Watching the Brazil World Cup at a distance

It’s hard to imagine any destination in the world being quite so exciting as Brazil next month. The World Cup beckons and thousands of football fans from around the world will be making their way there soon.

It’s estimated that about 10,000 England football fans will be there, about half of them with tickets for the opening group games. While other nations may not have quite so many fans travelling to see their matches, it gives some indication of the influx of football tourists Brazil will see during the tournament. The promise is that this will be a World Cup with a party atmosphere and there are few nations who are so completely wrapped up in football as Brazil.

But anyone who’s not a big football fan would be sensible to have postpone any travel plans for Brazil until the World Cup has been and gone, because prices on everything from food and drinks to accommodation will rocket during the World Cup.

It’s also not going to be the easiest of places for the footie fans to move around to watch the various matches. With 12 different cities hosting the different games, there’s going to be a lot of travelling for fans to do within the country. Many of the venues are at least a two-day drive from the others, most notably the rainforest city of Manaus, where England has its first match against Italy at the Arena Amazonia on 14 June.

Added to the distances that fans will be travelling there are other potential hazards to overcome. Sensible travellers will have already been immunised against yellow fever and be taking anti-malarial medication, but there’s also a risk of contracting dengue fever while in Brazil. This is a disease carried by mosquitoes and symptoms include muscular aches, headaches and fever. Unfortunately there is no vaccination for dengue fever; the best protection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Three of the 12 World Cup venues are currently carrying a high alert for dengue fever.

All in all, unless you are absolutely passionate about the beautiful game, you’re probably far better off staying home and watching the World Cup on TV. The host nation is also tipped to win the tournament and most bookmakers are offering odds of about 3/1 for Brazil to win. Keep up to date on how the different nations’ chances are rated throughout the tournament at http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting. There are plenty of other bets to choose from, of course. For example, you could back the player you think will win the Golden Boot, or the one you think you will score the most goals during the tournament. And then there’s live in-play betting which always makes watching the games that little bit more exciting.

While a part of you may wish you were going to see the World Cup in person, it certainly won’t be the most relaxing of trips for those fans who are going, and one thing that’s always guaranteed when watching the games on TV is a great view of the action.

Arena Amazonia in Manaus

Houses on the outskirts of Manaus , Brazil

The Opera in Manaus, Brazil

Manaus city centre, Brazil

Arequipa, The White City in Peru

Nicknamed The White City, Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru after Lima.

The city is a major tourist attraction in South America and this is no surprise considering the fact that its historic center, which spreads over an area of 332 hectares, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area combines in an special way colonial, european and local architectural elements.
Arequipa is situated at 2380 meters above sea level and is surrounded by three impressive volcanoes that truly have breathtaking views.
The white city nickname was given because many buildings are built of sillar, a local white stone.

Some of the best things to see if you are in Arequipa are:

The main square in Arequipa, Plaza de Armas

Monasterio de Santa Catalina in Arequipa, Peru

El Misti Volcano

Monasterio Santa Catalina, Arequipa, Peru

Experiencing the Real Cuba

When you think of Cuba, you probably think of last century’s political upheaval, of iconic images of Che, of the ageless Fidel and his defiant cigars, but there's far more to Cuba than its politics. The island is also one of the most beautiful (and biggest) gems of the Caribbean, a place with its own special culture and rhythm.
If you want to get close to the country's legends and experience its sights and sounds, then it may be time to explore the myriad cheap holidays to Cuba and prepare yourself for the unique magic of the Pearl of the Antilles.

• Literature

Although there are a number of notable Cuban writers, the most famous to put pen to paper in Cuba was Ernest Hemingway. A classic pre-revolutionary American tourist, Hemingway viewed Cuba as his home away from home.
Reading ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ it is easy to understand the impact of Cuba on Hemingway’s writing, and no trip to Cuba would be complete without a few trips to drink rum in a street-side bar - one of Papa Hemingway’s favourite activities. He also used to enjoy deep sea fishing off the coast of Cuba. If you are a fan of the legendary author, then why not book yourself a trip to do the same?

Hemingway statue - El Floridita bar

• Dancing

Cuba is famous for its music and dance. The combination of African and Spanish heritages means that there are a number of dances that truly capture the spirit of Caribbean living.
The Mambo, the Salsa and the Cha-Cha are all famous dances that Cubans and tourists of all ages enjoy. Whether you consider yourself a dance pro, or simply like to snap your fingers to the beat, head out to one of the many dance halls throughout the island for your chance to experience some of these world-famous moves, accompanied by some of Cuba’s infectious rhythms.

Cuban band and dancers at a tavern

• Cars

When you think of Cuba, one of the most typical scenes that spring to mind is the beautiful American cars from the 1950s parked on a warm and dusty road. The decline in US-Cuban relations after the revolution meant that no new cars were imported from the United States, and so many Cubans instead focused on keeping their existing cars running. The 1950s Chevrolets, Fords and Cadillacs give a sense of old-school glamour to the country, and a glimpse into the Cuban resourcefulness and ingenuity that keeps these old engines ticking.   There are a number of cheap holidays to Cuba available if you book in advance. So why not dust off your dancing shoes, bring your Hemingway, and head off to a Caribbean island with a singularly different culture and identity?

