Category: Articles

La Gomera Walking

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La Gomera Walking Holiday

Walking Holiday 8 Days & 7 Nights

Visit Macs Adventures La Gomera

Discover the botanical paradise of La Gomera on foot. La Gomera, the greenest of the Canary Islands, lies just 30 kilometres off the coast of Tenerife, but is a world away in terms of atmosphere and landscape. Steep cliffs along the rocky coastline give way to volcanic peaks inland and deep gorges, or barrancos, limit access to many parts of the island. La Gomera’s greatest treasures are found in the Garajonay National Park, among the dense vegetation of its mysterious laurel woods, where centuries-old trees clothed in moss give the impression of a tropical rain forest. In the valleys sculpted landscapes of terraces of banana, papaya and mango trees are equally beautiful. The rugged coast of steep cliffs and small coves are another delight.

Accommodation

You will spend two nights in San Sebastian, at the beautiful 4* Parador hotel and five nights in comfortable rural hotels. All are good family run hotels, with an authentic atmosphere and great hospitality. The rooms are simply but comfortably decorated and have en suite bathrooms. The hotels in Vallehermoso and Hermigua are favourites as the buildings are beautifully converted manor houses.

Best La Gomera Hotels

La Gomera Boat Trips

Whale and Dolphin Trips
Ocean Tours Depart from 2 ports:
– Valle Gran Rey
– Playa de Santiago (Hotel Jardin Tecina)

La Gomera FAQ

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La Gomera Frequently Asked Questions

La Gomera What you need to know

Best La Gomera Hotels

La Gomera Boat Trips

Whale and Dolphin Trips
Ocean Tours Boat Trips Departing from 2 ports:
– Valle Gran Rey
– Playa de Santiago (Hotel Jardin Tecina)

La Gomera Hiking Holiday

Tenerife Guided Walks is the best known guided walking company on Tenerife.

La Gomera Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do a day trip to La Gomera from Tenerife?

You can book an excursion to La Gomera from Tenerife in an air-conditioned bus with a lunch included. From South Tenerife (picked up from most hotels) the bus will take the ferry to San Sebastián de La Gomera. You will then have a guided tour of the island – the whole trip lasting around 10 hours.

Can you swim on La Gomera?

The longest beach of the island is the holiday resort Valle Gran Rey, which is a good kilometre long and you can swim there almost all year round. The beach of the island capital San Sebastian is beautiful and rarely crowded. However, do be careful -not everywhere can you jump into the waves all year round, as the currents can become very strong especially in winter. There is also a small unofficial nudist beach, the idyllic Playa del Ingles in the small holiday resort Valle Gran Rey.

Can you walk around La Gomera?

Absolutely you can. La Gomera is an island that welcomes visitors and has many walking and hiking trails. You can go with a guided excursion or take the ferry. However, if you go on foot it will be hard to see much of the island. An overnight stay is recommended or get in touch with a tour guide who can offer advice on the best walking trails.

Do you need a car to get around La Gomera?

Renting a car is the better option if you want to pack in as much as possible. The bus (guagua, sounds like waw-waw) is the cheapest option for getting around La Gomera but you will have to keep an eye on timetables – it’s easy to miss the ferry back – unless, of course, you are staying on Gomera.

Does La Gomera have nice beaches?

La Gomera is not your typical beach holiday island but there are some small and idyllic bathing spots. Most beaches consist of coarse or fine gravel plus many beaches with fine black lava sand, which is frequently seen on Tenerife beaches. If you spend most of your time on the beach then Tenerife will probably suit you better!

How deep is the sea between Tenerife and La Gomera?

The ocean between the steep volcanic islands of Tenerife and La Gomera is over 3 kilometres deep. Recreational swimming from Tenerife to La Gomera would not make much sense. Swimmer David Mecca swam from La Gomera to Tenerife, a distance of 44kms in only 8 hours. An achievement indeed but not recommended for amateur swimmers!

How do you get to Gomera island?

