Tags: America / Benzie County's Crystal Lake

Benzie County's Crystal Lake

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Benzie County's Crystal Lake

A meditative morning paddle on Benzie County's Crystal Lake.

  The beach is awash in cool shadows. Tall white pines and ancient cedars cast giant patterns across the sand. Sunlight dances on the water. Morning is waking. 

  I slide my kayak into Crystal Lake and a chevron ripple flows behind me. I dip my paddle into the calm and pull. In moments, I leave the shady beach behind and slip into warm sunshine. Shades of blue stretch out before me: a robin’s egg sky, a lake, luminescent and reflective, a summer morning expanding. Gliding over the shallows, I see clouds of minnows. Spooked, they disappear like slippery ghosts, leaving only a maze of unwary snails along the sandy bottom.

  As I paddle, I create tiny whirlpools that propel me forward. Water runs off my paddle, a chain of water rings trails behind me, widening until they disappear. With each pull, I create my own pathway. I paddle to the drop-off where the water turns deep lapis blue. I peer over the edge. A few sunken logs encrusted with zebra mussels and seaweed lie on the bottom of the lake, the perfect cover for small fish. Even as the water deepens, I see Rock Bass weave in and out of weedy curtains far below. The water is so clear my eyes are fooled watery distances seem to shrink.

  A fellow voyager joins me. A big black dragonfly with gold-leaded wings catches a ride. Perhaps he likes the lime green color of my kayak, or maybe he just needs a rest. Together we glide through the water soaking up the morning sun. I paddle along the edge of the dark blue, tracing a wavy line of water where the lake bottom falls away. Now and then, a few ripples dimple the lake. The morning breathes. I paddle on.

  The rhythm of paddling focuses my attention. I feel the soothing pull of water, the warmth of the sun on my back, a sense of peace. Here, on the water, life is stripped bare and simple. So much falls away. Little puffs of white dot the sky. A seagull feather floats by. I look up and wonder about lost feathers and views from the sky, when high above me I see him. He dips his wing and descends, moving toward me with power and precision. I stop paddling. I’m still as a tree. Watching. Waiting. A bald eagle swoops down to the water, not 20 feet in front of me. His talons reach for a fish floating on the surface. Somehow, he misses. Flying above me, the eagle circles back and returns a second time. This time, his talons expertly encircle the fish. I can see water dripping off the fish as the eagle ascends higher and higher. I don’t move. I hardly breathe until the eagle crests a distant hill and soars out of sight.

  It all happens so quickly the giant shadow of his wings, the focus in his eyes, the swiftness of his flight. Yet in moments, this powerful bird is gone, beyond the lake, beyond the hills home to an aerie, high in the trees, where little eaglets are waiting to be fed. Slowly, I paddle back to the beach. The bow of my kayak creases the wet sand at the water’s edge. I pull my boat to higher ground. Cool sand squishes between my toes. I turn back toward the lake and see its restless spirit emerge. Tiny ripples grow. Real waves are just a breeze away. And already, my day is steeped in magic.

Tags: Africa / America / Asia / Australia / aviation / Europe / guidelines / ICAO adopts ‘Take Off’ guidelines to get aviation industry flying again / Middle East

ICAO adopts ‘Take Off’ guidelines to get aviation industry flying again

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ICAO adopts ‘Take Off’ guidelines to get aviation industry flying again

  On June 1 the ICAO Council adopted a new report and recommendations aimed at restarting the international air transport system and aligning its global recovery.

  The report, named ‘Take-off: Guidance for Air Travel through the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis’, provides the framework of risk-based temporary measures for air transport operations during the COVID-19 crisis. It proposes a gradual approach to restarting commercial aviation using generally applied measures created by using the recommendations and guidance from public health authorities, to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus when travelling.

Its measures include: 

  Physical distancing, where feasible, and the implementation of “adequate risk-based measures where distancing is not possible, for example in aircraft cabins”;

Wearing of face coverings and masks by passengers and workers;

Routine sanitation and disinfection of all areas with potential for human contact and transmission;

  Health screening, which could include pre-and post-flight selfdeclarations, as well as temperature screening and visual observation “conducted by health professionals”;

  Contact tracing for passengers and aviation employees: contact information should be requested as part of the health self-declaration,  and interaction between passengers and governments should be directly though government portals;

  Passenger health declaration forms, including self-declarations in line with recommendations of health authorities. Electronic tools should be encouraged, to avoid paper;

Testing: if and when real-time, rapid and reliable testing is available.

