Monday, 31 August 2015

Greatest Driving Roads in the World

Highway 1, aka "Big Sur"

This stretch of Highway 1 chases the ragged central California coastline through Big Sur, which runs from San Simeon to Carmel. This drive is renowned for its staggering views over perilous cliffs, revealing the Pacific Ocean's whitecaps as they rush past immense dark rocks.
During peak traffic hours, lumbering rental cars and motorhomes dampen the pace. If you're stuck in slow motion, we suggest a detour through the nearby but less-traveled Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, which cuts east and offers an amazing bird's-eye view of the coast below.

Deals Gap, aka "Tail of The Dragon"

This stretch of U.S. Route 129 offers some of the sweetest curves outside of the Atlantic coast, with no fewer than 318 turns in the course of 11 miles. No driveways or intersections interrupt this forest-lined thoroughfare, though there are plenty of peg-scraping cruisers who knock down the average speed. While you're there, be sure to visit the Tree of Shame, where crashed motorcycle bits adorn the tree and dangle from its branches as a reminder of the road's dangers

Nurburgring Nordschleife

Arguably the most notorious racetrack in the world, this 12.93-mile loop of tarmac also happens to be a toll road that anyone with 24 euros and a need for speed can drive on non-race days. Racer Jackie Stewart once called the Nurburgring "the green hell," and it features treacherous landmarks, including the Caracciola Karussell (the Carousel) and Flugplatz (also known as "the Airport," for its tendency to launch vehicles airborne). But keep your inner Michael Schumacher in check: This series of 154 turns has a nasty reputation for humbling even the most seasoned drivers

White Rim Trail

While Moab steals the glory when it comes to off-roading meccas, we'll take the lesser-known White Rim Trail. Rated moderately difficult for high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, according to the National Park Service, this 100-mile loop slices through theCanyonlands National Park. White-knuckle your way through a broad array of views and terrains, from arches and canyons to basins and stunning plateaus. Be sure to take plenty of water, as signs of civilization are few and far between.

Ruta 40

Argentina's Ruta 40 is one of the longest stretches of highway in the world, connecting 20 national parks with countless passes through the Andes mountain range. If you don't have time for the entire span of more than 3000 miles, we recommend bypassing the tourist-clogged southern portion and exploring the harrowing and gorgeous upper elevations, where Ruta 40 climbs as high as 16,000 feet above sea level.

San Juan Skyway

This scenic 236-mile stretch traverses some of the most breathtaking mountain passes in North America. Connecting Durango to Ridgway, the San Juan Skyway negotiates crusty mining towns and dizzying drops, offering its most impressive views along the "Million Dollar Highway," which features spine-tingling hairpin turns and a daredevil's delight–no guardrails.

Conor Pass

It's hard to go wrong driving through Ireland (as long as you stay on the left side of the road), but for an excellent Emerald Isle drive, seek out the Conor Pass. It runs from the southern end of the Dingle Peninsula toward Brandon Bay. This narrow road snakes through verdant vistas, and its view of the lakes below is the stuff of fairy tales.

Great Ocean Road

Imagine a kinder, gentler version of Big Sur tucked away in the Southern Hemisphere. The Great Ocean Road passes arresting natural rock formations such as Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles. It's a 151-mile coastal thruway not to be missed by relaxed road trippers who simply can't get enough clear skies–and exotic roadkill.

Touge Roads of Mount Fuji

From afar, the tree-lined "Touge" (or "Pass") roads that ascend to the caldera of Mount Fuji may look meditative. But these twisting passes are the birthplace of drifting, the automotive passion of choice for foolhardy youths in heavily modified rear-wheel-drive cars. Though we don't recommend terrorizing these twisties late at night like those pioneers did back in the day, there's nothing wrong with fantasizing about the illicit vehicular mayhem that inspired the motorsports phenomenon as you climb Japan's tallest mountain.

