Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 86)
,
Slowing Down & Finding a Home
While this trip has changed a lot – both in terms of destinations and overall tone, the end game was always finding somewhere to live for a while. I left in July and it’s almost December. I’m tired: tired of having to pack my bags, tired of having to say goodbye to people and places I like.
I need to order some documents from New Zealand which will take a month or two to arrive, depending on how organised I am with applying for them. During this time, I plan on slowing down a lot so I can focus a bit more on work and getting my life back into gear.
After the break up I just decided to be selfish and just did whatever I wanted whenever I felt like it. I had a crazy blow out in New York, decided to go to the Amazon on a whim and have been basically very irresponsible with my money and planning. It was a lot of fun, but now I’m ready to add a little more logic into my plans.
I also haven’t really worked in months, which sounds like a dream but I’m starting to feel a little guilty and I miss working.
Yes – I’m the girl who is complaining about too much travel and not working enough. You have my permission to slap me.
I came to San Jose because I’m interested in doing a Yoga/Photography/Spanish ‘course’ for a few weeks down in Playa Jaco. I emailed them today to check if there’s space. It sounds amazing, 3 or 4 weeks chilling doing a few hours of Yoga, Photography and Spanish. Hanging out with a new crowd of people; people I don’t have to constantly say goodbye to.
If that falls through I think I’m going to pick somewhere to volunteer. I want to learn Spanish and so hopefully I can find something that isn’t along the lines of teaching English. I feel like my life needs a little more purpose and nothing has ever made me happier than volunteering overseas!
I have a feeling I’ll spend at least a month here in Costa Rica and then make my way up towards Antigua, Guatemala…
Finding a ‘home’ isn’t about slowing down travel for me. It’s about having a base where I can work for a few weeks at a time before packing a small bag and jetting off for a few weeks. It’s about finding a bit more of a balance between work and travel.
Too much of anything isn’t a good thing and right now I’ve had too much movement.
,
KLM is Happy To Help
International travel can be a hassle, but passengers around the world were delighted to experience the journey-simplifying impact of KLM’s #happytohelp project.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines undertook a unique mission to help any traveller in need, not just those flying with KLM.
From a special HQ at Schiphol Plaza in Amsterdam Airport, the #happytohelp team assisted travellers at airports worldwide and via social media for five days. KLM’s innovative help centre was open 24 hours a day and demonstrated the extraordinary lengths the airline goes to for all air travellers.
The KLM team searched across social media, providing travel advice to anyone who was heading abroad. Holidaymakers were treated to personalised video tips that directly related to their destination. During the week passengers were helped out with lost or forgotten passports and provided with beds during long nights waiting hours at airports, as mere examples. All of this activity was documented and uploaded to KLM’s social media and YouTube channels for all to see.
Watch more of the amazing and heart-warming #happytohelp exploits here – KLM.
Watch KLM’s video below:
Note: This is a sponsored post by KLM for their #happytohelp campaign
,
Adventures in the Amazon
One of the things I like about traveling is being super spontaneous. When you’re tired down to a 9-5, it’s almost impossible to change everything on a whim just because you feel like it. At this point in my life, I have no one that depends on me. No one is expecting me to turn up on Monday morning; I don’t have any bills to pay or any real responsibilities. That means that I have an abundance of flexibility and I want to make the most of it.
The other day I was supposed to board a flight to Guatemala city, but instead I hung out in Panama City for another day before heading to Iquitos, Peru. If you’ve spent any length of time with me, you would know that I have always wanted to visit South America – but I hadn’t made it here, until now.
Life kept getting in the way and the timing wasn’t right and so South America was never a reality. I also had considered coming to Buenos Aires after my time in New York, but it didn’t feel like the right time. I kept mentally saving South America until I had enough time to ‘do it properly’.
I’ve written before about how the problem is you think you have time – all you have is now… so with that in mind, when a new friend I met in Panama suggested that I join his trip to Peru and the Amazon, I couldn’t think of one good reason why not, so I booked flights and gatecrashed his week long trip to Peru.
