Geoff Roe's blog

A Tropical Island Getaway in France?

 

Best of Corsica

France and its Riviera are always popular in the summer months and are perfect for a train tour. Such legendary locations as Nice, Cannes, Monaco and Saint Tropez can get quite crowded in the summer as well. If you find yourself here, let me fill you in on how you can escape these crowds with a little island getaway cased Corsica!

The island of Crosica sits off the coast of the French Riviera, is truly a tropical island in the summer months. Here you find all the culture, history and tasty cuisine of France, with all the perks of a tropical island.  Note if you have a Eurail global pass you get a discount to take a ferry to Corsica, where I bet you’ll want to stay a few days. The main draw here is the beautiful scenery and beaches. The gorgeous Balagne region is filled with citrus groves, vineyards, and picturesque mountain villages like Speloncato, Calenzana, Zilia, and Sant Antonino. Other highlights of Corsica are the flowery bluffs of Asco Valley, the Cap Corse peninsula and the gorges of Restonica and Tavignano. The Scandola Nature Reserve and the Senino peninsula are known for their bird watching. Across all this you will find scenic trails to hike with guided tours available.

Here on Corsica you’ll find plenty of little beaches and coves to discover. The town of Calvi has a stunning blue bay and beaches to match, makes it a great play to stay. The tiny fishing town of Algajola in Corsica’s Balagne region boasts great diving and snorkelling. Other popular beaches include the Ille Rousse, Aregno, and Santa Giulia. Out here the sea is swimmable any time of year, but nothing beats the summer months.

Corsica’s nightlife here is vibrant and full of island fun. While mostly located in the center areas, most little villages know how to party with little sea side bars. Bonifacio harbor has also higher-end bars for a post-dinner drink or two, and the trendy Porto Vecchio offers many stylish nightclubs for the late-night party-goer. Also check out the bars, restaurants, and cabarets in Ajaccio, Bastia, and Calvi if you care to have some appetizers with your cocktails.

The history of Corsica is a just a rich and colourful as any other location on the Mediterranean. The famous Haute Ville with its lovely ensemble of medieval battlements, churches, steep lanes, and ancient houses, and be sure to admire its white cliffs and 9th century citadel. The university town of Corte is part of a 15th century fortress and many other fascinating historical sites. Erbalunga is known for its fabulous cultural events and music festivals. Corsica’s real claim to fame is it is the birthplace of Napoleon, which they celebrate yearly.

You will enjoy the ferry ride to Corsica, as it will give you a break from your train tour to enjoy the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean.  Once you spend some time here, you will want to buy a little villa and never leave!

What to Expect on Your First Trip to Kenya

Kenya is a place of discovery, relaxation, endless activities and unspoiled beauty. If you've never been there, your Travel Kenya experience will be more thrilling and extraordinary than you could ever dream of. It is truly a life experience that will take you to a beautiful world filled with discovery. From deserts and mountains to coral reefs and beaches, there are millions of reasons to vacation in Kenya, and if you are visiting for the first time, your biggest decision will be what to see and do in the amount of time you have.

Geographical Facts of Kenya
Kenya is located in east-central Africa, across the equator, along the Indian Ocean coastline. The geography of Kenya is diverse and varied as seen by its flat lands, mountains, coastline and landscape. Tanzania borders Kenya to the southwest, the Indian Ocean to the southeast, Uganda to its west, Somalia to the east and Ethiopia and Sudan to the north. Kenya spans over snow-capped mountain to the north with the sea to its east. Its terrain gradually transforms for low coastal plains to the highlands. The coast of Kenya is fertile and low lying with stunning coral reef, and the dry coastal plains are cultivated with thron bushes and savannas. The highest point at 5,199 meters is Mount Kenya One of the most magnificent geographical points in Kenya is the Great Rift Valley, which divides Kenyan's highlands from east and west. This agricultural region offer very fertile soil and a cooler climate. The rain forests are also a part of the geography of Kenya and include the Kakamega and Mau Forests.

The most popular tourists destinations are the Masai Mara, where animal viewing is renowned. Nakuru, Naivasha, Amboseku and Tsavo National Parks are home to incredible wildlife with landscapes and colorful plains that will take your breath away. Combine an exciting and adventurous safari with a few glorious days relaxing or swimming on one of Kenya's pristine white sand beaches, and you've got it made. If relaxing on a beach isn't your style, you'll thrive on Kenya's power packed water activities like swimming with whale sharks, scuba diving or trying your hand at big game fishing.

