Tag Archives: travel

Secluded Beaches of the World

Leave a reply

Part Two of our guide to the world’s most secluded beaches is here with more options for you and your significant other, for a romantic getaway or just to spend some peace and quiet with the family without having to yell at your children in order to be heard above the masses. Many of these locations require a little bit of boating or walking, but they are well worth the effort for even just an hour or a few hours of luxury and complete peace in the most secluded and relaxing beaches in the world.

1280px-Costa_Alegre_JaliscoPlaya Soledad Costalegre Mexico

As this beach is the private property of the Las Alamandas resort, you are sure to be soaking up some rays in peace and quiet should you be willing to make the dirt trek to the beach itself. However you can also reserve a Jeep in advance if you don’t fancy making the trip.

You can also reserve horses for the ride back which will make an interesting end to your evening, although this is not recommended if you’ve never ridden before!

 1280px-The_beach_at_Tortuguero,_Costa_RicaThe Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

Like most other beaches mentioned in this list it takes a little bit of time and a bit more effort to reach the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, but with a beautiful range of wild birds, deserted sands and a popular spot to see the nesting turtles of Tortuguero.

It takes around five hours to get to Tortuguero from San Jose, but if you visit in April/May you can see the turtles that come to nest along the sands, which in itself is a sight to behold.

Bonus Beach:
Playa de Benalnatura

This is not actually a secluded beach, in fact it’s quite popular! The strange thing about it is that it is a naturist beach! Not for the faint hearted and definitely for the adventurous, the Playa de Benalnatura, located in Benalmadena is great for naturists and nudists who want to spend a day basking in the sun.

With a beautiful little beach restaurant, toilets, showers and a barbecue area, what more could you want! The small downside is that clothing is generally not optional and you won’t even get served at the bar if not completely nude. This is a 100% nudist beach, so it is best to hire out a car and keep your clothes in the boot before you head down.

Hopefully this has helped inspire some of you holiday goers to visit some of the world’s most secluded beaches in your travels, or even try a naturist beach or two! You might even enjoy it!

 

Secluded Beaches

Leave a reply

We are nearly half way into 2014 and although the sun has only just started to poke its head through the miserable British clouds, many people are already wistfully dreaming of the upcoming summer holidays in the next few months. There has been a recent increase in ‘staycations’ where people opt for holidaying at home instead of going abroad to visit sunnier tides, however sun, sand and sea destinations are still incredibly popular with those who like to hop on board a plane and fly into the sunset for a week or two.

However nobody likes overcrowding. It’s annoying having to get up at 5am just to save you and your family a set of sun beds, but it is essential otherwise you’ll be stuck sitting on the floor. Beaches are far more crowded during the summer time and on occasion it may be hard to simply enjoy the holiday because of the amount of heads you see bobbing up and down in that perfect ocean view.

So where are some better, less trodden, less crowded beaches to visit? In this two part blog series we’ll have a look at some of the ‘beaches less travelled’ to bring you the most relaxing, isolated holidays that you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else unless you somehow managed to hire yourself a private island.

Owen Island, Cayman Islands

owenLocated just off the south-western coast of Little Cayman is a tiny islet known as Owen Island. It is only reachable by sail boat or by kayaking, but these waters can get a little windy so it is best to be prepared. You’ll need to travel across the Bloody Bay (sounds a little ominous) but if you’re a seasoned traveller with a little kayaking experience it should be no problem.

The islet contains very few buildings or homes, in fact very little human habitation at all, so it is a great way to feel as if you have your very own deserted island to yourself. Plus the tranquillity of the warm sun and the iconic beach imagery is great for relaxation. Owen Island can be enjoyed by those of all ages and makes a perfect choice for a honeymoon island away from it all for an hour or two.

To get to Owen Island, simply grab a hired car from the and then drive 2 minutes to the south-west coast of Little Cayman. Simple!

 

Quick Games for a Long Trip

Leave a reply

We all know that a long car journey can be both stressful and boring, particularly with young children and particularly if you’re travelling down a long set of awkward windy roads that require your full concentration just to stop yourselves from getting lost. At times like this the voices on the radio only serve to increase your annoyance and your children have long worn out the ‘red car yellow car’ game. So what else can you do to help keep your concentration levels up and distract the kids so that you don’t end up careening off the end off a cliff?

One sentence story challenge

6276918750_649f04e9fc_o

Start up a story and say one sentence of it. The next person has to continue the story by adding their sentence, trying to keep the story going for as long as possible. You are only allowed one sentence before you have to pass the story onto the next person, and you have to try and keep to a reasonably plotline (which can be hard for the younger passengers!)