The Amazon is somewhere I always expected to visit at some point, but I wasn’t sure when. I’d seen a number of documentaries about all the flora and fauna here, which I found absolutely mesmerizing. It was very surprising to be visiting years before I had mentally planned to.
During my time in the Amazon I saw a lot of amazing things: from the pink dolphins, that look more like whales, through to a sloth chilling out in a tree. I caught – and ate – some piranhas, got hit in the leg (while sitting in the boat) by a barracuda and was completely violated by about 3000 mosquitos. I saw squirrel monkeys, giant pink tarantulas, bright green bullfrogs and an array of gorgeous birds. Each night I fell asleep to the sounds of the Amazon and every morning I was greeted by the cleanest air I’ve ever experienced.
Oh and the best thing? No wifi! That meant a lot of time spent chilling in my hammock reading and dozing to the sound of bird song.
On our last night we took the canoe out and slowly paddled down the river; we saw more monkeys playing in trees, countless fireflies dancing in the sky and so many glittering stars. It was perfect.
To be honest, my time in the Amazon wasn’t entirely comfortable. While we stayed at a very nice lodge, I was ill prepared clothing-wise. I found myself to be drenched in at least one of the following Deet, sweat, or swampy water at all times, most usually a combination of all three.
At the beginning of the night walk, I slipped and grabbed onto a tree and wound up with three spikes in my hand, which are now infected. Despite showering three times a day I constantly felt dirty and longed for a hot shower. I was completely out of my element, but I loved every second of it.
There were so many times on my trip to the Amazon where I felt overwhelmed; by the beauty, by wildlife, by the clean air and by all of the wonderful sounds.
I now know how it feels to look up at the sky in the Amazon, the sounds that the pink Amazon dolphins make and the way pigmy monkeys suck sap from the trees. I saw so much beauty during my four-day trip that I need a few days to process it.
I was pretty sad to be leaving, but I know I’ll be back. It’s definitely one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been and I want to see the Amazon when it’s flooded due to rainy season.
I met an older couple during my stay at the lodge that asked if I’d been to the Amazon before and then proceeded to tell me that it would ‘change me’.
While I think every trip changes you a little, I know my trip to the Amazon will mark a special time in my life. This is the time in my life where I’m being spontaneous, where I’m listening to how I feel and what I really want from life, and I’m moving towards it. I don’t know where I’m going or where I’ll end up, but I know it’ll be the greatest adventure and that’s enough for now.
I’m trying really hard not to have favourite places anymore because I want to focus more on the present moment than the past, but if I was picking favourites the Amazon would feature very, very highly.
,
Top 5 places to visit Australia
Australia is such a large country it can be extremely hard to decide where to visit when planning a holiday there. The country itself offers everything from luscious tropical beaches, to dry arid deserts, from cosmopolitan cities to beautiful wine country. Don’t just think about flying either, you get to see far more of the country if you travel by campervan or train. You can book a rail holiday easily online. If you are planning on making a trip to Australia then I’ve rounded up the top 5 places to visit whilst there.
Perth
Located in Western Australia, Perth offers some of the most beautiful beaches the country has to offer. Think clean white sand beaches and bright blue water. Not only that but Perth city itself has a great cosmopolitan vibe with great restaurants and cafes. If you head a little out of Perth to places like Freemantle you will get to discover untapped beaches on Rottnest Island, gorgeous country towns and super friendly locals.
Darwin
If you want to experience the proper Australian outback then you need to visit Darwin. It’s a vibrant multi cultural place and you wont be short of things to do there. You can swim with giant saltwater crocs if you are daring enough or enjoy a fresh seafood dinner on the beautiful waterfront in the city. It’s also the gateway to the famous Kakadu national park, Adelaide River and Tiwi Islands.
