Friday, May 2008

S U M M E R H O L I DAYS

Holiday hues

H

extremely individual choices. Read about five kinds that are promoted with a specific purpose in mind. By Carolina D’Souza and Ritu Raizada

OLIDAYS HAVE NOW BECOME

HISTORICAL HOLIDAYS Definition: A holiday designed for the history buff.

Whether it is the island of Sicily, the ruins of Pompeii or the cities of the Greeks and Romans, historical holidays take you on an inspiring journey through the ancient world.

These holidays or tours are generally built around a period or a region like the Nabatean city of Petra in Jordan, ancient Sicily and Egypt. A dedicated historical tour often follows a similar itinerary to mainstream tours, but invests more time at historical sites and takes travellers to less visited ones that would normally be missed.

“At times, historical tours take you to an area already popular for tourists, but give you a more in-depth look at the historical aspects. Egypt is a prime example,” says Paul Bondsfield, marketing manager of Explore, a UKbased travel company that organises tours to more than 130 countries.

A historical tour of Egypt, though already a popular place, provides a more in-depth look. Shown here is the Temple of Edfu; and right: ancient Sicily with its majestic sites and monuments offers picturesque glimpses of history, including the Greek Theatre at Taormina.

8 0 F R I D AY

PHOTO COURTESY WWW.EXPLORE.CO.UK

Explore is one of Europe’s biggest travel companies in its 27th year of operation. It offers more than 500 itineraries, from active holidays, family adventures, historical, archaeological and eclipse tours to wildlife and expeditionary trips.

Paul has visited many areas of South East Asia, the Middle East and Australasia. “All of which have varying degrees of fascination for me in how their pasts have effected their present.

Personally though, Egypt continues to fascinate me even after two visits.

Southern Africa too is full of history.

This is intriguing because so much of it isn’t well documented beyond the European era and so folklore plays a big part,” he says.

When you think of historical holidays, consider the expertise of those running the tour, says Paul, stating Explore has introduced a dedicated programme of historical- and archaeologically-based itineraries accompanied by a relevant expert.

PHOTO COURTESY WWW.EXPLORE.CO.UK

‘Many use a historical trip to add a third dimension to their reading and research.’ – Paul Bondsfield

“Many [historical tours] are accompanied by a lecturer or an expert whose knowledge will add value to the experience.

Sometimes they make themselves available after the tour to answer questions or fill in any gaps. The serious buff will often bring maps, books and research notes with him and add to his personal information.”

Paul highlights the increasing popularity of historical tours, but says, “In the broader context [of travel] they will always play a small part. However, for the enthusiastic amateur or the serious history buff, the choice is widening.”

According to him, what you get from these trips largely depends on the extent of your own interest, preparation and prior knowledge.

Paul for instance has a general interest in history and would use such a trip to add an overview of knowledge. He says, “Many use a historical trip to add a third dimension to their reading and research.

There is nothing like being there to really appreciate what it might have been like in the past.”

For more info, log on to www.explore.co.uk F R I D AY 8 1

S U M M E R H O L I DAYS

Clockwise from top: Expedition in Altai, Central Asia – setting up camp; Dr Matthias Hammer, managing director of Biosphere Expeditions; and Expedition in Namibia – a cheetah in the wild.

PHOTO COURTESY BIOSPHERE EXPEDITIONS

VOLUNTEER HOLIDAYS Definition: Holidays where you volunteer for various programmes in areas like wildlife and habitat conservation and community and cultural projects. These allow you to do something for a good cause and experience new places.

You can choose to volunteer for programmes that require specific skills like teaching, medical or engineering or for ones that don’t.

For instance, Biosphere Expeditions, a non-profit organisation specialising in wildlife conservation volunteering, doesn’t require special skills – biological or otherwise.

Biosphere, among many others, has a lion, cheetah and leopard expedition to the Caprivi delta of Namibia, Botswana and Zambia, a whale and dolphin study around the Azores archipelago, an Amazon jungle jaguar and puma expedition to Peru, a coral reef diving expedition in the Caribbean and a snow leopard project in the remote Altai mountains of central Asia.

On any of these projects you will learn to use a map, GPS and compass, 8 2 F R I D AY

collect important animal data, read animal tracks and signs, use telemetry equipment and tools like wildlife camera traps. “We even have volunteers with special needs. Those who are wheelchair-bound can observe whales on a boat and those with impaired hearing can spot snow leopards in the alpine regions,” says Dr Matthias Hammer, managing director of Biosphere Expeditions.

Tourism is booming and volunteer holidays in particular have enjoyed exponential growth. “More than 10 per cent actually,” he says. “However more and more companies are jumping on the bandwagon and often and sadly the only parties to benefit are the profit-driven companies themselves.

