Last year I visited Tenerife Island. While I was there I visited Loro Parque. This article is to tell you about this place. Loro Parque is a zoo that is located on the Spanish island of Tenerife. This is one of the 7 Canary Islands which are autonomous Spanish communities. The population of Tenerife is far greater than any of the other Canary Islands. With a total land area of 785 square miles, there are an estimated 900,000 inhabitants on the island. This makes up 43% of all the people who live in the Canaries.
Tenerife attracts more than 5 million tourists per year. There is no other location in Spain which attracts this many tourists. Despite being communities of Spain, the Canary Islands are actually positioned closer to the African continent. They sit about 200 miles northwest of Western Sahara and Morocco. But most of the flights and ferries to the Canaries run out of Spain.
Loro Parque is positioned just outside the Tenerife city of Puerto de la Cruz. This zoo has a wide range of plants and animals that you cannot see together anywhere else. One of the zoo’s biggest attractions is their parrots. No matter where you go in the zoo, you are bound to see a group of parrots nearby. But these aren’t just any parrots because a lot of them are endangered species of parrots. Some of these endangered parrots include the Spix macaw and the indigo-winged parrot. In total, there are more than 4,000 parrots at the zoo which include 350 different parrot species.
If you are interested in sea life, the zoo has orcas, dolphins, and sea lions. They even put on a live orca show for the people in attendance. As for the dolphins, their pool of dolphins is the largest one in the entire continent of Europe. In fact, the variety of animals you will see here is unlike any other zoo in Europe. You’ll see sharks, tigers, chimps, gorillas, pelicans, and more.
The magic begins as soon as you step foot into the zoo. You will be greeted by exotic birds as you explore a Thai village and navigate through the Katandra Treetops. It is a true tropical paradise that is relaxing and fun for both couples and families. If you are looking for an exciting tourist destination as you visit Spain, then you don’t want to miss Loro Parque.
To get to Loro Parque, you first must fly to Tenerife since it is an island. Just outside the main city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, there is the island’s main airport called “Tenerife Norte Airport.” You can fly into this airport from any major Spanish city, such as Barcelona or Madrid. The airfare is about $150 so it is quite reasonable.
Once you are there, you will go to Santa Cruz de Tenerife and find Reyes Catolicos. This area has an express train which goes to and from Loro Parque about every 20 minutes. This train is free for any visitor of Loro Parque to take. If you are in the south of the island, you can use a bus service to get to Loro Parque instead.
If you do happen to visit Tenerife, do visit Loro Parque.
You will often hear people saying; that India is a dirty, filthy place full of beggars with terrible food – why on earth would you want to go there? Don’t let them put you off. India is undoubtedly one of the most colorful countries in the world with friendly people, great food, trek-able mountains, valleys, beaches, deserts, tiger reserves, culture, extremely eccentricity, tribal villages, tropical forests, great history, making India one of the most visited placed on the planet. In fact – it’s a museum.
If you are planning a vacation in India and know little about the country then why not buy a book on India. These books can be quite useful in providing information about India, places to visit, what to eat, where to stay on. Here are some of the best travel books on India.
Rough guide to India: One of the best guides to India. In fact, these Rough Guide Books competes with the Lonely Planet guides. These books are courageously honest about the places. The book every aspect of India from its history, language, politics, culture, food, corruption, bribes, sex, drugs and Bollywood movies and much more. It’s one of the most complete and comprehensive guide to India.
India (Lonely Planet Travel Guides): This is a very popular and a must guide if you are planning a trip to India for the first time. The book contains traveler maps, guide to places to stay and eat for all budgets, great health information for travelling to India, history, about the use of transportation in India and even has a section on India’s religions.
Frommer’s India: This is a classic guide book that plans your journey from the start. It is a useful book if you are looking tips to travelling in India. It does cover a large amount of detail from where to stay, what to eat, driving in India, how to prevent yourself from being ripped off and how to spend your limited time in India.
Enjoying India: This is one of my books! I think this book is a must if you are planning a trip to India. Some people visit India but have no idea what to do and what to eat. In this book I have covered the things to do and things to eat when you are there. This book will give traveler knowledge to navigate this vast land and make the best out of India.
India Bites You Somehow – True-Life Tales: This book contains stories about those westerners who have stayed in India. This book is a collection of interesting true life experiences from 40 people from 19 countries who have travelled to India. It’s not a guide book to India as such but it provides a glimpse into the spiritual lives of Indian people. For those who have not set their foot on India and still considering if to visit or not, then this book will connect you to India like no other. These life experiences of various travelers from around the world will surely open your eyes and heart about India.
Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure: when Sarah MacDonald when to India for the first time, she had made her mind up that she hated India. When a beggar at the airport looked at the fate lines on her hand and told her that she would return. However after 12 years she returned with her reporter boyfriend. This is her travelogue about the description of pollution, dirt and chaos of India.
Wanderlust and Lipstick: For Women Traveling to India: This book has been written taking women travelers in mind. This book highlights the culture of India and suggests travel tips such as how to be safe, what to wear, how to deal with poverty, how to keep personal belongings safe, list of Hindi words and advice from women who have traveled abroad.
Other travel guide books for India worthy of note:
Remember, travel guide books are for information only. Many of the books go out of date. Not all of them will always be accurate by the time of your visit. In addition, travel is very subjective and they are subject to prejudice. Mark Twain once said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Some people just make their own minds through the lens of their own prejudice. So why not take a guide book with you to help you out for the pollution, filth, chaos and the inequality that awaits you.
By the way, I have recently published another book on Indian culture. It will be useful for those wanting to learn about the culture and traditions of India. To find more about this book click here. Let me know if I have missed anything.
Finally
You might wish to check out my India travel guide book. Some of this things covered in this book include how to stay safe and healthy, how to communicate effectively, how to avoid cultural blunders, accommodation needs, how to bargain effectively when shopping, how to get a seat on a fully booked train, coping with India and so on.
Mount Teide is a volcano located on the Spanish island of Tenerife. This is one of the seven Canary Islands that are autonomous communities of Spain. The summit of Mount Teide happens to be the highest area in all of Spain, including the mainland. Also, out of all the Atlantic-based islands, the summit of Mount Teide is the highest area that is above sea level. The total height of the summit is 12,198 feet or 3,718 meters. As a volcano, it measures up to 24,600 feet from its base on the ocean floor to its top peak. This makes it the world’s highest volcano that is not in the Hawaiian Islands.
Mount Teide Tenerife
Mount Teide is part of Teide National Park. This is a national park of Spain that is located in the central area of Tenerife. Tourists from all around the world come to the island each year to see the volcano. Do not worry because it has not erupted since the year 1909. In fact, it has mostly icy conditions so there is very little chance of an eruption taking place anytime soon. The seismic activity underground is always being monitored so there is very little risk involved by visiting this site.
Trip to Mount Teide Tenerife
There are two ways you can reach the volcano. You can take a cable car or you can climb up it. If you’re just a casual tourist, then you’d probably prefer the cable car. You will have to travel to the Teide Cable Car Base Station which is on the bottom of the mountain. At the base station, you can eat at the buffet, drink coffee at the cafe, or just rest in the relaxation area. Once you get in the cable car, it will take you 3,555 meters up to the Teide Cable Car Upper Station. In this station, you can enjoy a Wi-Fi internet connection, public telephone service, and public toilets.
Whether you’re on the north side or southern side of Tenerife, you can travel to Mount Teide by taking highway TF-21. From the northern end, you can start driving from La Orotava until you get to Portillo de la Villa. You will see that highway TF-21 travels throughout Teide National Park. From the southern end, you can start from Vilaflor and go until you reach the park. There are public buses available too if you don’t have a rental car.
There is limited access to the peak of the volcano. The workers of the park want to protect the volcano for environment purposes. However, you can obtain a free permit at one of the offices found throughout the park. You can also apply for one online for free. Once you’re at the peak, you will get to enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and the hundreds of acres of land which fills the park.
If you plan to hike up the volcano, the best route starts from an area called Refugio de Altavista. Be prepared to spend between 4 and 5 hours hiking from the bottom up to the summit. Bring plenty of water and energy-based foods with you because the hike requires a lot of physical activity.
Choosing a country for traveling with children is not an easy mission? Top countries to choose from – Expert recommendations!
Top 5 Best Countries for Traveling with Children
When choosing a country for traveling with a child, many factors need to be considered. Among the most important criteria to take into consideration is the flight duration, climate, beach quality, cleanliness of the sea, infrastructure, level of medical care, etc. Therefore, before purchasing tickets to a specific place, it is necessary to do profound research on whether the place meets all the above criteria. Of course, checking on 80 easy research paper topics may seem complicated to you, but choosing a perfect country for traveling with children is by far more difficult. In this post, we will provide you with the rating of the TOP-5 most suited countries for traveling with a child.
Cyprus
The sun shines almost all 365 days a year in Cyprus, which is definitely a good bonus. The country is also known for friendly people living there, clean sea, and excellent beaches. In Larnaca and Paphos, you will find small gravel beaches. Limassol and Ayia Napa are well-known for their clean sandy beaches. Protaras will probably be ideal for a family holiday with a child; it is a calm and cozy place. Many beaches in Cyprus boast a blue flag and cover playgrounds, amusement parks, and aquariums on their territory.