Karakoram Highway

It took 27 years to build China's Karakoram Highway (aka the Friendship Highway), but it could take no more than the blink of an eye to meet your maker on this unforgiving road. Linking China and Pakistan through the Karakoram mountain range, this 800-mile highway is one of the highest paved roads in the world. The Karakoram traces romantic stretches of the ancient Silk Road, as well as desolate locales like Abbottabad, where Osama bin Laden met his demise.

Stelvio Pass

Nestled 9000 feet up in the Italian Alps, the Stelvio Pass packs 48 switchbacks (numbered by stone markers) into 15 miles. Its daunting turns have become a rite of passage for adventure-seeking drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists. Slicing around the mountain in the relative safety of your car, you might feel a swell of thankfulness for your engine. As one of the highest altitude runs through the Alps, Stelvio leaves all but the fittest of cyclists breathless.

Transfagarasan Highway

Built by Nicolae Ceausescu in the 1970s, this dynamite-forged highway defies the mountains that surround it, linking Transylvania and Walachia through a series of tunnels, bridges and viaducts. The blokes at Top Gear waxed poetic about this hard-to-pronounce highway, but we're guessing the Romanian gem is still relatively unperturbed by the motoring masses.

Col de Turini

The Tour de France and Monte Carlo Rally share this breathtaking mountain pass in the French Alps. Col de Turini has been featured in three tours and is a stage of the legendary classic car rally in the glamorous French Riviera. But don't go there for the celebs and champagne; the Col de Turini has challenged everyone from Stig Blomqvist to Sébastien Loeb, leaving little room for rubbernecking.

Khardung Pass

With a peak of 17,582 feet, the Khardung Pass is one of the highest altitude roads that can be driven in a car. A caravan route traveled by horses and camels, this nosebleed-inducing series of twists and turns has it all: glaciers, craggy peaks and all manner of mammalian and mechanized traffic. Squeamish travelers need not apply. Vaccinations are advised.

Sunday, 30 August 2015

7 Magical Fairy Tale Travel Destinations That You Have To Visit

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1.) Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany: I expect Elsa to burst out singing from this castle at any moment!
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2.) Bamboo Forest, Japan: The pure essence of calmness and serenity.
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3.) Pena National Palace, Portugal: Looks like the birth place of adventure and summer romance!
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4.) Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland: Somewhere in here is a princess (or indeed a prince), waiting to be set free.
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5.) Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia: Have you seen the mermaid who lives here?
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6.) Rocks of Dhankar, India: This looks like the hiding place of a mythical (and misunderstood) creature with a heart of gold who just wants to make friends and be loved.
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7.) Colmar, France: The most colourful fairy tale town in all the land

These Are The 8 Fjords You HAVE To Visit In Norway

1.) Nærøyfjord: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one you’ll that you’ll quickly realise why it has been designated this prestigious status once you get to see it. It’s a branch of the Sognefjord but you can’t see it from Stegastein and so a Fjord safari is one of the best ways to see this in all its glory.
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2.) Sognefjord: This is the longest fjord in Norway and one of the most impressive. It’s easily reached via the train from Bergen to Flam and is a great way to see two other really popular fjords. The best view is from Stegastein viewing point.
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3.) Geirangerfjord: This spectacular Fjord is also a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its absolutely spectacular beauty. One of it’s most outstanding features is the Seven Sisters waterfall (thanks to its seven streams) which you’ll find in the middle of the Fjord and The Friar waterfall.
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4.) Lysefjord: The best view for the Lysefjord is a hike up to Pulpit Rock which is quite doable and rewarding once you get to see the length and breadth of this amazing fjord. To get here, you’ll pop into Stavanger and catch a quick ferry ride over. You don’t need to climb to the top of Pulpit Rocks to appreciate this, even part way to the top, you can start to see the Fjord or you could just opt to see it from a boat taking you through the Fjord.
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5.) Aurlandsfjord: This is another arm of the Sognefjord and is the first part of the collections of fjords you’ll see in Flam (before you get to the Sognefjord). You can get a great view of this fjord from Stegastein too.
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6.) Hardangerfjord: If you want to appeal to the thrill-seeker in you, then the best place to see Hardangerfjord is from Trolltunga (which translates to “the troll’s tongue“) which is piece of rock jutting out from the mountains.
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7.) Nordfjord: This tranquil fjord is the 6th longest in Norway and is also great to visit for the skiing available in the surrounding area as well as the amazing Jostedal Glacier.
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8.) Hjørundfjord: This is considered by many as one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway and is surrounded by dramatically sharp alpine peaks.
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Tiny Micro-States That You Must Visit In Europe

