The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

destinations

Snorkeling in Iceland

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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.

The 6 Best Mexican Restaurants In The Las Vegas Area

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If you’re a fan of Mexican food, you’ll want to hit all six of these amazing spots during your time in Vegas. Each offers excellent Mexican cuisine served by excellent chefs and friendly, courteous staff. We’ve compiled this list so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying your favorite Mexican dishes!

1. Nacho Daddy

Nacho Daddy was first opened in 2010 and remains locally owned and operated. Boasting an impressive menu of Mexican dishes and a philosophy of “never a dry chip”, this restaurant has made a name for itself in the industry.

Nachos have never been the same! The restaurant serves “gourmet nachos” of every variety, from their Fiesta Nachos to Lobster and Crab Nachos, there is a nacho variation for any taste you can imagine. If you’re not into nachos, the menu also has other options, including an all-day breakfast sub-menu.

One of the defining features of this restaurant is its world-renowned Scorpion Shot. And yes, it is literally a scorpion in a shot of tequila. The question is, are you brave enough to get stung? The scorpions are kept in a live terrarium inside the restaurant, so you’ll get to see the scorpion before you drink it.

2. Tacos El Gordo

Nothing beats authenticity when it comes to Mexican food, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Tacos El Gordo. Family owned and operated since 1998, this restaurant has gained a serious reputation for cranking out some amazing food.

They only use homemade corn tortilla and high-grade meats in their cooking, making the tacos one of a kind. Since the opening, the restaurant has also opened a location in California, spreading the message that this is real authentic Mexican cuisine.

3. Borracha Mexican Cantina

This Henderson Mexican Restaurant is a must-see for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine. With decor that lends a nod to Dia De Muertos, the Mexican holiday “The Day of The Dead”, this eatery certainly carries its own unique reputation for interior design.

The tortillas are made by hand from scratch, so you can be sure you’re getting the highest quality burritos and tacos made fresh daily. The menu also boasts a Vegan section for those of you that enjoy tacos without the meat.

Don’t worry, the drink menu is up to the task of matching the extensive food menu. Whether you want a glass of wine with your tacos, a beer or margarita, the menu provides. Its extensive list includes tequila as well for added authenticity.

4. El Dorado Cantina

One of the top-rated Mexican restaurants in Vegas is the El Dorado Cantina. Known for its superb authenticity and for being open 24 hours (that’s right, tacos at night!) this restaurant is a force to be reckoned with.

Featuring 181 seats, this upscale location provides excellent customer service and authentic foods. Their ingredients are all sourced from sustainable farms, and everything on the menu is made from scratch.

From tacos to burritos to enchiladas, the menu has something to offer everyone. An extensive drinks menu will ensure that your thirst is quenched throughout your stay at El Dorado, and the dark wood decor will inspire awe as you enjoy an authentic meal.

5. El Segundo Sol

This Mexican eatery boasts handcrafted margaritas and a stunning patio overlooking the beautiful Las Vegas Strip. With a focus on quality and taste, El Segundo Sol deserves its spot on our list.

The restaurant has worked hard to provide an authentic experience reminiscent of Mexico City, without the trip south. The fresh-made guacamole is a staple of the impressive menu and has gained quite a reputation for being delicious.

Tacos, enchiladas, fajitas. The restaurant has it all, and at great prices. You can even order bottomless chips and salsa for less than five dollars. Stop in today to see why El Segundo Sol is one of the top-rated Mexican restaurants in the Vegas area.

6. Hussong’s Cantina

In 1941, a man by the name of Don Carlos Orozco invented the margarita; which would become one of the most popular drinks on the planet. This is a little-known fact held dear by the Hussong family, who in fact provided the restaurant that this iconic drink was created in.

Hussong’s is one of the oldest cantinas around, meaning they’ve had a lot of practice perfecting their menu. Using only fresh ingredients, this restaurant combines authenticity with superb quality for a dining experience you must see to believe.

Burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and freshly made guacamole are just a few of the excellent dishes offered at this unique and savory location. If you find yourself thirsty, house-made margaritas are just the thing to quench your thirst.

Hussong’s also offers catering for your personal events, should you decide that any old place just won’t make the cut. They’ll provide their famous authentic Mexican dishes to make your event a memorable-and tasty-occasion.

The Take-Away

While Las Vegas literally has dozens of Mexican Restaurants and cantinas, these six are the staple of the industry, boasting well-deserved reputations and impressive menus. If you’re looking for authenticity, quality, and customer service all in one place, any of the six restaurants in our list will provide just that. Enjoy your stay in Vegas and remember, always choose higher quality when it comes to food!

