The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

destinations

A Weekend in Scarborough: 5 Reasons to Visit this Charming Coastal Town

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When searching for a coastal break in England, you’re spoilt for choice. From picturesque Cornwall to fun-filled Blackpool, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Among the best coastal experiences in the country is Scarborough.

Located adjacent to the North Sea in North Yorkshire, Scarborough boasts a dramatic landscape of cliffs, history, colourful attractions, and traditional seaside fun. Popular with young and old alike, this charming town received the distinction in 2018 of being England’s most visited holiday destination outside of London.

Do you need further convincing? If so, read on for five reasons to visit Scarborough for a memorable weekend:

1. The seafront

When first arriving in Scarborough, most will head directly for the seafront. This is a hub of activity complete with colourful beach chalets, amusement arcades, trinket shops, and ice cream parlours.

The beach itself is the focal point. This long stretch of sand is a great spot to relax, top-up on your suntan – when the British weather allows for it – and take in the beautiful views across the bays.

2. Peasholm Park

There’s a reason why Peasholm Park is often judged as the shining jewel of Scarborough. This is much more than a standard park. With a unique and distinctive Oriental theme, Peasholm boasts a vast array of trees and flowers, some of which are rare and unusual for England.

In the summer, the park’s tranquil lake allows people to take to the waters by hiring a boat, paddleboat, or canoe. The bandstand is also the stage for many different free music concerts during the summer months.

3. Scarborough Castle

Formerly a medieval Royal fortress, Scarborough Castle is a stunning slice of 12th-century history. The castle played a part in many battles throughout the years, and now you have the chance to roam the structure. An audio tour will supply all the insight you could need as you explore the medieval chapel, Roman signal station, and Iron Age settlements.

While the castle structure is the main course, it’s not the only reason to visit this attraction. Along with an exhibition displaying artefacts that span the castle’s history, the lofty vantage point delivers stunning panoramic views of the town.

4. Take a trip to Whitby

Okay, it’s not a direct reason to visit Scarborough. However, the enchanting seaside town of Whitby is too good to pass on if you’re in the area. Recognized as an inspiration for the iconic novel Dracula, Whitby is known for its harbour, sprawling streets full of character and boutique stores, and award-winning fish and chips.

When searching for hotels in Scarborough, consider selecting one which is positioned between Scarborough and Whitby. That way, you have the best of both worlds within a 20-minute drive either side.

5. Alpamare

For a fun-filled family day in Scarborough, Alpamare is an ideal choice. This waterpark combines exhilarating thrills with relaxation, ensuring everyone can enjoy the facility. Alpamare features multiple pools, four exciting slides, a wave pool, and a wellness centre.

How to Make the Most of Your Trip to Peru

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When you are going on holiday, you will want to make sure that you consider all of the different options available so you can make the most out of your trip. Depending on where you go, the things that you can do to make the most of your trip will change. In this article, we will discuss how you can make the most of your trip to Peru. Keep reading if you are planning a trip to Peru in the next year.

Do Your Research

One of the ways that you can make the most of your trip is to make sure that you do your research about the destination you are travelling to. This is because when you do research you will be able to find out all the different information about the location you are travelling to. For example, if you are travelling to Peru, you will be able to locate the most popular cities and sights. You also might find out how to stay safe when travelling around Peru.

Plan Activities

The next way that you can make the most of your trip is to make sure you plan the activities that you want to take part in. Depending on where you are travelling to you, will find that there will be a wide range of activities for you to enjoy and take part in. Think about planning some guided tours and also plan some fun days out with your group.

Travel to Different Locations

Another thing that you should consider doing to make the most out of your trip to Peru is to make sure you travel to various destinations. Rather than sticking to the one place, you should consider travelling to different locations in Peru so that you can experience all that Peru has to offer.

It is very easy to travel to different parts of Peru. For example, you can consider travelling from Cusco to Machu Picchu by train for a reasonable price and a few hours. If this is something that you would like to do then, make sure you plan your trip before you go.

Take Lots of Pictures

Another way that you can make the most out of your trip to Peru is to make sure that you take a lot of pictures while you are there. When you take pictures, you will be able to look back at them and show friends and family all the things that you saw on your trip.