Although La Gomera has an airport, it is only for flights between the islands, so to get there from Europe, you’ll have to change flights in Tenerife or Gran Canaria. Most holidaymakers land at Tenerife South Airport (TFS), then a ferry from the port of Los Cristianos or Santa Cruz de Tenerife to La Gomera. It takes about 30 minutes by taxi or rental car from Tenerife South Airport to the port of Los Cristianos. Unless you want to spend time in Santa Cruz, that would be the sensible option.

Is there a ferry from Tenerife to La Gomera?

The ferry route from Los Cristianos, Tenerife to La Gomera usually runs several times a day throughout the year. Most ferries arrive at the port of San Sebastián de La Gomera, provided by Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas. Travel time from Tenerife to La Gomera ranges between 50 min to 1 hr, depending on the crossing you’ve chosen. The fastest ferry reaches the island in 50 min.

How much is the ferry from La Gomera to Tenerife?

Ferry prices from Tenerife to La Gomera start at around €43. The total cost may vary depending on available offers and discounts, seat type and vehicle. Travel time from Tenerife to La Gomera ranges between 50 min to 1 hr, depending on the crossing you’ve chosen. The port of Los Cristianos can get quite busy during the summer. We recommend arriving at least 1.5 hr before boarding, especially if you are traveling with a vehicle.

What is the best time of year to visit La Gomera?

For the highest temperatures the best time to visit La Gomera is between July and September although the sub tropical climate offers sunshine throughout the year . Unless you are a real sun lover, you may find winter more comfortable, especially if travelling with children. In the north of La Gomera the climate is always a little cooler due to the trade winds and it rains a little more.

What is the main town in La Gomera?

San Sebastián de La Gomera is the capital of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. It is also home to the main harbour where you can find boat trips for various activities including whale and dolphin watching. Italian explorer Christopher Columbus stayed in San Sebastián de la Gomera, the capital of the island, before setting off on his voyage to the Americas; La Gomera’s nickname is La Isla Columbiana.

Fishing Holidays

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Fishing In Tenerife

Our recommendation is No Limits Tenerife Sport Fishing

The No Limits Two is equipped with the latest fishing technology such as Shimano, Penn and Daiwa rods and reels. Black Bart lures, Williamson lures, Rapala and more.

Shared 4 hour charter

For the shared charter experience, No Limits boats equipped with all the tools and equipment necessary to guarantee a full fishing experience. You’ll learn how to catch Barracuda, snappers and other species by using light tackle rods and bait. We will also troll for Marlin, Mahi Mahi, tuna, Wahoo, and many more, all of them across the coast of Tenerife! Top quality Sonar system to find the fish.

The No Limits Team will give an introductory speech before setting out to sea, explaining with detail all the techniques and procedures you need to know in order to become a true angler. They will guide you throughout the whole process, so don’t worry about feeling nervous or anxious, remember this is a sharing and learning experience!

Private Charters

Marlin

There are three packages available for you to select, but please contact us if you prefer 5 or 7 hours, everything is possible! Whether you want to fish tuna, marlin, wahoo, etc… we will advise you on what has been caught in the days prior to your charter and also depending on the weather.

This is your chance of taking your family and friends on this new exciting experience.

Places to Fish

  • Cheap Holidays to TenerifeCheap Holidays to Tenerife
    Tenerife Bargain Holidays is a Facebook group with over 20,000 members. It offers holiday accommodation from private owners with no middleman to charge commission. It is well moderated with members safety in mind.
  • Fishing HolidaysFishing Holidays
    For the shared charter experience, No Limits boats equipped with all the tools and equipment necessary to guarantee a full fishing experience. You’ll learn how to catch Barracuda, snappers and other species by using light tackle rods and bait.