  The report and guidelines were produced by the Council’s Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART).    They were developed through consultations with national and regional organisations, together with advice from the World Health Organization and key aviation industry groups. The latter included the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airports Council International (ACI World), the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), and the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA).

  ICAO Council president, Salvatore Sciacchitano, said: “The world looked to the ICAO Council to provide the high-level guidance that governments and industry needed to begin restarting international air transport and recovering from COVID-19. We have answered this call with the delivery of this report and with its recommendations and Take-off guidelines will now align public and private sector actions and mitigations as we get the world flying again, in full accordance with the latest and most prudent medical and traveller health advice available to us.”

  CART chairperson ambassador, Philippe Bertoux, the representative of France to the ICAO Council, noted that the CART guidelines were intended to inform, align and progress the national, regional, and industry-specific COVID-19 recovery roadmaps now being implemented, but not to replace them.

  “These guidelines will facilitate convergence, mutual recognition and harmonisation of aviation COVID-19-related measures across the globe. They are intended to support the restart and recovery of global air travel in a safe, secure and sustainable way. In order to be effective, we need to take a layered and especially a risk-based approach. Measures will be implemented or removed as needed based on the wide-ranging medical and other factors which will be at play,” he said.

  He added: “Countries and operators need both autonomy and certainty as they take action to get the world flying again and the CART guidelines are therefore designed to serve in both these capacities as a common reference, while remaining adaptable. This needs to be understood as a type of ‘living guidance’, which will be continuously updated based on latest risk assessments as we monitor progress and reconnect the world.”

  IATA welcomed the new initiative.  Responding to ICAO’s announcement,  IATA’s director general and CEO,  Alexandre de Juniac, said: “The  universal implementation of global  standards has made aviation safe.  A similar approach is critical in this  crisis so that we can safely restore  air connectivity as borders and  economies re-open. The Takeoff  guidance document was built with  the best expertise of government  and industry. Airlines strongly  support it. Now we are counting  on governments to implement the recommendations quickly, because the world wants to travel again and needs airlines to play a key role in the economic recovery. And we must do this with global harmonisation and mutual recognition of efforts to earn the confidence of travellers and air transport workers.

  This layering of measures should give travellers and crew the confidence they need to fly again. And we are committed to working with our partners to continuously improve these measures as medical  science, technology and the pandemic evolve.”

The five-stage return of air travel
  CART, the Council Aviation Recovery Task Force, outlined the stages of resumption of passenger air travel. At the time it published its guidance, it said most of commercial passenger aviation was in Stage 0 or Stage 1.
STAGE 0:
Travel restrictions and only minimal movement of passengers between major airports.
STAGE 1:
  Initial increase of passenger travel. This will coincide with relatively low passenger volumes, allowing airlines and airports to introduce public health practices appropriate to the volume. Health measures for travel required at airports will need to, at a minimum, match those from other local modes of transport and infrastructure.
STAGE 2:
  As health authorities review the applicability of measures based on recognised medical criteria, passenger volumes will continue to increase. Several measures that were required in Stages 0 and 1 may be lifted.
STAGE 3:
  May occur when the outbreak has been sufficiently contained in a critical mass of major destinations worldwide as determined by health authorities. Reduction of national health alert levels and associated loosening of travel restrictions will be key triggers. Risk mitigation measures will continue to be reduced, modified, or will be stopped. Effective pharmaceutical interventions (e.g. therapies or vaccines) may not be commonly available during Stage 3, but contact tracing and testing should be readily available.
STAGE 4:
  Begins when specific and effective pharmaceutical interventions readily available in most countries. There may be a set of residual measures/mitigations that could be retained, although these too should undergo periodic review.

Tags: America / Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon

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Grand Canyon

Marvel at the beauty of this natural slice through southwest USA.

  Surprisingly, the Grand Canyon doesn't set many records. It isn't the longest, nor the widest, not even the deepest. However, it is by far the most famous, so much so that many people simply call it The Canyon as though there were no others in the world.

