The English countryside – made famous in classic Jane Austen novels – is not so far removed from the present day. The pace is deliberately more quiet and measured than in the major cities. Time can be taken to reflect, to breathe in the fresh unpolluted country air – and to become immersed in a world less affected by the stresses and noises of contemporary life.

If this sounds idyllic it’s a description shared by both visitors and residents alike. Clear streams and lakes are flanked by lush greenery and rolling hills – historic villages give home to quaint shoppes and community pubs. And everywhere history, literature and art are all well represented.

Many classics by author Jane Austen described the English countryside’s pastoral yet elegant settings. And films from the ‘30s Robin Hood to current titles are also represented throughout the bucolic landscapes. But if that all sound too tranquil the English countryside also offers numerous outdoor activities such as fishing, horseback riding, archery and cycling – as well as indoor fun like ten pin bowling, indoor tennis, swimming, and the like. And despite being well into summer there are still plenty of exceptional deals for UK holidays.

The English countryside, by its very nature, has something of merit for anyone from all walks of life. And the local villages also work to have exceptional goods and services to offer to any passersby. The locals pride themselves on being able to offer a travel experience like no other. At once restful and rejuvenating, the country’s got it all.      

Whether you’re just exhausted from taking care of your kids or it’s been a long week at work, there is always a reason to get away. Even if it is just down the road or in some distant luxurious location, it’s always a good thing to step away from the constant pressures of everyday life. Don’t let international flights scare you either; it’s worth it to see the many wonders that countries outside the United States have to offer. It could be anything from visiting the pyramids and sphinxes in Egypt to enjoying some baguettes outside of the Eiffel Tower in France.

            A little known African country, Tunisia, also offers a wide range of entertainment and sight seeing for the whole family to enjoy. Whether it is visiting the National Opera house in downtown Tunis or enjoying one of the many festivals that are held year-round. Tunisia Holidays can perfectly answer the call for a weekend getaway or vacation where you can push your personal boundaries while experiencing another countries rich culture.

            Some people put too little thought in where they’re going overseas usually as they quickly bound themselves to the normal destinations of: Spain, Italy, France, etc. Do not overlook the smaller and more unknown countries where you can usually find the most unique cultures where you can ponder the many differences between our country and theirs. So before you sell out to the “big name countries” of Europe, make sure you take all other possibilities into consideration; after all, it is you’re vacation. 

If you looked at a map of the Caribbean sea, you would discover there are more than seven-thousand islands and cays in these sparkling clear waters. One in particular is Jamaica and it has been and remains a popular destination for travelers.  If you love warm sand and sunny days, this is the island for you. 

Scuba divers and snorkelers alike flock to this destination for the warm waters where coral reefs are thriving and colorful tropical fish are abundant.  On land, the countryside is lush and the sunsets will certainly take your breath away.  The common music is Reggae and Calypso is also heard in the clubs and restaurants here. 

Special offers to vacation here can be found online and draw travelers from around the world. Many will return to this paradise island for their anniversary.  Even people from the UK who have been matched by an Irish dating service will hop on a flight to marvel at the waterfalls and European architecture that is found here.  Montego Bay and Negril are the most popular towns and, if you were not aware, a swimsuit in Negril is optional.   Stingray City is something you must experience on the nearby Caymen Islands.   

The size and thundering Iguassu Falls have fascinated many travelers from around the world. While 70% of Iguassu Falls in Argentina and fall most real face of Brazil. Nothing in the world’s waters, compared to, or is even more impressive than the natural spectacle offered by the fantastic group of 275 waterfalls that make up Iguassu Falls.

Situated a few kilometers from Iguassu River, its waterfalls captivate you with its water flow, size, and the stream force. Geological changes that have led to Iguassu Falls took place nearly 150 million years ago and shook the earth’s crust throughout the world. In the region of Iguassu, these changes formed a gigantic valley, loaded of rock steps and through which flows a great Iguassu, creating a huge cloud of steam along with a deafening noise.

