Perhaps no other continent encompasses such a diverse collection of countries and cultures as Europe. From the beautiful forests and medieval towns of the Balkan and Baltic states to the splendid scenery of the Alps, the eternal allure of the Mediterranean and Atlantic seaboards, and the cultural heritage and stylish character of its urban spaces, Europe has an obvious appeal that attracts travellers from all around the world. In fact, more than 480 million international tourists per year have been visiting the continent lately, thanks in part to its open borders and well-established tourism infrastructure.

Given the size and scope of Europe, though, visitors often only see what’s presented on packaged travel itineraries. They never experience the plenty that awaits independent travellers who choose to explore the continent at their own pace. And for the earth-conscious, Green Path Transfers – the world’s largest, global, ground-transfer service focused on eco-friendly operators and greening the market – now offers secure, reliable and competitively priced 100-percent carbon-offset transport in key destinations in Europe and well beyond.

This Citroen Jumpy Business 2.0 HDi at the Akropolis shopping center in Vilnius, Lithuania, is one of The Beautiful Land of Nevermind's two minivans. Photo courtesy of the The Beautiful Land of Nevermind

Superb European Sights

Having launched in March 2011, Green Path Transfers quickly assumed the mantle as market leader in eco-friendly intercity and airport transfers worldwide. Catering to business and leisure travellers alike, the company offers local transport by taxi, limousine and shuttle in more than 300 destinations. For this young and rapidly growing network, a far-reaching presence in Europe – one that reaches its most exciting cities and noteworthy sights – was clearly a vital step.

“It’s great to see Green Path Transfers accessing such a diverse, interesting continent,” says Adrian Cordiner, CEO of Green Path Transfers. “We look forward to making travel easier within Europe by providing comfortable, efficient and eco-friendly transport to visitors from around the world.”

For travellers keen to discover the fashionable metropolis of Milan, the historic architecture of Rome or the resplendent artwork and canals of Venice, Green Path Transfers now offers instantly bookable and hassle-free connections throughout Italy.

Likewise, many culturally renowned capitals of Germany are easily within reach via carbon-offset transport between Frankfurt, Munich and beautiful Berlin.

Taxi Ecologico in Barcelona, Spain, has a fleet of eco-friendly vehicles, including the Opel Zafira (pictured above), which has been converted to run on compressed natural gas

For visitors who might wish to explore the vast expanse of Russia, the company offers transfers between countless cities and historic towns, from Black Sea beach resorts such as Sochi to world-famous imperial cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Many more European destinations await as part of the large and growing network of responsible local transport operators.

Going Green

For Green Path Transfers, going green means making a conscientious commitment to sustainable practices, green technology and putting travellers on the right road to a less toxic future. Focused on the growing eco-friendly sector of the ground-transportation industry, the company goes a good green step further than any other transfer company by both neutralising all of its carbon emissions with its 100-percent carbon-offset policy.

Part of Traventuria's clean 10-vehicle fleet in Bulgaria is a Mercedes Sprinter that can fit up to nine people. Photo courtesy of Traventuria

Whether you are travelling from the airport to the Hermitage Art Museum at the historic centre of St. Petersburg, heading south to Barcelona for a glimpse of some of the world’s finest architecture by Antoni Gaudí or rounding out your time with a comfortable transfer to the Polish city of Krakow, Green Path Transfers’ focus on environmental responsibility means both corporate and leisure travellers can reduce their carbon footprints without increasing their costs.

Green Path Transfers is today also pleased to help global travellers to Europe arrange environmentally responsible transport in cities and towns as wide-ranging as Athens, Greece; Bucharest, Romania; Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; Chisinau, Moldova; Dublin, Ireland; Paris and the French Alps; Lisbon, Portugal; Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina; Prague, Czech Republic; Sevastapol, Ukraine; Sofia, Bulgaria; Tallinn, Albania; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Vienna, Austria.

“We’re proud of the commitment that all of our local partners around the world have made toward a greener future,” adds Cordiner. “We are continually looking at ways to offer better services, cheaper prices and more eco-friendly vehicles to our customers.”

For more information on Green Path Transfers and how to book environmentally responsible transport, please visit www.greenpathtransfers.com.

For centuries, high-minded travellers, wise men and ladies alike, have sought out the world’s mountains, revelling in the challenge of the climb and capturing in photographs and ink the terrific views and exaltation that come at the end of long and strenuous hikes.

Ridge-rambling adventurers are, if anything, more numerous today than ever before. Fortunately, mountain treks abound, gauged to hikers of all abilities. Some require the fortitude of serious mountaineers, while others are long and leisurely strolls that wind comfortably through the highlands.

