Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for international travel
The Chapel Lighthouse
By Linda Tancs
Touted as the oldest working lighthouse in Britain, St. Nicholas Chapel in North Devon is perched on Lantern Hill overlooking Ilfracombe’s historic harbor. As its name suggests, the structure is named for St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. The chapel dates back to 1321 as a place of worship for seafarers; the beacon was added in the 15th century to guide shipping into the harbor. The iconic landmark is open from Eastertide to the end of September.
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A Place to Stop in Malaysia
By Linda Tancs
Part of the state of Terengganu in Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands (designated “big” and “small”) are a beachgoer’s paradise. You’ll get what you’d expect: swaying palm trees, chalk-white beaches and azure waters. Diving conditions are best in July and August (high season), but if traveling on a budget (or you just desire more peace and quiet), then consider April, May or June. Perhentian means “place to stop.” Maybe you’ll agree.
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Billed as the Great North American Eclipse, a total solar eclipse will cross North America on April 8, 2024, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. The path of the eclipse begins in Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton. This will be the last time any solar eclipse will be visible within the United States until 2045.
Be prepared! So long as supplies last, you can purchase eclipse glasses and other accessories, like a phone app and photo filter, from American Paper Optics, a NASA-approved manufacturer. The link in the preceding sentence is an affiliate link, which means that if you click on the link and purchase merchandise from the page, then I may receive a small commission.
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Scandinavia’s Biggest Beach Party
By Linda Tancs
The county of Agder rests on the southernmost end of Norway in a region sometimes called “the Norwegian Riviera” for its temperate climate. It’s where you’ll find Palmesus, billed as Scandinavia’s biggest beach party. The two-day music festival takes place on the city beach in Kristiansand, where over 60,000 revelers gather annually. The fun includes a pool party, fireworks and international entertainment. This year’s event takes place between June 30 and July 1.
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Billed as the Great North American Eclipse, a total solar eclipse will cross North America on April 8, 2024, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. The path of the eclipse begins in Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton. This will be the last time any solar eclipse will be visible within the United States until 2045.
Be prepared! So long as supplies last, you can purchase eclipse glasses and other accessories, like a phone app and photo filter, from American Paper Optics, a NASA-approved manufacturer. The link in the preceding sentence is an affiliate link, which means that if you click on the link and purchase merchandise from the page, then I may receive a small commission.
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Falling for Ronda
By Linda Tancs
Ronda is a town in the Spanish province of Málaga. Its vistas are legendary thanks to its perch atop a gorge that separates the old town and new town. That kind of dramatic underpinning provides a good enough reason for a creative type to fall in love with the place, which is what American writer Ernest Hemingway and director Orson Welles did. They’re both honored with busts at Paseo de Blas Infante, a short promenade in a small park located behind Ronda’s famous bullring. It leads to Mirador de Ronda, a viewing point offering breathtaking views of the gorge, mountains and Puente Nuevo, the bridge spanning the gorge.
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Billed as the Great North American Eclipse, a total solar eclipse will cross North America on April 8, 2024, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. The path of the eclipse begins in Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton. This will be the last time any solar eclipse will be visible within the United States until 2045.
Be prepared! So long as supplies last, you can purchase eclipse glasses and other accessories, like a phone app and photo filter, from American Paper Optics, a NASA-approved manufacturer. The link in the preceding sentence is an affiliate link, which means that if you click on the link and purchase merchandise from the page, then I may receive a small commission.
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The Caves of Drach
By Linda Tancs
One of the top tourist attractions in Mallorca (Majorca), Spain, the Drach Caves combine Mother Nature’s showmanship with that of man. As a natural attraction, the cave tour spans nearly a 1-mile route through tunnels adorned with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites up to a depth of 82 feet. The caves conceal Lake Martel, one of the biggest underground lakes in the world. Couple that with a little bit of musical showmanship, a concert on Lake Martel that has been performed since 1935, consisting of four pieces of classical music played by a quartet of musicians. The concert, lasting about 10 minutes, is included in the one-hour cave tour. The caves are located in Porto Cristo, a picturesque fishing village offering an abundance of fishing charters and tours.