Our recommendations
The best time to travel with a child is June, end of August, September, and the whole October.
The average air temperature day/ night is + 30 / + 20 “C.
The average water temperature is approximately +24 “C.
Greece
Greek islands that are the most suited for a family holiday with kids are Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Chalkidiki, the peninsula planted with pines and olive trees. In all the above touristy places, you will find clean sandy beaches – all boast a blue flag. Apart from the breathtaking nature and clean beaches, you will definitely enjoy great Greek cuisine. Affordable prices and a quality service should be also mentioned here.
Our recommendations
The best time to travel with a child is June, August, and September.
The average air temperature day/ night is + 30 / + 20″C.
The average water temperature is +23 “C.
Spain
Spain provides holidaymakers with a huge choice of resorts on the Mediterranean Sea. It includes the Balearic Islands and the most renowned islands of the Atlantic Ocean. In this country, you will find golden sandy beaches, hospitable Spaniards, good cuisine, and the European level of service for quite reasonable money. The infrastructure for children recreation is developed there as well!
Our recommendations
The best time to travel with a child to Spain is different at different resorts, but usually it is the end of June, July, August, and the whole September.
The average air temperature day/ night is + 27 / + 18″C.
The average water temperature is +23 “C.
Israel
Israel is a perfect destination for those who adore golden beaches, clean sea, and a variety of medical or SPA treatments. What is more, there is a huge selection of excursions for those who want to see historical places of interest. For recreation with kids, the resorts of Netanya and Haifa are most suitable. There you will not be disappointed either by beaches, sea, nature, or infrastructure for children leisure.
Our recommendations
The best time to travel with a child is June, September, and October.
The average air temperature day/ night is + 29 / + 20″C.
The average water temperature is approximately +26 “C.
The Maldives
The Maldives is a true paradise on Earth, which is gradually disappearing under the water. It is said that these islands may disappear in the ocean just in a few decades. Perhaps your grandchildren will not be able to see the absolutely white coral sand and warm azure sea. Therefore, we strongly recommend you to fly there and bring your children. Most of the hotels in the Maldives are not suitable for active recreation and entertainment, but they are ideal for a romantic trip or a trip with a small child. It is better to choose the islands on the Atolls closer to the Male airport, for example, North and South Male Atolls, North and South Ari Atolls, or Rasdout Atoll. Otherwise, it will take a long time to fly on the seaplane or swim on the boat to get to the destination place.
Our recommendation
The best time to travel with a child is March and April (in May – November, there’s the so-called rainy season).
The average air temperature day/ night: + 31 / + 26″C.
The average water temperature is approximately +29 “C.
Whichever country you choose for recreation with kids, the main thing is to choose a competent tour operator and plan your holiday/ activities in advance. Only in this case, it is possible to organize a cool trip and spend time in the best way!
The thriving business climate in India has made it extremely favourable for companies abroad to set up branches or operations here. We can safely say that businesses are now transcending boundaries. Therefore, if you are a part of a company with a global presence, a visit to India to meet clients, fellow team members, or even training is always in the offing.
India has always been popular among the travellers from the world. The booming business travel sector and growing economy of India have made the country another favourite for corporate travels.
India is a big country and the sights – right from the huge population to the bustle may overwhelm you. Here are some quick tips to ensure your trip remains smooth:
Book a comfortable stay
Travelling to India for a business trip usually means you will be heading to the metropolitan cities of Mumbai, Bengaluru or the capital city of Delhi. Booking the right hotel for your stay matters particularly if you are new to the country. The LaLiT should be your go-to choice; it is among the best business hotels in Delhi with properties in Mumbai and Bengaluru as well. The brand is renowned across the world for its warm hospitality and a wonderful ambiance that mixes the best of Indian traditions with modernity.
They are also located in strategic parts of the cities, making intra-city travel for meetings and leisure much easier for you.
Pre-arrange your ride from the airport
It is advised to pre-arrange your cab ride from the airport. It is one of the best ways to avoid disguised unlicensed drivers near the airport who may fleece you by taking you through longer routes. You can reach out to the hotel you are staying for any assistance on the same. Luxury resorts in India, including The LaLiT, provide you with airport shuttle services, ensuring a reliable and comfortable ride for you. The major cities also have global cab aggregators such as Uber so you can book the same.
