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Travelling Near, Travelling Far: 2011 Holiday Ideas

Travelling Near, Travelling Far: 2011 Holiday Ideas

With numerous cheap flights available online, finding the right holiday may seem like a daunting task. With volume, though, comes choice; more destinations and activities are open to the holidaymaker now than ever before.

What follows are two very different ideas for unforgettable holidays; while the beautiful city of Palma de Majorca is the perfect destination for a short break, those of a more adventurous nature, and who have slightly longer in which to travel, may like to consider a vacation in Cambodia.

Palma

Palma, the largest settlement on Majorca, could not be more different than the other resort for which the island is known, Magaluf. Whereas the latter is infamous throughout Europe for being a package holiday destination and party town, Palma is a city rich in culture. The city dates back to Roman times and there are an abundance of historic sites to visit during your stay.

When visiting Palma you will definitely want to explore Bellver Castle. This unique gothic structure, built in the 14th century, is one of the few circular castles in Europe. Climb to the top of one of the towers and you will be afforded a stunning view of the Bay of Palma. The castle also contains a museum of archaeological finds.

Another site that is definitely worth a visit is the spectacular Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, often referred to as La Seu, which dates back to the 13th century. A good tip is to walk along the Paseo Maritimo at night; the area, which is next to the port, contains a number of discos, bars and pubs and you can get a stunning view of the Cathedral lit up.

One of the best ways to see Majorca is by hiring a vehicle and for companies offering car rental car rental Palma de Majorca is the best place to look. Once you have seen the sights that this city has to offer, rent a car and drive around the island, there are several scenic routes to take. Travel along old Roman roads, with the scent of pine trees in the air and glimpses of the sea as you reach the crest of every hill; there is really no better way to explore the natural beauty of the island.

Cambodia

If you feel like a longer, more adventurous break then it’s definitely worth researching the different Cambodia vacations that are available. Located in south-east Asia, between Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, the ancient kingdom of Cambodia provides travellers with a wealth of holiday options.

Cambodia is a country that is still in the process of rising from the ashes of the horrendous Khmer Rouge regime and many of the places that travellers can visit reflect this troubled past. One of the most popular tourist destinations that the country has to offer is Angkor Wat. This magnificent temple complex was built for king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century and was designed as the capital of the Khmer Empire, one of the largest and most powerful civilisations in south-east Asia.

Steeped in vines and tree roots, rising majestically out of the forest the vast temple is a mysterious place that has left travellers awestruck since it was first discovered. One of the first to see the temple, Portuguese monk Antonio da Magdalena, who arrived in 1586, found himself physically unable to describe it.

In addition to the incredible temples at the Angkor Archaeological Park, there are many other interesting sights to see in Cambodia. The country contains the largest freshwater lake in south-east Asia, the mighty Tonle Sap. This lake not only provides a home to giant catfish but also a wide variety of endangered birds.

Whether you decide that you would like to visit somewhere closer to home or embark on one of the many Asia holidays, there are many places to choose from. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to stick with what you know.