Plan Your Trip to Peru Today

Overall, there are lots of things to take into consideration when it comes to making the most out of your trip and, in this article, we will discuss how to make the most of your trip to Peru. If you are going to Peru then, make sure you read this article so you can plan your trip and make the most out of it when you go.

When is the Best Time to Visit Croatia? A Helpful Guide

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About 18.5 million people head to Croatia each year. These tourists spend a total of 102 million overnight stays.

If you want to visit this beautiful country, you need to know when the best time to visit is. This will help you make the most of your trip.

Use this guide to figure out the best time to visit Croatia.

Weather 

If you want the best weather for your trip, then plan to go between April and September. It starts warming up in April, though it’s still too cool to swim.

Spring rains are also frequent. By May and June, the weather is at its warmest, and the days are the longest. September still has warm temperatures, but it won’t be as sweltering as July or August.

Cost 

You’ll experience the highest prices in July and August. It’s not unusual to find room rates double the cost of what they are in the offseason. Your food and train costs should remain steady, though.

If you’re hoping to save but still want warm weather, try for April, May, and September. This will put you on the fringe of the tourist season.

Tourist Crowds 

If you travel to Croatia in September through April, then you’ll experience minimal crowding. This is the offseason.

Knowing where to travel in Croatia can help you avoid the heaviest crowds in July and August. The coastal cities of Split and Dubrovnik experience the heaviest crowding as tourists and locals head to the shore. You can avoid a bit of the crowding during this time by heading more inland.

Cultural Events 

Cultural events happen year-round in Croatia, but the biggest festivals and public celebrations happen between April and August. You could attend the Contemporary Music Festival in April to kick the season off.

There’s a film festival in May that brings in filmmakers from all over the world. In June there’s the Pop Music Festival. July hosts a month-long Summer Music Festival. There are nightly concerts and outdoor performances for you to attend.

There are also several food, wine, and art festivals that happen throughout the country in the summer months.

Outdoor Activities

May and June are the best time to visit Croatia for outdoor activities. This is when the weather is warm, and the spring rains have subsided. The Adriatic waters are perfect for diving, swimming, waterskiing, and sailing.

There are eight national parks full of hiking forest trails for you to explore.

Choose the Best Time to Visit Croatia

The best time to visit Croatia will depend on what you want to do, where you want to go, and the budget you’re working with. If you’re going to spend your time by the coast or doing outdoor activities, then the warmest months are the ideal time.

However, if saving money or avoiding crowds is more important, then visiting in spring or fall is a better option.

Check out the Europe section of our blog for more helpful articles on planning your next trip.

6 Reasons to Explore Africa This Summer

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Choosing a destination for your summer holiday is never easy, especially when everyone wants to experience something different from the trip. Usually, this results in you booking a hotel in a resort that offers something for everyone, from the beach and pools to entertainment, and of course, the option to explore the destination a bit more. However, if you are becoming bored with the same old routine when it comes to holidays, and want to experience something new, then here are 6 reasons to explore Africa this summer.

1. It’s family-friendly

No matter the age of your children, Africa makes for the perfect destination for a family holiday. The accommodation available is perfectly suited for children, and the attractions and sights will be able to captivate their young minds. The kind-natured locals will be more than happy to recommend places to go and things to see and help your little ones make the most of their time in Africa.

2. It offers different experiences

The great thing about Africa is that it offers so much, from bustling capital cities to luxurious safaris and stunning landscapes. With a wide variety of travel tours offered by Boss Travel, you can explore Africa the way you want to. If you are after something perfect for the entire family, then check out the Family Tour of Kenya, but if you are keen to experience Africa with luxury in mind, then the Micato Grand Safari is ideal.

3. Wildlife

Africa is home to many well-known species of animal that can all be seen up close, surrounded by stunning scenery on a safari. However, the best thing about Africa is that you are never too far from wildlife, even in the city. Spot the brave zebras at the edge of the busy cities, and keep an eye out for the whales that can be seen while exploring Africa via a coastal walk.

4. It offers perfect weather

Most destinations can offer great weather, but it is never a guarantee. However, Africa has, on average, 300 days of sunshine each and every year. This kind of reassurance of good weather is what attracts many people.

