southern side of America’s Civil War, are both located in the Warehouse District. 

Follow Magazine Street from the Warehouse District to the Garden District for fabulous and eclectic shopping.  Everything from exclusive antiques to free-thinking artwork can be found and purchased.  While in the Garden District, walk down St. Charles Avenue to see the beautiful homes and mansions, many of which have been here through centuries. 

For eating, everything from five-star restaurants owned by world-famous chefs to eat-on-the-go sidewalk vendors can be found.  A mandatory stop is at Café du Monde to order one of their famous beignets.  For fine dining, Arnaud’s or Brennan’s are sure bets – but reservations are required, as is appropriate attire.  If you’d prepare to dress a bit more casually, try Pascal’s Manale, Gordon Biersch’s Restaurant and Brewery, or Mulate’s Cajun Restaurant.  And don’t leave without a dinner cruise on the Steamboat Natchez for a dinner and jazz cruise up the mighty Mississippi River.

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The stunning setting of Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies, named after Queen Victoria’s daughter is a perfect setting for that spring skiing holiday. Lake Victoria in the high summer is a fabulous sight with its startling emerald green waters hidden in the winter when covered with snow.

Skiing is the main attraction with 139 runs and nine lifts over 4,200 acres ranging across four sunny mountain faces, Lake Louise is the Canadian Rockies’ largest and prettiest ski area, and suited to all levels, from terrified beginners to intrepid powder hounds. There is a green run from each of the chairs as well as demanding back bowls, gullies and glades for the adventurous.

This ski holiday area covers all levels of winter sport and for both boarders as well as skiers who want to try something different. The new Olympic sport of ski cross which turned out to be one of the most exhilarating spectator events of the recent Vancouver Games, and you can try this out in an impressive terrain park with ramps, jumps, rails and table tops to show off, or more likely wipe out!

Although it is a long flight time, around eight hours, with the high value of the Euro nearer to home, Canada offers an attractive economic alternative right now, making it ideal for families in search of a last-minute Easter break in the snow. This year the season runs until May 3, and there are extensive snow-making facilities.

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If you are looking for the ultimate spa experience, why not go to sea. Costa Cruises have cruise liners that feature the Samsara Spa; they are the Costa Concordia, Costa Luminosa, Costa Pacifica, Costa Deliziosa and the Costa Serena. These stunning cruise liners have exclusive health and beauty centres, which will leave you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.

With over 2,000sqm of space, the Samsara Spa experience is set in the most elegant of settings, designed just to help you relax on your cruise holiday. So, if you want to combine hot mineral treatments with steam baths and amazing Oriental relaxation rituals, the Samsara Spa with Costa Cruises is for you.

Some Costa Cruises spa treatments enable you to indulge in floatation therapy, rock sauna, teahouse, solarium and Turkish baths. You can benefit from these amazing treatments and surroundings by booking a cabin on any one of the cruise liners listed previously. If you decide to take your holiday in the spa area of a Costa cruise you will be treated to a Welcome Ritual, which includes a selected variety of treatments and lots of amenities to make you stay extra special. The Samsara Spa also includes an exclusive restaurant that has a menu of specially balanced meals.

Samsara spa is there to envelope you in relaxation and treat you like royalty every day of your stay onboard the cruise liner. From treatments to dinner, your wishes are taken care of by Costa Cruises and their exclusive spa.

Finding your inner self has never been so easy.

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Owned by the Walt Disney Company, the Disney Cruise Line offers a unique transatlantic cruise experience. This luxurious 14 night transatlantic cruise comes with 5 ports of call and 8 full days at sea. The Disney Magic cruise liner features all the amenities expected of a modern transatlantic passenger ship while being the perfect option for families with young children.

The Disney Magic can accommodate 2,400 passengers, with 10 decks of activities and entertainment waiting to be explored. Over 900 crew and cast members are on hand to attend and entertain the ship’s guests.

Shops, clubs, pools, nightclubs and even a spa will be sure to keep adults both relaxed and amused while onboard. As would be expected from a Disney liner, family entertainment onboard the Disney Magic is second to none. With state-of-the-art cinemas, theatres and live shows featuring all of Disney’s best-loved characters, the ship is a paradise for children of all ages.

The westbound transatlantic cruise begins in Barcelona before stopping at Gibraltar and Madeira. Passengers have time to explore both locations before the trip across the Atlantic begins. After 5 days at sea, the ship arrives in the Caribbean and the island of St. Maarten. A day is spent here before the ship heads for Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. Here, passengers can enjoy the exclusive beaches of this stunning resort.

Passengers will finally be taken to Port Canaveral in Florida, the Disney Magic’s home port. Eastbound transatlantic voyages begin from here, stopping off at all the same ports and finishing in Barcelona.

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Russia is one of the most interesting countries in the world and the residents seem to love the tourists. There are not only large cities to visit in Russia, but also quaint historical towns.

The most difficult thing one will encounter when planning your trip to Russia is the visa process.  You must first obtain a letter of invitation from a travel agency, hotel, or perhaps an employer if visiting for business purposes. Once the invitation letter is received, you can then begin your application for a visa.

Air travel to Russia is a bit pricey. To save on costs, it is always wise to purchase tickets as far in advance as possible.  Hotel accommodation in Russia will vary from city to city.  You may find luxurious five-star hotels or perhaps an inexpensive hostel to stay in?  It is always best to research this information through a rated or reviewer site such as Tripadvisor.com for recommendations and to read of others’ experiences.

In the larger cities of Russia tourists will find almost everything that they need. But there are a couple of items that are particularly handy to have. One is a Russian phrase book, as most of the townspeople do not speak English.  Another is an adaptor for electrical outlets since Russia utilizes 220-230 volt outlets only.

Wherever you travel in Russia you will find a more modern country than was once depicted on television.  You will also experience some of the history of this great nation.

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