Adelaide
If you want to visit the food and wine capital of Australia then Adelaide is the place to go. Just outside of Adelaide is the famous Barossa Valley where you can sample your way through some of Australia’s best wineries. It’s not just wine though Adelaide has to offer but incredible food too. In fact Adelaide city has the most restaurants per capita in Australia and you can sample some of the freshest, tastiest food there is to offer.
Sydney
Sydney is the largest city in Australia and has one of the best harbors in the world. You really can’t go to Australia without visiting this stunning vibrant city. The iconic opera house and Harbor Bridge do not disappoint, and neither do the famous beaches of Bondi or Manly.
Melbourne
Think food and shopping for your visit to Melbourne as this very hip city offers some of the best markets, shopping, and cafes around. The city is hipster central and the nightlife is unreal. Make sure you check out the cafes in Fitzroy area where you will be served the healthiest food and some of the best coffee.
,
How to Stay Organised While Traveling
There’s a lot to remember when planning a trip. Double it if you have small children who are coming along for the ride. If you’re the type who struggles to remember that the dog needs to go into the kennels, travel insurance needs to be bought, and your flight has been moved up by two hours, here are some ways you can stay organised while traveling:
Park your car at the Airport
Taking airport transportation out of the equation is sure to free your mind up to focus on other things, like making sure you remember the duty free. Check out Airparks, which is located at Glasgow airport, and you’ll have crossed one thing off your travel list.
There are also plenty of Glasgow airport hotels available, so if you have an early morning flight and don’t like your chances of checking in on time, grab a cheap hotel for the night so you’ll fly feeling refreshed the next morning.
Use a good Calendar
There are plenty of calendar apps available which will sync on both your laptop and smartphone, so you’ll know exactly what you’ve got planned for each day. Most off them also include to-do lists, so you can be sure you won’t forget to renew your passport. Try Fantastical, which is available for both Mac and iPhones, or VueMinder, which is free for those using Windows.
Talk to a Travel Agent
Many people are hesitant to use travel agents due to the belief that their holiday will end up costing an arm and a leg. However travel agents actually have access to deals that the public are unaware of, and can help you find the best flights and accommodation for your budget.
Most travel agents will also price beat, so if you find cheaper flights online they should be able to get you the same flights.
Book in Advance
It seems obvious, but simply booking your trip well in advance will not only mean that you’ll get the best prices available, but you’ll avoid the last minute stress of trying to book everything at once.
There’s nothing worse than trying to figure out if you’ve forgotten something critical for your trip, and by booking in advance you’ll have time to book anything you’ve forgotten before it effects your holiday.
Booking in advance also means that you can break the trip down into smaller tasks and complete them weekly, so it doesn’t seem so daunting.
Do you have any other tips on staying organised while travelling? Let me know in the comments below.
,
Going All Inclusive
If the stresses and strains of everyday life are becoming too much to cope with, then it is probably about time you went on holiday. From weekend city breaks to a fortnight by the beach, there are a number of different ways you can forget about the daily routine and enjoy a bit of downtime.
However, all inclusive holidays are perhaps the best and most effective way to recharge your batteries or regain some strength and companies like First Choice have a lot of tempting offers. What’s more, there are numerous reasons why you should choose this kind of all-encompassing package deal along with several lavish and luxurious destinations to choose from.
Reasons to go all inclusive
- Hassle free – With everything already organised and paid for, you can relax and unwind without the hassle of organising every small detail.
- Value for money – Seeing as everything is included, you don’t need to worry about spending lots of money on dining out at expensive eateries or drinking in pricey bars.
- Save time – Rather than searching online for restaurant recommendations or walking the streets looking for a decent pub, an all-inclusive deal enables you to make the most of your time away.
- Stay on budget – If you’re not careful, it is easy to spend quite a bit of cash while on holiday. But if you’ve paid for the essentials beforehand, staying on budget is simple.
Best places to go all inclusive
- Algarve – The southernmost region of Portugal has everything you could possibly want from a vacation by the sea. Mesmerising limestone rocks overshadow beautiful golden beaches and inviting turquoise water. There is also a good chance the all inclusive food will comprise of delicious fresh fish doused in locally produced olive oil.