Classic car in Cuba

Another vintage car in Cuba

Panajachel and Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Panajachel is a town in Guatemala, on the shore of Lake Atitlan, a large volcanic lake situated in the Guatemalan Highlands.
Although Panajachel itself is not very interesting, it serves as a departure point for tourists that want to explore Lake Atitlan and the surrounding towns and villages. Just outside town there's also a National Park that can be visited just to go hiking and admire the monkeys and other wildlife.
The main attraction in the small town of Panajachel is Casa Cakchiquel, the first hotel in town enjoyed by many intellectuals and public figures such as Ernesto "Che" Guevara.
Lake Atitlan has a huge surface and is known to be the deepest lake in Central America. The towns and villages in the area are worth visiting by tourists that like hiking and enjoy the open air. Small boats can also be used for transport and for exploring the lake. 

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala 

Panajachel and Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

 Panajachel shopping street, Guatemala

Sugarloaf Mountain, Brazil

When you visit Rio de Janeiro and you find yourself on the wonderful Botafogo Beach the Sugarloaf Mountain is quite a view.
Just one of many monolithic cliffs on this part of Brazil, Sugarloaf Mountain is situated on a peninsula in Guanabara Bay.
Travellers can also reach the top of the spectacular cliffs using a cable car which gives them a spectacular overview of the ocean and the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Given the steep incline of the mountain hiking is not possible but rock climbing enthusiasts are in for quite a treat as there are great routes to the summit.

Rio city view from Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain seen from Cristo Redentor

Sugarloaf Mountain, Brazil

Sugarloaf Mountain view from the beach

Puerto Vallarta resort, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is a city situated on the Mexican coast of the Pacific Ocean, just inside the Bay of Flags.
This tropical resort has a lot to offer, from all-inclusive luxury hotels to interesting pieces of architecture from the early municipality of the 20th century owned by the Union en Cuale company.
Puerto Vallarta is a popular travel destination in the region and has a reputation for being the friendliest city in the world. This adds up to being dubbed the San Francisco of Mexico for its gay-friendly look.
Popular landmarks of the resort are:

• The Malecon, similar to Havana, a walkway along the ocean shore.
• The Beaches, especially Playa Conchas Chinas, a great secluded place.
• The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
• The Crocodile Farm at the Coastal Centre.

Sunset from a hotel terrace, Puerto Vallarta

 Puerto Vallarta beach

Puerto Vallarta secluded beach 

Puerto Vallarta church

Antigua, discovering Guatemala

Most tourist guides will tell you to avoid the capital Guatemala City when visiting Guatemala since there's not much to see and take a bus to nearby Antigua, a treasure of colonial architecture in Central America. All those tourist guides are of course right :).
Antigua is located at around 100km from Guatemala City and was founded in 1543. It was the capital of the region until an earthquake stuck it and the city had to be rebuilt.
The earthquake was also a good thing for the earthquake, all the property developers started avoiding the city and now Antigua still has that unmodernized colonial atmosphere.
What can you do in Antigua? Simply walk and discover the colourful, happy streets of the city and check out the shiny churches that combine the catholic faith with the old Mayan traditions.
During the week-end tourists from the capital flood the city, but on the regular working days the old city streets are quiet and peaceful, a slow lifestyle is indeed a virtue in this part of the world.
Antigua is the centre of Guatemalan tourism, you can book a whole range of tours that even stretch to neighbouring Honduras. You can use of course the local transport system consisting of the popular chicken buses, old American school buses used now all over Guatemala or you can book a special gringo shuttle to the destination.
Some of the things to visit in such a trip are: the city of Panajachel near the Atitlan lake, the Pacaya Volcano or the Mayan ruins of Tikal.

 

Earthquake affected building, Antigua

 

Antigua Cathedral

 

Antigua old city streets

 Guatemala chicken bus

Cusco - Capital of the Inca Empire

Cusco was founded around 1200 AD and is the oldest permanent town in South America. For centuries it was the cultural and administrative capital of the Inca Empire, the largest in South America at the time. Although most of the Inca heritage is now gone, Cusco is today a major tourist attraction in Peru and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Because of its rich and complex history Cuzco is a great city to visit; you will find fine examples of well preserved colonial architecture erected directly atop old Inca walls.
Out of the main attractions of the city be sure to visit:

The Sun Temple of Qoricancha represents the ruins of one of the most important buildings in the old Inca civilization. Qoricancha can be translated as "the golden court", the temple was covered in gold and the entire complex had statues of humans, llamas and even corn fields all covered in gold or other precious metals. All were melted by the conquistadors but by visiting the place you can still get a sense of the old Inca greatness.