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Billed as the Great North American Eclipse, a total solar eclipse will cross North America on April 8, 2024, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. The path of the eclipse begins in Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton. This will be the last time any solar eclipse will be visible within the United States until 2045.
Be prepared! So long as supplies last, you can purchase eclipse glasses and other accessories, like a phone app and photo filter, from American Paper Optics, a NASA-approved manufacturer. The link in the preceding sentence is an affiliate link, which means that if you click on the link and purchase merchandise from the page, then I may receive a small commission.
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Holy Island
By Linda Tancs
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne off Northumberland’s coast is more than just a pilgrimage site; the tidal island is also home to a nature preserve full of wildlife, tidal mudflats, saltmarshes and dunes. A short distance from the Scottish border, the island was home to St. Cuthbert, a revered monk who spread Christianity in the north of England. Two of its most stunning sites are Lindisfarne Castle and the ancient priory, but what may be most magical about the place is just getting there. It’s linked to the mainland (Berwick) by a causeway that floods twice daily, so timing is essential. Bus service will get you there when it’s safe. Enjoy a stay on the island for a true tranquil getaway.
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Billed as the Great North American Eclipse, a total solar eclipse will cross North America on April 8, 2024, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. The path of the eclipse begins in Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton. This will be the last time any solar eclipse will be visible within the United States until 2045.
Be prepared! So long as supplies last, you can purchase eclipse glasses and other accessories, like a phone app and photo filter, from American Paper Optics, a NASA-approved manufacturer. The link in the preceding sentence is an affiliate link, which means that if you click on the link and purchase merchandise from the page, then I may receive a small commission.
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Urban Art in London
By Linda Tancs
There’s only one place in London, England, where you’ll find legalized graffiti and street art, and that’s at Leake Street. In fact, urban art is encouraged on the walls and ceilings of the street, which is a road tunnel in Lambeth. Less than 1,000 feet long, the street runs off York Road and under the platforms and tracks of Waterloo station. The area is known as Leake Street Arches, a dining and entertainment complex which incorporates the graffiti tunnel and a new pedestrianized walkway connecting Leake Street to Westminster Bridge roundabout. The entrance is next door to Park Plaza County Hall.
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Billed as the Great North American Eclipse, a total solar eclipse will cross North America on April 8, 2024, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. The path of the eclipse begins in Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton. This will be the last time any solar eclipse will be visible within the United States until 2045.
Be prepared! So long as supplies last, you can purchase eclipse glasses and other accessories, like a phone app and photo filter, from American Paper Optics, a NASA-approved manufacturer. The link in the preceding sentence is an affiliate link, which means that if you click on the link and purchase merchandise from the page, then I may receive a small commission.
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Copenhagen’s Round Tower
By Linda Tancs
Touted as the oldest functioning observatory in Europe, Copenhagen’s Round Tower was built by Christian IV in the early 17th century at a time when Denmark was famous for its astronomical achievements. You’ll access the observatory by walking up a wide spiral path to the top of the tower. This iconic tourist attraction offers, as you might expect, stunning views of the oldest parts of the city. It’s located in one of the busiest shopping areas, in the pedestrian zone between Nørreport station and Strøget.
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Plenty of Books in Norfolk
By Linda Tancs
One of the most impressive collections of books in England is at Blickling Estate in Norfolk. That’s where you’ll find the 18th-century Long Gallery, which contains over 12,500 volumes, including a handwritten manuscript from the 1100s containing the Dialogues of Pope Gregory the Great. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, the estate is also the alleged birthplace of Anne Boleyn, ill-fated wife of King Henry VIII. Be sure to stroll the gardens. There are two secret tunnels, a walled garden and a lake, as well as a formidable row of yew hedges flanking the driveway.
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The Coronation of King Charles
By Linda Tancs
The Coronation of His Majesty The King Charles III and Queen Camilla will take place at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023, sparking a series of ceremonial, celebratory and community events that will take place over the Coronation Weekend. For instance, on May 7 a special evening Coronation Concert will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle by the BBC. The highlight of the concert, Lighting up the Nation, features iconic locations across the United Kingdom being lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations. During the day neighbors and communities are invited to share food and fun together at what’s being styled the “Coronation Big Lunch.” Monday, a Bank Holiday, is set aside for “The Big Help Out,” a day for volunteering and community service.
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