Quirky Traveller's Tales

Jutting out into the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean, the famous rocky port of Gibraltar has been a haven for many a tired ship for centuries. Greek sailors saw it as the end of their known world, while today’s tourist knows it as a tax haven making its stores really popular.  Gib, as it’s affectionately known, has been British since being captured by British and Dutch Marines in 1704, but has a history of Moorish, Arab, and Spanish occupation, explaining the multicultural society and building styles that prevail today.

Photo by sylvia@intrigue

Top 5 things to do on the Rock

1. Top of the Rock

A trip up to the heights of the rock itself is an absolute must. Local tourist guides in their ubiquitous minibuses will negotiate the roads that go right along the narrow spine of land at the very top, where the rock falls away on one side to the Mediterranean and to the Atlantic on the other. Expect breathtaking views of Morocco and Spain from the summit. 

2. The Barbary Apes

The taxi drivers will know the best places to see groups of the Barbary apes, which roam free on the rock in their hundreds. These are the most entertaining creatures, often seen with young clinging to them, but it should be remembered that they are wild animals and should not be touched or fed. They can cause horrific injuries if provoked!

Photo by Dianne Pike

3. Great Siege Tunnels

Dug out by the British in the late 18^th century when France and Spain held Gibraltar to siege for 4 long years. The tunnels were dug to allow the guns to fire sideways at the forces entrenched too close to be hit from exterior locations. These tunnels were extended in 1940 to create a great fortress under Churchill’s orders. Both sets of tunnels, an amazing 50 km of passages, are now open to the public and audio tours are available.

Photo by woto

4. St Michael’s Cave

These stunning caverns, caused by natural hollowing of the limestone rock by rainwater, with their towering stalactites and stalagmites, an underground lake, and even a concert hall, are an incredible sight.  Photography is allowed so the journey inside the rock can be remembered. Tickets can be purchased as part of the rock tours or at the caves.

Photo by Greenshed

5. Main Street

This is the shopping street stretching from the famous Casemates Square up to the Governors Residence. The street is stacked to the brim with jewellers, liquor stores, souvenir shops, electronics stores and perfumeries. A great place to pick up bargains galore. Taxi drivers will obligingly drop you here after your rock tour if requested!

The 6.5 square kilometres of Gibraltar is a unique experience, which really must be experienced while you travel Europe.  If you are backpacking around Spain don’t forget that car hire comparison sites can offer competitive prices to get from one area to another. This can allow you to get around areas less well served by public transport.

Linda is a freelance writer and bookseller who, following 19 years in IT for a large airline, loves to write about the places she has visited. She also adores her other job as a bookseller in a local bookstore.

As long-haul travel becomes more popular, an increasing number of adventurous Brits are considering trips to exotic Far Eastern countries such as China. The country’s unfamiliar customs and culture are ideal for any traveller looking to get away from the pressures of the Western world and explore a new way of being.

Most travellers are likely to consider heading to China in the hotter months so they can explore the country in the sun, however visitors that start their adventure when it’s the colder season are able to experience a totally different perspective off the country.  This is due to the colder seasons in China giving the country a clearness and freshness – and it is less crowded thanks to there being fewer tourists.  China is a great destination regardless of age.  However, for older travellers with medical conditions it’s extremely important to make sure you’re covered with travel insurance over 65.

 If you are a fan of travelling off the beaten track, then it is a good idea to enjoy some of the nation’s lesser known wonders.  One example of stunning unspoiled beauty is Sanqingshan National Park, which is situated near the city of Shangrao in the Jiangxi province of China. Known for its overwhelming air of peace and tranquillity, the World Heritage Site is subject to seasonal mists, fogs and breath-taking sunsets. Granite pillars and outcrops are dotted in between natural springs and waterfalls.

Another must-see for tourists is the Silk Road, with tours on offer to showcase the 2,000-year-old route which measures some 7,000km – over half of which is in China. Travellers trekking along the Silk Road will see many main attractions along the way including the famous Terracotta Warriors, China’s largest Reclining Buddah of Zhangye, Yellow River and Bingling Thousand Buddah Caves of Lanzhou.

Fans of scenery should not pass up on a visit to Guilin, which sits by the banks of the Li River. Famed for its stunning scenery, including mountains covered in greenery, unique rockeries, crystal clear water and mysterious caves, the area has a colourful cultural heritage, being home to a number of ethnic minorities.

This article is sponsored by Staysure – the over 50s experts, specialising in travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions. They also provide comprehensive health and life insurance, as well as car insurance, home insurance and funeral plans.  All of their products are for UK residents, however the same services are available for expats.

Now for some of you that believe the bad press about Manchester, there may be a touch of scoffing and a muttered “IF…?” but I can assure you that it is very often beautifully sunny in this northern urban city, as those happily expatriated BBC staff will no doubt tell you  However, there is the occasional day when the balmy zephyrs bring a slight drizzle and then – oh, what to do?

