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Off the beaten track
Ditch the usual summery destinations for somewhere unusual yet extraordinary.
- The Washington Post
- Published: 23:08 May 19, 2009
- Image Credit:
Ditch the usual summery destinations for somewhere unusual yet extraordinary.
We always head to the cool sandy beaches and breezy hill tops to escape the maddening summer heat. And we always take the tried and tested path over and over again. But this time round, we suggest you pick a few destinations that's rarely ever given a slot on our travel maps.
Coast-to-coast hike in England
Long-distance walking is a wonderful way to experience the English countryside, and the 190-mile coast-to-coast walk from Cumbria to Yorkshire is especially scenic, crossing three national parks. It generally takes 10 to 14 days to do the whole routine. Just be aware that the route is not signposted and that there are some fairly demanding stretches steep grades in the Lake District, bare and exposed stages in the North York Moors. According to the Ramblers, a non-profit British organisation that promotes hiking, long-distance walkers should be able to tackle the trail on their own, assuming they're in good shape, have map and compass skills and take the proper clothing and equipment. And for those new to long-distance hiking, a guide is a must. Check out Wayfarers (www.thewayfarers.com), Contours Walking Holidays (www.contours.co.uk) and Let's Go Walking (www.letsgowalking.com) for tips.
Day trip to London from Paris
If you are travelling to Paris and you have one day to spare, then plan a quick trip to London. You can travel to London in less than two-and-a-half hours on the Eurostar, through the Channel Tunnel. The early morning departure allows you enough time for breakfast, lunch and early dinner, with enough time for a little sightseeing as well. An afternoon stroll in Hyde Park is a must. Book a bus tour, that should cover a lot of ground at a brisk but leisurely pace. Add in organised walking tours and the National Gallery on your list, and you are set for the city.
On Road from Santa Barbara to Carmel
Stretch out this five-and-a-half-hour drive, from Los Angeles to Pebble Beach, into 24 hours or more. Start by making a breakfast stop in Santa Barbara at the East Beach Grill. Go for a hike in the afternoon. Stretching north from Santa Barbara is Los Padres National Forest. For hiking options along your driving route, you can buy a map on the US Forest Service website. If you'd prefer to visit a couple of vineyards instead, head towards Paso Robles with Louise Tutelian's Sipping Through the Next Great Wine Region in California in hand to guide you around. Closer to the coast, the small town of Cambria, west of Paso Robles and along winding coastal Highway, is a delight. About 10 miles up the road is the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, the real "Citizen Kane" Xanadu, open for tours. You could stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea, about six miles south of Pebble Beach.
Beaches in Brazil
Planning a Brazilian getaway? Make sure you spot the best sunny beaches in the region. If your travel falls in May, avoid the northeast parts of Brazil, as it sees a lot of Autumn rain. Sao Paulo is the best place to head in April. The beach scene near Sao Paulo can be just as inviting as Rio's and offers a glimpse of Brazilian life away from the country's chaotic urban centers. This time of the year the traffic and the crowd should be reduced from summer swells. If you like your night life married to your beach experience, another location to consider is Florianopolis, 450 miles southwest of Rio de Janeiro. If you go through either Rio or Sao Paulo, be sure to give yourself enough time there to do some of the things and try some of the eating places available on the cities' travel guides at nytimes.com/travel.
Hong Kong Side Trips
Keith Bradsher, The Times' Hong Kong bureau chief, suggested taking a side trip to Hanoi, or perhaps Taipei, Guangzhou or Xian the last "famous for its terracotta warriors but also for other tombs and a historic old city". The travel guides to all four cities at www.nytimes.com/travel offer archived articles and visitor information. There's also Guilin, about a 90-minute flight away, for its "limestone karst mountains that jut out of the Li River, best seen on a relaxing four-hour riverboat cruise to Yangshuo." It's to be remembered that late April is on the fringe of the rainy season.
You could also extend a visit to nearby Macauto for two nights. Its Portuguese heritage gives it a distinct feel, and it has excellent museums. Although you can get there in an hour by hydrofoil, we suggest taking the "slow, cheap way" by regular ferry to enjoy the beauty of Victoria Harborand and mingle with locals. And Morrison recommends a stay at the Westin Resort; its location, overlooking the South China Sea, makes it a quiet retreat. Finally, Hainan Island for its beaches. The surf's always up in this Chinese Hawaii.
Finding a travel guide
It sounds good to get a guide while travelling to a new city, but travel articles rarely tell how to find agents who legitimately fit the category.
In today's info-intensive world, you can find ratings of hotels, plumbers and restaurants, but finding a great travel agent requires a personal connection because it's really about the relationship. You can do without a travel agent for simple things an airline ticket or a hotel but for more complex trips, you need a strong ally. Choose the wrong one and you are doomed. When choosing a guide, always check for references and cross-examine the person to learn their qualifications. Since travel guides no longer receive a commission from the airlines and must therefore charge extra fees for their services, it costs more to use a guide than to make the arrangements yourself. Therefore, use one only if they're providing some added value.
More than just entertainment