1.) Vatican City
Surrounded by the city of Rome, Italy – Vatican City is home to the Catholic church, the Sistine Chapel and Apostolic Palace. Don’t forget to climb the stairs of San Pietro’s Basilica for a truly breath-taking view of Vatican City and Surrounding Italy!
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2.) Malta
Perched just of the northern coast of Africa, between Italy and Tunisia, Malta is a percent Micro- state to explore the mediterranean. Visit the capital city, Valletta which is famed for their glassworks and fresh fish. Why not explore the neighbouring island of Gozo. A little more lush than Malta, Gozo is like Malta’s back garden. A peaceful and tranquil island that is filled with flowers!
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3.) San Marino
This mountainous micro-state is nestled high in the Italian hills and is one of the worlds oldest republics! With a population of just over 30,000, San Marino is a peaceful micro-state to explore. Don’t forget to see; Guaita and the Palazzo Publico!
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4.) Andorra
Situated on the border of France and Spain, Andorra has become known as a skiers paradise due to its location in the Pyrenees mountains.
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5.) Luxembourg
My favourite Micro-State that I have visited! Explore the many UNESCO heritage sights within Luxembourg City and head outside the capital to see much more of this amazing country!
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6.) Monaco
The favourite destination for the rich and famous – Monaco is situated on the French Riviera. It’s best known as the playground for the rich and famous. Monte Carlo is its most famous district that is filled with all things luxurious. If you have a few millions to spare – why not grab yourself a yacht and live the high-life right within the harbour! :-)
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7.) Montenegro
Facing west onto the Adriatic Sea – Montenegro is a country that is becoming increasingly popular for travellers to explore! Its rugged coast and glacial lakes attract a whole array of visitors and wildlife. Don’t forget to visit Durmitor National Park and Tara River Canyon, where you can possibly spot some European Bears and Wolves!
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8.) Liechtenstein
On the border with Germany, most residents inLiechtenstein speak German. Head to the capital, Vaduz for some of the best museums in any micro-state. Don’t forget to visit; Kunstmuseum of Contemporary art.
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9.) Kosovo
Although a disputed territory, Kosovo has named itself the youngest out of Europe’s micro-states. Formed in 2008 – this landlocked country is filled with a rich cultural heritage. Don’t forget to visit the Visoki Decani Monastery and the Sharr Mountains for an unforgettable experience!
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10.) Iceland
Okay, before you say… “hey, Iceland is huge – how is it a micro-state???” Well let me explain. Although the geographic landmass of Iceland is much larger than the rest of the European micro-states, if we count resident numbers it is actually smaller than quite a few. Iceland is such a perfect place to visit and witness the Northern Lights, The Blue-Lagoon, Whale-Watching, Glaciers, rugged coastal paths and so much more.
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11.) Cyprus
Cyprus (south) is a relatively large European Island that is split into two parts. Based in the Eastern Mediterranean, just between Egypt, Isreal and Turkey. It is one of Europe’s hottest places and perfect for those seeking a warmer climate. Don’t forget to head to visit the Tombs of The Kings and the Larnaca Salt Lakes at sunset! Truly beautiful!
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