In addition, there is a lack of global standards.”

Dr Hammer advises caution when choosing operators. “It is important to select a responsible operator who is integrated with the local community.

You must check how much of your money is utilised for development and conservation, and ensure figures and conservation reports are published.”

At Biosphere Expeditions, at least two-thirds of a volunteer’s contribution benefits the project directly and locally on average; the rest goes towards administrative back-up, research and set-up of new expeditions.

All data collected is published along with a review of the expedition and its conservation research within six to 12 months.

In terms of wildlife conservation volunteering, it is hard to say which regions or programmes enjoy more popularity, says Dr Hammer. “For some reason, our rainforest expeditions weren’t as popular last year as they are this year. It is also harder to recruit people for jungle expeditions, as they are scared of insects and other creepy crawlies. Whereas snow leopard and cheetah expeditions have always enjoyed popularity.”

The weather plays a role too. “Sunny and comfortable places are always favoured. A place like the Dhofar region in Oman, which has a stunning landscape, may have less fauna than the Amazon rainforest of Peru with its abundant wildlife, but it also has more uncomfortable hot and humid weather,” he says.

And it is not just work on a volunteer holiday, despite its disciplined approach. “There are activities like sightseeing on our day off and evening campfires enjoyed with songs and guitars,” he says.

‘It is important to select a responsible operator who is integrated with the local community. ’ – Dr Matthias Hammer

For more info, log on to www.biosphereexpeditions.org

S U M M E R H O L I DAYS

DESTINATION SPAS Definition: A destination spa is a place where you can stay for three days or three months while indulging in holistic healing. Most destination spas are med-spas specialising in treatments like weight loss, body detox and countless beauty treatments.

Destination spas focus on rebalancing various aspects of the mind and body.

For Shahida Siddiqui, managing director, Sheen Say Spa in Jumeirah, Thailand-based Chiva-Som is the best destination spa in the world. She says so because of its excellent service and extensive and customised range of treatments.

Shahida talks about her experience at Chiva-Som and how as a traveller you should go about holidaying at a destination spa.

She says, “I have been visiting Chiva-Som for the past six years.

I went there last year, and am planning to go this Jul, too. The best part is the team of consultants – from acupuncturists to energy healers – who work to fix you inside-out. Even when I travel to places other than spa destinations, I tend to use the spa facilities of the hotel or resort I am staying in.”

The purpose of a destination spa is not to do the normal holiday stuff like rushing and binging. At a destination spa, you relax. Cellphones and cameras are prohibited, and healthy food is the norm. Recent findings state that 83 per cent of travellers visit destination spas to relax and unwind.

You can choose to visit one to do the same or to help you recover after an illness. Today destination spas offer medical and non-medical as well as holistic services.

According to Shahida, there are different types of destination spas: ■ Sports spas specialise in body conditioning.

You get to indulge in outdoor sport and have to work really hard.

These spas have gruelling

‘The internet is a good guide to browse and select spa options.’ – Shahida Siddiqui

8 4 F R I D AY

schedules. I have heard about a few in the US where even horse-riding training is offered.

■ Floating spas are spas on cruise ships. I once sailed on a Caribbean cruise ship where I spent my days in the tranquillity of their spa.

■ Rehabilitation spas help people recover from various addictions through treatment and counselling.

■ Mineral-water spas use natural hot and cold springs. I was introduced to an Italian hot spring spa called Terme De Faturna a while ago, but I couldn't go there. Hundreds frequent it to cure ailments like arthritis and skin diseases. I have visited the famous Evian Royal Resort in France where many water-based treatments are on offer.

When selecting a spa destination, the first step is to determine your objective. Do you want treatments like

Recent findings state that 83 per cent of travellers visit destination spas to relax and unwind. weight loss, tummy tucks or rehabilitation? The choice of treatments should be closely studied before any decision is made.

Then depending on your budget, select one. Generally speaking, India has a number of low-budget, but excellent, spa destinations; Europe has mostly med-spas with larger ones offering no-frill options with low-cost treatments and accommodation.

“The internet is a good guide to browse and select spa options. The ratings by previous customers are very helpful. Try UK-based Condé Nast Traveller,” she says.

For more info, log on to www.chivasom.com

S U M M E R H O L I DAYS

PEACEFUL HOLIDAYS Definition: Holidays that keep you, as Thomas Hardy might put it, “Far from the Madding Crowd”.

For Chris Jackson, general manager, Emerald Vacation Group, Dubai, a holiday is a time to switch off.

He describes it as the time when he breaks free from the mould of everyday life.

“My reason for taking holidays is split evenly between the the need to spend quality time with my family and relax,” he says.

This year Chris, his wife, Belinda, and sons Mathew, 17, and Thomas, 15, are looking at a beach resort holiday to where he calls “my favourite destination in the world: the Maldives”.

