Posts Tagged ‘destination ideas’

12 Tacky but Terrific Things to do in London

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

Planning a trip to London? You might think you’re too cool for London’s top tourist attractions but think again, tacky is terrific!!

I could have spent my recent trip to London hanging out with the beautiful people in trendy Shoreditch or Islington but instead I got stuck into some of London’s top tourist hotspots.

“How tacky!” You might say, but I have to tell you, I had a ball!

Check out these 12 tacky but terrific things to do in London, grab your camera and your Union Jack T-shirt and off you go!

1. Buckingham Palace

Palace lake

Beautiful palace gardens

Guard

The Queen’s Guards

If you’re heading to London over the Summer you’re in luck as the magnificent Buckingham Palace state rooms and garden are open to the public during August and September.

For an extra treat, time your visit to coincide with the impressive changing of the guards ceremony – everyday at 11.30am.

2. London Zoo

Giant tortoise

Giant Tortoise – he stole the show

Penguins Zoo

Cute penguins

Travel from the Australian outback to Africa in minutes discovering all kinds of weird and wonderful creatures as you go.

My nephew Noah, who (quite aptly) adores animals, was in his element so a double thumbs up from him!

3. Oxford Street

Me Selfridges

Me, about to part with some cash

Granted the Super-Mall has arrived in London but Oxford Street is not to be missed.

Check out the food court at Selfridges and pick up a $10 dollar outfit from Primark, yes $10!!

4. Cream Tea

Carly Wolsey

My friend Carly, sipping jasmine tea at the Wolseley

Noone but noone should travel to the UK without experiencing the world-famous British Cream Tea.

I sampled afternoon tea at the Wolseley which was simply spiffing!

5. London Eye

London Eye

The London Eye by cesarastudillo

London eye view

Houses of Parliament to the right by C.K.H.

Spectacular birds-eye views of London you won’t want to miss.

Take a ride on the London Eye and, should you have romance on your mind, splash out on a private sunset capsule  – complete with champagne and truffles!!

6. Madame Tussauds

Obama Madame Tussauds

Wax-work Obama by cliff1066

A london staple, you can’t beat this phenomenal wax-work museum.

Obama’s there, along with every other famous figure that springs to mind from the worlds of politics, royalty, sports, film and fashion.

Don’t leave without paying your respects to the King of Pop by visiting the brand new “This is It” Michael Jackson figure.

7. Tower of London

Crown Jewels

Crown Jewels by googlisti

Take a torturous tour of the Tower of London. Learn about the site’s gruesome history and don’t miss the spectacular Crown Jewels.

Biggest diamonds you’ll ever seen in your life – guaranteed!

8. Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum by {eclaire}

Fun, educational and absolutely free! What more could you ask for?!

Gigantic dinosaur skeletons and other natural wonders all housed in a truly amazing building. Top marks!

9. Harrods

Harrods

Harrods at night by raindog

Shop like Princess Di in this wonderfully opulent department store.

Indulge yourself at the Champagne and Oyster bar and if you’re in town over the Christmas period, Harrods’ festive lights will make your year!

10. Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens delight by traceyp3031

Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the city in this stunning botanical garden.

Don’t miss the tree-top walkway, badger tunnels and giant stag beetles!

11. Hamleys

Hamleys

Lego basketball player at Hamleys by Matt From London

Without a doubt, one of the finest toy shops in the world.

Even if you’re traveling without kids you’ll find it easy to while away a few hours in Hamleys.

You don’t even have to buy anything! The life-size lego figures and giant teddies are more than enough to keep you entertained.

12. West End Musical

Les Mis

Les Mis by alicedice

Grab a theater dinner in Covent Garden and sample one of London’s superb West End Musicals.

There are heaps of top class shows to choose from. My favorites are Les Miserables, the Phantom of the Opera and the Lion King – sure to sweep you off your seat!

Got more tacky but terrific things to do in London?? Post up your comments below – we want to hear from you!!