 

Cheap Holidays

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  • Summer from 274
  • Late deal finder Summer from 340
  • Faraway Shores from 345
  • Summer free child places
  • Holiday Auctions

Cheap All-Inclusive Holidays

  • Dream Castle, Paris Save 10% Hotetur Palma Real,
  • Varadero Save 10% Oasis Village,
  • Fuerteventura Save 10% Sempati,
  • Cyprus Book 7 Nights Pay For 5 Nights
  • Palm Beach, Benidorm Save 10%
  • Indalia Garden Hotel and Spa ,
  • Costa De Almeria Save 15% Albahia,
  • Alicante Save 12% Pace Elvezia,
  • Rome Book 4 Nights Pay For 3 Nights
  • Charlemagne, Paris Book 3 Nights Pay For 2 Nights
  • Elysees Opera, Paris Save 5%

Want cheap holidays that are good, then the secret is in separating the best from the rest. We are experts in finding genuine cheap holidays bargain as some refer too. In other words, not just cheap but good quality discount holidays or accommodation at the most competitive price. and not only for a cheap last minute holiday but also for the pre-planned trip that may be booked many months in advance. Cheap holidays are not always a bargain. A cheap last minute holiday is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get value for money; but only if the hotel is up  to a reasonable standard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Butlins Skegness

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History of Skegness

Skegness mid 50’s

Before the late 1800’s Skegness was little more than an insignificant coastal village. Wainfleet some 5 miles inland had a far more coloured history than  neighbouring Skegness. Events really began to take off at the turn of the century with the development of the railway networks and for the first time ordinary working people from the midlands could economically visit the coast and enjoy the miles of golden beaches and fresh air. Thus early Skegness tourism was born. The town was possibly at the height of its popularity in the 1920’s and 1930’s prior to the mass ownership of motor cars following World War 2.

Home of Butlins Redcoats

This Page is part of a set dedicated to the worst holiday I can remember ever having and Butlins Skegness takes 1st prize!  Start at Butlins Holidays

Butlins Skegness

If you’ve read everything I have to say about my Butlins Skegness Holiday and you still feel you would like to go to Butlins then you will find links on this page and others directing you to Butlins and other Skegness holidays.

Skegness – 1930 to 1939

Try this website for Holidays in Skegness but avoid Butlins unless you actually can live with the type of Butlins holiday described on this site.  They do have a page for Butlins Skegness – your choice!

Butlins Spa Breaks

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Spa Reviews Butlins

Does Butlins have a Gym?

Butlins Spa Weekends

The Ocean Spa is the perfect place to experience fun and relaxation. Created to capture the essence of Butlin’s, it’s amazingly relaxed but still delivers our sense of humour. The Spa facilities are based upon the spa principles of warming, heating and cooling the body to leave you feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and revitalised. There’s a wide range of treatments and packages available at the Ocean Spa, so whether you’re looking for a quick treat or a full on pamper session there’s something you’ll love.

Look out for these colours whilst in our spa. 2 Hour Spa Experience   Your spa experience includes full use of the spa facilities: You will be provided with a locker, a robe, a towel and a gift of towelling slippers for the duration of your session. Chilled water and fruit are available free of charge. Soft drinks, teas and coffees are available to purchase during the afternoon.

Unfortunately no alcohol is permitted within the spa. Disabled changing room and a walk in wet room, and a hoist available for any guests that require help getting in and out of the water. 13-17 year olds are welcome to enjoy this experience, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Does Butlins have a Gym?

What did I enjoy more than anything at Butlins?

Hitting the Gym every day.

Although I must say this was in spite of the service not because of it.  No-one asked me if I wanted an induction or to be shown how any of the equipment worked.  On the two occasions I asked no interest was shown in helping me fathom out how to use the equipment.  It was left to other fitness enthusiasts to help me set the equipment up.  Very poor – what would have happened if I had had an accident or pulled a muscle.?

The equipment was good although the air conditioning left a lot to be desired.  There were no towels provided although I found out late in the week you could take a shower if you took your own.  Pity no-one told me that.

There was no water jar which I found very odd.  Apparently it’s for health and safety reasons because of electrical equipment although every other gym or fitness facility I’ve ever been in has water in the facility.  It’s another silly rule like the one that say’s you can’t help yourself in the dining room.  Their version – health and safety – my version?  Heaven forbid you should take two slices of meat instead of one!  But I digress.  Back to the fitness room and water.