Sound inspiring? It is. Looking for some ideas? Consider the following mountain treks for ecotourists and hikers of all stripes. Remember: No matter what your level of expertise, it’s always advisable to plan ahead due to the isolation and changeable weather of higher altitudes.

At the guesthouse in Thethi village in the Albanian Alps, travelers will discover the true hospitality of Albania's highlanders in an incredible panoramic setting. Photo courtesy of Gent Mati at shkoder-albanian-alps.com.

Trek Through Local Villages in the Albanian Alps

Northern Albania boasts some beautiful mountain treks that see very little traffic, even in the summer season. Several tour companies lead trips from the city of Shkoder (a centre of Albanian culture dominated by a massive fortress) across the canyons of beautiful Lake Koman. With scenery similar to a Norwegian fjord, the area around the lake is a spectacular gateway to the snow-capped Albanian Alps.

Ideal for intermediate hikers, footing between local villages in the valleys of Valbona and Theth is a lovely way to experience the Albanian countryside. Along the way, trekkers can bed down in comfortable village guesthouses and savour locally produced delicacies such as sheep’s cheese, freshly baked bread and homemade raki.

Lamas often accompany hikers on various hikes throughout Peru. Photo courtesy of Pieter Roos at cusco-hotel.travel.

Follow an Alternate Route to Historic Machu Picchu, Peru

Most people who hike to the ancient Andean city of Machu Picchu do so via Peru’s famous Inca Trail. The trek is unforgettable but by no means a wilderness experience, with many groups of other hikers sleeping where you sleep and summitting the steep mountain passes right beside you.

For trekkers keen on a different sort of journey, the Lares route is a great alternative for reaching the ruins of the historic Incan city. Departing from Cusco to the trailhead of Quisuarani, this moderate climb visits several traditional villages still inhabited by indigenous farmers. It then winds past the beautiful jagged peaks of the Andes along a more remote route that allows for an up-close look at the rural life of Peru’s native peoples.

Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, is strenuous and scenic climb. Photo courtesy of Gunyah

Climb the Classic High Peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

There are six official trekking routes up Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Of these, the steep Machame route is known as the most scenic. Beginning from the Machame Gate at the southern base of the mountain, hikers pass through wildlife-filled rainforests before heading up to the Shira Plateau for spectacular views overlooking the moorland, Kibo and Western Breach. Capping out at 5,895 metres above sea level, this strenuous high-altitude climb is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Armenia's rough and mountainous terrain holds many challenging trails for hikers. Photo courtesy of Gunyah

Explore the rugged volcanic terrain in Armenia

Draped across the South Caucasus Mountains, the rugged upland Republic of Armenia is already well on its way to becoming a popular destination for all sorts of outdoor escapes.

From the high altitudes of Lake Sevan, travellers glimpse the typical scenery found throughout Armenia’s countryside. For adventurous souls, one beautiful but challenging trek takes off through the Khosrov National Forest Reserve and climbs up toward the Geghama Volcanic Plateau. The truly intrepid can choose to venture further to 3,597-metre-high Mount Azhdahak, a mysterious place with numerous prehistoric petroglyphs overlooking a vast volcanic crater.

Banff National Park in Canada's Rocky Mountains is home to a large population of mountain goats. Photo courtesy of Gunyah

Hike the Rocky Mountains of western Canada

Canada’s Rocky Mountains boast some of the world’s finest scenery for hikers. High up in the national parks of British Colombia and Alberta, beautiful alpine trails wind through gorgeous meadows and forest, past spectacular waterfalls and streams.

Hikers headed to this pristine region should be sure to experience its numerous highlights, easily visited on a mountain-trekking tour. Three popular must-see parks include Wells Gray Provincial Park and the Jasper and Banff National Parks. Visitors in these areas will encounter many historic sites of the First Nation tribes with the chance to explore icefields, glaciers and steep alpine plateaus.

Discover more amazing mountain treks, as well as a host of other outdoor and adventure-travel experiences.

Take time for personal reflection and meditation in the peace-filled mountain paths surrounding Medjugorje, Bosnia. Photo courtesy of Zana R-Bilal

As an apparition site of the Virgin Mary that is well recognised by Catholics worldwide, Medjugorje is a Bosnian town with deep spiritual poignancy. Pilgrims and soul-searchers come from far and wide to partake in the sanctity of the place, get in touch with visionaries and simply enjoy the grace-filled ambiance. I recommend a minimum of three days in Medjugorje, as the longer you stay the more you can make time for personal prayer, reflection and religious activities in the community.