  Multicoloured layers of rock sink into the earth, forming a chasm that gives the impression it must have been created by tectonic plates tearing apart. However, this slice through the United States was created over several million years - geologists still argue exactly how long ago - when the Colorado River meandered across what is now north Arizona. Erosion from the flowing water combined with the uplift of the Colorado Plateau to carve a mile deep canyon. The rocks that are left behind were once covered by the waters of a warm, shallow sea or swampland, but now shimmer under the sun in a hot, dry desert.

  For those interested in the statistics, the Grand Canyon stretches for 446 kilometres (277 miles), reaches 29 kilometres (18 miles) at its widest and measures 1,857 metres (6,093 feet) at its deepest. Nobody will ever see the whole thing in one visit, but it is possible to take in the majesty and grandeur in a day or two.

  The popular sites of the South Rim may be busy, but they draw the crowds for a reason. Grand Canyon Village, with a number of wooden buildings dating to the turn of the 20th century, gives a glimpse of canyon country in the final days of the American Frontier. From here. Hermit Road runs west for 11 kilometres (eight miles) to the stone-built Hermit's Rest. Those who are keen to hike a portion of the Canyon will find this the easiest way to get their boots dusty: jump on board the free shuttle bus to Hermit's Rest and walk back to Grand Canyon Village along the Rim Trail. For those who prefer to see their natural wonders from the comfort of a seat, hop on and off the buses to your heart's content at the designated stops and viewpoints along the road.

  The quieter Desert View Drive, heading east from Grand Canyon Village, is the best way to escape the tourist hordes. This 40 kilometre (25-mile) road does not have a shuttle bus service so relies on visitors having their own wheels, but it includes six viewpoints and five unmarked pullover points.    Don't miss Navajo Point and Lipan Point, two places where the dusky red layers of rock can be seen at their best. The road ends at the Desert View Watchtower, just beyond the stunning Tusayan Ruins. These are the eerie remains of a Puebloan village, first constructed nearly 1.000 years ago by around 20 Native Americans who called this land home.

  Coachloads of tourists go no further than the viewpoints of the South Rim, but it's difficult to look down the steep walls of the Grand Canyon and not wonder what is down there. Bright Angel Trail, beginning in Grand Canyon Village, drops 1.340 metres (4.380 feet) over 13 kilometres (eight miles) to the banks of the Colorado River at the bottom of the cliffs. Given the nature of the descent, expect seemingly endless switchbacks and aching knees, although at least it's only another three kilometres (two miles) to the comfortable beds at Phantom Ranch, the only lodge beyond the rim.

  Only 16 kilometres (ten miles) from Grand Canyon Village as the crow flies, but a five-hour drive around the gorge, North Rim is the quieter (and less accessble) side of Grand Canyon with only ten per cent of the park's visitors venturing across. It makes it the ideal place to seek sanctuary from the crowds. The north is also the colder side since it is around 300 metres (1.000 feet) higher than the South Rim. While those on the North Rim can be stood in falling snow. others far below might be sunbathing along the river bank.

  It is now 150 years since John Wesley Powell led the first expedition through Grand Canyon in 1869 to explore an unknown section on American maps. Those who want to follow the trailblazing path of the pioneers should join one of the waterborne excursions leaving Lee's Ferry in the summer months. Itineraries range from a few days to a few weeks, and you can experience the Colorado River by whitewater rafting through rapids, peaceful paddling up little-known side canyons, and exploring Native American ruins only accessible by river.

  But perhaps the best way to really appreciate the scale of the Grand Canyon is from the air. Scenic flights by helicopter and aeroplane leave from Grand Canyon Airport on South Rim. while others depart from Las Vegas, enabling visitors to Sin City to glimpse the Grand Canyon between trips to the gaming tables. Passengers who are lucky enough to find themselves on board are able to marvel at the sheer immensity of the gorge, carved by the seemingly peaceful ribbon of river within it.

  To limit noise and ensure passenger safety, the National Park Service limits the number of flights and no longer allows them to dip below the rim. However, some helicopter excursions do land within the Canyon on the Havasupai and Hualapai Reservations, located outside National Park jurisdiction.

  The Havasupai portion of the Canyon is home to the spectacular waterfalls of Havasu Creek, a tributary of the Colorado. For sheer beauty, this is one of the finest places in the region. The star attraction of the Hualapai Reservation is the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass-bottomed. horseshoe-shaped walkway that extends 21 metres (70 feet) over the rim. It may not be a comfortable experience for those who are afraid of heights, but the makers claim it will hold the weight of 70 Boeing 747 aeroplanes. Although if the glass did smash, expect a long fall - all those jets could all sit on top of each other and still not reach the rim, such is the depth of the most famous canyon in the world.

