Travel Journal

An interesting juxtaposition forms in my mind as I rise before dawn to head off into the darkness in order to explore a little-known place on the globe. I’m embarking on a trip to a site called World’s End – whereas in reality, as I survey my surroundings, it seems as though I’ve travelled back in time to a place where the world is only just beginning.

As our minibus climbs up to Horton Plains, the early-morning hour mist covers the hills around us like a soft white blanket that’s protecting the sleeping wildlife. The silence and stillness of this moment creates a sensation of complete solitude as if we are the only people alive and about to witness the creation of a new dawn. It’s a feeling that can only be captured in such a place, which brings its visitors literally to the ends of Earth.

Are you a fan of offbeat pop culture, creepy mysteries or strange twists of Mother Nature? Do you want to see quiet unassuming oddities or weirdness on a massive scale? The range of eye–popping travel options is vast, from the The Gnome Reserve and Wildflower Garden in the UK with 1,000 resident gnomes and pixies, to the ancient and unexplained Nazca Lines in Peru and the deep-pink waters of Lake Hillier in Western Australia.

The Welsh capital Cardiff was recently named the ‘sixth most Instagrammed’ historic city in the UK. And here’s how to make the most of your holiday there.

This 2,000 year old landmark citadel was once a Roman fort, Norman stronghold and Victorian Gothic fantasy palace. Today, an entrance ticket for UK£ 14 will grant you access to the impressive castle grounds and apartments, Norman keep, Roman chariot corner and some spooky wartime tunnels.

Travel can be an enriching experience, which leaves you with memories that evoke joy and wonder years after your trip. But have you no-ticed how many people go through their holiday on autopilot – shuffling uninterestedly from one site to another, taking mandatory selfies and generally having a very ordinary time? So here’s how you can put ‘extraordinary’ back into your travels!

Though the name of Central Africa’s Rwanda evokes me-mories of a shocking genocide in 1994, its 12 million strong population has decided to reconcile them-selves to the past and transform their tiny landlocked settlement into one of the most progressive nations on the continent. This magical transformation encourages over a million visitors to visit Rwanda annually and enjoy the land’s natural assets. These range from countless thickly forested undulating hills, volcanic mountain ranges, lush green tea plantations, streaming rivers and expansive lakes, to sprawling national parks teeming with wildlife – the most celebrated species of which are the rare mountain gorillas.

Finally, here we are entering a new decade – and so a very Happy New Year to you all! The period immediately before the new year and soon after it has dawned is not always easy for everyone.

We remember our friends and family who have left us, and also the good times we enjoyed during the year. It’s also a time when we de-cide to adopt good practices and draw up a list of resolutions that we hope to keep in the days to come.

So before launching into possibly another tough year, why not plan a holiday that’ll help you relax after the gruelling stresses of the past year? You can then reflect on your resolutions before resuming your journey with renewed purpose and vigour. Here are some ideal loca-tions for such a holiday.

When someone mentions Greece, and you picture the bluest seas and tiny villages stacked like Lego blocks on top of each other, you’re spot on. While most of the main Greek islands like Santorini and Mykonos are crowded with holidaymakers, Paros is a relatively laid-back option. So to experience the Greek flavour but not be overwhelmed by teeming masses, this island should be your first choice.

WHERE TO STAY While many may suggest setting up base in Paros’ thriving capital Parikia, we recommend the cosier village of Naoussa. The tiny lanes with their curious assortment of shops make for a great romantic stroll especially with serenading street musicians at every corner. Grab a gelato or coffee and catch the sunset at the port. You’ll not be disappointed.

Many Sri Lankan picture postcards display silhouettes of men perched on stilts in the sea against the horizon at dusk or dawn. This is an evocative image of history and tradition encapsulated in a simple photograph. It’s a picture that’s been in my head ever since I planned my trip to the island – and an activi-ty that I can’t wait to be a part of.

So as we head to Mirissa to try our luck at stilt fishing – a practice that dates back to the end of World War II – I hope not only to gain an au-thentic experience but also catch a bite for myself.