5. The unspoiled sights and attractions you can behold

If you’re after unspoiled sights that leave you a little breathless, then Africa is the place to go. Check out Victoria Falls in Zambia, and even take a dip in the pools at the side of the falls to cool down, or explore the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, which is the world’s largest unspoiled dry volcanic caldera. Better yet, experience the thrill of watching thousands of wildebeest and zebra embark on the journey to find new living quarters – a natural event that occurs every year before the changing seasons. You will be amazed at the sight before you.

6. The beaches

Unlike beaches in popular holiday resorts, the beaches in Africa offer a totally different experience of peace and quiet. With warm crystal-clear waters crashing gently against the white sand, you can relax on the beach as the kids swim with dolphins. Not only this, but the calm waters on the coastal beaches make it the perfect destination for snorkeling.

Africa truly is a place of wonder that will stay with you forever. It will provide you with a once in a lifetime experience that will leave you wanting more.

4 Must-Visit Islands While Touring Mexico

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Are you planning a vacation for the much-needed get away from your busy to reconnect with your family, friends, and inner self? Well, among the top considerations while thinking of a vacation is the destination.  Choosing a destination can break or make your vacation quests, stressing the need to evaluate what it offers before making the final decision. From the goose bumps of spotting incredible scenery, a day with nature, the adrenaline rush from thrilling activities, to relaxed experience as you take in a spectacular sunset/rise, not to mention lazy strolls on sandy beaches, you need to ensure that a destination can cater to your needs. The good news, however, is that with insights from a resourceful travel blog, you find inspirational materials to pick an ideal destination, plan the itinerary, and get the most out of your vacation.

While choosing a vacation destination, Mexico can hardly skip your eye. With breathtaking sceneries, rich culture, and mouth-watering cuisine, your vacation endeavors in Mexico will be nothing short of memorable. With over 5000 mi coastline averaging close to a 100 Islands, your tour in Mexico can’t be complete without touring some of the idyllic islands. While planning your Mexico tour itinerary, here is a look at the top Islands you need to include for a memorable experience.

Isla Holbox

Have you been dying to explore virgin beaches? Well, your dreams are about to come true; Isla Holbox has yet to be fully explored, and with most of its land in Yum Balam Natural Reserve being undeveloped, your exploration will be more than exciting. Don’t, however, wait too long as the word is out and spreading fast, and before long, this haven will be flooding with tourists across the globe. With pleasant weather, soft beaches, and gentle breezes, your two hours drive followed a ferry ride will be more than satisfactory as you sample local cuisine from small boutique hotels, relax in wooden beach bars, or follow the popular hammocks trend stretched over the waters.

Isla Mujeres

Located off Cancun’s coast, the small and quiet island is a low-key destination whose popularity has rapidly grown. Isla Mujeres is a fantastic destination ideal for snorkeling and relaxed beach experience. While the island is home to a small fishing community, its history is inspiring, having been an ancient Maya religious site. While touring the island during summer, your visit will be kicked a notch higher by interacting with whale sharks, the large and tender giants that swim in the warm waters. The unspoiled haven is an excellent destination as you can also taste local cuisines from the local hotels and seaside restaurants as you take in the stunning beaches’ experience.

Isla Marietas

Located off the coast of the state of Nayarit, and known for its “hidden” keyhole crater opening to a majestic white-sand beach with turquoise waters when the tides are low, the uninhabited Islas Marietas is among the must-visit islands while touring Mexico. With active conservation efforts, the islands, ones used as a test site for the Mexican military, prides of rich biodiversity, marine life, and bird population that will quench your tour goals. Among the exciting things, apart from relaxing on the beach, is spotting incredible animals, including dolphins, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, and whales (mostly during winter months), among others.

Cozumel

The Caribbean island is a haven for divers. With its warm, crystal clear waters, marine life, and stunning white sand beach, Cozumel is surrounded by the world’s second-largest coral reef system, Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, providing an excellent diving experience. The island is quite developed, with a range of large resorts to quench your tour needs, including a taste of the local cuisine.

Islands have a unique appeal. While touring Mexico, on a romantic getaway, a family tour, or an all-out thrilling adventure, you can easily find an island packed with amazing features to satisfy your quests. If you need more inspiring travel stories and photographs to plan your next tours, explore apenoni.com for an extensive reach.