Tags: America / Las Vegas

Las Vegas

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Las Vegas

Las Vegas shines bright, but it's more than lights that make Sin City stand out.

  Bright neon signs, flashy casinos and getting hitched in front of Elvis. Mention Las Vegas and these are probably the first things that spring to mind. And yes, it is all of these things; the city really does dazzle. According to NASA, if you're looking down at Earth from space, it's the brightest location on the planet. Because of its reputation, most people either love or hate the idea of visiting, but it should definitely be on your bucket list because, whoever you are, this surprising ray of light has something for you.

  Vegas really is unlike anywhere else. The sixkilometre (four-mile) stretch down Las Vegas Boulevard, known as the 'Strip, is lined with some of the biggest hotels in the world; it's as if you've landed in a glamorous theme park that takes you around the globe. Take a trip to Venice at The Venetian, gliding down the canal on a gondola past old Italian villas, or see the Statue of Liberty at New York, New York. The 30-storey pyramid at the Luxor will transport you to Ancient Egypt, while at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel (a few steps down the road) you can sit at a café with a view of the Eiffel Tower. From the dancing fountains at the Bellagio to the iconic Vegas sign, the sights and attractions are jaw-dropping.

  Vegas truly is a world of glitz and glamour. With more than 40 million visitors a year, the city has earned its title as the entertainment and gambling capital of the world. It has some of the biggest casinos and nightclubs. The largest of these, Sunset Station Hotel and Casino, is located off the strip, but other popular hotels for gambling include the Wynn and the Venetian. If you like slot machines, head to the ARIA; for table games the Golden Nugget has the most choice; and if you're not a gambler try LEVEL UP, the gaming lounge at the MGM Grand.

  If you'd rather dance the night away, there's more than enough choice. See world-famous DJs at Hakkasan, one of the world's biggest nightclubs, or indulge in opulence at the Wynn's XS Nightclub.

  If you want to enjoy a drink in a more intimate and classy setting, the bars are just as exceptional. For sheer luxury, visit Chandelier at the Cosmopolitan where you can order a cocktail under a giant chandelier made from two million crystals, or relax at the lavish Vesper Bar, which is decked out in chrome and mirror tiles. For breathtaking views of the city, check out the bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

  The city is also known for its wild pool parties. The Rehab Beach Club at the Hard Rock Hotel is where it all started, but again the choice is huge with epic pool parties like Wet Republic at the MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay. But you don't have to party to get a wild water experience simply visit the Golden Nugget's pool, where you can waterslide through a shark tank.

  But entertainment doesn't stop there. Some of the world's best musical artists hold regular shows, and don't miss Cirque du Soleil's 'Othe water-based spectacular at the Mirage.

  Despite its reputation. Vegas actually has a great deal of history. Downtown is the historic heart of the city where you'll find the Golden Nugget, one of the city's oldest casinos, the Neon Museum and the Mob Museum, which takes you back to a time when gangsters ran the casinos. These are highly recommended as they highlight just how far Las Vegas has come: from the desert home of Native Americans to the fastest growing city in the US.

  Visitors can take a short drive to one of the seven wonders of the engineering world  Hoover Dam and see Lake Mead, the nation's largest reservoir. Hoover Dam is steeped in history. It was built in 1935 after gambling was legalised, giving the city the power to light up the casinos, which were run by the mob.

  If you want to explore other areas of natural beauty, Red Rock Canyon is only 20 minutes away, and the south rim of the Grand Canyon is a five-hour drive.

  You wouldn't think to mention Vegas as a top food destination, but it is. You can find food from every culture, from pizza and sushi to tacos and steak. You can't go to Vegas without having a steak. Try SW Steakhouse, one of only three restaurants in the US that serves authentic Kobe beef. Vegas is known for its huge buffets. as this was a way to keep gamblers in the casinos by providing large quantities of cheap food. With more than 70 buffets it'll be hard to choose one, but the Baccanal Buffet at Caesar's  Palace is highly ranked. The city is also famous for its brunches - make sure you go to Hash House a Go Go. If you've got cash to splash, the city has the highest volume of restaurants run by celebrated chefs, and is becoming known for its fine-dining. If you can only treat yourself once, taste Chef of the Century' Joel Robuchon's food at MGM Grand.