- Benalmádena (Costa del Sol) – In the province of Málaga, Spain, you’ll find a sophisticated and charming coastal town that boasts cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. In terms of attractions and excursions, be sure to visit the nearby Sea Life aquarium or the Parque Paloma landscaped garden.
- Sharm El Sheikh – Located on the breath taking Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, this particular resort enjoys mild yearlong temperatures and plenty of scorching sunshine. Be sure to cool off in the crystalline waters by going scuba diving or experience the stunning natural landscape with an overnight desert safari.
- Marmari (Kos) – For a peaceful and quiet retreat, consider this resort on the northwest coast of Kos. The pristine beach stretches along 2 kilometres of coastline, while the sea breeze makes it perfect for a bit of windsurfing. Kos Town, just 15 minute drive away, features cultural highlights such as a medieval castle and roman baths.
But regardless of where you decide to go on your all inclusive break, you’ll be guaranteed to have a leisurely, effortless and enjoyable time.
,
Practical Tips for Traveling Myanmar
Recently I was in Myanmar, and I liked it.
Stacey (from OneTravelsFar.com) and I arrived in Yangon and instantly I was smitten. I couldn’t put my finger exactly on why. It wasn’t an outstanding city, but it reminded me of places I’d been before and it felt different at the same time. While there were obvious signs that Western culture was seeping in, it felt like we had almost gone back in time a little bit. I imagined Myanmar in 2014 is how Cambodia might have been a decade ago. The people were so lovely and genuinely excited to see us, but we didn’t feel hassled or pressured.
Our trip to and through Myanmar wasn’t easy and when I return I’ll do it differently. Here are my practical tips for visiting Myanmar.
1) Do Not Get the Visa in Person
Do you have a fetish for standing in queues for 3 hours in the sweltering heat, only to return 90 minutes later to spend a few more hours in the queue again? I didn’t think so. That’s exactly how we spent one fateful day in Bangkok.
2.5 hours in my travel buddy Stacey started to wonder if we really wanted to go to Myanmar. I predict if we hadn’t already booked our flights, we would have followed the footsteps of the two travellers ahead of us who said “Fuck Myanmar” and walked out of that crusty Embassy.
But we didn’t and I’m really glad we went… To Myanmar, that is, not to that awful Embassy.
Apply for the Visa On Arrival. It’s a relatively new thing – which at the time of writing – is only available at Yangon airport. You need to apply at least 5 days before your travel, so maybe do it a few weeks in advance just to ensure everything’s sorted. Do not wait in the lines, they are soul destroying.
2. Take Crisp USD Bills
At this point in time there are ATMs scattered across the main tourist parts; I saw them in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan, which were the three places we visited. However, many of the ATMs have small limits and because the Internet/phone connection is patchy, often they will not work for a few days. Don’t expect to be able to pay with big purchases with your credit card, as the same phone line issues affect this service too. It’s quite easy to change USD in the local currency in the main centers and you tend to get a pretty good rate.
3. Do the Balloon Ride
Yes, $320 is an outrageous amount of money to pay for 40 minutes. That’s basically $10 a minute and for that price I would expect a massage by someone who’s hands have been dipped in 24 carat gold. It is painfully expensive, but it’s one of those things that I think you just need to man up and pay for. It was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. Easily top 5 material and the sunrise on that particular day was crappy – that’s saying a lot.
4. Prepare to Pay a Lot for Average to Poor Accommodation
As tourism is relatively new to Myanmar, there’s not a lot in the way of accommodation options. The options that do exist are expensive and do not provide much in the way of value. If you’re a budget traveler, you might cringe at the prices you’re paying for rooms you’d get for ¼ of the price in Thailand or Cambodia. That’s the price you pay to experience Myanmar before it turns into a circus like Angkor Wat.