Make the most of the facilities provided by the hotel
Staying at one of the leading hotels during your business trips means an access to a whole world of fantastic amenities. Reach out to the front desk if you need help with laundry, exploring the city or accessing the spa, the swimming pool or the in-house gym. The in-house restaurants also offer you a great fare and eclectic menu to choose from. The LaLiT houses some of the best restaurants in the respective cities. Their 24×7 restaurant, Baluchi has a great breakfast spread and some grand Indian delicacies. There is the Boulangerie to satisfy your pastry cravings and KittySu if you wish to relax in a lounge post your meetings.
Stay well hydrated
India is among the world’s warmer countries. The tropical weather can get a bit taxing so be sure to stay hydrated throughout. Your hotel room may even provide you with travel sized bottles of water for convenience; pick them if you can before stepping out for the meeting.
Formally address your business associates
It is common practice in India to address fellow colleagues with Mr. or Ms. along with their last name. If you are unable to pronounce or catch the name at the first go, feel free to ask them again and try your best to nail the pronunciation. If your associates request to address by their first name, please do.
Remember to unwind
Visiting India and not go sightseeing is a trip incomplete, be it a leisure trip or a business one. Your hotel can assist you with recommended places to visit along with your preferred mode of transport. Soak in the culture when you step out to mingle in the crowd. The crowd is extremely diverse in the major cities so be prepared to spot many cultures and languages around you. Indians are staunch believers in ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ or ‘the Guest is equivalent to God’. So, don’t be surprised if you see the locals going out of their way to help you out.
Taj Mahal made of ivory-white marble was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz who died giving birth to their fourteenth child, is located on the banks of the River Yamuna in the city of Agra. The four minarets framing the monument are leaning slightly outwards are perfectly identical and mirrored to provide an optical illusion. Passages from the Koran and ninety-nine names of Allah can be found as calligraphic inscriptions on the tomb. The gemstones embedded in the walls were ripped during the British rule. It is a must visit when you are in India.
Everyone can recognise the Taj from the photos. Have you ever thought what it looks like from the inside? When you visit the Taj you will soon realise that it is not allowed to take pictures of the inside of the Taj. There are a few pictures available but it’s quite basic. To be honest there is not much to see inside anyway. The outside is what matters the most. Here are a few pictures and videos of the Taj Mahal from the inside.
The false tomb of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal in the main chamber
Beads of perspiration form on your forehead as you reach out for a glass of water; the whirring of the fan above you brings along with it, just a tad bit of frustration. Summers are lovely. It is sunny, and everything is bright. But, as summer progresses, it can get humid and hot in most parts of India. Do you sometimes wish that summer didn’t exist altogether? Do you long to run away to some chilly hill station or paradise island to beat the heat that summer brings along? What if you could enjoy some cool breeze blow through your hair?
Well, this doesn’t have to be a dream any longer. There are many attractions that you can visit this summer. You may pick from Kerala tour packages, or head to Goa, or plan a trip to the beautiful Kashmir! Think no more! Simply pack your bags and head out for fun filled vacation and beat the heat with our easy-peasy tips that will keep you cool as a cucumber through the sweltering heat of summer.
Book a Beach Resort
There is no better way to escape the scorching heat of the sun, than by booking a beach side resort. Now, whether that’s Goa’s Taj Exotica, Chennai’s Vivanta, or Maharashtra’s western blue ocean resort, you are in for a treat. You may think a day on the beach can be quite tedious, and why wouldn’t it be? After all, it is basking in the sun, while it is already hot outside. But picture this: amidst the toasty atmosphere, you get to take a dip in the pool! Most luxury resorts have private balconies, water views, saunas, swimming pools, in house restaurants, spas and all the luxuries that your heart could desire. You can book a luxurious beach resort in Kerala and other beaches for as less as INR 7000 a night. These resorts sit right on the beach and allow you access to well-kept private stretches of beach where you can splash in the water to beat the heat or sit by the shore enjoying a book and a freshly brewed cup of coffee. These private beaches will transport you into a world of tranquillity and love, and rekindle the flame in your relationship.
If you get tired of roasting on the beach, you can spend time by the bay, or even go out on a boat! That is not all. There is no better way to get that perfect golden hue on your skin than at a beachside resort. Do not forget to carry the right sunscreen to help you get that beautiful tan you always wanted. The number of fun activities at a beach resort is limitless. You can spend the evening by the poolside, taking dips every now and then to cool off and sip on signature mocktails to add to the fun. If this is not bliss, what is?