If your kids are artsy, why not ask them to draw the main character from the story at their favourite point in the story? It will get their imagination working hard, and if they know they have to draw it beforehand they will put more effort into creating a believable story.

Alphabet Challenge

Pick a topic and challenge everyone to come up with an item from that topic that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Once you’ve completed the alphabet, move onto the next topic.

The Twenty Question Game

Again pick a topic and think of one thing in relation to that topic (i.e Robin Williams for famous film stars). Write the item or person down – ask a friend if you are the designated driver – and then give it to someone else. They cannot look at the piece of paper, but must hold it in a way so that everybody else can see it.

PostItNotePadThe aim of the game is to then guess what the item is that is on your piece of paper. You are allowed 20 questions which will help you to figure out what is on your paper, and the other players can answer yes or no to those questions. Each player asks one question, where the answer is yes or no, and then the next player asks their question. Once 20 questions is  up, you have to guess what you are. You can guess beforehand if you have a clue, but sometimes it can be quite hard!

Staying on the road for long periods of time can be hard. But if you remember to take plenty of breaks and stop as soon as you start to feel tired, you should reach your destination without a hitch!

50 States Road Trip; New York

Leave a reply

New York State is home to the infamous NYC, a landmark in itself, with its countless coffee shops, high rise buildings, stock market and the Statue of Liberty herself, but this iconic state has so much more to offer than its capital city. That is not to say that you shouldn’t check out some of the fantastic haunts located in New York City, but there are a couple of other stops along the way before we get there.

current state

Niagara Falls

Consisting of three giant overlapping waterfalls; the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls, the Niagara Falls are located along the Niagara river and are situated on the international border between Canada and the United States. They can be reached by a hired car in Niagara or by tour bus.

Niagara Falls

Formed at the end of the last ice age, Niagara Falls are a valuable source of hydroelectric power as over six million cubic feet of water falls over the edge of the Falls every minute. This stunning set of waterfalls is incredibly popular with tourists and receives thousands of visitors every year.

The Falls are even famous with daredevils, and several people have attempted the Falls in various flotation devices, while in June 2012, high wire performer Nik Wallenda actually tightroped over the horshoe falls, where he had to present his passport to officials on entering the Canadian side of the falls once he reached solid ground again.

Roosevelt Baths and Spa

Located at the Gideon Putnam Resort, Roosevelt Baths and Spa is a luxury spa house like no others. With a huge variety of different treatments on offer, this spa house has everything you could possibly want for an evening or even a weekend of pampering. Plus with on site accommodation at Gideon Putnam Resort, it is easy to book a holiday weekend there. Roosevelt Baths and Spa has been listed in the Top 10 New York State Green Destinations, and so is the perfect place for a spot of relaxation on a stressful and busy road trip.

New York City

Lady_Liberty

Home to Lady Liberty and the Empire State Building, New York City has huge skyscrapers that will rival the tallest buildings in many great global cities. Both the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building are open to the public and you can purchase tickets to go up onto special observation decks. Take a look out into New York City, but be careful not to get vertigo!

Next Stop

We take a look at a couple of America’s smaller states next time, dropping off in Vermont, the current leading producer of maple syrup in the United States.

 

Penguin’s Bucket List – Things to do and see before you die

Leave a reply

By definition a bucket list is a list made by people – mostly when you reach your midlife crisis – who want to do certain things or visit certain places before they die. The phrase ‘bucket list’ takes inspiration from the saying ‘to kick the bucket’ because your bucket list wants to be complete before you ‘kick the bucket’. These lists can comprise of anything; see a long lost loved one, travel the world, even spend a day doing absolutely nothing. It all depends on the individual. However most people worldwide have a list of places they would like to see before they died. Other people want to make a bucket list, but aren’t quite sure what to put on there. Why don’t we help? With a collection of truly magnificent, memorable and beautiful places that you should really visit before you die.

Zhangye’s Colourful Rock Formations

zanghye-danxia-formationsKnown as the Zhangye Danxia, these mountains consist of over 24 million years worth of laying down different mineral deposits. The creation of these landforms is something so perfect, so beautiful, that only nature could have done it by accident. Over time the layers of mineral deposit were compressed into rock, and then undulations were caused by the collision of the Eurasian and Indo-Australian tectonic plates, resulting in the stunning landforms we see today. These collisions made by the same two tectonic plates would also create the Himalayan Mountains.

