Other
London: Down the hill
If the title of this article seems too high for your reach, let us just say that this is the right place to read and learn about how to turn a tourist into a traveller by simply deciding to visit a certain city in a different manner. And this is the case of London seen upside down, or rather from North to South, from a London Luton Transfer to the, let us say, Surrey National Golf Course (CR3 5AA). This means that we are going to focus on the following areas: Luton, Edgware, Central London and Croydon.
Luton does not present many famous touristic attractions, but nonetheless, has Luton Airport, a provider of low cost flights and three great smaller sights that will sort of make time freeze and even take you back to your childhood. First of all, Whipsnade Wild Animal Park will definitely make an impression on you. It is not the usual zoo, as the animals are actually very happy here due to the large space. The parkland is stunning and those 2.000 animals cannot wait to enjoy your company. Still passionate about airplanes? Visit Royal Air Force Museum London and witness hundreds of related items, from full-sized aircrafts to all kinds of lapel badges. You will be especially amazed by the war bombers. Still passionate about history? Visit Avenue House and its impressive Victorian architecture. Its history goes back to the year 1200 and it will show you how to “time travel” until 1540.
Next comes Edgware area and its infinite entertainment possibilities. Within a ten minute walk, you can find the following sights: Speakers’ Corner (the best time would be on Sunday, when you will listen to interesting people and their various beliefs), Michael Werner Gallery (received plenty of positive reviews and its galleries can also be found in other great cities such as New York and Berlin), Gallery Elena Shchukina (it is one of the most original galleries, as it combines paintings, pieces of furniture and other objects, thus creating a complete exhibition), Wallace Collection (with over 20 galleries and items that range from paintings to sculptures), Diana, Princess Of Wales Memorial Playground (it represents a sort of little heaven for children, being a beloved playground with themes such as pirate ships and Neverland) and Oxford Street (probably the most busiest street in London, filled with shops for every taste, need and budget).
And we have arrived to Central London, maybe the most visited area in London, as the locations here are mentioned in every travel brochure, blog and forum. However, from all there is to see and do here, we consider a must see the following objectives: British Museum (any description would be in vain, as it is one of the largest and most beautiful museums in the world, with amazing galleries that range from Egyptian art to items from Medieval Europe), National Portrait Gallery (a reflection of contemporary art, presenting portraits of the most significant personalities from the 15th century onward), Sir John Soane’s Museum (for a tour that costs less than 5 pounds you get the chance to see thousands of wonderful antiquities), Apsley House (the location where some of the most elegant banquets took place in the 70’s and where you can also view masterpieces by Velazquez and Rubens).
Croydon area is your best friend when it comes to Gatwick Airport, another important travelling hub. Because it is not such a familiar part of London, the tourists tend to ignore it and go straight to the more central districts. However, make sure to visit Croydon Town Hall, The Queen’s Gardens, Croydon Clocktower, Museum of Croydon and Old Palace, Croydon and I promise that you will find something for your own taste. A museum does not only impress by its size, but by its collections, by what they represent and how they are represented.
Of course, I can pour down a long series of art galleries and other cultural venues. However, these are my favourite ones. And it is time for you to create your own list with beautiful photos and live memories. The great thing about cities like London is that they give you the possibility to write your own journey. There are so many local attractions that it is almost impossible to not find something that will leave an impression on you. And in order for them to be as fun as possible and less tiring, take it “down the hill” and see where the road leads you.
Other
Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar
Find out why Sand boarding, Diving and Safaris through the desert are included in the Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar.
Qatar is a country of reinvention. Shimmering towerblocks rise against a desert horizon, and maze-like souks thrive next to 21st-century shopping palaces. It’s also one of the more accessible countries of the Arab Gulf, with a welcoming reputation towards visitors and plenty of attractions to keep them coming. Some of the best holiday activities you’ll find in Qatar are the adventurous kind. And these are the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar.
Sunset in Qatar – Photo by wj2012
Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar
Diving expeditions
The Gulf Sea is famed for its crystal waters and the exuberant marine life which lurks just beneath the surface. Messaid is a good jumping-off point where you’ll find angelfish and barracuda, while those intrigued by underwater wrecks will love the Hall Island dive site at Al-Sharqi, where bright clownfish circle the abandoned boat.
Sand Adventures
Many of the sports here have been adapted from colder climates, so instead of skiing down a mountain piste, try Khor Al Adaid beach to glide down the impressive dunes on a sand-board. Alternatively, race your blo-kart along the sands of Al Wakrah, south of capital Doha, to experience the thrill of wind-sailing on dry land.
Sand Boarding – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by ground zero
Al Jassasiya
The ancient carvings of Al Jassasiya lie to the north near Al Shamal, amid a truly remote landscape of village ruins and limestone. Hire a 4×4 of your own and make the journey to see the 900 petroglyphs which riddle the rocks here. The carvings denote flowers, animals, fleets of shows, or traditional Arab boats, and to this day, their origins remain a mystery.