Hop on a Houseboat Cruise:
If you haven’t tried this already, don’t think twice. Of course, to live through the experience of a houseboat, you need to have access to one (so plan your mini vacation to either Kerala or Kashmir). Spending a whole day on a houseboat does come at a higher price, but brings with it a plethora of luxuries to enjoy. The best time to go cruising on a houseboat is undoubtedly summer. Most tourists confess that these trips are refreshing and the breath-taking beauty that tags along with these backwaters is a feast for the eyes. And, if you opt for one of the best Kerala tour packages, you will love the authentic piping hot Kerala dishes that are served on the houseboat cruises!
You can hire a houseboat for as low as INR 6500 for a one-bedroom houseboat for a whole day. The boat will cruise around the lake and take you through the backwater and winding canals in the day and cast anchor at night. You can choose luxury houseboats that will cost you about INR 10,000 and will have air conditioning and plush bedding in Kerala. A deluxe house boat in Kashmir will cost you much lesser at just INR 6500 for two adults with all meals.
Stay cool-cool with a summer drink
If splashing in the sea has done little to help you combat with the heat, it is time you tried out Kerala’s signature coconut water! This refreshing drink is chock full of nutrients such as amino acids and B vitamins. It also has zero cholesterol and is a natural diuretic that you can resort to if you have contracted the stomach flu from eating way too much! Simply pour some coconut water in a long glass of ice and sip on it, throughout the day to re-hydrate! Many eateries will serve the good ol’ el neer, or nariyal paani with a dash of lemon, which is a must try!
An Afternoon at the Spa:
Summer is always associated with a bevy of outdoor activities. The kids are on a break from school, and most families plan road trips with the top down, BBQs, and pool parties and other ways to embrace the outdoors. However, along with cherished memories, the temperatures too are on the rise. This means you must deal with smudged makeup and frizzy hair as well! If you are fed up with the heat, that pesky stubble, dry skin, and limp and frizzy hair, it is time you chased away your summer beauty blues by heading to the spa. This is a great way to unwind and relax on a hot and scorching summer afternoon. And, remember it is not just your pretty face that needs hydrating during summer; your hands and tootsies need some TLC too! Treat yourself to a mani-pedi makeover, a refreshing facial and if time permits a body massage too. Put down your phone and enjoy soaks in Jacuzzis, steams, and myriad spa treatments that will give you dewy, dreamy skin in just one session. If you cannot afford an afternoon at a luxe spa, there are many less extravagant spas that you can check into. If you are traveling down south, you will be pleased to know that the streets of Kerala and Mahabalipuram are dotted with Ayurvedic massage centres and spas to suit varied budgets!
A full body massage for as little as INR 2000 for 30 minutes in budget massage centres. More exotic spas may bill you about INR 5000 for a body massage and offer body scrubs, wraps, facials, and specialty remedies for specific ailments! So, what are you waiting for? Book your slot to get pampered to the hilt.
Carry the Right Clothes:
Pants or Slacks: Since they can be worn more than just once, ensure to carry 2-3 pairs. But stick with jeans (preferably not skin tight). Get into the vacation mood, and carry a few pairs of baggy jeans, maybe even distressed a little to show off some skin. You may also consider packing a pair of harem or culottes; they not only add a dash of versatility to your ensemble but also are super comfy in summer. Ensure that your jeans are made of cotton; if not, swap them for linen shorts.
Tops: At least 5-6; mix in a bunch of styles. Again, stick to cotton, linen, rayon, chambray, georgette, etc. They are cooler fabrics in general and will do wonders in keeping you cool through the heat. A flannel shirt is also a good addition to the perfect summer ensemble.
A jacket: I know this seems absurd for the summer, but you’re bound to get caught up in a situation where it might be chillier than expected especially after sunset. A light rain jacket should suffice.
Accessories: Carry scarves, scrunchies (for your hair) and belts. And, those pretty trinkets to spruce up your looks on a date night.
Other Things to Pack
Carry hats, sunglasses and don’t forget your sunscreen (with a high SPF).
Mosquito repellent: Mosquito can be a menace in many parts of India. So, if you like to walk around in shorts, be sure to pack a few bottles of mosquito repellent. (A must-carry item if you are deliberating on Kerala tour packages)
Umbrella: An absolute must-have. To keep you shaded from the sunlight and an unexpected drizzle.
Comfortable footwear: Carry three pairs of shoes: one for walking, one for dressing up and a pair of sturdy flats. This might seem like a bizarre tip, but you will be thanking us for this one. You will be glad you carried a pair of flip flops when on the sandy shores.
SPACE: Preferably carry an extra bag with you, because believe us, when on vacation, you are going to shop till you drop!
So, what are you waiting for? Do not let the summer deter your spirits. Pack your bags and set out on vacation like no other!
