Anguilla - tiny in size, huge in impressions

Despite being one of the smallest islands in the Caribbean, Anguilla is a very attractive destination for tourists from all over the world. Its story began about 4000 years ago. The original name was Malliouhana, which means arrow-shaped sea serpent. After having been renamed by the Europeans due to its specific eel-like shape, the island’s name is of the similar origin in all of the Romance languages, so you will never make a mistake when inquiring about Anguilla vacation. After continuous colonization and two rebellions the island has become a British Overseas Territory. It is very easy to find a good villa to spend your vacation today, just check our Anguilla villas section and see for yourself.

Before starting off to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of this Caribbean treasure, spare several minutes of your time and read some useful notes on the Anguilla vacation.

The most exciting thing about all Caribbean destinations is beaches. Anguilla is absolutely not an exception. More to say, this island claims to have the best beaches in the world. Not less than 33 of them, all with clear azure water and glaringly white sand, offer a pampering experience of sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. There are crowded places along with beach bars, resorts, umbrellas and all other luxury attributes, as well as nice little secluded sands, where you can even spot sea turtles and iguanas. You can visit Captains Bay, Island Harbour, Shoal Bay East, Limestone Bay, to name only a few. No matter which one you choose, Anguilla will welcome you with calm sea and picturesque coast.

Another great activity in Anguilla is hiking. You will be amazed how many directions can be taken on such a small piece of dry land that is only 17 miles long and 3 miles wide at its maximum. The narrowness of the island makes it eventually possible to see the shoreline on the opposite sides when passing the low bush and rocks along the coast. One of the best places to start exploring the uninhabited area is Windward Point. If you find yourself bored with open spaces, then try the caves – natural formations, which emerged as gaps in the coral resulted by the erosion of the softer rock. The most prominent of them are Abadam Hole, Big Spring National Park, The Fountain, Iguana Cave and several others. So be sure to check at least one, as it is very interesting to see the insides of the island.

While some separate sights can be distinguished in other places of the Earth, in Anguilla the whole island is a natural and historical attraction. You can ride through the island on a bike or even on a horseback, for Anguilla is almost completely flat and has just one main road and nice side roads. While enjoying the splendid nature, be on the lookout for the birds – there are 136 different species of them. And if that all is not enough to satisfy your desire for Caribbean flora and fauna, come to the north side of the island and find a hiking trail near Crocus Hill. It will lead you to the small rainforest of Anguilla. It would be best to search for an accommodation in some of the small villages, such as West End vacation rentals, to have a nice place to refill your strength after the exploration of the island.

Anguilla won’t leave anyone indifferent. It is a kind of place which charms and enwraps you with its beauty right from the start. Who knows, maybe you wouldn’t even want to leave…

Pakistan - a cradle of the ancient civilizations

One of the most outstanding countries of the Asian region is Pakistan. The country has emerged as a result of political separation of the Indian subcontinent in 1947 and gaining an independence from the British Empire. A further split-up of the newly transpired state led to the appearance of Bangladesh from the eastern part of Pakistan and the western one to become what we now know as properly Pakistan. A number of ancient cultures have resided on the territory of Pakistan. Moreover, as time passed, different dynasties and empires took possession of the region; among them were the Persians, the Mongols, the Sikhs and the British. Nowadays Pakistan is an active member of the international community and a very popular destination for tourism. Check our section for houses in Pakistan and see how it influenced the availability of inexpensive and comfortable accommodations.

Being friendly and hospitable as any Asian country, Pakistan still remains an Islamic republic. Read some useful information we picked for you to feel at ease when visiting this wonderful country.

The diversity of cultures, peoples and landscapes is the main reason tourists come to Pakistan. The mountain system of the country offers quite a variety of challenges for mountaineers and cave-lovers. Five of world’s fourteen mountain peaks that surpass 8000 meters belong to the mountain chains of Pakistan, the famous K2 being one of them. The highest mountain pass is Shandur Pass, which is often referred to as the Roof of the World. If you prefer to go deeper rather than higher, see the Mangocher Cave, which is a place of natural decoration. The provinces which have the most mountain passes are Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. But don’t think that Pakistan means only mountains and caves, as there are other attractions too.

One of the best places to see in Pakistan is Mohenjo-Daro. It is one of the earliest urban settlements in the world and a heritage of the Indus Valley civilization. It has been presented in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1980. It is also worth saying that the fourth highest temperature on Earth was recorded in Mohenjo-Daro. In the times of the ancient civilization it was one of the administrative centers, and even the most developed city presumably in the world. It was carefully planned and built, as it was of the highest importance to the people of the Indus Valley. Nowadays it is a developed archaeological site, which is extremely preserved and protected mainly from the floods.