My suggestion is to find out where other travellers are staying along your trip and book into their suggestions. You should consider booking the accommodation a day in advance as because tourism is increasing so rapidly, prices can go right up and the accommodation can wind up being saturated with no affordable spaces left. You can also usually negotiate a better price this way and your current guesthouse/hostel/hotel should be fine with you using the phone for this!
On average my friend and I were paying about $15-20 per night, each, for shared accommodation. This was budget, but comfortable places. You can definitely do cheaper and you can definitely do more expensive, but I imagine this is a good guide line for people traveling there. In comparison, the rooms we were staying in we would expect to pay more around the $5-10 mark per person in places like Thailand or Cambodia.
5. Internet Sucks, Don’t Even Bother
Have you wanted to throw your iPhone at a wall because it takes 15 minutes to load a basic email? I have. That’s how I felt the whole time in Myanmar while trying to use the Internet. I think things will continue to improve, but do be warned the Internet sucks there. I found that the Internet speed dramatically improved after 9pm because I guess there was less congestion.
6. However Long You’re Planning Probably Isn’t Enough
We spent 12 days. Not enough. We met people who had spent 3 weeks. Not enough. I met people who have spent a month there and I would guess that’s about the right length of time. Yes, it does kind of feel like Myanmar is assaulting your bank balance compared to other South East Asian countries, but I feel that it was very much worth the price. The next time I return to Myanmar – and I will definitely be returning to see how much it’s changed – I will be planning at least a few weeks. There’s gorgeous beaches in Myanmar, apparently, with my name written all over them in the sand.
7. It’s Mostly About The People & Being There
Aside from the temples in Bangon, some golden temples and a teak bridge, in my opinion there’s not a whole lot to see in Myanmar, at least things you couldn’t see elsewhere in Asia. The reason I fell in LOVE with Myanmar was because of the people.
We had a partially deaf taxi driver open up to us about his desire for a less corrupt government. We had a young girl come sit with us outside a temple and practice her English and share her life stories with us. We had a young man in Mandalay invite us to meet his whole family and then took us out to drink tea and watch football. We were constantly embraced by the local people and shown such warm.
It’s a wonderful place to be and to see.
,
Relaxing and Rejuvenating on The Road – The Four Seasons Experience
Traveling can be hard work – you might not believe it, but sleepless nights on trains, buses and planes add up quickly. Even moving countries, learning new currencies and languages can wear at you when you’re not feeling your best. It’s so important to take breaks out during your travels, to ensure you’re well rested, healthy and relaxed. Earlier in my trip, we had the pleasure of staying at the Four Seasons in Singapore and experiencing some of the service that makes The Four Seasons one of the most famous hotel chains in the world. It was a really special stay and I thought I’d share it with you.
On the Friday night during our trip, Ben and I went down to the monthly final cocktail evening, at One-Ninety Bar by Javier de las Muelas, to sample some of the delicious cocktails on offer. There are a number of bar snacks that are perfectly paired with a certain drink. We tried the “Fish and Chip Burgers” with the Wasabi Martini, and while I was a little dubious about a Wasabi Martini, I was very pleasently surprised. In fact, the Four Season’s Wasabi Martini might be my favourite Martini. We tried a few other drinks, including the Kettle drinks, which are served in a kettle alongside some dry ice to keep things fresh. It was a really relaxed environment and a great way to start out evening before heading out to some of the other sites Singapore has on offer.
If you’ve read a handful of my blog posts, or met me in person, you know that I’m very, very fond of massages. I think they’re a great way to de-stress, to release toxins and to ensure you’re well rested. The day before we flew to Thailand, we decided to try out two of the Four Season’s Signature massages. I had the Harmonizing massage while Ben had the Restorative massage. I’ve had countless massages in countless hotels and spas across the globe and this was certainly one of the most memorable. My masseuse was extremely talented – she was a visiting therapist from the Philippines who specialised in this type of massage. Before the treatment, she talked me through the procedure, asked if I had any particular areas that needed work and was very warm and welcoming.
