The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

destinations

Why Mexico Should be Your Next Travel Destination

by

There are so many amazing places you can visit for a fulfilling travel experience this year, and one of the best would be checking out Mexico. If you want to have a wonderful travel experience you need to choose the right destination, and there is so much that Mexico can offer you. This is truly one of the most wonderful countries in the world, and it would be the perfect choice for a new vacation experience.

It is so important to make sure you are able to focus on getting the best out of your travel experience. This means going on a cultural and culinary journey, and discovering a place you’ve never been to before. There are so many ways of being able to achieve this, and you need to make sure you explore all that Mexico has to offer; here’s why.

Breathtaking Natural Beauty

One of the most appealing factors when it comes to visiting Mexico is the supreme natural beauty of the place. A blend of North America and South America, Mexico has some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in the world. Whether you’re seeking bustling city streets, snow-capped mountain peaks, or lush, sprawling jungles, Mexico has it all, and more.

Fascinating Culture

But it’s not just the natural beauty and landscapes that make this an amazing choice, there are also plenty of amazing cultural reasons to check out Mexico as well. You could sample the Dia de Muertos festival, a massive part of the familial culture of the country. Additionally, there is wonderful Aztec and Maya culture prevalent throughout the country, and this has played a huge role in shaping the culture of Mexico long-term.

Delectable Food

One of Mexico’s enduring appeals lies in the cuisine it has to offer, and this is something you should look at getting right as much as you can. You have to make sure you sample the food and enjoy everything Mexico has to offer. We’re sure you’ve tried tacos, nachos, enchiladas, and burritos before, but have you ever had them in Mexico? Mind blowing! Don’t miss this opportunity to sample some of the most amazing Mexican food on the market.

UNESCO World Heritage

There are so many amazing places here that you need to make sure you check out, and if you want to know where to find the best places to visit in Mexico there is a great way to achieve this. The country has a richly impressive selection of UNESCO Heritage Sites, in fact, it boasts the most in the Americas. So, you should make sure you consider this when you are trying to choose where you would like to go in the country.

It’s pretty clear that this is one of the leading countries in the world for tourism, and there are so many amazing adventures that can be had in Mexico. Make sure you plot the perfect vacation experience right now by making the most of everything Mexico has to offer. It’s one of the finest travel destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why.

Thrill Seekers Apply: How to Have an Action-Packed London Adventure

by

Are you sick of staring at Buckingham Palace? Is wandering through the Houses of Parliament the last thing you want to do? Is the London Eye too tame for your tastes?

London might not seem like the best destination for thrill-seekers initially, but you have to dig a little under the surface. Away from the countless museums and historical landmarks is a healthy collection of exhilarating activities.

For a small sample of what activities are on offer, read on for five examples that can turn your next London trip into an action-packed adventure.

Drop down the world’s longest tunnel slide

The London 2012 Olympic Games waved goodbye a long time ago, but it did leave behind one welcome present for the capital: the actual venue. Now Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is open for the public to visit, and they can participate in different activities.

One such activity is dropping going down the world’s longest tunnel slide. That’s right. It may not have been an Olympic event, but this slide – known as the ArcelorMittal Orbit – is housed within the UK’s tallest sculpture. With multiple twists and turns, this 178m long tunnel is a dream for thrill-seekers.

Tackle white-water rapids

Another remnant of the Olympics is the course of the white-water rapid, which is found at the Lee Valley White Water Centre. Whether it’s in a canoe, raft, or kayak, you have the chance to traverse the rapids that posed a serious challenge to the world’s best back in 2012.

Journey down the Thames

Have you ever wanted to go on the Thames? Rather than going for a gentle boat ride, the best way to do this is with an extreme jet-powered boat. At least, that’s the case for those who like to push boundaries.

Companies such as ThamesJet provide the opportunity to zip along the river with the Thames RIB Experience. Taking the latter as an example, you can go on an exhilarating 50 or 75-minute trip as you take in London’s landscape via unconventional means.

Climb the O2

Formerly the Millennium Dome, the O2 Arena is now a large arena that hosts everything from live music concerts to boxing events. Recently, it has also opened up the opportunity for visitors to climb up the venue’s roof.

The 52-metre climb isn’t for those who have a fear of heights. Yet once you reach the top of the dome, you’re rewarded with a stunning 360-degree view of the city.

Trapeze school

Ever felt like you could have been a circus act in another life? To test that theory out, there’s one attraction you cannot miss in London: trapeze school.

Gorilla Circus, which is located in both Regent’s Park and Kensington Gardens, gives visitors the chance to experience the thrills of acrobatics in a safe, controlled setting. The experts will teach you the basics to ensure you get from one bar to the other. Keep partaking in classes, however, and you will eventually be taught a whole range of advanced tricks.

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

by

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

by

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

by

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. Now, because regular flight prices depend on the season, a way of always paying the same and not depending on your desired dates for going to Croatia, is by chartering a private jet.

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.