What is May Day and how is it celebrated?
Those of us who live in Great Britain and Ireland are treated to a string of public holidays every Spring, but why do we celebrate May Day in the first place?
Read more1. Chile
Did you know Chile is a whopping 2650 miles long, yet never more than 150 miles wide. Chile is arguably South America’s most desirable adventure tourism destination. It is packed with ecosystems, biodiversity and topographies.
With 36 national parks, with some of the most extreme environments on Earth, from deserts to Fjords to subpolar Islands. Easter Island famous Moai carvings are certainly worth a visit and the Capital Santiago is awash with new boutique hotels, not to mention the thriving Chilean wine scene.
Photo: Chile
2. Canada
2017 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Canada, officially the moment Canada became a self governing dominion within the British Empire.
The world’s second largest country it’s hard to think of a country more beautiful or more varied - a good reason to visit at any time, let alone the year that promises to be one long, nationwide birthday party. The big landscapes - the Canadian Rockies - are well known. Lesser known is the West Coast Inside passage through British Columbia - a labyrinth of fjords and islands.
Alberta’s prairies, the autumn colours of New Brunswick’s forests are equal of anything in New England; and Prince Edward Island contains some of the loveliest pastoral countryside on Earth.
Photo: Lonelyplanet.com
3. Chandigarh, India
An intriguing mix of innovation and tradition. The bold, modernist architecture of Chandigarh has been awarded classic status, whilst outside the City is a brand hotel celebrating Rajput and Mughal heritage with quite some panache.
After the partition in 1947, India's state of Punjab required a new state capital so the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru commissioned the Swiss French exponent of modernism to devise a completely new city expressive of the country’s faith in the future.
The 8,000 acre Siswan Forest reserve is about half an hour from the City. The Landscaping is superb and reflective pool, courtyards and colonnades.
Photo: libgator.com
4. Granada, Spain
The palaces and gardens of the Alhambra, created by the Nasrids, the final dynasty of Islamic Spain each time you you visit revealing more of the secrets concealed in the intricate architecture.
Whilst you might come to Granada to visit Spain’s most visited monument, the tiled fountains in tiny squares, flowers tumbling over whitewashed walls not to mention the tasty tapas in boisterous bars.
Photo: Secret World
5. Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry probably one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth. Europe’s most westerly point with the Slieve Mish mountain range that forms its spine.
The rolling green hills, farms, the bays and quaint villages run along the cliff tops overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean. A stunning almost mythical place especially when a storm is brewing.
Photo: Pinterest.com
6. Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is such an inspiring place to both visit and photograph. It’s a perfect marriage of landscape and architecture with its dramatic coastline kissing the mediterranean sea whilst the buildings hug the cliffs . There is an unbelievable palette of colours whether on the buildings, the sea and even the foods.
Photo: cntraveler.com
7. Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland England
Bamburgh Castle is an instantly recognisable landmark, towering over mile upon mile of golden sands.
The history here is amazing, dating back to circa 420AD with the Anglo Saxons, regularly changing hands between the ancient Britons, the Saxon, the Vikings, the Normans and eventually becoming the ownership of the reigning English monarch Henry II who probably built the Keep.
The last battle was during the War of the Roses when the 16th Earl of Warwick was the victory, it was the first time a castle in England was defeated by artillery.
Photo: findyourperfectvenue.com
8. The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, Iceland
Just the thought of watching the interplay of light and shadow up in the Article Circle should be enough to make your heart jump as a photographer. Usually the best period to see the light show is between November and February, although they can be seen as early as late August and as late as mid April.
Photo: YouTube
9. Haiku Stairs, Hawaii
Locally called the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ it has one of the most breathtaking views on the entire planet. However, the view comes with a price... Because it’s actually now illegal to climb. The Stairs were originally installed during World War II so miliary could access a radio station antennae that sat 2000ft up in the mountains.
Photo: flickr.com
10. Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles CA. USA
The iconic Hollywood sign is now a landmark and an American cultural icon located on Mount Lee in the Hollywood hills areas of Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the City of Angels. Originally created for advertising a housing development called HollywoodLand in the 1930’s. The sign was not always a loved by the locals, in the early 1970’s the sign fell into disrepair luckily in 1978 a public campaign to restore the landmark sign by the founder of Playboy Hugh Hefner.