To start out, follow the path up Apparition Hill where the young visionaries first encountered Our Lady.  As you climb, you can see the inspired artistry of the bronze plaques depicting each mystery of the rosary. If climbing Mount Krizevac is too arduous, there is also a gentler path with the Stations of the Cross around the Risen Christ statue.

Visitors congregate at Cross Mountain, one of the many spiritual draws to the apparition town of Medjugorje, Bosnia. Photo courtesy of Zana R-Bilal

In addition, there is a daily International Mass with the Rosary and Healing Prayers, and Veneration of the Cross and Adoration in the evenings. Daily Holy Masses are made in several languages. Frequent talks by local Franciscan priests of the Medjugorje parish are also held in the blessed John Paul II Hall and there is daily adoration of the Blessed Sacrament each afternoon in the Adoration chapel.

Day trips

Before leaving Medjugorje, visit the surroundings full of natural beauty and historical interests. The gem of the region is the famous Waterfalls of Kravice, where in summertime you can swim with the locals or just enjoy the scenery while having a meal or cup of coffee at the nearby restaurant.

For a bit of history, visit the old city of Mostar with its historic bridge rebuilt across the beautiful Neretva River. The bridge and the area around it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the narrow streets of the old town filled with souvenir shops, restaurants and historic buildings.

The shimmering waterfalls of Kravice make a great day trip into the beautiful Bosnian countryside surrounding Medjugorje. Photo courtesy of Zana R-Bilal

Even closer, in Ljubuski (15 minutes’ drive of Medjugorje), you will find the parish church of St. Anthony, where you can take in the ancients relics of the first Franciscan priests in this area. Then visit ”The Mother” gallery with its splendid portraits and statues.

Not everyone realizes that the town of Medjugorje is also in close proximity to fantastic Balkan cities. A one-day excursion could take you to Sarajevo (the capital of Bosnia) or a four-day trip could cover Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia. If you would like to combine a pilgrimage with some relaxation by the beach, try a day trip to the breathtaking Makarska Riviera along the Adriatic coast.

Shopping

Purchase rosaries, statues or books at different local souvenir and handcrafts shops. You will find interesting wooden crafts of Jesus and Mary, as well as angels and crucifixes hand-carved from Medjugorje stones. Medjugorje souvenirs can be blessed by a priest if you bring them to evening prayer at St. James Church.

Connecting with local priests in Medjugorje, Bosnia, is one of the biggest treats in this spiritual place. Photo courtesy of Zana R-Bilal

Restaurants

At mealtime there is a good choice of cafés and restaurants in Medjugorje that serve local cuisine.

Galileo Restaurant is known for its exclusive fish delicacies, and at Columbo Restaurant you will find the best choice of Italian cuisine and other International dishes. Have a meal at Voktor’s Restaurant for the kinds of homemade local specialties that keep people coming back for more.

Local Treats

The biggest treat in Medjugorje is the peaceful time for prayer in such inspired surroundings. Just walk through the fields to the Blue Cross or Apparition Hill. If you stay longer, take time to be a part of Medjugorje’s local community. Meet the families while attending Holy Mass, stop for casual conversation with locals or simply take your quiet time and space for personal reflection.

Catch an outside Mass celebration in Medjugorje, Bosnia. Photo courtesy of Zana R-Bilal

Night Out

To liven things up with locals, visit The Garden House, where local musicians play traditional instruments every Friday night. During the evenings, most cafés and restaurants are open. Try a glass of warm red wine or tea while sitting on one of their terraces and enjoying the great people-watching views of the streets from above. You will be able to feel the peaceful yet joyful vibe of quiet little Medjugorje.

Planning a trip to Medjugorje and the Balkan region? Be sure to contact Zana and the other local travel experts at Medjugorje Tours and Travel, the whl.travel local connection in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

There are many examples of outright cynicism when it comes to development – such as  shoe-horning blocks of poorly constructed hotel rooms into a beautiful stretch of coastline in an attempt to make a quick buck. But, quite often, development is something that gets thrust upon a destination in an an attempt to forestall the impact of booming popularity. In these cases, unfortunately, there simply isn’t time to handle it in a responsible manner.

Such was the case with the Italian town of Cortona. Forced into the limelight as a result of a book (Under the Tuscan Sun) that was adapted into a Hollywood movie, Cortona went from being a beautiful quiet backwater to a hugely in-demand tourist hotspot. It happened practically overnight.