The massage itself was incredible – she used a bowl like tool on my feet, and the massage chair moved into certain positions that made it hard not to fall asleep – I was that comfortable. After the massage I felt like I was floating on a cloud and only wished we had more time to schedule another! Ben said his massage was hands down the best he had ever had, so if you’re planning a trip to Singapore I would suggest you try out either of these signature massage treatments.
Later that evening we treated our taste buds to a culinary experience at the Four Season’s Chinese Restaurant: Jiang-Nan Chun. As we worked our way through the different courses, we couldn’t help but be delighted. To be honest, I’ve never been much of a fan of Chinese food, but I had heard good things so couldn’t resist. While all the courses we tried were delicious, the most memorable for me were the pork belly, the dim sum and the wasabi prawns. Singapore is known around the world for having some of the best food in the world, and Jiang-Nan Chun certainly upholds that reputation.
By the time we’d finished our massage and dinner, we were so relaxed that we could barely keep awake. We made our way back up to our gorgeous room and left the curtains open so we could look out towards Singapore’s skyline. It was the perfect way to prepare for our flight the next day and to unwind in one of my favourite cities in the world.
Do you have a special pre-flight routine? Have you ever stayed at a Four Seasons? If so, how was your experience? I’d love to try more of them around the world.
,
Travelling to Asia: Why I Love the Freedom and Independence
Travelling to Asia is always an amazing experience. Whether I’m taking the train in bustling Seoul, Korea or walking around vibrant Bangkok, Thailand, I feel alive in a way that can be tough to describe. Travelling in Asia makes me feel free and independent — and kind of like I can conquer the world on my own.
1. Revelling in The Simple Things
When I’m in a south-eastern Asian nation such as Vietnam or Thailand, I get the opportunity to revel in all of the simplicities of being alive. Munching on fried noodles on the streets can fill me with so much joy. Going on a tuk-tuk ride around the jam-packed city streets can do the same. Taking in all of the sights and sounds of an unfamiliar place can stir up many exciting emotions in me. It makes me feel free, strong and absolutely invigorated.
2. Learning New Things
Travelling in Asia isn’t just about hitting all of the major tourist attractions. I learn so much when I’m abroad. When I’m trekking around Japan, I get a close glimpse into how people interact with each other, bowing as a form of courtesy. I get to view the importance of groups in Japanese society, as well. When I’m visiting a country like Vietnam, I get the chance to hear the language. I get to see how the locals live their lives, whether it involves trips to purchase groceries or going about their daily work. The amount of learning I do when I’m in Asia is quite impressive. Being in Asia opens me up to a whole new universe of language, religion, food, scenery and social norms, to be specific. Culture shock isn’t so “shocking” to me anymore.
3. Cutting Down
When I’m in certain Asian nations, I realize that I used to take so much for granted in my lifestyle. Being in places like Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand does this to me. When I see the locals leading their often simple — yet rewarding — lives, I’m thrown by how I used to live. I used to live in constant fear of money. I was in many ways driven by material things. Travelling in Asia, however, has given me an incredible sense of freedom and independence in that it has made me realize that those things just aren’t that important.
If you want to revitalize your senses and discover your true self, travelling all throughout Asia can help you on that journey. Expedia is one where you can find the best deal on hotel and accommodation. Check out their website to find something that fits your budget and traveling plans.
,
Unique beaches of the UK
The islands that make up Great Britain are framed by 9,000 miles of some of the most unique coastline in the world. Travellers and holidaymakers can therefore take their pick of stunning isolated beaches, seaside playgrounds like Blackpool, or more cosmopolitan beach areas such as Brighton. Alternatively they can search out the perfect cove or cliff setting for a fabulous family getaway.
Ladram Bay, Otterton
Great for: camping, hot tub lodges, water sports and family friendly
Interesting Fact: Ladram was used by smugglers to land contraband such as brandy – this stopped in the 1800’s.