Sunset Cruise
When the time comes for a more relaxed excursion, you can do no better than a sunset cruise onboard a wooden dhow as you drift past the super-modern Doha seafront of Al-Corniche and the old harbor at Al Khor. If you’re still hankering after some adventure, rent a smaller vessel and go for a fishing trip the following day.
Desert Safaris
Much of the inland desert in Qatar remains inaccessible on foot, but fortunately, that’s where a 4×4 comes in very handy for a safari trip you won’t easily forget. There are numerous options available from Doha, including day-long excursions, bumping, and rolling to the inland sea at Khor Al Adaid. Or make the trip at dusk for a spot of star-gazing before you settle in Bedouin-style tents for the night.
Desert Safari – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by robertpaulyoung
Most activities can be arranged via a tour company. Although cash has been the predominant payment method in Qatar, this is beginning to change, which is good news for tourists since HSBC offers protection against loss or theft. If you’re planning on taking part in several activities, it can be handy to have some plastic on you to avoid expensive traveler’s cheques, plus credit cards from HSBC and other familiar providers also enable easy access to money at the ATMs. However, it’s wise to exercise caution, using only official bank machines here and sticking with local currency at the market and in smaller shops.
There’s no doubt that Qatar offers some world-class cultural attractions beyond the more energetic highlights, and while you’re in the country, set aside some time for the historic Al Zubarah fort or browse the recreated 19th-century Souk-Waqif, in Doha.
This country has been undervalued in the past but is now coming to the world’s attention. With its desert adventures, ancient sites, and thriving culture, this attention is thoroughly deserved.
This is a travel feature by world traveler, Jose Capelo. He loves exploring the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar and has spent many trips exploring the wild deserts of Qatar.
Barcelona has a lot to offer to the quintessential all-boys travel group for a stag weekend in Barcelona. This sunny Spanish city is known for its gorgeous Mediterranean beaches complemented by turquoise waters. In addition to this, this city offers the ideal environment for an all-male party hotspot, considering its vibrant nightlife, football culture, flamenco dance clubs, tattoo parlors, and its delicious sangrias and tapas.
Barcelona is a widespread consideration for a quick all-boys getaway during the summer. With a variety of heart-thumping activities that can make your trip a memorable one, make sure you take out time to pursue the following –
-
LTW Tattoo:
If you are looking for a real adventure that will stick with you all your life, there is no better way to commemorate this epic trip than heading to Barcelona’s best tattoo parlor.
-
Barna Paintball:
Take on your best buddies in a battle of agility by visiting the Barna Paintball. With four thematic areas to choose from, your experience here can be genuinely adventurous.
-
Bar Crawl Barcelona:
Considered one of the most famous pub crawls globally and the biggest in Europe, the original Bar Crawl Barcelona is a great way to explore the city in its nocturnal state. You and your buddies can visit four bars and then finish at one of the best clubs in Barcelona. Complete with some of the craziest drinking games, this memorable experience costs all but 15 Euros.
-
FC’s Camp Nou:
If you are a group of football fans visiting the city, you cannot leave without making a trip to Camp Nou, the city’s football ground. With a ticket for the stadium tour, you will have access to the changing rooms, benches, press rooms, and stands. If you are fortunate enough to have a match coinciding with your travel dates, make sure you book your tickets for the game well in advance.
- Circuit de Catalunya Racing Track:
If you and your crew are into racing, consider heading to the Circuit de Catalunya, host to various Formula 1 and Moto GP races. Here, you can get a detailed tour of the briefing room, pits, and podium. -
Comedy Nights:
Comedy nights are often an option that everybody loves. Especially as a group of single boys, you may love to attend an event organized by the Giggling Guiri program that consists of English-speaking shows.
-
Al Fresco Drinking on Las Ramblas:
The heart of tourist activity in Barcelona, Las Ramblas, offers unique casual outdoor ambiances for groups of boys to spend hours finishing pitchers of sangria or chugging down buckets of beer bottles. Vibrant as ever, this street located off the Gothic Quarters is a great place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
As a group of boys, you can also research options for day trips to beaches outside of Barcelona that offers relaxing and laid-back environments for your holiday. Many options are available in Barcelona for hiring a car to explore this scenic and exciting city with your friends, such as Thrifty Car Rentals. So when you are in Barcelona with your amigos, nothing stops you from having a great time!
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
-
Africa2 months agoBasic Arabic Words for Travel to Egypt
-
Adventure Travel2 months agoFacing my Fears – Hot Air Ballooning in Costa Brava, Spain
-
Travel Tips3 weeks ago8 Things to do in Bondi in Winter
-
Travel Tips3 weeks agoExploring Equatorial Guinea: A Journey through the Heart of Africa
-
Europe3 weeks agoDiscover Sicily’s Hidden Charms: Why Villa Holidays Are the Ultimate Getaway
-
Adventure Travel2 months agoHonest Review of New Jersey Island Beach State Park
-
Travel Tips1 month agoWhy Bansko Europe is the Hidden Gem You Need to Visit This Year!
-
Travel Tips1 month agoAn Honest Review of My Stay at The Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World