The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

Europe

How to Experience the Best of Iceland on a Budget

by

Visiting Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people and offers travellers a unique experience that no other country in the world can match. The cost of living in Iceland is high, so the prices of food, drink, travel, and accommodation can be a bit of a shock to tourists. However, this doesn’t mean that only the very wealthy can experience Iceland.

Flights to Iceland generally use up the biggest chunk of your budget, but if you use comparison websites, you might be able to get cheap flights online and save yourself a significant amount of money. For accommodation, hostels will usually offer the best deals. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, make sure you compare international accommodation prices to find something that fits into your budget.

Here’s how to keep your trip as budget-friendly as possible.

Avoid eating in pricey restaurants

Food in Iceland is renowned for being costly and, if you’re not careful, you could end up over spending on meals. Try to find a hotel or hostel that includes breakfast so you can fill up before you head out in the morning. Eating in restaurants in cities and near tourist attractions is likely to be expensive, so the more regularly you can eat in smaller cafes or food stands the more you’ll save. If you can find a supermarket (the main store chain is called Bonus) try and stock up on snacks you can take with you while you’re out and about.

Instead of buying bottles of drinking water, bring a refillable bottle you can top up when you find a cold water tap. Cold tap water in Iceland is pure and safe to drink, but be careful with hot water from the tap as it is often high in sulphur. Alcohol is also expensive in Iceland so stock up on some duty-free alcohol at the airport.

Take your own layers

While it sounds like an obvious statement, the weather in Iceland is incredibly cold and many people underestimate just how many layers they will need when out seeing the sights  – especially at night. If you end up having to buy extra layers while you’re there, you’ll be eating into your budget unnecessarily. In addition, if you’re planning on camping or staying in hostels, bring your own sleeping bag and sheets as you may be charged extra to hire them.

Take advantage of free activities

Often people can spend a lot of money on tours and visiting the famous natural landmarks, but Iceland has more than enough free beauty to keep you busy. For example, while many people head to the Blue Lagoon and pay around 5,000 ISK (around R600) to enter, there are free hot springs that are just as beautiful, such as Reykjadalur – only 40 minutes outside of Reykjavik.

Another stunning place to visit is the seaside village of Vík í Mýrdal with naturally formed basalt stacks which border the black sands Reynisfjara beach. Other natural sights to see include the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the Hallgrimskirkja church, or a nature reserve in Iceland’s capital called Elliðaárdalur. 

To get the most out of your trip to Iceland, the best strategy is to research and plan as much as possible before you arrive. Look at several different options for accommodation, plan your itinerary with as many free activities as you can.

The Best Places to See and Photograph in Mallorca

by

Mallorca, also spelt as Majorca, is one of the most famous islands in the world, and for great reason. It has resorts and beaches that have been enjoyed by many of all ages, but for photographers, this stunning Balearic island offers something more. Something unique. From sheltered coves to caves, and stunning mountains made of limestone, the island itself is worth photographing every detail.

Even its towns offer something exceptional, and you can explore and photograph ancient cities and ruins of Roman and Moorish backgrounds. Many visit Mallorca for the resort, but the photographer will wish to use this guide to truly enjoy the island and all it has to offer.

The Best Beaches to Photograph

Beach photos are a challenge to photograph. You have glare and overexposure to deal with, on top of the fact that the best beaches are often full of people. Thankfully, in Mallorca, just having a car of your own and a sense of adventure is enough to take you from the overpopulated resort beaches and straight to the doorstep of your own private oases. From nestled coves to crystal water caves, Mallorca offers beaches you will love to photograph for hours on end.

Formentor 

For stunning white sands and the scent of pine trees head to this sanctuary on the Mallorcan coast. It isn’t quite as popular as other beaches in the area because it is only accessible by boat or by car. As there are limited parking spaces available, it is wise to head here early and capture sunrise photos of the empty beach rather than sunset.

Cala Estellencs

If cliffside beaches are your preferred landscape, then head on over to Cala Estellencs. This beach is nestled against golden cliffs and is a great place to take photos of rock caves and, if you have a camera that can be taken underwater, is a great place for such advanced photography.

Cala Mondragó

Another beach that offers white sand and beautiful pine forests is Cala Mondragó. This beach, unlike the other option on this list, is located in an environmentally protected area and is a natural reserve untouched by human society.

Cala Varques

This hidden gem can be difficult to find because the parking lot is approximately 15 minutes away from the beach. For that very reason, however, it is also something of a hidden gem. Visit here for golden shaded rocks that branch out over turquoise waters.

The Best Views to Photograph

Hiking and photography go hand in hand because every photographer knows how beautiful natural vistas can be. To help you narrow down which panoramas to hunt down and photograph, here are the top two:

Cap de Formentor

This area is full of beautiful views, which is why it’s no wonder that locals refer to it as the meeting point of the winds.

Torrent de Pareis

For a scenic hike through a remote area, you should head here. You will be able to photograph a dramatic canyon and sea caves along the way and even enjoy a private beach that not many venture to.

It is a remote, scenic hike through a deep canyon next to the sea with caves & a small beach.

