Wander the streets in San Sebastian's old town

SAMPLING delicious pintxos along the grid of narrow streets in San Sebastián's old town has been named the #1 best food experience in the world, according to global travel authority Lonely Planet's Ultimate Eats.

In the much-anticipated follow-up to Lonely Planet's Ultimate Travel, Ultimate Eats: The World's Top 500 Food Experiences...Ranked (Lonely Planet Food / $29.99 / August 2018) travels the world with an insatiable appetite to present the definitive foodie bucket-list of the world's top 500 food experiences – ranked.

Visitors to lonelyplanet.com/ultimate-eats have the opportunity to enter a competition for a chance to win the ultimate eating experience for two courtesy of Intrepid Travel's Northern Spain Real Food Adventure. Terms and conditions apply.




Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK
Picture Credit: By flydime - Pinchos / Spain, Barcelona, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11347080

Stunning Slovenian landscapes

SLOVENIA'S Julian Alps have been announced as one of the world’s top three must visit regions in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018. The Julian Alps feature alongside world leading regions including Alaska, Italy’s Aeolian Islands and Kii Peninsula in Japan.

Beautiful alpine landscapes with over two-thirds of the region protected by the Triglav National Park and one of the best regions in which to see wild flowers in Europe. The Triglav National Park, one of the oldest national parks in Europe, is renowned for its unique natural heritage with hikes taking visitors past sights including the Peričnik waterfall.

Home to some of the country’s most iconic sights including Lake Bled and its medieval castle, adrenalin seekers can explore the area via kayak or raft with the Soca Valley perfect for white water rafting and water sports. 

A haven for winter sports with impeccably maintained slopes and some of the best-value skiing in Europe. On the edge of the Triglav National Park find the picturesque resort of Vogel providing panoramic views over Lake Bohinj. On the outskirts of the National Park is Kranjska Gora, named the best value ski resort in Europe in the Post Office’s annual price survey, a resort perfect for families with a range of slopes.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Pilgrimage to the Eastern Cape

OVER the next twelve months, South Africa’s Eastern Cape will be a #safari hotspot, with travellers expected to make the pilgrimage to Mandela’s home province, to mark what would have been his 100th birthday. Events linked to ‘Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018: Be the Legacy’ will be held in #SouthAfrica and London, UK (a Nelson Mandela Exhibition running for a fortnight around his birthday in July), and a statue honouring the former president will be unveiled in Glasgow.

It’s bragging rights assured, after landing a much coveted spot on Lonely Planet’s top 10 Best Countries To Visit In 2018, there’s even more reason to visit South Africa, as the Otter Trail (the country’s oldest hiking trail) will also celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.

Cape Town is the jumping off point for Robben Island (where Mandela served 18 years of his 27 year sentence) and the perfect place to feel the Madiba buzz post your Big 5 safari. With stops in the Mountain Zebra National Park, the Addo Elephant Park and Tsitsikamma you can experience a taster of the country’s oldest hiking spot in a single afternoon - the complete Otter Trail is a more serious five day trek. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Belfast and the Causeway Coast take the lead

BELFAST and the Causeway Coast have been named the Number One Region in the world to visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet – coming in ahead of places like Alaska, the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France and the Aeolian islands in Italy. The accolade was unveiled in the prestigious Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018 – its collection of the world’s hottest trends, destinations and experiences for the coming year. 

Tourism Ireland plans to take every opportunity to maximise this accolade for Northern Ireland over the coming weeks and months. Its promotional campaign will roll out in 14 different markets – including Britain, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Nordic region, Australia, New Zealand, India and the GCC.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

New Zealand in Lonely Planet 2018 Best of Travel Top 10

LONELY Planet has named New Zealand in the Top 10 countries to visit in 2018 in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 201. #NewZealand is ranked fifth on the book’s list of Top 10 Countries 2018. 

It is the second time that New Zealand has appeared on the list with the last appearance in 2010 Best in Travel 2018 is Lonely Planet’s 13th annual collection of the world’s hottest destinations, experiences and trends for the year ahead.

The best-selling inspirational travel yearbook highlights the top 10 countries, cities and regions that Lonely Planet’s experts recommend travellers experience in 2018. 

Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Countries 2018 are: 

1. Chile 

2. South Korea 

3. Portugal 

4. Djibouti 

5. New Zealand 

6. Malta 

7. Georgia 

8. Mauritius 

9. China 

10. South Africa

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Lonely Planet releases guidebook to Nikko

LONELY Planet has released a custom guidebook for #Nikko in #Japan which can be downloaded in PDF format for free. 

The guide is called “Discover Nikko”, and offers readers an impressive 36 pages of information on attractions in Nikko and how to get there via Tobu Railway from the convenient jumping-off points of Asakusa or Skytree in Tokyo.

The guide is split into 5 themed sections: Shrines and Temples, Nature, Eating, Excursions and Festivals, with a final section, Getting Around, on local transport options once in the Nikko area.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: @yojosemere flickr.com/photos/39468369@N02/30505579095 Nikko, #Nihon - 2016 via photopin

Canada Number One destination for 2017

EACH year, Lonely Planet ranks destinations based on the diversity and quality of travel experiences offered and the number one destination for 2017 is #Canada. 

What better time to discover Canada as 2017 is also the country’s 150th anniversary with celebrations happening everywhere!

Over 14 million international visitors chose to explore Canada between January and August 2016, including a record breaking 2.5 million overseas arrivals this summer.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit:  thor_mark flickr.com/photos/14723335@N05/29827963494 Could We Pull off the Highway About Here? via photopin.com

Take the pain out of packing

TRAVELLERS who find holiday packing a serious headache might be interested in Lonely Planet’s How to Pack for Any Trip.