Manchester really does have loads to look at, taste, quaff, admire and glory in, whatever the weather;  there’s definitely more here than football and Coronation Street. Some of my top tips to keep you dry and entertained:

1. Go shopping in the very quirky mecca for indie culture ‘Affleck’s Palace’ – where tattoo parlours cosy up to heavy metal  T-shirts, next to Tarot Cards alongside retro clothes stalls.
2. Sample the most delicate Dim Sum at the very popular Yang Sing restaurant in China Town – not sure if they will have jelly fish tentacles but if you like the idea if fishy rubber bands …
3. Escape the 24/7 city life in the splendid Victorian Gothic Rylands Library founded in 1890 by Enriqueta in memory of her husband John Rylands. It has a priceless collection of books and manuscripts and a beautiful interior.
4. Rise above the city in the Wheel of Manchester to see just how the industrial landscape has been absorbed into a contemporary skyline that blends old and new in a colourful harmony.
5. In the centenary of his birth (2012) discover the computer genius of Alan Turing. From 1948 until his death in 1954, Turing worked on the early computers at The University of Manchester, working in the building next door to The Manchester Museum.
6. Music of all genres runs through this city along with the canals and motorways – the MEN Arena hosts all the big names in pop & contemporary music.   For the best in classical and  opera the Bridgewater Hall has an eclectic and outstanding repertoire.
7. Football fans are well-served with 3 stadiums and loads of shops selling footballing memorabilia. Experience the Old  Trafford Museum & Tour to get a sense of how this game has shaped the history of this city.
8. There’s more to the Manchester Art Gallery than their famous Pre-Raphaelite collection.  There are over 25,000 objects of artworks, including an extensive costume collection from historic dress to contemporary fashion.
9. In the flamboyant Northern Quarter there is always plenty going on, especially along Canal St, the gay centre of the city.  For a real taste of this fun scene, have a drink in the so very OTT Lammars , named in memory of the late drag queen, Foo Foo Lammar.
10. Take the excellent MetroLink a short ride to Salford Quays. You could spend a whole day here visiting the renowned Lowry Art & Entertainment Centre, Imperial War Museum North and, of course, the brand spanking new Media City – watch out for those dispossessed BBC folk trying to get acclimatised!

Many tourists book their holidays in Cambodia purely because of their desire to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site – Angkor Wat. The awe-inspiring temples were constructed in the 12^th century by the Khmer people and really have to be seen to be believed which explains why each year over a million tourists flock to Siem Reap.

Photo by Dave Perkes

Although Angkor Wat is an incredible and unforgettable experience, the nearby town of Siem Reap is also well worth a few days of your time. Here are a few of our recommendations for more unusual places to visit and things to do in this interesting city.

1 – Balloon Ride over Angkor Wat

If you have never experienced a hot air balloon ride than what better place to start than by silently gliding above these ancient temples. Not only will you escape the crowds of tourists and touts at the site but you will get a fascinating birds eye view which allows you to fully comprehend the size of the site. The views of Angkor Wat and the city beyond will stay with you for some time.

2 – Landmine Museum

From the times of the Khmer Rouge to the Vietnamese occupation – Cambodia has a war torn past. In fact, it wasn’t considered safe for tourists to visit until the 1990’s. The country is littered with millions of unexploded landmines and other objects that were left behind by the decades of conflict. As you explore Siem Reap you will be greeted by sights of injured landmine victims who are a testament to just how dangerous landmines are to this day.

The Landmine Museum was founded by a former child soldier whose parents were killed by the Khmer Rough and is staffed by victims and orphans of landmines. A wander around this fascinating museum will give you a sobering insight in to what life was like in Cambodia only a short time ago.

3 – Kampong Phluk

Photo by Ewen Bel

Just 13 miles from Siem Reap is Kampong Phluk, a fishing village constructed entirely on stilts in the swamps that surround Tonle Sap – the largest lake in Cambodia. This is still somewhat a hidden gem as the majority of tourists are distracted by the charms of Angkor Wat. This means that the village remains an authentic place to go to get a glimpse into Khmer life away from the influence of heavy tourism.

4 – Military Shooting Range

It might not be everyone’s cup of tea but if you have ever wanted to fire a gun, this is the place to go. It will take you 40 minutes to get here from Siem Reap and you will be greeted by ex-soldiers who will talk you through the weapons and how to use them. You can fire AK47’s, throw hand grenades and if you have the money you can try out a Soviet made rocket launcher.

Photo by Matthew Hooper

Although Angkor Wat is undeniably the biggest attraction in Siem Reap, stay a few more days and discover some of its other, more unusual charms.

This article is brought to you by travel writer John Gainer, who’s has enjoyed travelling since he was a young boy when his parents first took him to visit family overseas. Since leaving home, John has tracked down family all over the world and regularly jets off to far away lands to experience new foods and cultures.

You might feel stuck in the wrong groove & feeling temporarily glum, or perhaps you’ve been struggling with unhappiness all your life; many of us feel caged in at some point. While it’s always worth seeking professional depression advice if you’re suffering, backpacking offers many of the lifestyle changes that are typically prescribed for anyone who’s feeling low.

Exercise & fresh air

Photo by Chantal Forster

When you’re at home, it’s easy to get into the habit of staying there, especially if you live in a rainy country, or in a city whose parks contain more urban grit than trees & ponds. Exercise stimulates the production of seratonin, the brain chemical that makes us feel good. It burns off tense energy that’s hanging around unused in your muscles, & gets oxygen pumping further into brain & body, making us feel more alert & generally healthier.