While the sudden rush of tourist dollars was a welcome boon to the local economy, things began to change very rapidly. The town had to adapt to cope with the crowds, the types of jobs available shifted dramatically and the very character of the place began to be affected.

The creative team behind the upcoming film ‘The Genius of a Place‘ – a title taken from the works of Alexander Pope – noticed the change that was taking place in Cortona and set out to document it. While steps are being taken to mitigate against the damage being done to this particular destination, it serves as an example for other towns likely to be affected by similar issues.

While we agree that the residents of places like Cortona have a responsibility to protect the beauty and uniqueness of their home, it’s far from easy to do so. Financial pressures are an unavoidable fact of life.

That’s why we agree with the filmmakers that there is a real onus on us as travellers to ensure that we experience a destination in a responsible manner, whenever possible.

If we want to share in the beauty, we should also share the burden of maintaining that quality, or else pretty soon there won’t be anything left to enjoy.

You’ve seen them flocking together at every major tourist site: groups of travellers in bright Hawaiian shirts escorted by their tour guides, who lead them around like herds of cattle. Lumbering off buses, they brush sleep from their eyes for a 10- to 15-minute glimpse of whatever natural or manmade wonder they happen to see before them – a thunderous waterfall perhaps, or the crumbling pillars of an ancient civilisation. Then, still snapping photos with their brand-new cameras, they’re wrangled back on the bus.

One hopes that one day these folk will realise this is no way to see the world, watching the landscapes whirr by instead of savouring the journey. The typical big-hits packaged tour – characterised by buses speeding from one highlight attraction to the next – misses out on the unexpected pleasures of slower travel. Why not linger a little while to experience landscape from up close? What better way to get to know a place than to interact with the locals who live there? Group sightseeing by bus is a sleepwalker’s holiday. You need to get off the tourist coach for some real adventure.

A traditional dugout canoe, known as a haabja, is the best way to explore the wilderness of Estonia's Soomaa National Park. Photo courtesy of www.soomaa.com

Get Wet and Wild in Estonia

Known as the “land of the bogs,” Estonia reveals its natural splendour inside Soomaa National Park. Special footwear is required for “bog-shoeing” across this vast wet tract of land known for its abundant wildlife that includes numerous types of bird, wild boar and brown bear, all common residents of the peat bogs and flooded grasslands. The famous late-March ‘fifth season’ of floods is an ideal time for fully exploring the area’s damp landscapes and raging rivers, as well as the nearby Baltic Sea and the Estonia Islands just offshore. Spot seals, beavers, lynx and more on a Sea Kayaking and River Canoeing Adventure, with time spent both in Soomaa and in the Hiiumaa Islets Landscape Reserve.

The high-speed toboggan on Madeira Island, Portugal has been operating since 1850.

Take off by Toboggan in Madeira, Portugal

Visitors to Portugal’s Madeira Island have long been enjoying the high-speed trip from the hilltop resort town of Monte to the island’s low-lying capital city of Funchal. This easy commute requires no gas-guzzling vehicles, however – just a 10-minute ride via an old-fashioned toboggan. Steered by two men in traditional straw hats who use their rubber-soled boots as breaks, the toboggan ride has been a means of local transport on the island since as far back as 1850. During the two-kilometre trip, speeds can reach up to 48 kilometres per hour.

Away from the capital of Ulaanbaatar, a ranger patrols Mongolia's Khustai National Park. Photo courtesy Batbold Ragchaa

Horse Around in Mongolia

Since as far back as the days of Genghis Khan, horses in Mongolia have had a unique influence over the country’s history and culture. Mongol riders once ruled much of Eurasia, and horses remain central to the traditions of Mongolia’s nomadic tribes. In fact, the country today is home to approximately 20 million steeds, while the number of Mongolians is barely 2.8 million. It’s little wonder why riding is still so popular throughout Mongolia, especially as the beauty of country’s vast steppes is best discovered on horseback. Departing from the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, a six-night Horseback Adventure to Legendary White Lake lets visitors take in sights that include ancient Mongol Empire ruins, petrified forests and rolling sand dunes – all while sleeping under the stars in a traditional yurt-style Mongolian ‘ger’ camp.

In Johannesburg, South Africa, visitors learn about the history of Apartheid while cycling around the vibrant Soweto township. Photo by Johannesburg Urban Adventures

Cycle Away in South Africa

Two wheels are an ideal way to see the sights in the legendary Soweto district of Johannesburg, South Africa – the colourful and vibrant neighborhood which helped usher in the end of the turbulent era of Apartheid. On Urban Adventures’ Cycle Soweto tour, visitors explore the most famous landmarks and streets recalling the days of Apartheid. The seven- to eight-hour leisurely pedal passes Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela once lived, and encounters many noteworthy sights from the historic 1976 student uprisings. Rounding out the trip is a pause for umqombothi (traditional grain-brewed beer) at a local shebeen (bar).

