Off the beaten track holidays
February 6, 2008
In our last column we took you to romantic destinations around the world: from the hills of Tuscany all the way down to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. This week we’ve decided to take you somewhere a little different, to places less popular than you’re used to but just as (or even more) exciting…Let’s go on a journey: off the beaten track.
We’ll start in the quaint Brazilian town of Olinda, then head up north along the Caribbean coastline to Honduras in Central America. In the East, the Andaman Islands in India and the ancient splendours of Laos beckon, Djerba in Tunisia thereafter and finally the north of Spain, to the green hills of picturesque Asturias.
So if you’re in the mood for some adventure or ready to explore the road less travelled read on. And remember, as someone once said: “Life is known only by those who have found a way to be comfortable with change and the unknown. Given the nature of life, there may be no security, but only adventure.”
Of course the beaches of Rio are exquisite and its Carnival is the biggest party in the world, everyone knows that, but one town that most travellers haven’t heard of is Olinda. Located close to Recife, this historic town is a Unesco World Heritage Site and has some stunning churches and art galleries to explore.
Getting there: Take a connecting flight to Recife on TAP, bmi or BA. Once there, hop on a short domestic flight to Olinda on Varig or TAM.
Moving on from South to Central America - to Honduras. With its white sand beaches, coral reefs, national parks and spectacular wildlife, Honduras is perfect if you're looking for that Caribbean sunshine without the crowds. Most travellers would choose to stay on the island of Roatan – particularly in one of Sandy Bay’s glitzy resorts or hotels, but the real adventurer should head to West End for an authentic, rugged experience with self catering lodges and quaint guest houses.
Getting there: Fly from the UK via the US on AA, Continental or Iberia.
India is renowned for its busy cities, palatial monuments and lively festivals, but virgin rainforests and pure white sand beaches? That’s right. More than 200 islands off the east coast of India in the Bay of Bengal make up the Andaman Islands. Inhabited by ancient tribes, the islands have some of the most beautiful unspoilt beaches and coral reefs in the world. Havelock Island is where the main concentration of resorts can be found, and these cater for divers and backpackers.
Getting there: Fly to Mumbai on BA or Air India then take Jet Airways to the capital Port Blair.
The mysterious and intriguing country in Southeast Asia is still virtually undiscovered by tourists, Laos is slowly gaining recognition among the more intrepid travellers. Start with a couple of days visiting the Buddhist monasteries and markets in the capital city Vientiane then begin exploring the rest of the country. Take a bus to the ancient mountain kingdom of Luang Prabang in the north which has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country and stop by the town of Vang Vang which sits amid a field of rice paddies.
Getting there: Take a connecting flight on Thai Air, BA or Emirates to the capital Vientiane.
From Asia on to Africa, next stop: Djerba. Often dubbed the “Polynesia of the Mediterranean”, Djerba (or Jerba) in the south-east of Tunisia is an island that legends are made of. Miles of sandy beaches juxtaposed against Roman sites and fortresses make up the landscape. Spend a day walking the cobbled streets of Er Riadh, the biblical village, or shop the markets of Houmt Souk - the capital.
Getting there: Fly to Houmt Souk on a connecting flight via Geneva or Tunis on BA or Air France.
Just when you thought you’d visited (or at least heard of) most of the great Spanish cities one more comes along. Asturias. This small principality is situated in the north of the country in an area referred to as Green Spain because of its stunning mountainous landscape. Dinosaur fossils and footprints can be seen along the coastline between Ribadesella and Gijon while the Picos de Europa national park has some spectacular hiking trails. The cider houses and Gothic cathedrals in the capital Oviedo are also well worth a visit.
Getting there: There is a direct flight to Asturias on easyJet. Alternatively fly from the UK to Barcelona or Madrid on Iberia or BA then take a domestic flight there.
In our next column, join us as we explore cities in Europe and further afield...
© Cheapflights Ltd Seema Salaam