When I first asked I was bought a plastic glass which I drank in the gym.  However next day I was told I had to keep coming outside to drink it.  Crazy!  It was warm enough in the fitness room but outside it was baking since the pool was open plan.  Just what you need in the middle of working out!  Especially when the next person in takes a drink in and no-one says a word!

Another point is that ‘drinks’ are free although no-one actually bothers to tell you that.  No big deal though – water or very weak orange squash.

Anyway enough about the fitness suite and equipment.  I did enjoy it.  It was a few peaceful moments in an otherwise crappy Butlins holiday.

 

Alpha Rooms Refunds

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Latest Info on Refunds

Join Alpharooms Refund Group

Jane Mills (Moderator): I’m assured they are working thru the pile on a case by case basis, and will contact you if info required or bank details. Emails will not be responded to until actually working on your claim, but they are registered against your claim and will be looked. You can ring to check your claim is on the system, but these people do not have access to any other information, so can only say …..await email and ring again in 2/3 weeks.

Alpha Holidays, trading as Alpharooms have had their Travel Trust Association membership closed on 29th October 2021.

Feb 28, 2022: A ruling today confirms that Teletext Holidays and Alpharooms broke the law by not providing the refunds customers were due within 14 days for cancelled package holidays.

Alpha Rooms

 

Camel Dive Club and Hotel Sharm

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Wondering about sorting holidays? We are pleased to announce that Worldwide Holiday Packages will soon be posting more articles on sorting holidays, holiday events in Sharm El Sheikh and in the whole south Sinai. Local News, Special offers from hotels such as Camel Dive Club and Hotel Sharm, Announcements for latest events, Openings of new Hotels, Diving centers and Clubs. All is now available at your finger tips so let us help with hotel room for your holidays. Be a frequent visitor, we have some great hotels, and make use of our fast growing, free of charge services before you book your holidays to the resort in Sharm El Sheikh. Let us help turn your next holiday into the best holiday ever!

 

Looking for Holiday Reviews for the Camel Dive Club and Hotel Sharm?

Camel Dive Club and Hotel Sharm Holiday Reviews

Camel Dive Club and Hotel Sharm

The Camel Drive Club Hotel is everything that all the other (positive) reviewers say – and more! I had 3 different rooms (due to my late booking not by any fault of the Camel Hotels) and couldn’t fault any of them – I would definitely recommend paying extra for a ‘Superior’ room though as it’s nice having a pool view and balcony/veranda as opposed to just a window with not much of a view. I will not look to stay anywhere else WHEN I return. All the instructors/dive masters were brilliant, sociable and professional as well.

Thanks to the staff of Camel Dive Club in Sharm El Sheikh for heavenly dives.

It was great fun and a true joy to dive with a company so precise and service minded with everything such as time schedules, equipments,safety, boats, and dive sites. The staff are excellent and they really seem to love their everyday job. To be a customer in such a well organized company with so precise methods of working feels really safe and at the same time very relaxing, because you don’t need to worry about anything. It takes a great amount of work and a lot of smooth background organization skills from the Camel Dive Club so that the customers get the sense of well-being, this is what Camel Dive is good at!

We had several spectacular dives every day we dived and the atmosphere on board the boats was as good as everything else, GREAT!
Just to give you a picture of the service level we had on board – We were diving in one of the worlds finest dive site called Shark and Yolanda (the reefs were amongst Jack Cousteau’s top ten dives sites) with a young couple who had their baby on board as well, the deal was that one of the parent would stay on surface and take care of the baby. Anyway, the Egyptian crew who is very fond of children, told the parents not to worry , they will take care of everything.. and so happened. When we came back from the mind thrilling dive the “babysitting” crew had given the baby milk and was playing around with her ?? Could anybody expect more ??

I give Camel Dive Club the highest rank for their work and friendly way of treating customers, I hope to dive with them soon again.

Book Hotels in Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm Hotels

 

… more Sharm El Sheikh Hotels

Some fantastic ideas for exciting stuff to do in Egypt

See the map for suitable areas!.