Punjab, the second largest province in Pakistan, will marvel you with religious diversity and well-preserved legacy of the ages. A lot of sights are scattered throughout its territory. This region was a witness to one of the greatest and most fearsome battles of Alexander the Great – The Battle of the Hydaspes River. And the city of Lahore is known as the Cultural Heart of Pakistan due to a plethora of architectural and cultural heritage. Guru Nanak - a founder of Sikhism – was born in Nankana Sahib, which is a great place of worship these days. The area of Punjab tends to become more desert from north to south. The southern city of Multan is a home to the mausoleum of the Sikh saints. And finally there is Lal Suhanra National Park on the outskirts of the city of Bahwalpur. Consider all the places of attraction and see if you like any of Punjab vacation rentals offered on our site.

While being highly cultural and traditional, Pakistan is a poor country, and the tourism industry is yet to show its best. But there is still much to enjoy now, so don't hesitate to plan your Pakistan vacation!

Guadeloupe - take a ride on the butterfly!

Guadeloupe is an absolutely unique archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, not only by its shape but also by its mixture of the modern infrastructure and civilization and local traditions and culture. It has a shape of a butterfly, if to look from above, and it is no wonder that the other name of Guadeloupe is the Butterfly Island. It has been a French overseas region and an inseverable part of the Republic of France since 2007. All of the islands are absolutely different, offering a varied complex of sights and attractions. As the local currency is euro, there will be no problems with sorting out the prices and planning your budget. And the availability of Guadeloupe vacation rentals will allow you to plan your vacation in detail and make the best of it.

While you are figuring out the best flight to Caribbean, spend some minutes of your time to read about the most outstanding places to see and things to do in Guadeloupe.

The main island consists of two parts, or ‘wings’ - Grande-Terre, the eastern wing, and Basse-Terre, the western one. Grand-Terre is a home to an assortment of coast towns and various beach activities. Azure water and white sand stretch along the shoreline as far as eye can see. You can as well learn to surf here or relax in numerous beach bars. Basse-Terre can boast a national park and La Soufrière volcano. For those who wish to have an adventure, there are hiking trails and a Jacques Cousteau underwater reserve. Each of the smaller islands, such as La Désirade, Terre-de-Haut and Marie-Galante, has its own matchless atmosphere – one being cool, the other – cosmopolitan, and the third – rural.

You can never be far from a beautiful beach while in Guadeloupe, whether it is man-made or wild, white or black sand, with calm water or high waves. But the islands have more to see than just beaches. The splendid tropical forest of Guadeloupe offers luxurious and endemic flora and fauna. It is best preserved in the Guadeloupe National Park, which occupies over 17000 hectares. Hunting, fishing and plant picking is prohibited there. You can enjoy picnics or mountain trail exploring in the national park, so don’t forget to take some warm clothes with you. But be sure to be careful if you decide to undertake the mountains during the rainy season, which is from July to November.

One of the most spectacular attractions in Guadeloupe is the Pulling Oxen Course. Every year such an event takes place at the end of the sugar season and reaches its full extent in November. Those extremely strong creatures pull unbelievable weights – from 1300 to 1700 kg – uphill along the coast. Every Sunday yokes of oxen drag large carriages with stones, and it is an opportunity for the inhabitants of the island to get together and arrange a party. To the tourists it is like a sight from another time. Certainly, you can also enjoy all this if you look for Ferry vacation rentals on our website.

Guadeloupe is a place to relax and ease yourself in a good and friendly environment. This small Caribbean archipelago can offer everything a tourist may wish for.

Sri Lanka - a preserve of tranquility

Being an island country, Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon, is an important center of the ancient Buddhist religion and culture and is one of the few remaining upholders of Buddhism and Hinduism in South Asia. It is located in the path of major sea routes and consequentially represents a strategic naval link between the West Asia and South East Asia. The most remarkable fact about Sri Lanka is that it is the first Asian nation to have had a female ruler in the I century BC - Queen Anula, and in the modern times it has also had the first female Prime-Minister - Sirimavo Bandaranaike. The name of the country ‘Sri Lanka’ is translated from Sanskrit as ‘Venerable Island’, and it seems to be completely fair. Its outstanding history, as well as valuable export products, has led to the world renown of this small piece of dry land in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka villas are now a convenient way to arrange your stay on the island.