Shillong to Cherrapunjee: The most beautiful roadtrip in India

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The Scotland of the East, as they had once named it, is a treasure trove of nature’s wonders. The capital city of Meghalaya serves as the gateway to the mystical hills and valleys of the Northeast. With lush green hills, silvery waterfalls, and sparkling rivers, Shillong offers the most magnificent views that you can find.

But the highlight of Meghalaya’s landscape and its pride lies in Cherrapunjee, also locally known as Sohra. Popular as the wettest place on earth, this town, receives the highest rainfall and thrives on nearly 70-80% humidity (with an average of 45%) in the rainy season. If you are in Meghalaya, then a trip to Cherrapunjee is a must. After all, it’s not every day that you can find yourself drenched in mist, without so much as a drop of rain.

The route

Sitting on the East Khasi Hills of southern Meghalaya, Cherrapunjee is roughly 54 Km from Shillong city. You can plan for a road trip from Shillong to Sohra and extend it to Mawlynnong and then Dawki. From Shillong, it takes nearly two-three hours to reach your destination.

If you are traveling from Guwahati, you can book a cab from Guwahati to Cherrapunjee and take the Guwahati-Shillong-Nogkrem- Sohra route.

Mode of travel

It is always better and safer to rent a car for a comfortable and hassle-free journey, especially if you are new in this part of the country. Also, since you will be treading hilly terrain and unknown routes, it is better to avail of popular car rental services with experienced drivers who are well-versed with the road. Savaari’s Outstation cabs are premium quality but extremely affordable and come with vehicle options that can ply the rough mountain roads.

Also, when you leave the driving part to the experts, you can sit back and enjoy the ride and absorb the beauties of nature that this scenic route offers.

The drive

A major part of Meghalaya’s road system is great for traveling, except for in places where the mountains close in and the road narrows. Despite being at a higher altitude, there are no steep curves or zigzag roads, which makes the drive more enjoyable.

Irrespective of which season you are traveling in, you will find it much cooler in Cherrapunjee than in Guwahati or Shillong. The best time to travel, however, is in the summer months, when you can enjoy the misty air and the cooler mountains, which are a far cry from the summer heat of the plains.

The view

The route from Shillong to Cherrapunjee is arguably the most scenic one for a road trip in India. And if you are lucky to find the right weather, then it would the perfect icing on the cake!

As you cross the city limits of Shillong you will find yourself driving through the clouds, across the undulating roads. While one side of the roads are lined with thick forests of pine and other evergreen trees, the other edges into deep gorges. The crisp air and the cool, wet weather will make you feel refreshed inside out! Roll down the windows and let the fog come in and brush your face and even before you realize, it will disappear.

Places en route

A road trip becomes wholesome when you take the right pit stops and soak in all that the route has to offer. While traveling from Shillong to Cherrapunjee, here are a few places you can stop at:

The viewpoint at Laitkor Peak: This point offers breathtaking views of the Shillong city, from its airbase. You might need to seek prior permission and present your identification documents. Formalities aside, this point is a popular spot for photography.

The Elephant Falls: A few miles ahead of the Laitkor Peak, take a small detour to reach the Elephant Falls. It should take another 30-40 minutes to reach. For a complete experience, climb all the way down to the pool for a closer view. If you can spare more time, then spend some time at the base and take a walk around. Get your pick-me-up from the local Khasi Kongs with a hot cup of freshly made tea.

Mawkdok Valley: This would be your last major stop on your way to Cherrapunjee. The rolling hills and the lush valleys with their gorgeous views, definitely call for a visit. There is a flight of stairs that leads to the valleys below, all the way to a small waterfall that cascades down a plateau.

As you cross the Mawkdok Bridge, you will start experiencing the magic of Cherrapunjee, starting with the dense fog, with reduced visibility. This makes for another reason to hire a car and not drive yourself.

Cutting through the misty roads, you will reach the Seven Sisters Falls or the Mawsmai Falls that welcome you to Cherrapunjee.

And thus, from one gem of Meghalaya to another, make your trip to Cherrapunjee a journey to remember!

Eco-Tours are Booming in Key West

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Ahh, the backcountry of Key West. Flats that extend for miles in either direction, full of game fish, sharks, rays, tarpon and other surprises. Get up close and see it all on one of the island’s many discovery tours. Go kayaking or have a guide drive you to the remotest areas where nature thrives and excitement rules.

What Makes Key West so Special?

Key West is a sub-tropical island set way out in the Atlantic Ocean, 120 miles from the mainland. To the north, we have the Gulf of Mexico and to the south, we have the Atlantic. There are miles and miles of backcountry around this island, too.