Travel Kenya
Many adventure driven baby boomers are traveling to Kenya to take part in a wildlife and nature safari.  Others let their mind escape on the beautiful beaches of Kenya. All the daily worries of business, meetings, careers and family affairs faded away in one of many of Kenya famous beach resorts, where guests enjoy fabulous service superb accommodations and tranquility and peace never before experienced.

For those wishing to take adventure to a whole new level, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, Camel Ride Safaris, bunging jumping, paragliding, fishing or golfing will present challenges and most daring to try things they have never dared try before. Travel Kenya and you will see what the definition of "true adventures" really means.

Kenya is filled with remarkable extremes, and any visitor will be inspire

Want to win a trip to Kenya? Canadians have a chance to win a trip for two from Kenya airways. Click here to enter.

 

Las Vegas: #1 for Private Jet Charters

Sin City is the top choice for chartering a jet within the states and I’m sure you know why.  The entertainment capital of the world caters to all your needs and wants, and is perfect place to celebrate or host a special event.  If planning a weekend or bachelor party in Vegas with a group makes jet charter an option.  Once the cost is divided with a group, the costs are comparable to everyone buying first-class tickets.  It’s not just the convenience and speed that the jet offer, what you are really paying for is the memorable experience flying.  You and your friends can be sipping champagne while appys are catered for you, meaning the party doesn’t have to wait to start on the ground. 

Las Vegas Intersection Time Lapse from Stock 4K Video on Vimeo.

Las Vegas Time Lapse

Miami: Ideal for US Jet Travel

Miami is the ideal quick getaway for anyone traveling within the continental United States needing a beach vacation.  Chartering a jet here can be relatively affordable and convenient with a group, avoiding the costs and hassle of traveling overseas or across borders.  Miami has a lot to offer to adults and families, from a vibrant nightlife with restaurants and shopping to amusement parks for the kids, such as Disney World. 

MIAMI The Real Paradise

Private Jet Charter Info

private jet travel

Did you know why people and companies spend thousand of dollars on chartering a private plane these days? There are few main reasons for flying by private jet charter which include speed, comfortable and security. There are literally hundreds of private plane companies out there, so when you need to arrange to charter a plane there should be plenty of choices for you, and finding one to match you needs shouldn't be difficult. As with most of the services we buy there is a wide variety on the price too, and sometimes with good reason.

Private jets have a smaller shape than most airplanes, it's almost five times smaller than a Airbus 340 or a Boeing 747! Because of that shapes, it can fly faster than the conventional one. Many private jets, such as Cessna can fly over 1000 kilometers per hour. They are faster than Boeing 747 that only reach about 850 kilometers per hour. Their speed are near 1 mach or close to the speed of sound. With the difference almost 150 kilometers per hour, busy people can save more of their time traveling for business.

When traveling by a traditional plane you only need to spend more time in queuing at the airport. Checking your tickets and baggage, going through security and waiting for the airplane. It much easier when you charter a private jet. You don't need to stand in line for up to hours to check your baggage as they can check in at a separate area. Some of them are able to use smaller airports that are near to your destination.

Do some research and find out the types and kinds of private planes that have the things you are looking for and their average prices. Remember that cheaper does not always mean better. If the private jet price for one is, less than another but it gets basically less gas mileage you may make up the difference or end up paying more in fuel costs than you would by purchasing the most expensively priced jet.

There are a handful of good planes that are currently on the market for both used and new so there are plenty of options available so there is a good selection to choose from on the used market and the new market as companies are attempting to get rid of the current inventory to make room for newer models. You can get some jets for as low as $1.5 Million used! The prices of course are dependent on what you want and how large the plane is and what additional options you want based on the age of the plane.

I wish you the best of luck in researching and hooking up your private jet charter travel options. Remember to talk to friends, look online and read reviews before going with any jet charter service online. 

Private Jets: Perfect for Group Travel

group jet travel

A charter plane service is also a great way to travel with a group, even if the group is just the family. There are no layovers or connections, so everyone will get to the same place at the same time. There is no chance to lose someone en route. There is also not the chance to leave someone behind, the aircraft does not take-off until they get the green light from the passengers. Also, only invited guests are on-board so everyone can discuss what they like in private- business or gossip.

There are so many nice features of flying on a private jet, just think about it! There is no more wasting time in a crowded airport, having to arrive hours early just to check in. you quickly go through security and make it to your gate easily in time for your flight. If there is a problem a charter plane service will get another airplane almost in no time at all. The seats are wide and with plenty of legroom. You're not surrounded by loud crying babies, or chatty people in the seat next to you. Traveling on a private charter plane service would not even begin to compare and contrast against airlines. 