The Best Towns to Photograph

There are so many stunning towns to photograph in Mallorca, and these range from small pedestrian towns nestled in the mountains to sunlit beach towns of ancient stone.

It can be hard to pick just one to visit and photograph, which is why you shouldn’t try. Instead, rent out one of these stunning villas in Mallorca, rent a vehicle, and then make day trips to all of them so that you can truly capture stunning images.

You don’t want to limit yourself to just one town, especially a town that is populated predominately due to a resort. You want to escape the family holidays and the party-goers and find hidden secrets, and with this list of the most beautiful towns in Mallorca, you won’t have to stress about finding them:

Deià

This hillside town is nestled between the Teix mountain and the sea. It is old and stunning, and very laid back, making it the perfect escape for the photographer that wants nothing more than to take their time capturing every corner and every detail.

Valldemossa

Another hillside town is Valldemossa. It is located 400 meters above the sea, which means it offers not just stunning streets to explore, but some otherworldly views of the valley and beyond. It is a fan favourite for artists, and photographers are no exception.

Sóller

This stunning town must be visited. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it is also full of orange and lemon groves that will make for some truly great pictures.

Capdepera

Walled towns are always fun to explore as a photographer, and so Capdepera is the place to go. This enchanting town must be explored by foot, which is why it retains such a quaint charm and traditional feel. If you visit, make sure to spend some time photographing the castle.

Fornalutx

Above Sóller is Fornalutx, which is so beautiful it even made the list of Spain’s most beautiful villages. For photographers, there is no better place to go and take pictures on the entire island.

How to Get Truly Unique Photos in Mallorca

Photographers regularly go above and beyond for photographs. From renting a helicopter tour to buying underwater camera equipment. Thankfully, in Mallorca, the only things you need to do to snap some beautiful pictures of the island are to:

Rent a Boat

Renting a boat is one of the best ways that you can explore small and isolated beaches and, of course, capture the coastline from the sea.

Rent a Vehicle

If you want to get to remote beaches and to any of the hilltop villages and towns in the area a car is a must.

Your trip to Mallorca can be something special and unforgettable when you go with a photographer’s eye. Simply make time for these hot spots, and you will have photographed the best places in Mallorca.

Amazing European Destinations For This Summer

by

Are you thinking of things to do this summer with your friends, family or just your sweetie for the holidays? It can be difficult to find the perfect getaway that everyone would enjoy, but with great destinations like Europe, you can get a bit of something for everyone. With so many countries to visit, history to be experienced and beautiful scenery to enjoy, Europe is more popular than ever for many travellers. Here’s a couple of the top destinations you should check out and consider for this summer’s ultimate holiday.

Norway

Norway is probably one of the most beautiful countries in northern Europe. With high mountains, stunning coastline and vast forested areas, what’s not to like about this welcoming and unique country? You can also see the Norwegian fjords on a cruise, the ultimate addition to any holiday, allowing you the ability to get up close and personal to stunningly carved, steep cliff sides that have been formed over millions of years of glacial erosion. It’s one of the top rated activities by almost everyone who experiences a fjord cruise in Norway, so definitely add it to your must do list if you pick this gorgeous country as one of your stops.

Spain

While many people think of Spain and its resort towns, there’s a lot more to Spain than the coastline on the Med. Inland cities such as Seville and Madrid offer amazing architecture, beautiful town squares and adorable cafes and coffee shops as well as shopping. Not only this, but these cities offer a much more authentic way of Spanish life that isn’t focused as heavily on tourism like the coastal resort towns like Benidorm can be. If you’re looking for a real challenge this summer, why not try the famed route of Santiago de Compostela in the northwest of the country? This extensive hiking trail and pilgrimage route is a popular option for many travellers visiting Spain and can be a great way to meet new people and have an awe-inspiring experience.

Italy

Who doesn’t love a bit of Italy? With so many cities and towns to choose from it can be nigh on impossible to narrow your trip down to just a couple, so why try? Instead, why not rent a car and explore the length and breadth of the country over a couple of weeks from the rolling hills and terracotta coloured villages of Tuscany to the fashionable streets of Milan or the historic sites of the likes of Rome or Napoli. Don’t forget to try authentic Italian dishes like pizzas, pastas and gelato. You’re missing a huge experience if you don’t let your inner foodie out to play in Italy!

With so many unique and beautiful places to choose from throughout Europe, it can be difficult to nail your choices down to just a few, but hopefully this short list of awesome destinations and why they’re so great will help you and your friends or family make the best decision for your next European break – whether it’s this summer or sometime in the future!

 

Enjoy a Perfect Holiday in Sicily

by

Sicily is the ideal holiday destination if you wish to get away to somewhere very special. Steeped in history and with glorious views and amazing beaches, Sicily is the ideal destination.

Whether you are taking your significant other with you or your whole family, Sicily is the ideal place to enjoy some well-deserved time away. Home to the magnificent towns of Ragusa and Modica that are situated at the top of a hill, Sicily is there to be enjoyed.

If you would like to add an extra touch of luxury to your holiday you may want to consider staying in one of the many villas in Sicily you can find online thanks to agencies such as Scent of Sicily. Staying in a villa will give you the chance to completely relax and stay in a home from home.