  • pend the day at the Egyptian Museum. (Luxor)
  • Water sports at Philae Island. (Marsa Alam)
  • Visit the aquarium grotto garden. (Cairo)
  • Relax around the Magic lake in Fayoum. (Cairo)
  • Relax around the Magic lake in Fayoum. (Cairo)

More Hotels in Egypt

Camel Dive Club and Hotel Sharm

Sharm Taxis

Take a Taxi to Sharm

Egypt is an absolute nightmare for auto travel and getting to the Camel Dive Club and Hotel Sharm or nearby resorts can get a real pain. So why not take a pre-booked taxi and arrive at your hotel relaxed? You really don’t want to take a random taxi, even at the airport, so try and book a reputable Sharm taxi firm in advance.

Popular Hotels This Week

 

Underwater Photography

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Underwater Photography Tutorials

“This section is devoted to sharing the best photo tutorials, techniques and tips for all types of underwater photography. We cover wide-angle, macro, supermacro, behavior, composition, different shooting conditions, shooting with specific gear and much more. We cover macro, wide-angle, dive destinations, gear reviews, tutorials and techniques, post-processing, marine life, photo essays, dive adventures, dive travel tips and other useful info for underwater photography.”

Excellent site for underwater photography tutorials

 

Underwater Photographers

  • Red Sea FishRed Sea Fish
    Visited by thousands divers a year the Red Sea is home to many of the world's most popular dive sites. Covering jellyfish corals nudibranchs starfish sea urchins fishes and turtles - all common species of underwater life of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden you are likely to see while diving or snorkeling.
  • Underwater Photographer Ian ElwoodUnderwater Photographer Ian Elwood
    Digital Underwater Photographer course is a Level One and Level Two introduction to digital underwater photography. It is centered around contemporary point-and-shoot digital cameras.
  • Underwater Photographer  Alasdair LucasUnderwater Photographer  Alasdair Lucas
    Digital Underwater Photographer course is a Level One and Level Two introduction to digital underwater photography. It is centered around contemporary point-and-shoot digital cameras.
  • Underwater Photographer  Karen CurtisUnderwater Photographer  Karen Curtis
    Digital Underwater Photographer course is a Level One and Level Two introduction to digital underwater photography. It is centered around contemporary point-and-shoot digital cameras.

Karen Curtis

Alasdair Lucas

Ian C Elwood

Travel Asia in Style

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Travelling in Asia

Asia Holiday Hotspots

Thailand

The Kingdom of Thailand is divided into four areas: the mountainous and forested North, Bangkok and the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast and the South, characterized by its variety and quantity of tropical beaches and islands.

The Royal Palace, spectacular complex which houses the revered Emerald Buddha. The floating market, where you can still see the exchange of agricultural products from small boats from local farmers. Doi Suthep Temple, the spiritual center located at the top of a hill.

Town of Karen tribes, known as Giraffe Women due to a series of rings around their necks twisted. Adventure on elephant through the jungle or on bamboo rafts raftings or trekking through beautiful landscapes and lush green hills. The Golden Triangle, from where there are three countries: Thailand, Laos and Burma, and a new world of new experiences.

 Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a captivating destination. An extensive forest, dotted with remnants of ancient civilizations that will appeal to fans of archaeology, and a variety of landscapes (mountains carpeted with tea crops, African savannah, rice fields, spice plantations and golden sand beaches surrounded by coconut trees), you’ll love the nature lovers. In 2019, the north and east of the country remained closed to tourism because of a civil war. However, today you can already travel to both areas, but you should pay some attention still in the north. Despite all this, the former Ceylon is one of the most interesting Asian destinations.

Asia

There are 53 countries in Asia including Russia and Turkey which lie in both Europe and Asia.

Afghanistan,   Armenia,   Azerbaijan, Bahrain,   Bangladesh,   Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia,   China,   Georgia,   Hong Kong,   India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel,   Japan, Jordan,   Kazakhstan, North Korea, South   Korea, Kuwait,    Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon,   Macau,   Maldives, Malaysia, Maldives,   Mongolia, Myanmar,   Nepal, Oman,   Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar,   Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,   Sri Lanka, Syria,   Taiwan,   Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkey,   Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates,   Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen.