Three familiar destinations. Three different perspectives
There’s often more to a place than its reputation suggests.
Three familiar destinations, Tenerife, Malta and Namibia, have caught my attention because they potentially offer so much more than many people might initially imagine.
Tenerife and Malta aren't just about resorts and beach holidays, and Namibia is so much more than dunes and deserts.
I’ve been to all three, but have discovered new things I didn’t know about them which could make them into a fantastic destination for your next trip. If you’re starting to think about your next holiday do get in touch for a free, no obligation chat to discover how I can help with planning and booking these destinations and others.
Tenerife: beyond the beach resorts
Tenerife is well known for its big beach resorts along the south coast but look a little further and you’ll find an island rich in history, culture and extraordinary natural landscapes.
There’s the historic city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, with its colourful architecture and pedestrianised streets, and Garachico, the former trading port whose history was shaped by a volcanic eruption in 1706.
For something completely different, Cueva del Viento offers a chance to explore one of the world's largest volcanic lava tube systems. Teide National Park combines otherworldly volcanic scenery with opportunities for stargazing beneath exceptionally clear skies. And in the Anaga Biosphere Reserve, ancient laurel forests, winding trails and small rural villages reveal a greener, quieter side of the island.
Tenerife can be your next beach holiday, of course, but it could also be a walking holiday, a cultural escape or an adventure in some remarkable landscapes.
Image credit: Anaga Forest Tenerife by Oliver Mbrax, Pixabay
Image credit: Teide Night Sky by Majestic Lukas, Unsplash
Malta: beyond the family holiday
Malta might spring to mind as a sunny family holiday destination, but its history and cultural heritage could easily form the basis of a fascinating trip in their own right.
Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is packed with Baroque architecture and historic landmarks. St John's Co-Cathedral is particularly striking, not least for its extraordinary interior and Caravaggio's The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. The Grand Master's Palace and Fort St Elmo offer further insights into the island's military and political past.
Across the harbour from the capital, Valletta, the Three Cities provide a different perspective on Malta's maritime history, while Mdina, the aptly named Silent City, invites you to wander through narrow medieval streets and atmospheric squares.
There’s also contemporary art at MUŻA, Malta's national community art museum, too. For those who prefer to explore beneath the ocean surface, the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino offer clear Mediterranean waters and more than 120 dive sites.
History, architecture, art, diving and a wonderful food culture. Malta has plenty to offer travellers who want more than a week by the pool.
St John's Co-Cathedral - Valletta
Mdina, the Silent City
Namibia: beyond the desert landscapes
Namibia is famous for its immense open spaces, towering dunes and dramatic desert scenery. But there's another side to the country that deserves attention, its wildlife and river landscapes in the north-east.
The Zambezi Region, formerly known as the Caprivi Strip, is a very different environment from the arid landscapes many people associate with Namibia. Here, the Okavango, Kwando, Chobe and Zambezi river systems sustain wetlands, floodplains, riverine forests and a remarkable diversity of wildlife and birdlife.
Bwabwata National Park, and the surrounding conservation areas, offer opportunities for game viewing, boat trips and birdwatching, with elephants, hippos and other wildlife among the attractions.
For travellers drawn to the water-based safari experiences of Botswana, this is another part of southern Africa worth exploring. It offers a different perspective on Namibia, with the potential for a safari experience at a different price point from the better-known Okavango Delta.
Bwabwata National Park
Okonjima Nature Reserve
What connects these three destinations?
For me, it's the value of looking beyond the obvious. I’ve never been one to accept things at face value. It’s one of the things I really enjoy about being a Travel Counsellor, continually learning, asking questions and discovering possibilities I can share with my clients. I call this my Fifth Compass approach to travel planning. Get in touch and I'll help you to:
Question the obvious. Consider the possible. Experience more.
Let's discover your perfect direction!