There is much to see, taste and experience in Sri Lanka, but still an adjusted journey will provide the best impressions, so read on to learn some interesting details about this country.

One of the main attractions of Sri Lanka is its beaches. Totaling about 1340 km of the coastline, there are beaches for every season in the country. So no matter what time you prefer for your visit, you can still choose a place to enjoy the ocean! By the way, there are many ways you can diversify your beach vacation. The wide coral reef surrounding the shoreline provides a lot of opportunities for diving and snorkeling. You may even come across some historic wrecks at the bottom of the ocean. The waves are great for surfing, and if you seek for the calm waters, you may like windsurfing in such places as Bentota and Negombo. The main tourist destinations include the southern beaches, but there are less visited (and nevertheless attractive) territories to the East and North.

The island is very rich in abundant nature. Hills, parks and waterfalls are a wonderful place to get away from the urban noise. The spellbinding hill country is situated at the distance of 125 km from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. It rises over 2500 meters in the central region of the island. Charming little villages and tea plantations can be found there. The waterfalls of Sri Lanka are much varied. There are more than 100 of them, and yet some can remain undiscovered. The tallest is Bambarakanda (263 m). And the exclusive biodiversity of the country can be observed in its 12 National Parks and 52 Sanctuaries. Along with seven UNESCO World Heritage sites all this makes Sri Lanka a magnetic region for tourists.

You can find the sweetest cinnamon in Negombo – The village of honey, according to the Sinhalese. It has been the main place for cinnamon growing from the early centuries, and the town often was an object of dispute and even conflict between the nations. Nowadays Negombo is the biggest fishing market in the country. A lot of vessels bring their catch to the port in the early morning. You can even arrange to go out to the sea in one of the boats! Just browse our Negombo vacation rentals section to find a nice accommodation. There is also a plethora of wonderful shrines and churches in Negombo, since the great part of its population is Catholic.

The diversity of Sri Lanka is unique without exaggeration. You can observe every kind of landscape and enjoy almost any activity you like.

Macedonia - land of churches and mountains

Macedonia, one of the youngest independent countries in the world, is enriching the European continent with its unrepeatable mentality and picturesque landscapes. Parted from Yugoslavia back in 1991, it has since demonstrated significant economical growth. The country is a candidate for the European Union, which indicates that a level of life is due to grow inevitably. Apart from the economy issues, Macedonia is a very beautiful and hospitable country. A lot of places to see and to be awe-inspired! The lack of any sea coast is easily filled with marvelous mountain ranges, which form the natural boundaries of the country. And there are also three large lakes that are shared with Albania and Greece by the borders. Macedonia vacation rentals can be very useful when you decide to experience the magnificence of this state.

Every little piece of the country’s territory is filled with attractions, and no wonder you can feel lost after some time. Read some tips we have carefully picked for you in order to plan your journey effectively.

The mountains are nearly the main natural places of interest in Macedonia. They can be ousted only by the lakes. Stretching along the borders of the country, the Šar Mountains, the Osogovo–Belasica mountain chain, or the Rhodope range, and the Vardar River outline a great valley in the centre, which represents Macedonia in geographical way. The first thing to enjoy in the mountains is alpinism, since there are 14 peaks higher than 2000 meters in the country. And if climbing is not your way of exploring the mountains, you can still discover deep caves, ski, paraglide or just relax in the small and friendly mountain villages.

Macedonia is a very cultural and traditional country, and the outstanding heritage is the best assurance. Religious sites have the major position in the country. Some of the old churches and monasteries have preserved Byzantine fresco paintings, which were created between 11th and 16th century. Most of them are the masterworks of the Macedonian School of ecclesiastical painting. You may have heard about the churches of St. Sophia and the Holy Virgin of Perivleptos in Ohrid, the church of the Holy Saviour in Skopje and others. As a certain percent of the population is Muslim, there are pieces of great oriental architecture too.

One of the most prominent sites in Macedonia is Lake Ohrid. It is the largest one in the country and one of the deepest in Europe. It is claimed to have emerged about two or three million years ago. There are a lot of historical and cultural attractions, such as a restored Roman amphitheatre, that provides great acoustic for music festivals. According to the legend, there were 365 churches from the 4th century and onwards. And after all it is also a great waterside resort. Just see our Ohrid vacation rentals section and start planning your trip!

Such a small piece of land as Macedonia can keep you busy the whole vacation, and still you will see only a part of what it has to offer.