The contrasting layers of different mineral rock make the formations look as if bright white lines have been painted across the landscape. Considering that these fantastic mountains were once just sand blowing in the wind, the Zhangye Danxia formations serve as a great representation of the magic of time.

The National Park where these formations are located is about an hour’s drive from the city of Zhangye, and although no tour buses or coaches normally go there, it is easy to hire a car and drive to see these fantastic formations for yourself!

The Mysterious Moai Statues of Easter Island
easter-island-heads-stone

These statues were thought to be a monument to the seafaring skills of ancient Polynesian peoples, however little to none oral or written history has survived regarding the Moai statues. They were painstakingly carved and sculpted, then moved to the location in which they now stand, by the ancient people of Rapa Nui. Each head averages around 4 metres in height and weighs a staggering 14 tons.

The statues are situated in a nearly unbroken line around the island, and a further 600 more have recently been discovered in a quarry, all in various stages of completion. The overwhelming sense of mystery that accompanies this island is what makes Easter Island a frequent subject among historians. Nobody quite knows why the Moai statues exist or their relevance to ancient culture, but the stalwart design and eerie frequency of these statues makes Easter Island a must see on bucket lists worldwide.

Want to create your own Bucket List?

We will be focusing on ‘places to visit before you die’ throughout the coming months, so why not check back regularly for ideas?

 

Hiking in Norway

Leave a reply

Norway is a truly beautiful country. With a wide range of climates and some beautiful landscapes, vast open moorlands and snowy mountains Norway is an ideal hiking country. Norway has a number of different hikes suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels. From beginner to expert, Norway has hikes to suit everyone. Norway is also a great country for hiking as there are several destinations made purely for hiking, with amenities, camping sites and even hotels set up for hikers, all available a short drive by hired car from the routes or even within walking distance. What more could you ask for? We’ll be having a look at some of Norway’s best hiking locations, both for beginners and for experts, to make sure that nobody gets left out.

Trollheimen_mnt_Trollhetta

Rondane National Park Hiking

Home to the famous triangle route, Rondane National Park has a huge variety of different tours, and where you go will depend on what you want to see. For the more dedicated hikers there are tours that loop around the mountains in the park, or that climb up steep valleys with rocky outcroppings.

Rondane offers hikes that can last any time between three and seven hours, the longest being the hike from Rondvassbu to Doralseter via Langholet which is a staggering seven hours. The Rondvassbu – Doralseter route is mainly for those looking for a hiking challenge, as seven hours can be extremely taxing, especially for those that are new to hiking.

Some easier tours are available, with walks through beautiful valley floors, or along the Ula River with views of the mountains that surround the park. The Mysusete to Rondvassbu hike is a good choice for first time hikers, as it is mainly hilly areas with views of the mountains as opposed to more dangerous, rocky climbs. Plus at three hours long, it can substitute for a nice long walk in the fresh air.

 

Dovrefjell

A massive stretch of wide open mountainous terrain, Dovrefjell is a sigh to see. With wild musk oxen roaming its hills and even the occasional rare reindeer, it is ideal for a steady days hike. Suitable for hikers of all ages, however it is a long hike, up to the top of mount Snohetta, which is one of Norway’s highest mountains. It stands at 2286 metres above sea level and is also considered to be Norway’s most beautiful mountain.

musk-oxen-norway
Seeing the wild musk oxen, which have lived in the mountains of Dovrefjell since the ice age, is a sight to behold. With thick shaggy fur and powerful antlers, they are not to be missed. If you hike up mount Snohetta, on a good day you might even get to see a wild reindeer, which is very rare nowadays.

 

Don’t Forget

Even if it is a sunny and warm day, you’ll need to remember to dress suitably for the conditions on high altitude hikes. Wrap up really warm, or you’ll regret it later! Wear strong sturdy walking boots, with more heavy set hiking boots if you plan to climb steep valleys. Always wear protective eyewear in winter, as the harsh winds can be bitter .

And remember to have fun!

Top 5 Things To Do In Madrid

Leave a reply

Madrid is unusual for a capital insofar as it is found in the centre of the country, whereas most capitals are found on the coast or rivers in easily accessible locations on old trade routes. On the one hand, this does mean that, unfortunately, unlike the majority of popular Spanish destinations, Madrid doesn’t have a beach. However, it also means that the city benefits from a really unique character. So, what are the top 5 things to see and do in Madrid?

Prado Madrid

The Royal Palace

This palace is the official home of the Spanish royals, though they don’t actually live here. It shouldn’t cost more than €10 entry, and there are several concessions and ways to get free entry. Many of the rooms are open to the public and are decorated in an opulent, extravagant manner with lots of marble and luxurious velvets. Be warned that photography is forbidden inside the palace.