On sale for £5.95, it has:

• Comprehensive packing lists 
• Tried-and-tested packing methods 
• Advice for choosing luggage 
• How-to illustrations 

http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/world/how-to-pack-for-any-trip

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Bavaria 'best’ region, says Lonely Planet

#BAVARIA in Southern Germany has been named a “Best Region” in this year’s Lonely Planet’s 2016 Best in Travel yearbook/ 

Lonely Planet spokeswoman Dr. Stephanie Mair-Huydts says: ‘From the cloud-shredding Alps to story-book castles, Bavaria has something to delight every traveller. Whether in the beer hall or on the ski slope, Bavarians really know how to be good hosts. And 2016 will be the perfect time to experience a Bavarian welcome as the region celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Beer Purity Law. Cheers!’

Jens Huwald, managing director of Bayern Tourismus Marketing added: ‘We are delighted that Bavaria is included among the Top 10 Regions of 2016. We are proud that with its multi-faceted offerings, from royal palaces to unspoiled national parks, Bavaria fascinates more and more people.’

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel showcases what its editors think are the top ten countries, cities, and regions to visit in 2016. 

‘Best in Travel 2016 highlights not the places travellers are headed to next year, but the places our team determined they should visit,’ says Tom Hill, Lonely Planet’s editorial director. 

‘We picked a mix of up-and-coming destinations and places we anticipate will have buzz around them, based on special events and attractions, anniversary celebrations, and new openings.’

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Botswana the must-see destination for 2016, says Lonely Planet

LONELY PLANET has named #Botswana as its top must-see destination for 2016, describing it as 'wild Africa at its best'.

Seventeen percent of Botswana's land is given over to #conservation, while the jewel in Botswana's crown, the #OkavangoDelta, was officially recognized last year when it was made the 1,000th UNESCO World Heritage site.

Botswana majors on low density tourism, with small camps and strict curbs on visitor numbers. The country is often tagged 'the safest destination in Africa', with little poaching or corruption.

Safari specialist Real Africa is delighted to see Botswana's popularity continue to grow, but adds a note of caution: with visitor numbers restricted, people wishing to go in 2016 should book now. 

‘Do not wait until after Christmas to book your safari to Botswana’ says Real Africa's sales director, Paul Hickey Fry. ‘Come the New Year, we will already be looking at availability for 2017. As a general rule you should look to book a full 11 months in advance, just as soon as flight availability is released.’ 

The peak months of September and October 2016, when herds are at their most dramatic, are already showing limited availability while the Green Season months (until March 2016) have been sold out for months following a series of special offers, advises Real Africa.

How to get there

There are no direct flights to Botswana. Most visitors travel via Johannesburg to Maun, the main gateway for the Okavango. The Chobe National Park, a highlight of visits to Botswana, is easily accessed from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Road transfers from the falls to Chobe take approximately three hours.


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58374442@N00/2445256973">secretary bird</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">(license), http://www.flickr.com/photos/25529311@N03/6558975165">Nijlpaarden in de Okovango Delta</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Fremantle wins Lonely Planet accolade

#FREMANTLE in Western #Australia has been named a ‘must see’ destination for 2016 by travel publishers, Lonely Planet. 

Tourism Minister Kim Hames welcomed the port city’s selection on Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Cities list for 2016. ‘With more than A$1.3 billion of private and public investment in the development pipeline, Fremantle is in the midst of a period of great revitalization. New hotels, bars and restaurants have opened across the city further adding to its appeal to visitors and locals.’

Established in 1829 as a port for the fledgling Swan River Colony, Fremantle has a maritime and convict history. With the best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world, more than 150 buildings in the city are classified by the National Trust.

Where to stay … 

The latest hotel openings in Fremantle have drawn on its past. Fremantle Prison YHA allows guests the rare opportunity to sleep in a World Heritage-listed building. This one-of-a-kind hostel was originally the women's division of the Fremantle Prison built by convicts in the 1850s.

Opening early 2016, Seashells Fremantle will have 24 luxury self-contained apartments with a rooftop cocktail bar and tapas restaurant.

What to do …  

Soak up Fremantle’s salty history with a new walking tour, ‘The Sailors Guide to Fremantle’, which combines tales of the city’s convicts, pioneers, and ‘£10 Poms’ with stops in local pubs. A$50 pp. twofeet.com.au

Get a taste for the area on a three-hour food tour which starts from November 7. A$39 pp. foodloosetours.com.au

Take a 30-minute ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest Island – a car-free paradise with 62 white sand beaches. A biker tour explores the island’s history and wildlife. A$144 pp including ferry. rottnestexpress.com.au

One of the windiest cities in the world, Fremantle hosts the kite surfing event of the year.

On December 5 amateur and professional kiters compete in the Redbull Lighthouse to Leighton race for prize money and pride. 

Australian Olympic gold medallist Eamon Sullivan says Lonely Planet’s recognition of Fremantle is well-earned. 

‘It’s easy to see why so many people love visiting Fremantle – it’s home to world class beaches, heritage architecture, and a flourishing food scene attracting thousands of visitors each year.’

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: "Australia fremantle sunset" by User: (WT-shared) Inas at wts wikivoyage - Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons, http://www.flickr.com/photos/88572252@N06/20040686962">View SW from Parker Point on Rottnest Island, Western Australia</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license), http://www.flickr.com/photos/34534185@N00/15327064827">Coloured Wind surfing kite-1=</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">(license)