Venezuela - a paradise of Christopher Columbus

Venezuela, one of the most beautiful countries of Latin America, was considered to be literally a paradise by Christopher Columbus, when he sailed through the Gulf of Paria during his third voyage. And the name which he gave to that territory, Land of Grace, is an unofficial name of Venezuela now. Being located entirely in the tropics, the country really offers a great abundance of nature, locations, wildlife and weather conditions. Average temperature is 25°C (77°F), but the Andes are usually cooler, as any mountains are, and you can even come across snow in its highest parts. But that is not a problem for an experienced traveler, for there is a Venezuela vacation rentals section on our website, and no weather can stop you from exploring Amazonian rain forests, peaks of Andes or Angel Falls – the highest waterfall in the world!

There are some basic things you need to know if you decide to visit Venezuela, so read the extracts we prepared for you before moving on to the rentals.

As it is usual for a South American country, the sunny beaches and the warm ocean in one part of the territory is complemented by the mountains, particularly Andes, on the other. The Andes of Venezuela are about 400 km long and 50-100 km wide. It is a perfect place for adventure activities, such as climbing, trekking, camping, horse riding, paragliding, and mountain biking. And if you admire wildlife or conduct a research on flora and fauna, the mountain chains of Venezuela are just the thing for you as well.

Being without a doubt the most popular tourist attraction in Venezuela, The Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall on Earth. However, the trip to the fall may be somewhat complicated, since they are situated in an isolated jungle region. The only way to reach the site is by plane from Caracas or Ciudad Bolivar to the Canaima camp, where the trips to the base of the falls start. During the wet season, which is from June to December, it is also possible to get there by river. But it is worth to take an effort, since it is a majestic view!

One of the best locations to enjoy the seaside is Margarita Island. There is about 167 km of coastline, where both busy tourist beaches and quiet fishing villages can be discovered. Of course, bars, shops, restaurants and similar entertainment can be found on the island too. If you like to explore the depths, then you are sure to take pleasure in snorkeling and scuba diving. And if speed and open spaces is your thing, it is certainly worth to try windsurfing. All this can be easily done while staying in Margarita Island vacation rentals, which are also present on our website.

Venezuela is a country of contrast and variability, and no matter what season will you choose to come there, you will fully enjoy your vacation!

Albania - the heart of the Mediterranean

Though Albania is one of the smallest countries in Europe, nevertheless it is an active participant of many of the European organizations. Its economy is quickly growing, and the country has all chances to become a member of the European Union in the near future. But that is not the main fact which makes it an especially attractive place to visit. Situated in the centre of Mediterranean region, washed by Ionian and Adriatic seas, still partly untouched by globalization, Albania is a result of the exciting fusion of the ancient European civilizations and cultures. Very few countries can boast such uniqueness, and it can be understood why it is considered one of the world’s most interesting getaways.

You will get much more enjoyment from your Albanian trip if you spend just about ten minutes reading the information we selected about the country.

The unbelievable hospitality of the people descends from the traditions of courtesy dating as far as 15th century, and in some ways even earlier. A guest is shown the highest respect; he is seated at the head of the table. If you are lucky enough to be invited to the Albanian house, you will be treated with warmth and generosity. And there is a high chance of it with rental property in Albania provided by our website. Being truly friendly and helpful towards the foreigners who visit their country, the Albanians do have a custom, unusual for the rest of the world – they shake their head if they mean “yes”, and nod it to say “no”. That is nearly the main thing to be remembered while staying in this country.

The sea coasts of Albania are also one of the reasons of the country’s great popularity. Ionian and Adriatic shorelines both have their distinctive features. Since there are few river deltas at the former, the coastline is rocky there, and the waves can be up to 4 meters. The latter starts from the delta of Buna River, and the combination of the deltas of the largest rivers makes its waters shallow. The Adriatic coast provides a great opportunity for nature lovers and eco-tourists, while the Ionian shore will surprise you with small beaches and secluded bays, often being hard to reach.

Gjirokaster, the Town of a Thousand Steps, is a well-preserved medieval town, included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. It is situated in the valley between the Gjere Mountains and the Drino River. Since it lies close to the border, it was also an important outpost, which witnessed many historical events. Once it even was a capital of the short lived Autonomous Republic of Northern Epirus. The town itself is a museum, and the landmarks can be seen on every street. You may even stay in one of those, if you look at our Gjirokaster vacation rentals section.

Nobody can stay insensitive to Albania after visiting it. The people, the history, the small towns – all of it catches your eye and your heart right from the beginning of your journey!