Jardín Botanico

There are more than 30,000 plants from all corners of the planet residing in the botanical garden, making this a little slice of paradise and welcome respite from the intense heat of the city. Water features , shaded areas and sprinklers make this the perfect place to visit in the late afternoon when heat can become stifling, and there are beautiful blooms here all year round.

Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is the name for Madrid’s three major art palaces – the Prado, the Thyssen and the Reina Sofia. These three galleries between them contain the vast majority of the city’s priceless artworks, making it ideal for art buffs. A pass to the three should come to around €15, a small price to pay to spend time with some of the world’s most impressive, coveted pieces of art.

Eat tapas

Scattered around central Madrid and the Gran Via Broadway are ‘ham museums’, or eateries specialising in various types of cured ham. Many of these act like the abundance of other tapas bars in the city, where you can order a drink and be brought a free tapa as an accompaniment. Wherever you are, the tapas on offer will vary broadly, from seafood to sliced meats and chorizo to vegetables to tortilla, so you can sample a huge variety of Spanish cuisine.

Bus tour

Most European capitals offer up some kind of river tour to visitors, but Madrid’s lack of river means that city tours should be done by bus. You will be given earphones and a map of the city so you can listen to Madrid’s history and figure out where you want to go, and it is a far better way to travel than by Metro as you get to see more of the tiny winding streets, hidden churches and bustling plazas for the price of one hop on, hop off ticket.

Madrid has much to offer its visitors, but anyone wanting to get out of the busy capital can hire a car to nearby city Valladolid, which should take around two hours, with a trip to the vibrant Salamanca taking around the same time.

Getting Around Oslo

Leave a reply

Last year, I jetted off to Oslo for a long weekend break over the summer. I’m not especially good in the heat, so I fancied somewhere I could roam around without melting! As a destination, Oslo certainly didn’t disappoint, and while we managed to avoid the rain, it was gloriously mild throughout the entire trip, which was much appreciated.

Oslo

Oslo is incredibly easy to get around, and you have lots of options. It’s a relatively small city considering it’s a capital, so as long as you don’t mind cobbles you can take a pleasant stroll around without too much trouble. Lots of the locals seem to cycle, so if you feel comfortable cycling in another city you could hire a bike. You could get a smartcard to enable you to use the popular City Bikes (Oslo Bysykkel) if you intend to cycle a lot.

If you’re thinking of going a little further afield, or just want to save your legs after a long day of countryside hiking, the bus and tram services are excellent. They are extremely regular and everyone in the stations and tourist information centres speaks flawless English so can offer you lots of help. You can get an Oslo Card which not only gives you free or reduced entry to all the main attractions in the city, but you will also get access to free public transport which is really handy if you intend to explore the area thoroughly.

While I was in Oslo, I took a trip to Drøbak, a small town close to the Norwegian capital. This involved a bus ride alongside the beautiful fjord, which was relatively straightforward, but the one problem we found was that the buses between Oslo and Drøbak aren’t always too frequent, especially in off peak seasons, so it might be a better idea to hire a car in Oslo if you’re thinking of venturing outside of Oslo. There are lots of pretty towns in southern Norway, so a car gives you the freedom to plan your own schedule without getting stuck somewhere remote for hours.

The real highlight of Oslo’s transport is the stunning boats you can take from Oslo harbour around the fjord. These can take you to the ‘museum peninsula’, with its fascinating Fram Museum and Kon-Tiki Museum, as well as others, and to various other points around Oslo, including some of the little islands sitting in the middle of the fjord. Seeing the area by water is the perfect way to get a real feel for the natural beauty of Scandinavia.

In a nutshell, if you want a city that’s really accessible and easy to move around, Oslo is perfect! Just don’t be expecting to do too much sunbathing while you’re there…

Written by our intrepid traveller, Kayleigh.

Welcome To Pete’s Blog

Leave a reply

Well here we are kick-starting the new Penguin Car Hire blog. We’ve been so busy developing the website that we’re only just getting round to sharing a load of travel related advice and information with our thousands of visitors to the website.

We’ll also be using the blog to announce any current special deals and offers and any news we feel is important for travellers to know. And sometimes Pete may also jump in and write some rubbish…but it’s best just to leave him to it sometimes!

We hope you will enjoy the blog as it grows and make sure to get in contact with Penguin Car Hire if you need any specific advice or want to discuss your car rental options with us.

Happy travelling!!

Justin, Pete and Team