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Where I Want To Take a Cruise

July 18, 2013 By Danny

Living in South Florida I’m greeted almost every day with the sights of cruise ships docked and taking on passengers. Some of these boats have space for over 5,000 passengers with thousands more spots reserved for crew. While these huge cruise ships have their place among those that like a little relaxation and pampering on the high seas, I’m more intrigued by the smaller vessels that can take you smaller ports of call. Here are a few (one from each continent!) that are high on my list:

North America – The Alaskan Marine Highway

We have been trying to arrange a trip up to Alaska for a few years now, but it remains elusive for one reason or another. This year we almost made it but as luck would have it, we found something better to do instead (we had twins!). Our plan was to cruise along the marine highway, using public transportation, to Whittier, Alaska. From there we would visit the rest of the Kenai Peninsula before heading north to Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali itself. The best part of the cruise trip, from Juneau to Whittier was that with State of Alaska’s hop on hop off ferry system, allowing us to create our trip itinerary as we went along.

South America – The Amazon River…from Peru!

Most Amazon cruises move along the ‘busy’ part of the river between Manaus and the Atlantic Ocean. The Amazon river itself though, has its headwaters in the Andes mountains. That being the case I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to head to Iquitos, Peru, to start the trip. You’ll have to fly into Iquitos as it holds the ubiquitous distinction of being the largest city in the world that cannot be reached by road. From there it is 3600 km to the Atlantic Ocean. Just don’t forget the mosquito repellant and a hammock.

Africa – A Nile River Cruise

Although I’m not so sure many people are planning on taking a Nile Cruise in 2013 with all the mixed news coming out of Egypt, I’m sure that those who do go find exceptional value everywhere they go along the river. One of Egypt’s chief exports is tourism and much of the industry is hurting. The city of Luxor alone could keep the budding Egyptologist busy for weeks and given how inexpensive Egypt was when it was crowded, it is a downright bargain right now.

Europe – The History of the Danube

I’m not entirely sure what it is that makes me want to take a cruise along the Danube but I think it has something to do with the amount of history those waters have seen. Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava are all cities I’ve seen and really enjoyed but it’s downriver—Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria—that attracts my attention. Of all the ideas listed here this is certainly the most expensive but it also represents the crossroads of Western Civilization.

Asia – A Thai SCUBA Live-aboard

The problem with Asian rivers is that many are simply too dirty to enjoy. Instead, I’d suggest doing a bit of Island hopping off the coasts of Thailand and Malaysia. This is some of the best SCUBA diving in the world and the mainland has plenty of low priced creature comforts anytime you want to come ashore.

Thanks to BTerryCompton for use of the Alaska image via a Creative Commons License

Photo: Crashing Waves

August 29, 2011 By Jillian

When I think beach I think sand, sea and sun. Along South Africa’s famous garden coast there’s a lot of sea and a lot of sun, but very little sand. The coastline is rocky, huge boulders line the sea, giving the waves a great place to crash and the seals a great place to hunt. It’s also home to the start of the Otter Trail, a popular multi-day hike along the coast. Judging by this gorgeous scenery, no wonder there’s a long waitlist for permits!

We hiked to the end of the “day hiking” area of the otter trail. It was the middle of summer when we were there and the amazing waterfall at the end of the hike was all dried up. We sat on the rocks watching the waves roll in for more than an hour. The waves were mesmerizing, but we were happy to watch the otter fishing. A passing pod of dolphins capped off the afternoon, what could be better?

To see more of our favorite photos from around the world check out our travel photo page. Let us know your favorites and we’ll include them in our photo of the day series.

IF YOU GO: TSITSIKAMMA is a well known stop on the Garden Route. There’s a lot of hiking, camping and adventure sports in the area, including ZA’s only bungee jump (reported to be the highest in the world).

Discover Grenada

June 12, 2011 By Guest Blogger

Grenada is often an over looked island in the Caribbean, but it couldn’t be a better place for the holiday of a lifetime! Packed with strange, exciting and unforgettable things to see and do – it is a great place to explore and a brilliant alternative to the usual holiday package. Pack an underwater camera and some walking boots to go with that bikini and save plenty of room to bring back some of the islands specialties.

We’ve all done the obligatory museum visits on holiday to make ourselves feel less guilty about ignoring the local culture and lying on the beach with our eyes closed, but in Grenada you’ll find a sculpture museum definitely worth leaving your sun lounger for! In fact, it’s even on a beach, so you can still enjoy the sand between your toes.

Grenada’s underwater sculpture park in Moilinere Bay is filled with 65 sculptures ranging from figures based on the island’s men and women to typewriters, kitchen utensil and bicycles which were designed to create an artificial reef to attract sea life to the bay. You can visit the eerie yet unforgettable scenes either by snorkelling, scuba diving or taking a trip in a glass-bottom boat and there are plenty of guides to take you down if you prefer.

Lively tourists will love Grenada because once you’ve acclimatised to the gorgeous weather you can begin exploring some of this Caribbean Islands hidden gems. Don your walking boots (or comfortable sandals) and lather on the sun cream for a hike through the rainforest of Grand Etang National Forest. Treks can last from 15 minutes to 5 or 6 hours, so there is something to suit everyone! Head to the beautiful Grand Etang Lake to cool off or take a dip under the Seven Sisters Waterfalls a little further on.

For those of us who need a few days off after a day of hiking up Grenada’s mountains and waterfalls, (or who need to load up on energy beforehand), a leisurely visit to the Grenada Chocolate Company is a must. See how the cocoa is grown, how the beans are fermented and how the chocolate is finally made – and buy some to take home!

Grenada is also famous for its rum so make sure you leave time for a visit to the rum distillery at River Antoine on the north east coast. The way they make rum here hasn’t changed for generations so not only will you be amazed by their techniques, the people and the scenery, but you’ll also get the chance to sample a cheeky taste of rum too.

Make your camera work harder this summer and have an unforgettable adventure in Grenada!

Author: James is a keen travel writer who writes about the Caribbean and other exotic destinations.

Photo credit: #1-The Grenada Collection, #2 and 3- ishouldlogoff!

Thanks to James for today’s guest post. If you’re interested in guest blogging for IShouldLogOff, email us at info [at] ishouldlogoff.com. Thank!

Photo: Buildings of Lamu

May 23, 2011 By Jillian

Can you imagine a more idyllic spot?

Nestled along the beach in Lamu, new buildings were springing up, probably for hotels. Whitewashed, the buildings had intricate Swahili details, reflecting the island’s Africa and Islamic heritage. Although it’s not always good when tourism brings expats to an island, tourism and Lamu seem to be good bedfellows. In fact, the increasing interest in renovating homes on Lamu has reinvigorated the woodcarving trade. A few years ago it was difficult to find someone to carve doors in the traditional style. Today nearly every renovated beach house and hotel has traditionally carved wooden doors- you can see them in this picture.

As you can see the water is fantastically blue, but unfortunately rather warm as well. It was a bit like soaking in a salty bathtub! Despite it’s gorgeous beaches, Lamu’s real attraction is it’s culture. A mix of Islamic, Africa and Arabian cultures, the island is a beautiful example of globalism. We enjoyed talking with the locals and hearing a bit of their stories, many families have been on the island for hundreds of years.

To see more of our favorite photos from around the world check out our travel photo page. Let us know your favorites and we’ll include them in our photo of the day series.

It would be hard not to choose Lamu if you are looking for an idyllic beach destination with some cultural activities. Although we took the bus there, it was a long and bumpy ride from Mombassa and you’ll probably be better off with the flight. We spent several days on the island, soaking in the exotic yet comfortable feel. I think Lamu competes with any of the Mediterranean vacation spots such as Majorca holidays.

Looking for Luxury? Paradise in Antigua

February 17, 2011 By Guest Blogger

Thanks to Iain Miller for today’s guest post. If you are interested in guest posting with IShouldLogOff, email us at info [at] ishouldlogoff.com. Thanks!

If you were asked to picture a luxurious holiday destination on a Caribbean island, I can imagine what you might conjure up: a beach front hotel, pure white sand and crystal clear blue sea against a tropical green backdrop, fine dining, beautiful décor, and service-with-a-smile. Well, welcome to Carlisle Bay, Antigua where they’ve got it all, and more.

Clearly not content with creating the beautiful One Aldwych hotel in London, Gordon Campbell Gray has turned his impeccable attention to the Caribbean and, more-than ably assisted by his interior design partner Mary Fox-Linton, they have created the picture of beach-side style, luxury and comfort.

Let’s start at the beginning. On arrival at V.C. Bird Airport, just outside the Antigua capital of St. John’s, we were met by our driver who transferred us to Carlisle Bay. I’m sure he didn’t stop smiling for the whole journey! After winding up a gravel driveway through lush tropical rain forest we had our first glimpse of paradise – a crescent of simply elegant architecture tracing the line of the inviting turquoise water that lapped onto the white beach. On entering reception another smiling face ushered us to a sofa and offered cooling towels and drinks as we signed-in and we were personally welcomed by the Manager before being shown to our rooms.

And what rooms! Opening onto the beach, they seem to have successfully embodied the spirit of the resort in their design: spacious, stylish and fresh, yet comfy and laid-back – designed and manicured in every detail, but in a way that speaks more of hospitality than pretentiousness. There are a selection of one, two and three bed suites, all en-suite, all with TV and DVD facility, internet access, Gaggia espresso machines and, most importantly, all with a terrace or balcony from which to drink in that beach view.

After the obligatory sun-bathe and swim on the beach we began to explore Carlisle Bay’s many other facilities. We started with windsurfing and other water sports in the bay – non-motorised to keep the water crystal clear and the noise disturbance down, and then the yoga pavilion and the Blue Spa and gym.

My partner raved about the West Indian Massage she received and went back twice for more during our week-long stay! The wonderful library and air conditioned Italian leather-seated private cinema were touches that I really enjoyed, offering more than the usual ‘action-only’ facilities of many hotels. Exploring the mangrove lagoon by kayak was another unique and thrilling activity not to be missed. Although we weren’t with children, it was clear to see that the Kids Clubs and resort’s own babysitting service were very popular and allowed parents their own space to relax and explore.

Breakfasts are included in the price of the suite, and just like them, every care and detail has been lavished upon them, including a choice of patisseries that wouldn’t have been out of place in Paris. The two restaurants provided intimate, high quality dining. Indigo on the Beach leans towards fresh Caribbean seafood, grills and salads, while East is the more formal of the two – dark wood and deep red décor – and serving an impressive array of Asian cuisine. It’s possible to order from the full menu of either restaurant and have it delivered by room service, allowing you to enjoy your meal from the comfort of your own terrace.

Eventually, our week at Carlisle Bay came to a close and we had to leave the luxurious solitude and head back to normality. But even as we said our farewells to the friendly and ever-beaming staff and were waved-off by the Manager, I was sure we’d be back again…

Editors Note: We didn’t get to the Caribbean Islands on this RTW, but this sounds heavenly.