Once you have booked your accommodation and decided how long you’re going to stay, you need to consider what you’re going to do while you’re away. Here are a few ideas that you may want to take on board:

Make your Way to the Beach

Sicily’s coastline is full to the brim of some very scenic beaches that are just waiting for you to explore them. Wherever you choose to stay you won’t be far away from a beach. This means you could potentially spend a few hours at the beach every day, oh how awful that would be! Some beaches tend to get a little busy when the sun’s shining high in the sky so you may want to visit in the early morning.

Make it glam

There’s no doubt about it, Sicily has a real touch of glamour to it. All of those beautiful beaches and bays are simply out of this world. If you want to add even more glamour you may consider the villas in sicily with pool and luxurious views, making your time away even more special. Don’t forget to dine in some of the world’s finest restaurants while you’re there, and enjoy a perfect holiday in Sicily.

Visit Mount Etna

Home to one of the world’s most famous volcanoes, Mount Etna is a must-visit destination. If you’re feeling energetic you may want to consider hiking to the top of the volcano. However, if you’re feeling a little less energetic and wish to enjoy the view why not hop on a cable car? The views are simply stunning and will take your breath away.

Embrace Sicily’s History

Sicily is home to some amazing historical sites that simply have to be seen to be believed. The crumbling Greek temples are remarkable as are the Roman mosaics that can still be viewed to this day. The island of Sicily is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites making it an extra special place to visit.

Attend a Festival

Sicily has an incredibly busy festival calendar and it’s full to the brim of traditional celebrations that are nothing short of intriguing. If you plan to experience a little more of what life is like for those who live on this island you should try to visit as many festivals and events as possible.

Snorkeling in Iceland

by

My partner and I are snorkeling aficionados. We have been on many vacations where snorkeling was our main goal. We have been to destinations such as Ambergris Caye, Belize, Ilha Grande in Brazil, Palawan in the Philippines, and the Maldives.

All of these destinations are beautiful and we still want to go to Indonesia and Hawaii. However, we are craving a unique experience. Sure, these tropical places are out of this world, but my partner and I are adventurous and are always seeking unique destinations.

I went online browsing through options and I came across a destination that I never thought was an option. It was Iceland. I immediately texted my partner to see what he thought. He texted back, “R u crazy?” I told him to check out the website to see that I have not lost my mind.

We have never been to a cold destination for a vacation. In fact, we don’t experience too much cold weather as we live in Santa Barbara, California. I’m lucky to be able to work remotely from home for my online business and my partner, Steven, has a good job working in tech sales. Steven and I are partners now for 25 years and our anniversary is coming up. I thought what better way to celebrate than doing what we love in a completely different climate!

I was so excited that I began exploring the sites and package deals available. I started doing some research and I found out some fascinating fact about snorkeling in Iceland. Apparently, Iceland is the only place in the world that you can dive or snorkel and touch two continents at the same time!

In fact, the Sifra Rift is known for the clearest water and amazing clear underwater visibility. The Sifra rift is part of the Thingvallavatn Lake which is the largest natural lake in Iceland. The best part is that you don’t need a diving license to go snorkeling in Iceland. So you can freely explore and experience one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world!

Steven was now just as excited as I was to take this amazing journey together! I contacted our travel agent and they looked up some good deals for us. First, our agent, Sally, looked up some good deals for a flight. Flights ranged from $560.00 to about $1,153.00 roundtrip. Not bad.

The flight itself from Los Angeles, California to Reykjavik, Iceland is about 9 hours and 8 minutes. Sure it’s a bit longer than going to some tropic destinations, but way less time than going to Australia or Japan. Sally managed to find us a great deal that included a fabulous hotel that was near shops and interesting sites.

Sally did mention to us that transportation may be an issue. The taxi service there is Hreyfill and the fare is charged by a taximeter. The price can be anywhere from $126USD to about $159USD. “Yikes! That’s expensive!”, Steven said. I agreed. “What about UBER or LYFT?” I replied.

I found out that there are no Uber or Lyft services in Iceland. Out here when I need to go to Santa Barbara or Venice Beach, I take Uber all the time!

There were other options, like renting a car. This would save us time and money. We found a site for a rental car company in Iceland that had great reviews and decided to give them a try, www.lotuscarrental.is/rent-a-car-in-iceland. Sally, our travel agent, recommended the best way to get to our hotel and to any snorkeling tour would be by renting a car. Also by renting a car, this would give us time to stop at some amazing sites such as the Skogafoss Waterfall, the Golden Circle, and so many more sights listed on the brochure.

Steven is the designated driver out of us two. He likes to drive, so I will leave it up to him which sites he wants to go to. Maybe we will go to them all! We are ambitious adventurers after all.

I also came across an article in the NY Times as my business involves keeping up with news from coast to coast. I just happened to come across this article. It was a sign that this was the place to go!

Steven and I booked our flight and we were very excited to celebrate our union of 25 years in such a magnificent place. This will make our union even more special. I am so glad that I have an amazing friend and partner like Steven to explore these fascinating destinations together.