  Adrenaline junkies will have lots to keep them busy. Jump off the 108th floor of the Stratosphere hotel at SkyJump or, if rollercoasters are more your thing, the Canyon Blaster at Circus Circus is the world's only indoor double loop, double corkscrew. There's also the Manhattan Express at New York, New York and Desperado at Buffalo Bill's. Adventurers can go indoor skydiving, mountain biking and much more along the Strip and further afield. Sports fanatics can bet at Caesar's Palace or play golf at championship golf courses including Bali Hai Golf Club.

  Shop in style at some stunning shopping venues, from the Forum shops at Greco-Roman themed Caesar's Palace to the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian. For luxury shopping take a trip to Crystals at City Centre; for popular brands there are more than 200 stores at the Fashion Show Mall: and if you're after a discount try the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets.

  Vegas also has some of the best spas in the world. Be pampered like a queen with a euphoric synchronised massage at Encore, a gemstone facial at ARIA or skin treatment using 24-carat gold at Qua Baths & Spa.

  They say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and whether you get up to mischief or not, there's at least one reason that you should stay in Vegas and just see what happens.

Tags: America / best places to visit in florida

best places to visit in florida

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best places to visit in florida

Uncover the unexpected variety of the USA’s Sunshine State.

 Florida. That means Disney, right? In 1959, Walt Disney chose the city of Orlando to be the location of his new holiday resort, although he did not live to see Walt Disney World open its doors to visitors for the first time in 1971. Since then, The City Beautiful has become the global capital of theme parks. From pirates and princesses to wizards and whales, there’s an Orlando theme park to suit every taste. Millions of visitors each year choose between the gargantuan complexes of Disney, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Legoland. If such vast and hyperactive theme parks aren’t your thing, try the smaller and more manageable Gatorland or Fun Spot America. Or maybe the Holy Land Experience, a Christian-based theme park, is more your thing?  

  Theme park fanatics who are prepared to go slightly further afield should also consider the African-influenced Busch Gardens, 128 kilometres (80 miles) west of Orlando in the outskirts of Tampa, while many drive 80 kilometres (50 miles) east to Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral to get up close to Space Shuttle Atlantis and a Saturn V rocket. For a peek behind the scenes, book one of the special tours of the launch complex.

  It’s possible to spend weeks hopping from one theme park to another across Florida’s central belt and many do but such an itinerary ignores Florida’s many and varied other attractions. Miami, probably the state’s most famous city, combines an American metropolis with Latin flair imagine the child of New York and Rio de Janeiro. The central district of Little Havana is probably where the Cuban influence is at its highest. Watch the locals play cards and dominos on fold-up tables in Gomez Park, and take an edible journey down the best cafes on Calle Ocho with a food tour.

  The museums of Downtown Miami are worth a visit, as are the hip and vibrant northern districts of Midtown and Upper Eastside; but most visitors actually spend a lot of their time on Miami Beach, a separate city located on a reef across Biscayne Bay. Here you can soak up the Art Deco architecture of Ocean Drive at the same time as soaking up the rays. Take time to wander the South Beach district, as busy at night as it is during the day, with hundreds of nightclubs, restaurants, boutiques and hotels, and a number of quirky, colourful lifeguard stands.

  South Beach may be among the most famous of American beaches, but there is no shortage of alternatives for those who want to avoid the crowds. With 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles) of coastline, the Sunshine State nestles between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Those who want to try a spot of surfing could do worse than Laguna Beach on the strip of non-peninsula Florida known as the Panhandle. On the Atlantic coast, the hard sand of Daytona Beach was once used as a racecar track. Races ended when an internationally renowned racetrack was built in the city, but the beach is one of the few remaining that are still open to motorists albeit The historic heart of St Augustine is a fine place to soak up Spanish architecture at a slower speed. Further down the coast, West Palm Beach sits directly west of Grand Bahama and enjoys a similar reputation for snorkelling and sea life.