All of this means there is a thriving marine ecosystem out there just waiting to be explored. Key West eco tours will take visitors to remote areas to view wildlife and discover nature in a non-obtrusive way so we harm the environment as little as possible. If you’re an eco-tour newbie, here’s what you can expect:

  • Some eco tours take a boat of visitors to special spots to view dolphins
  • Some tours will take visitors to a remote spot to snorkel an area that’s not frequented by the bigger tour companies
  • Some eco tours involve boating out to a remote spot for kayaking on the flats and amongst the mangroves.

Whatever form is taken, an eco-tour means you get to discover nature at your own pace, silently and carefully. These trips are great for picture-taking, too.

What About Diving?

Key West diving is an exciting way to see the living coral reef that’s just minutes away from shore. Experienced divers and novices alike can get out to the reef and discover the underwater world that surrounds the reef system in our waters.

Even if you’re new to diving, you can take a short course and get temporarily certified for some scuba on vacation. If you really love it, why not get certified for real after you return from Key West? Diving is a lifelong sport that you can enjoy for years to come. There are dozens of charter companies in Key West ready to take you out to the reef or to a wreck for some fun exploration.

What Makes the Coral Reef Near Key West so Special

Key West diving is such a big deal because we are just six miles from the only living coral reef system in North America. That means an amazing diversity of marine life and a thriving, diverse ecosystem out there. All sorts of coral flourish on the reef, from soft coral species to hard coral, like rock.

The reef fish that make snorkeling and diving so popular abound everywhere on the reef, from zebrafish to parrotfish and Sargent majors to all kinds of jacks, snapper, rays and more! A Key West diving trip will take you out to the best areas of the reef, like Eastern Dry Rocks or Sand Key Light, for the best time ever discovering the coral reef.

Must See Toronto Group Tour Destinations

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With a barrage of attractions, Toronto is certainly the place to visit if you are a planning a group trip. From museums to galleries, from the world famous CN Tower to the Toronto Islands, it has got everything to keep you up on your toes. The city also offers a wide array of musicals and performing arts. Now you might be wondering as to how to travel to Toronto and thereafter. Well, not to worry. Go for some affordtable Toroto tour bus rentals. Before you make a bucket list of the places which are a must visit in Toronto, check out this list. It might make your job easier.

CN Tower:

The 553-CN Tower is a must see. Towering the downtown, this tower can be seen from anywhere and everywhere around the city. So you can just enjoy the tower while sipping on a piping hot cuppa, sitting on a couch at your favourite restaurant. Also you can take a trip to Lake Ontario, if you want a better view of the tower. Built between the year 1972 and 1976, this tower was once the tallest standing structure in the world. You want to have a closer look of the tower and a wider look of the city, you should go to its highest viewing area, which is from the Sky Pod at 447 m above the city. The view from this place is magnificent.

Royal Ontario Museum:

The Royal Ontario Museum, also called the ROM, houses some of the exquisite pieces of art and craft from across the world. Its world class collection will make any art lover go weak in his’/her knees. Plus the architecture of the museum makes it all the more attractive.

Casa Loma:

Casa Loma is an exquisitely built castle which takes one back down the memory lane. Much like the castles in fairytales, this one is a riveting in every sense of the term. It was built for Sir Henry Pellatt, a Canadian multi-millionaire who was the first to exploit the resources of Niagara Falls. The castle has got 100 rooms and three dozen bathrooms. This castle exudes the essence of European art and culture. It has been turned into a museum now. Visitors can come down to the castle and gawk at its beauty.

Toronto Zoo:

Some 40 kms northeast of the city center, Toronoto’s zoo is a must visit place. It has a collection of several thousand animals. So if you are a group of wildlife photographers, Toronto zoo might come across as a delight to your eyes and camera. One of the major attractions here is the Panda. Plus, its grizzly bear, vast bison park, and impressive polarium are among the other attractions.

St Lawrence Market:

Built in the year 1850, St Lawrence hall place was as a meeting point for many. However, eventually the area around this hall turned into a market place. From flower vendors to food products, this market place has a lot to offer.

Entertainment district:

If New York has the Broadway, Toronto has the Entertainment district. This place comes to life in the evening with a bevy of theatre productions, concerts and other performing arts on the platter. Plus this area has a barrage of restaurants and hotels which make the place all the more lively.

So folks, these are the few hotspots which should definitely be on your list while you are planning a group trip to Toronto. City Hall, Eaton Center, Distillery district, High Park, Ontraio Science Center are among the other places which you should also visit while you or a trip to Toronto.