He says it has crystal clear skies, which are very refreshing compared to

the hazy Dubai skies. “The white clouds against bright blue, golden sandy beaches and the lush tropical vegetation make it a truly magical place.”

Chris plans to relax on a beach, scuba-dive and enjoy fine food with fivestar service. “The boys can be weaned off their addiction to computer games and Belinda and I can play chess, Scrabble and other board games.

Though we are a close-knit family, it is surprising how much we learn about each other in a natural holiday environment,” he says.

Relaxed holidays are simply about taking

“Our lives are so hectic that taking time to reconnect with family and self is really important. ’ – Chris Jackson

a break. Sometimes even experiencing new cultures and landscapes.

The reason Chris favours relaxed holidays over rushed, overscheduled ones is to make time for reflection.

“Our lives are so hectic that taking time to reconnect with family and self is really important.

Personally, you can also learn about your priorities and build a strong appreciation for what you have,” he says.

When deciding on a destination, Chris and Belinda visit different travel agents. “Planning by sifting through brochures and travel guides improves the holiday experience, but there is nothing better than talking to people who have been to a particular destination before. When we find a place we like, we often return. Belinda has been travelling to Lyme Regis, a seaside town in the South coast of Dorest, UK, with her mother every Easter ever since she was a little girl,” he says.

For everybody, holidays offer a few important logistical issues like timing and visiting family overseas while on holiday. “If you are holidaying with family, you need to work out school breaks, personal work breaks and how to combine your holiday to visit close family en route. You also need to look at the budget,” he says.

As a vacation ownership specialist, Chris is privy to a few excellent opportunities that timeshare proposes.

“It gives you the opportunity to travel around the world and stay in luxurious accommodation for a fraction of the price,” he says.

For more info, log on to www.emeraldvacationgroup.com

Relaxed holidays are simply about taking a break. Sometimes even experiencing new cultures and landscapes.

8 6 F R I D AY

S U M M E R H O L I DAYS

ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS Definition: Holidays with plenty of physical activity, unexpected adventure, more cultural exchange and great one-to-one bonding with nature.

This is how Sharon Garett, head of Space Marketing and PR-Virgin Galactic, Dubai, describes it. Her idea of adventure travel is mixing different travel styles from luxury to backpacking. She has visited more than 60 places, a majority before she turned 30.

“Now I have the pleasant task of going back and enjoying places I backpacked or venture into untouched territory. I think backpacking alone, particularly in non-English speaking countries such as Africa, developed my lateral thinking abilities. There I had to resort to mime to get the other person to understand my request!” she says.

While every city she has visited is special to her, her favourite continent is Africa. “A few lesser-known spots [in Africa] pose a bit of a problem, like hospitals with poor resources.

Luckily I had a good medical kit with me. Since I was travelling in Africa for more than three months, I posted myself a couple of necessities like pieces of favourite clothing, a pair of chic shoes and my guidebook for the next destination. If you are travelling to Africa, visit key places by following the outlined areas in the Rough Guide or Lonely Planet guidebook.”

For Sharon, although travelling with friends is fun, she has learnt travelling alone has its benefits. She says, “When you travel alone you can be completely selfish about where you go and what you see. No compromises! When you travel with friends, even among the best of relationships, there could be conflicting ideas. However, if you believe in safety in numbers, go with a companion or two.”

‘I opt for unguided exploration and travel to exotic locations.’ – Sharon Garett

8 8 F R I D AY

Sharon, who hates visiting popular holiday spots, says. “I like to immerse myself in a new place and absorb its culture. I opt for unguided exploration and travel to exotic locations. Though sometimes the best plans can come unstuck because of delayed planes, lost hotel bookings or lost luggage.”

She chooses her holidays based on location and proximity. “I also consider where I feel like going at the time and the need. ‘See something new’ is what I have always told myself,” she says.

Sharon’s pre-travel checklist ■ Check the weather of the place you are visiting. I was caught out after three months in Africa when heading back to Egypt in winter. If going to a place like London with unpredictable rain, carry a fold-up umbrella.

■ Carry a pashmina or shawl.

No matter where I go, I find it is important to gain access to places of worship that I may want to visit.

■ Check the rules of each destination country regarding illegal prescriptions and banned objects.

■ Carry medical prescription if carrying medicine.

■ Carry guidebooks. I never depend on picking it up at the airport or destination because most often I am disappointed.

■ Research. This may include internet and conventional guidebooks.

Book accommodation well in advance when visiting popular destinations.

Check current affairs to keep abreast of sensitive times like elections or national events.

■ Learn a few local greetings.

For more info, log on to www.lonelyplanet.com

Adventure travel can mean mixing different travel styles from luxury to backpacking.