It also increases your metabolism – nothing like a little weight loss to cheer you up on a grey day. Backpacking, especially on a budget, necessarily involves much wandering around, be you sightseeing in a city (where, admittedly, the air might not be quite so fresh) or clambering through the jungle. Exposure to nature, a well-known mood-enhancer, is another excellent side effect of backpacking in the rural & wilder countries

Meet new people, & observe different lifestyles

Photo by Derrick Story

If your colleagues are a bunch of pessimists & your entire family is addicted to X-Factor, it might be time to seek out some alternative points of view. There’s nothing quite like making new friends on the backpacking trail, be they fellow travellers, folk who make a living running hostels or selling supplies & trinkets, or the everyday people you meet on the bus. It’s infinitely refreshing to discover genuinely friendly & helpful strangers. Always follow strong personal safety measures – confidence that you’re self-protected from sad or annoying accidents will let you enjoy your travels – but try to engage with people, & venture further than the English-speaking bars & cafes so common on the backpacker trail.

The chance to help others

Photo by Chantal Forster

Working for a good cause helps you too – from the self-esteem that comes with experience gained, to the friends you’ll make in the process. If something about the world upsets you – orphaned orang-utans, habitat destruction, girls who can’t get an education – then it’s undoubtedly been bothering some of the rest of us, too. Seek out charitable or voluntary organisations where you can spend time working directly with those in need, for all or part of your backpacking trip. If you can’t commit enough time for this, or you’ve yet to encounter a convincing “cause”, look out as you travel – many excellent endeavours are too local to achieve international fame, & you might be able to make an impromptu contribution while you’re out there.

Constant change of scene

Photo by Chantal Forster

It can sound a little trite when a perpetually chirpy person suggests that “perhaps you all you need is a change of scene”. But don’t go underestimating that change of scene. There’s nothing like staring at the same workstation every weekday for several years to really grind a person’s spirit. Discovering that the world does not look like your home town is one of the most liberating experiences available; backpacking, especially when you step off the tourist trail & encounter daily life, provides a fabulous string of new scenes, which will fuel memories, inspiration & conversation for months, if not years, on your return home.

The article is brought to you by Greatvine, a team whose sole focus is finding the best experts in anxiety, depression and other related health and wellness issues, so you don’t have to!

With so many iconic places to visit, holidays in Vietnam can be difficult to plan for. It is a country with deep history and interest; one with such natural beauty that every city and town has a huge amount to offer. However, no trip to Vietnam’s is complete without a visit to its capital city, Hanoi.

Hanoi City by David Conger

Located in the centre of Vietnam, Hanoi is an old city of great cultural importance, growing in popularity with tourists every year. It is one of the most captivating and atmospheric cities in Southeast Asia, with something to entertain and inspire all visitors. The weather is favourable throughout the year, though it is hottest between May and August so it’s best avoided then if you’re not a fan of humid weather. Flights fly directly into Hanoi Airport and it’s easily accessible by rail and road, meaning it’s the perfect gateway to the rest of your journey around Vietnam.

Explore Hanoi’s History

An absolute must-see is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – a tribute and museum to the infamous Communist leader and for many, it’s an important place of pilgrimage to their former leader. The Mausoleum itself is an absolutely remarkable sight and in a similar style to the mausoleums of Lenin and Stalin. Here you’ll learn the history of Ho Chi Minh and can view his body on display in a glass case, a memorable experience in itself as you slowly file past the heavily guarded body.  There is, however, a strict dress and behaviour code so make yourself aware of these before you visit. It’s also worth taking a trip to the Presidential Palace, a stunning example of architecture built by the French colonialists, where Ho Chi Minh refused to stay during his trips to Hanoi. Another place many refused to stay in, though some had no choice, is the infamous Hanoi Hilton. It was here that the American POWs were brought during the Vietnam War and whilst it has been largely demolished, a section still exists and has been preserved as a museum.

Enjoy Hanoi’s Culture

Hanoi Pagoda by David Conger

If you want to kick back and relax, Hanoi also offers many opportunities to do so. There’s the tranquil and serene walks around the many lakes the city has to offer, exploring pagodas and taking in exquisitely built bridges. If you want to experience something far more modern, it’s off to the shops.  Hanoi has been named as one of the top 10 places in Asia for shopping and there’s much here to delight the shopaholic, though you may have to rein it in to ensure you’re still able to carry your backpack!  Hanoi also has a thriving nightlife, with many karaoke bars, theatres and cinemas across the city and also numerous festivals to experience throughout the year.

Hanoi at night by Flipnomad

Top 5 things to do in Hanoi

1) Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

2) Take a trip to the Hanoi Hilton

3) Explore Colonial Hanoi

4) Visit an iconic pagoda

5) Go shopping!

Hanoi Market by Fahara

This article is brought to you by Natalie Likness.  She got her love of travel at an early age due to a trip abroad before she was even born! Having close family and making friends across the world, she has continued to travel ever since.