  Off the southern tip of the state, the Florida Keys is an archipelago of 1,700 islands stretching into the Gulf of Mexico. Many of them are linked by US Highway 1, which begins in Key West an island city at the tip of the Keys and stretches all the way to the Canadian border with Maine. Most will drive only the picturesque 260 kilometres (160 miles) section to Key West from Miami. If hiring a vehicle, try to get a convertible and, when you hit the first overwater section at Key Largo, let the roof drop and the sea breeze whistle through your hair. But don’t press too hard on the accelerator. The speed limit is strictly enforced and, anyway, the pace of life in the Keys is slow and steady. What’s the rush? Just don’t forget the fuel: gas for the car and local speciality Key lime pie for the driver.

  Another fine road trip from Miami is to take Highway 41 across the state. Once out of Miami’s urban sprawl, you’ll spend an hour traversing Everglades National Park. This vast tropical wilderness of wetland and forest is the result of slow-moving river water flowing into Florida Bay. Stop at the Shark Valley or Gulf Coast Visitor Center for a chance to take a ride on one of the iconic airboats that skim across the grass swamp. This spectacular ecosystem is home to crocodiles, manatees, plenty of snakes and the Florida panther. Also keep an eye on the sky for ospreys and the national animal of the USA, the bald eagle.

  Geographically, Florida is part of the Deep South, but it shares a relatively short land border only with Georgia and Alabama. It means that, conversely, Deep South culture is strongest the further north you go in the state. Here you’ll find traditional southern food, politics and values. Although both Florida’s state capital, Tallahassee, and biggest city, Jacksonville, can be found in the north, a better place to explore the region from is St Augustine. This small settlement was founded by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565, making it the USA’s oldest city. It’s chock-full of Spanish-influenced historic buildings around a picturesque bay and lighthouse. Speaking of lighthouses, with such a long coastline to oversee, Florida is home to a surfeit of them, and visiting lighthouses has become a hobby akin to trainspotting. Key West and Ponce de Leon are home to two favourites beyond St Augustine.

  By all means fly to Orlando for a fix of Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter, but be sure to explore further afield. Florida is not an unfamiliar destination to holidaymakers, but those who escape beyond the theme parks will discover a surprising variety of riches in the Sunshine State.

Tags: America / Machu Picchu Tours

Machu Picchu Tours

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Machu Picchu Tours

Explore Peru’s mighty Inca ruins nestled deep in the Andes mountain range.

  Machu Picchu is a sight to behold; a set of distinct stone ruins perched in the misty valleys of the Andes mountains. Dating back to the 15th century, the citadel is relatively young, and questions pertaining to how such large stones were transported up to 2,430 metres (7,972 feet) above sea level still shroud the ruins in mystery. This UNESCO World Heritage site attracts thousands of visitors each day, proving the fact that it remains one of the most intriguing and important archaeological sites to date.

  There are many features to the Machu Picchu citadel that still stand as stone structures today, though some are more complete than others. Taking a walk up the stone terraces and through the Old City Gate, you get a true sense of what might have happened in this historic complex. Walking into the Ceremonial Centre and standing in the rooms that were once used by revered individuals such as astronomers, scientists and political figures, you become filled with an undeniable curiosity. The large open spaces and expansive views over the Andes is a sight that will stay with you for years after.

  Reaching Machu Picchu is no easy feat, and even opting for the most travel-friendly route still makes this a hard-to-reach destination. Accessible in a couple of ways, the most adventurous option is the famous 43-kilometre (26-mile) Inca Trail; a four-day trek that takes travellers through Peru’s Sacred Valley and across scenic foothills to experience other Incan ruins along the way, before finally reaching Machu Picchu. The other method, and one that is far less testing, is by reaching the small mountain town of Aguas Calientes via a train that departs from the small village of Ollantaytambo.    From there, hop on a dedicated bus up towards the Machu Picchu ruins just before sunrise for a photographic opportunity. Then, walk the rocky steps back down to Aguas Calientes for a more challenging descent.

  After exploring the main citadel, you can navigate around different routes to explore the various ruins from a different perspective. Why not make an ascent up a hill climb towards the Sun Gate, once the original entrance into the Machu Picchu complex? Cross over to the adjacent mountain and climb up Huayna Picchu (also written as Wayna Picchu), where at the top you can take a moment to experience spectacular panoramic views over Machu Picchu and surrounding valleys of the vast Andes mountain range.