The average flow of the falls is about 1,800 m3 per second, and an average of 10 million liters per second. Width of the falls (2700 m) is located 800 m from the Brazilian side and 1900 m from the Argentinean side. It includes a rapid decrease in height of 72 m (their height varies between 40 m and 90 m). Depending on the season, (rain) water flow ranges from 300 cubic meters each second up to 6500 cubic meters each sec and a normal flow of 1,500 cubic meters each second. During the rainy season flow of the Iguassu River increases and then shows a more stunning scene.

The Hindu Kush, Kuh-e Hind, and the Hindu Kuh are all names referring to a 500 mile long sub-range of the Himalayan Mountains. This mountain range runs through all, or part of eight countries along its path; China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Buhtan, Nepal, India and Myanmar.

The highest peak of the Hindu Kush is Tirich Mir, in Pakistan, reaches 25,289 feet earning the name “The Roof of the World.” Who could resist seeing a region that is impressive even on paper, imagine actually visiting and experiencing it for yourself. Many regions of the Hindu Kush are not as well explored as the rest of the world. However, it does attract visitors from around the world for skiing, mountain climbing, and adventure holidays on its various mountains and slopes.

Many of the regions offer their own sight-seeing packages and touring options whether you wish to travel on foot, by jeep or on horseback. In Chitrals, Swat Valley you can visit archaeological sites like Taxila Bhirmound, Sirkap, Sirsukh, and Taket-e-Bhai. The name Hindu Kush when literally translated means Hindu killer, and despite the ominus name Hinduism, along with other religions, is alive and well there. A variety of monasteries, mosques and temples with beautiful architecture, statues are located throughout the Hindu Kush.

These sites can often be visited and have fine examples of grand architecture, beautiful statues and more. The Hindu Kush is home to a variety of indigenous people like the Kafir Kalash tribes of the Bomboret, Rambur and Birir valleys, and the Nuristani tribe of Chitral. The people have strong cultural identities and many fascinating traditions. Visit the Bazzar of Rawalpindi or explore the frontier town of Peshawar to learn more of the culture. There is a vareity of lodging options along the Hindu Kush. But perhaps the most highly recommended is the Hindukush Heights Hotel. Located in the Chitral Valley of Pakistan, the hotel offers 24 elegant rooms away from noise and pollution where you can relax and take in the panoramic views of the area. Most vegetables served there are organically grown within the hotels garden, and from the pool your views will include the mountain and valley.

The Columbia Icefield is a great time for anyone that enjoys an adventure and can tolerate the cold weather. Easily the most amazing part is that you can step out onto the middle of the ancient glacier. You can choose to have a tour guide take you onto the glacier for an 80 minute tour while he/she tells many interesting facts. There are also many other fun activities that take place amongst the Icefield.

You can venture out on a 2 hour long journey that consists of human history and shows tourists where the glacier is melting away to. The melt water from the glacier is creating marvelous ponds and lakes that are gorgeous to view. Scenery plays a huge role in this adventure since almost anywhere that is traveled is guaranteed to take your breath away.

The Icefield Parkway can be a great time if you and your family love to take pictures. On this mountain roadway there are many lakes and glaciers that are visible. Plus there are beautiful turquoise waterfalls that are just astonishing. Walking this path you will see very heavily wooded alpine areas which will lead you to the snow capped mountain tops.

The Columbia Icefield is known as the largest amount of snow and ice in the whole entire Arctic Circle. Knowing that you are standing on something so historic is life changing. Eight major glaciers are given life by the Icefield. The glaciers Athabasca, Stutfield, and Dome glaciers are all visible from the Icefield. Besides just giving life to glaciers right near it the Columbia Icefield feeds many different water sources. The Icefield runs into the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans with the melt water that it provides. This is amazing to see with water going in every direction.

At the end of the day you can visit the restaurants that are lining the Icefield. The restaurants overlooking these great glaciers and mountains make eating a meal a great way to complete your trip. Don’t forget to also visit the souvenir shops to remember your amazing journey to the Columbia Icefield.  Leslie at allpro.com