Coming soon… World’s most marvelous city parks. Don’t miss out – sign up for free blog updates via RSS or email below.

Living it up in London

Friday, August 21st, 2009

No post this week as I’m on vacation in Sunny London (and it really is sunny)!

Coming soon…. top London day trips and some nice pics from my vacation.

Including…. a giant tortoise and tea with the Queen!

Don’t miss it!

Katie.

Bus small

Paleontour

Top 10 Incredible Underground Caves

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

A lot of cool stuff goes on under the ground. Check out these 10 amazing underground caves that will makes you think twice about what’s beneath your feet!

I remember learning about stalagmites and stalactites in school. Stalactites on top – tights go up, remember??

Anyway, the lessons weren’t a patch on the real thing. Check out these 10 incredible underground caves, Physics at it’s finest!

1. Reed Flute Cave, Guilin, China

China

Ian Sewell

2. Cheddar Caves, Somerset, UK

Cheddar
Andrew Stawarz

3. Lechuguilla Cave, Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, US

Carlsbad

Dave Bunnell

4. Waikato, New Zealand

Waikato

Antoine Hubert

5. Grotte de l’Aven d’Armand, France

Grotte Silver

Coline Boitel

6. Lake of Dreams, Luray caves, Virginia, US

Luray

Idol

7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kualar Lumpur

soham_pablo

8. Fantasy Cave, Bermuda

Bermuda

walknboston

9. Ice Cave, Nynäshamn, Sweden

Ice Cave

visulogik

10. Grotte de Dargilan, France

Grotte

Philip Larson


Been to any of these places?? Have we left some truly amazing caves off of our list? Post up your comments below and let us know!

Coming soon… the world’s best nature destinations. Don’t miss out – sign up for free blog updates below!

Most Magnificent Lakes in the World – a Few More!

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

Responding to popular demand, some more incredible lakes whose sheer beauty and grandeur earn them a place in our list of the Most Magnificent Lakes in the World!

Crater Lake, Oregon

crater-1

crater2

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

tahoe3

tahoe2

Check out the original article for stunning pics of the 12 Most Magnificent Lakes in the World.

Coming up… The most incredible caves in the world! You won’t want to miss this one, sign up for free blog alerts below!!

Photo credits: Crater Lake – JJ Jersey, Mr. Thomas. Lake Tahoe - Tracy VierraVijayan.

12 Most Magnificent Lakes in the World

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Prepare to be amazed and overwhelmed by these 12 incredible lakes that will take your breath away.

Sure, the sea is amazing but I always feel that lakes have a phenomenal stillness that makes you feel, well, calm.

Check out these magnificent lakes across the world, and should you feel compelled to go and experience their beauty first-hand then all the better!

1.    Masyuko lake, Hokkaido, Japan

lake-masyuko1

jetalone

2.     Lake Umayo,  Sullistani, Peru

lake-umayo

gudi3101

3. Lake Pukuaki, South Island, New Zealand

lake-pukaki

piterpan

4.    Tso Moriri Lake, Kashmir, India

lake-tso-moriri

kshathriya

5.    Laguna Verde, Sud Lípez,  Bolivia

laguna-verde

valdiney

6.    Peyto Lake, Alberta, Canada

peyto-lake

uli_harder

7. Lake Matheson, South Island, New Zealand

lake-matheson

patrick kiteley

8.    Pakhal lake,  Pogallapalle, India

lake-pakhal

aloshbennett

9.    Lake Como, Bellagio, Italy

lake-como

ezioman

10. Long Lake, Minnesota

long-lake

emzee

11. Lake Diablo, North Cascades, Washington

lake-diablo

bella731

12.  Lone Pine Lake, Whitney Portal, California

lone-pine-lake

bk2000

Visited any of these magnificent lakes? Got more recommendations for fantastic lake destinations? Post up your comments below, we want to hear from you!

Coming up…. the most incredible caves in the world. Don’t miss out, sign up for free updates below!


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