  Entrance into the Machu Picchu complex will cost around £35 ($45) per person. It’s important to bear in mind that there is a 2,500-person limit per day, so booking in advance is vital. If you’re planning on climbing Huayna Picchu as well, a combined ticket will cost you around £46 ($60), but there are even fewer of these available, with restrictions to certain times of the day (more information on this can be found by visiting www.machupicchu.gob.pe).

  Visiting Machu Picchu and walking the Inca Trail is a truly unforgettable experience that will make your South American trip one to remember forever.

Tags: America / Things To Do In Cancún

Things To Do In Cancún

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Things To Do In Cancún

A famous holiday spot, Mexico’ Cancún offers sun, nightlife and archaeological wonders.

  The lure of the crystal-blue Caribbean Sea, the wonder of the ancient Mayan civilisation, and neon nightlife that is second to none make the charm of Cancún a worldfamous resort on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico irresistible.

  Cancún, first developed as a tourism mecca in the 1970s, has grown in popularity among holidaymakers, and the reasons are many. Sparkling sandy beaches and the stunning Caribbean provide the setting for a variety of water sports, including diving, parasailing, riding watercraft, and exploring neighbouring islands by boat. Shopping, fine dining and a round of golf are appealing options as well.

  The breathtaking archaeological history of the Maya, one of the world’s oldest cultures, is explored by thousands annually. Accommodations are plentiful in the Cancún Hotel Zone, and range from unsurpassed luxury to economical. After dark, a vibrant club scene brings local culture and top entertainment to life, with stunning shows featuring dancers, acrobats and other performers.

  Located on the southeast coast of the Mexican Yucatán in the state of Quintana Roo, Cancún is famous the world over for its variety and spice of life. Getting there is relatively simple, Travellers are required to have a passport and tourism card, which is available through your airline of choice, any Mexican consulate, or the Mexican tourism office. Daily air service is available via Cancún International Airport. Take a taxi from the airport to the Hotel Zone, approximately 24 kilometres (15 miles) away. Accommodations in the Hotel Zone range from all-inclusive resorts to clean inexpensive rooms for travellers on a budget.

  The primary thoroughfare in the hotel zone is Avenue Kukulkan, lined with shops and restaurants, and often crowded with vendors and pedestrians. Spend the day soaking up the spectacular Caribbean sun at Playa Tortugas, a popular beach among locals and visitors alike, where refreshments are just a short walk away. The pristine sands of Playa Delfines offer a beach less travelled, with little commercial development and a quieter setting.

  For those interested in Mayan culture, the El Rey ruins are located in the centre of the Hotel Zone. Dating to 1200 CE, they are easily accessible and offer a taste of the rich heritage of the Yucatán. Other Mayan historical sites are nearby, but for the more adventurous, the great city of Chichen Itza, with its famed step pyramids, lies just two hours to the west. Excursions are available, but they sell out quickly.

  Outlying Islands, such as Isla Mujeres, offer charms all their own. A lovely fishing village just 20 minutes by ferry from Cancún, the town and island provide ecotourism adventures such as the turtle farm at Sac Bajo, diving and snorkelling at El Garrafon, and encounters such as swimming with dolphins.

  Of course, the Cancún nightlife is second to none, and opportunities for an evening of diversion abound. Cancún has largely escaped the drug-related issues that have plagued other areas of Mexico in recent years. However, stay within the designated areas and remember to guard valuables and personal possessions. Law enforcement personnel are visible and active.

Tags: America / Things To Do In New York

Things To Do In New York

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Things To Do In New York

New York City

There’s nowhere quite like New York, America’s epicentre of culture and commerce.

  Welcome to the city that never sleeps. New York is a vast metropolis where anything can happen one minute you’re taking in the neon-lit commercial mecca of Times Square, the next you’ll be sipping drinks in a trendy Brooklyn dive bar or strolling through acres of urban greenery in the iconic surrounds of Central Park.

  However you choose to begin your New York City adventure, arriving into town via Grand Central Terminal will ensure a suitably splendid entrance. The aptly named station (it’s both grand and central) houses elaborate architecture and artwork, providing its 700,000 daily commuters with an inspiring start and end to their journeys. Manhattan is New York City how you imagine it. Most of the Big Apple’s recognisable sites can be found here, including the Empire State Building. This towering landmark and its dazzling coloured lights can be enjoyed from the ground for free, but seeing the city from its 102nd floor observatory is an essential NYC experience.  From up here you can map out the city as the birds do, planning your route through its varied neighbourhoods while basking in the glow of a Manhattan sunset (it’s the best time to visit, as you’ll see the city transitioning from day to night). For the best view of the tower itself, try Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center, which is located directly opposite the Empire State Building and provides similarly spellbinding vistas of the city. 