So why wouldn't ou just fly first class on a commercial flight? Chartering a private jet reduces the travel time by nearly half. When flying on a private jet charter, you don't have to wait in long lines when checking in. Private ground transportation can be arranged to take you directly to the plane and pick you up when you arrive. That way, you save money on airport parking costs. What's more, private jet charters often

fly to airports that commercial airlines simply don't go to. Which means you can get a lot closer to your final destination than you would on a commercial flight.

Private jet travelers also prefer charter travel because of the very high degree of comfort this kind of trip offers. Spacious comfortable seats that you just don't find in normal flights such as gourmet meals, bars, and in flight movies are just some of the perks you can expect to find on your next executive jet charter flight. It sure beats those cramped commercial airline flights where you can barely move your legs.

Private jet chartering can be a very cost effective way of traveling around, especially if you are traveling in a group. Up to eighteen passengers can be accommodated on most private jets, and when the cost is split evenly between passengers, the final amount is often significantly less or equal to what you'd spend on a commercial flight.

This option is a handy travel resource for anyone with the budget available in their bank account. Chartering a private jet is a big first step, but thanks to technology it has only got easier. You can even book a private jet flight from your smartphones these days...what is the world coming to? 

Eurail Tour of the Med: Portugal

Portugal

A perfect Eurail train tour of Europe’s Mediterranean coast can get off to a great start in the famous Algarve region of south Portugal.  The Algarve region has always been popular with other Europeans, especially visitors from the United Kingdom, where a train pass can mean a quick and affordable beach vacation from the colder climate of the UK. This area is also picking up now with international visitors, and is one I definitely recommend.

Algarve is one of the oldest port-trade regions in recorded history, going back thousands of years to when Phoenicians and later the Moors controlled the region.  Algarve means “the west” and is of the few areas of Europe to have an Arabic name, showing its early settlers’ roots.  Today, during its peak season, it will hold a population of one million tourists!

One great feature of the Algarve is its more moderate temperatures compared to other Mediterranean areas.  This makes this area perfect for sports and other outdoor activities with its milder summer weather.  You can find a variety of amazing spots for golf or tennis, plus beautiful grottos and cliff-sides to explore.  Some top golf courses to note are Pine Cliffs, Salgados and Balaia Golf Village.

For cuisine you can bet on the fantastic local seafood.  Atlantic white tuna is a staple, with mackerel and swordfish being common menu items.  “piri-piri” style spicy chicken is also a traditional favourite and Portuguese cuisine features heavy use of fruit and veggies.  While not as famous for their wines as the neighbouring countries, you are sure to enjoy their selections of red wine from the north.

Of course with any train tour of the Mediterranean coast, beach towns and areas must be on the menu, here is a short list of the must-see costal spots in south Portugal:

Castro Marim- A lovely town with three main beaches and also features a beautiful countryside full of wild flowers, orchards and gardens.

Albufeira- this town features a vibrant nightlife, shopping and great golf to accompany its beautiful beaches.

Tavira- Known for its attractive architecture along with its attractive beaches.

Praia de Odeceixe- a crescent-shaped beach best known for being a prime surfing location.

Faro- This is your #1 stop any time of year for some sun.  Other than beaches, it showcases this coastal area’s history with amazing museums, cathedrals and architecture. It also features a 30,000-seat football stadium called Estádio Algarve and the Ria Formosa Lagoon, a nature reserve that houses hundreds of different kinds of birds.

Check out my next stop in Spain on my eastward train tour of the Mediterranean coast.

Cities of Spain by Eurail: Granada

Granada

Granada is probably the most historically significant city in Spain due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean. Its picturesque landscape of beaches to mountains provided a military defensive position that has been recognised for this since 500BC.  For hundreds of years this area was controlled by the Moors and battled over.  When the Moors were forced back by the Spanish in the 15^th century after 800 years rule, Spain moved on the bigger and better things.  This is when Spain set off to discover the New World, leading to Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the Americas.  If you are traveling by Eurail pass and are interested in learning about the fascinating history and mixed culture of this area, makes sure to visit.

The Alhambra was one of the candidates for the New Seven Wonders of the World, but finished as a runnerup in 2007.  Don’t let that detour you thought! It is a spectacular Moorish fortress, with beautiful gardens and amazing architecture, and really is a wonder of the world.

The Albayzín is Granada's Moorish district, full of winding streets and hills. The Sacromonte sits above the Albayzin, is Granada's gypsy quarter and is famous for its flamenco venues. Both these areas are as beautiful as they are unique.