San Pedro Market is the place to go if you want to get a sense of an authentic Peruvian market, you will not find handicrafts here but it's a great way to experience a vibrant piece of Cusco.
Plaza de Armas, the main gathering place in the city. It's a great place to spend your time and feel the city vibe. Dominated by the old imposing Cathedral the square has also some good shops, restaurants and bars that any tourist will love.
Since the city is situated at around 3326m remember to take some time on arrival for acclimatization, spend a few hours taking a nap and take it easy until the nausea goes away; then you'll be ready to explore the streets of Cusco.

Night view of Qoricancha  and Convent of St. Dominic, Cusco

Plaza de Armas Cathedral, Cusco

Traditional dancing in Cusco

Street in the old town,  Cusco

Caribbean Delights

So you fancy a holiday to the Caribbean. Well let's face it, who wouldn't? Those white powder-soft sands, gently swaying palms, twinkling blue shores and that delightfully laid-back lifestyle is like paradise found, and it's something of a magnet to holidaymakers. Whether you head to the desert island-like shores of St Lucia, explore the colonial architecture of Jamaica, or opt for the stunning bays and beaches of the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean is a stunning destination that's certainly at the top of most people's 'must see' lists.
And what better way to explore this magical destination than on a cruise?
There are plenty of reasons to take a Caribbean cruise. Whether you want to relax on a picture-perfect beach, follow a guide across the mountains and through steamy jungles, or soak up the laid-back lifestyle by going wherever your fancy takes you, the Caribbean is an absolute delight that will happily oblige. And of course when you're not sipping run cocktails or enjoying the samba beats of the Caribbean, you'll find a whole host of fantastic facilities just waiting to tempt you back on board your cruise ship.
The likes of P&O and Royal Caribbean International are famous for their contemporary facilities and fun-filled entertainment, with vessels that are packed to the gunwales with such amenities as swimming pools, spa facilities, kids' entertainment, even rock climbing walls and surf simulators.
If you're looking for a Caribbean cruise holiday, one of the best ways to find an itinerary and a price to suit is to search and book via a tour operator. For instance with Thomas Cook Cruise, you can search for cruise itineraries across a wide range of operators, and use the online search facility to whittle down the options and look for those itineraries that best fits your personal preferences - as well as your pocket. There's a whole world of different cruise holidays out there - it's just a matter of finding your favourite...

Royal Caribbean International - Radiance of the Seas Atrium

Ocho Rios Jamaica

By the beach in Jamaica

Samana Dominican Republic

If you are considering a visit to one of the Caribbean delights such as Antigua, check out holidays to Antigua with Best At Antigua holidays.

Córdoba, Argentina - rival of Buenos Aires

Córdoba is the second largest city in Argentina, located near the geographical center of the country. The city is a popular tourist destination, though most tourists are Argentinian citizens. With few foreigners arriving here, it is easy to find accommodations in Cordoba.
Downtown Córdoba has a great colonial architecture with many sites included in the UNESCO world heritage, including the famous Jesuit Block.
In the colonial time, the city evolved more than Buenos Aires, the National University of  Córdoba being founded in 1613 by the Jesuit Order. Because of this, the city is still nicknamed La Docta (roughly translated, "The Learned one").

Some of the best things to do in Córdoba , Argentina:

• Explore the city center. Packed with colonial buildings build by the Jesuits in the 17th and 18th centuries you won't regret getting lost on the city streets. The Cathedral and a few other churches in the area are well worth visiting.
• Try the local cuisine. Argentine cuisine varies a little from province to province, but in Córdoba you will find restaurants that offer some great dishes at a fraction of the price payed in Buenos Aires. People in Córdoba like their meat so this won't be a great experience for vegetarians.
• Córdoba nightlife. As already mentioned the city is a big learning center in Argentina and is packed with students. If you like the nightlife try to visit Córdoba in the spring or autumn when the students are in town and the clubs are full. There are places to cater for all tastes from dingy bars to live shows to the latest and greatest music. 

Monasterio de Santa Teresa, Córdoba

 Córdoba Cathedral 

Plaza Velez Sarfield

Parque Sarmiento Córdoba

Meet the Aliens in Nazca, Peru

Nazca is a small town located in one of the driest deserts in the world, on the south coast of South America.
The Nazca Civilization ruled this land about 2000 years ago leaving behind the spectacular Nazca Lines, symbols similar to the modern crop circles, that can be observed by plane.
There are several drawings including a man, a monkey or a bird.

How can you get there?
It's not that easy but there's a bus from Lima that crosses the famous  Carretera Transamericana through a deserted landscape. The bus trip can take several hours and in the end you will arrive in the small town that would have been forgotten for sure without the Nazca Lines. There is some tourist activity here considering the celebrity of the ancient lines.

How can you see the lines?
Well, you will need an airplane and there are plenty available for booking. You can get a tour offer at your hotel or at a tourist office. Although the flight to the lines will be relatively smooth once you'll get there be prepared for some minor stunts, the plane will do some turns so taht you can get a good view of the lines. It can be pretty rough for those afraid of flight.

When should you visit Peru?
Go on the summer months when the weather is dry in Peru. It's a great weather to visit Nazca but also Macchu Picchu, Cuzco and lake Titicaca.