The pebbled beach of Ladram Bay is accessible all year around, with the holiday park is open from March – November. Throughout the season there are a range of family activities on offer, from kayaking, boat-hire, sea scooters and fishing. Others may prefer to have a more relaxing visit and simply choose to explore the footpaths along this part of the Jurassic coast or take shelter in a hot tub and soothe their cares away.
Ladram Bay is unique in that it is a private beach that can only be accessed via the Holiday Park (day passes are available) or by boat. This beautiful bay sits along the Jurassic coast (a World Heritage site) an honour it shares with the neighbouring county of Dorset.
Ladram Bay offers one of the most superlative holiday parks in Devon. Yes, it is one of the largest parks in the region, offering a mix of visitors who are camping under canvas, or in their own caravan, or those who have hired a static van, or the owners of the vans and lodges themselves, and yet the ethos is the same for all – ‘peace and quiet, a place to relax, have some fun and just enjoy.’
Sanday Island, Orkney
Great for: tranquillity, blue water and wildlife
Interesting Fact: Of the 70 Orkney Island just 20 are inhabited.
For those who really want to get away from it all, head to Orkney off the Northern tip of Scotland. Orkney is made up of a group of 70 islands with the majority of these being uninhabited. With a history that starts with the Neolithic people more than 4,500 years ago coupled with the annual Orkney invasion of birds and wildlife – you’ll find plenty to do and see at the UNESCO World Heritage Site and various reservation areas.
You’ll also find an abundance of fresh quality cuisine – don’t forget to try the Orkney Herring and Orkney cheese – and warm, welcoming hospitality.
Sanday has long natural stretches of sandy beaches with sparkling seas and plenty of wildlife to spot including seals. The roads are very quiet and the locals very friendly – so give them a wave as you meander through the lanes.
Botany Bay, Broadstairs, Kent
Great for: safe swimming, photography and fossil hunting
Interesting fact: the white cliffs were formed during the Upper Cretaceous period around 100-65 million years ago.
The name Botany Bay is synonymous with the infamous bay in Australia, but while this hidden gem took its name at the same time, it is located in Broadstairs, Kent.
Families are attracted to Botany Bay thanks to the opportunities for safe swimming that it offers, along with its five star water quality and its truly spectacular setting, indeed the chalk cliffs and stacks are magnificent. In spite of this, Botany Bay is quiet and secluded enough to allow for proper relaxation if that’s what you desire.
When the tide goes out you have the chance to explore the rock pools and hunt for fossils. During the season there are a variety of facilities available including deckchair hire and lifeguards who keep a careful eye on swimmers.
Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Great for: novelty, family fun and bird watching
Interesting fact: The ports name was changed to distinguish its name locations in the early 19th century.
For something a little different why not head out to Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk? This wide sandy beach is backed by pine woods, but because it is a fair distance from the town you can use the little narrow gauge railway to get there. During the season the lifeguards keep a careful eye out so that you can chill out among the little whimsical beach huts while watching kids (big and little) splashing around in the pools.
Wells-next-the-Sea is part of the largest coastal nature reserve in England and Wales, and like the rest of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – is a haven for twitchers. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot terns, oystercatchers, avocets, bitterns and marsh harriers.
Rhossili Bay, Swansea
Great for: facilities, dog friendly, water sports
Interesting fact: In 2011 Rhossili was the stage for 400 people who attempted to break the world record for largest collective skinny dip.
No list of unique beaches would be complete without a mention of Rhossili Bay, which has been voted the third best beach in Europe and ninth best in the world. The Times nominated Rhossili as ‘The UK’s No.1 dog-friendly beach’ which among canine fans is an accolade indeed.
Rhossili Bay offers you three miles of fine golden sand and – thanks to the Atlantic swell – a range of watersports – particularly surfing. The walks along the cliffs are magnificent and you may be able to spot seals or dolphins playing in the surf, or even the shipwrecks that lie just below the surface. Rhossili Bay is part of the Gower Coast Path and the views are breath-taking.