Cordoba is a little old town where the main attraction is the Mezquita, which was once the biggest mosque in the world, but is now a catholic church.

The Alpujarras are the green mountains between Granada and the sea. Tiny villages dot the landscape, with the locals making their living off ham and wine production. You can get a guided tour of this area if you like.

If you feel really adventurous, visit the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain, which offer skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.

IF you do make a train tour stop here, you must also experience the culture here by smoking shisha, drink tea and eating tapas. Shisha is tasty flavoured tobacco out of an elaborate water pipe, a Moorish tradition.  Another Moorish tradition is tea drinking, In Granada you can find dozens of kinds to try.  Tapas are a small food dish served with a drink, here is Granada you can be lucky to find places that serve tapas free with a drink, which is the traditional way. 

French Riviera: a short trip to Corsica Island

Corsica island

The island of Corsica is truly a tropical island getaway in the Mediterranean. It also shares its landmass with the Italian island of Sardinia. So if you are travelling by Eurail pass you can get a ferry discount to get to Corsica, where I’ll bet you want to spend a few days at just to relax. The main draw here is the beautiful scenery and beaches. The stunning Balagne region is studded with citrus groves, vineyards, and charming mountain villages like Speloncato, Calenzana, Zilia, and Sant Antonino. Other highlights of Corsica are the flowery bluffs of Asco Valley, the Cap Corse peninsula, the gorges of Restonica and Tavignano, the hill village of Castagniccia, and the breathtaking Calanches of Piana. The Scandola Nature Reserve and the Senino peninsula have wonderful birdwatching. Visitors who would enjoy a walking tour of trails in the Zonza National Park or the coast to coast tour.

This island is scattered with perfect beaches and little coves to discover and enjoy. The town of Calvi, with its shinning blue bay and stunning beaches is a great play to stay. The tiny fishing town of Algajola in Corsica's Balagne region boasts great diving and snorkeling. The beaches near Piana are veirtually untouched. Other popular beaches include the Ille Rousse, Aregno, and Santa Giulia. Out here the sea is swimmable any time of year, but is unbeatable in the summer months.

Corsica’s nightlife is vibrant and full of island excitement. While mostley located in the center areas, most little villages know how to party with little sea side bars. Bonifacio harbor has also higher-end bars for a post-dinner drink or two, and the trendy Porto Vecchio offers many stylish nightclubs for the late-night partygoer. Also check out the bars, restaurants, and cabarets in Ajaccio, Bastia, and Calvi if you care to have some appetizers with your cocktails.

Corsica's history is a rich and colourful as anywhere on the Med.  The famous Haute Ville with its lovely ensemble of medieval battlements, churches, steep lanes, and ancient houses, and be sure to admire its white cliffs and 9th century citadel. The university town of Corte is part of a 15th century fortress and many other fascinating historical sites. Erbalunga is known for its fabulous cultural events and music festivals. Make sure to visit the Fetes Napoléoniennes in Ajaccio, which celebrates the birthday of Corsica's famous son Napoleon.

As you can see, Corsica is the perfect stop on a train tour of the Riviera, with just a short ferry ride to paradise.

The French Riviera by Eurail Pass: Cannes

Cannes

Cannes is famous for its legendary Cannes Flim Festival each spring.  If you did not receive an invitation to this year’s festival, make sure to check out a Eurail flexi pass and start your train tour across the Riviera to Cannes.

La Croisette symbolizes the style and glamour of Cannes, This boardwalk lines the shore and is full of excitement. There are vendors selling souvenirs and treats, with some activities for the kids. You can also dip down the beach to visit a cafe and take a break.

Palais des Festivals et des Congres is where the famous red carpet of the Cannes film festival is rolled out of. It is at the end of La Croissette and hosts many events during the year.

Musée de la Castre was a castle that is now a art museum and offers a great view of Cannes below from its tower.

Musée de la Mer is a unique museum off the shore of Cannes features hosts underwater archaeology collections. The museum's highlight is the exhibit devoted to the mysterious man in the iron mask.

La Suquet is the Old Town of Cannes and is built on what used to be a Roman military camp before. The Old Town is the highest point of the city where tourists can still find remains of Chapel of St Anne from the twelfth century.  Other places which are worth visiting include St marguerite Island, St Honorat Island, Villas of Cannes and Notre dame de Bon Voyage.

Cannes is also famous for its high-end shopping. This ranges from local boutiques to malls and features all the top brands you can think off.   So if you are lucky enough to experience the Riviera by train, make sure to make a day trip to Cannes, only a short train trip from Nice.