  Continue to find your bearings with a walk along the High Line. What used to be an unsightly freight line through the Meatpacking District has become one of New York’s most appealing urban spaces a 2.4-kilometre (1.5-mile) stretch of green where you can take your time ambling across the city and admiring its sights from nine metres (30 feet) above the ground. Art installations, food vendors and some inspired landscaping make it easy to while away an afternoon enjoying views of the Hudson River.

  When you’re done with the razzle-dazzle of Manhattan, New York has four other boroughs to explore. Brooklyn is big enough to be its own city accessible by foot via the stately Brooklyn Bridge and it’s where you’ll find independent shops and bars in the hip neighbourhood of Williamsburg, kitsch coastal amusements in Coney Island, and verdant foliage in Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

  Sports fans will want to spend some time in Queens and the Bronx, home to two of America’s most legendary baseball teams. The Mets play at Citi Field in Queens, while the Yankees hit their home runs from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. If you’d prefer to catch some fast-paced basketball, head to Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks shoot hoops.

  Taking the free ferry to Staten Island means you’ll catch sight of New York’s most recognisable landmark. The Statue of Liberty holds her torch aloft from her pedestal on Liberty Island, which is visible from the boat. For a closer look, take a trip to the island and enjoy a self-guided audio tour to learn about the history of this remarkable monument. Book tickets in advance if you want to step inside the statue and see New York from Lady Liberty’s crown.

  Museums in New York provide a cultural antidote to the touristy hubbub of its most famous sights. Perhaps the most noteworthy of these is the Metropolitan Museum of Art (known as the Met for short). Countless significant artworks fill the walls and halls of this vast museum, with highlights including a reconstruction of an Ancient Egyptian temple and priceless paintings from around the world. Its roof garden and bar provide the perfect place to relax between exhibitions, and contain sculptures by contemporary artists.

  The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) houses one of the world’s best collections of work by artists including Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock and Roy Lichtenstein. If you’re still craving creative prowess after exploring its four levels, there’s the Guggenheim; the building is a masterpiece in itself, an inverted-ziggurat structure designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

  When you’ve filled your boots with art, the American Museum of Natural History showcases wonders of an entirely different kind. Kids and adults alike marvel at the feats of evolution inside this temple to Mother Nature, such as a  28.7-metre (94-foot) long blue whale suspended from the ceiling and more dinosaur skeletons than you can shake a prehistoric stick at.

  A more sobering experience (but no less vital) is to visit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Here, a pair of square reflective pools surrounded by America’s largest manYou canwalk or cycle from Manhattan toBrooklyn via the Brooklyn Bridge Manhattan’s famous skyscrapers include the Empire State Building,the Chrysler Building and One World Trade Center made waterfalls mark the precise location where the Twin Towers once stood. Around each pool’s edge, the names of the 2,983 victims are inscribed into bronze parapets as a tribute to those who lost their lives.

  You’ll need to keep energy levels up with plenty of food while exploring New York’s sprawling neighbourhoods. As luck would have it, this city is one of the best places in the world for eating. Whether you choose to dine in style at one of NYC’s many Michelin-starred restaurants or keep it real with meals from street vendors, foodies will be in awe of the culinary variety that can be found here.

  Pizza is something of a speciality in New York, and there’s no shortage of quality outlets to grab a slice from. Some of the best include Grimaldi’s in Brooklyn and Lombardi’s in Little Italy. You’ll also want to grab a bagel while you’re in town; for this, try the smoked salmon and cream cheese number at Russ & Daughters. And what would breakfast in New York be without coffee? The city is awash with independent cafés you’ll barely walk two blocks without discovering one.

  But you shouldn’t confine yourself to purely local flavours during your stay in New York. There’s a whole world of cuisine here, with more than 200 different nationalities calling the city home. Make the most of this global microcosm by sampling as many delicacies as possible,  from steaming noodle bowls in Chinatown to mouthwatering pierogies in Little Poland.