On a reindeer sledding tour with Nutti Sámi Siida, travelers drive sleds across Swedish wilderness and learn how to handle their own reindeer. Photo courtesy of Katja Bechtloff

Sled Through Sweden – by Reindeer

In the far north of Swedish Lapland, one local travel operator had the ingenious insight to combine reindeer husbandry with community-based tourism. Based in the village of Jukkasjärvi (which is also home to the legendary IceHotel), Nutti Sámi Siida arranges first-rate ecotourism trips that showcase the environment and culture of the region’s indigenous Sámi people. On a reindeer sledding tour, riders learn how to handle their own reindeer while driving a sled through Sweden’s snow-covered tundra. Along the way, time is taken to taste traditional Sámi food, learn how to throw a lasso and become better acquainted with the four-footed companions. Why take the bus, when you can caravan above the Arctic Circle?

There’s more to tourism in the Peloponnese of Greece than just sightseeing; the funny-shaped peninsula thrusting south into the Mediterranean Sea from the country’s mainland is home to some of the greatest sites of Ancient Greece, each engaging in its own unique ways.

The ancient Greek Theatre of Epidaurus is a feat of engineering even by modern standards. It can seat up to 15,000 people and transmit the sound of a human voice from the stage to the farthest seats without amplification. Photo courtesy of Charles Berthault

For example, in the west of the peninsula is the city of Olympia, location of the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C.E. and still the spot where the Olympic flame is lit every four years. To the east, the Theatre of Epidaurus is a magnificent testament to the birthplace of western theatre. With capacity that dwarfs Broadway’s best, this 4th-century B.C.E., 15,000-seat outdoor auditorium is a feat of architectural and sound engineering. Nearby are the fabled cities of Corinth, where the ruins of the Temple of Apollo can be found, and Nafplio, Greece’s first capital. Of course, not to be missed is the infamous city of Sparta, home of warriors who brought the Peloponnese its ancient and strategic prestige.

While there are plenty of things to see and do in the Peloponnese, the Arcadia region is an ideal starting place. Home to what some believe are the oldest inhabitants of the region, the impressive Arcadian mountain range is peppered with medieval villages that have retained their old-world allure. The region’s towns are, of course, best able to handle tourists, but day trips throughout the peninsula using local Peloponnese transportation are straightforward. You never know what you’ll find, like the French architect who, in 1795, wandered across the Temple of Apollo by accident.

Amplified by the rich history of the region, the Peloponnese is wrapped in astounding natural beauty, some of it off the well-beaten tourist trails. The region’s natural wonders are a must for independent travellers pining for a breath of fresh air, including some of Greece’s largest mountain ranges, the Parnon and Taygetos. Bring your hiking shoes! For travellers who prefer something more structured, plenty of tours of the Peloponnese include day hikes in the mountains with stops at local monasteries and villages. Rafting trips also can be arranged in the summer months.

Much of the south Peloponnese is dotted with footpaths between tiny villages and medieval monuments. It's the perfect place to hike or rent a bike. Photo courtesy of Charles Berthault

Combining history, remoteness and nature is the Mani Peninsula, the middle of the three large promontories in the south Peloponnese. Mani is a land of sleepy villages with beachfront cafes and crafts stalls boasting excellent local shopping. While some of the coastal towns can get busy in summer, others off the main beaches repose in beneficial calm. These towns – rich in traditional olive and honey production – are famous for their contributions to Peloponnese cuisine.

No matter where you go, villages seem to appear out of nowhere, some appearing as if they were cut out of the towering mountains. Independent travellers should confirm that their chosen Peloponnese hotels are open when they plan to go, as many seaside towns close for the winter.

For more information on travel to the Peloponnese, check in at www.peloponnese-hotels-travel.com with the experts at Opta Travel, your local whl.travel connection.

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στα ελληνικά / IN GREEK

Ταξιδευοντας στην Πελοποννησο με την whl.travel

Στην Πελοποννησο θα βρειτε περισσοτερο απο τον απλο τουρισμο, τις ευχαριστες περιοχες που τελειωνουν ξεκινωντας απο την Κεντρικη Ελλαδα, και τελειωνοντας στο Νοτιο, οπου μπορουμε να βρουμε τους πιο ωραιους αρχεολογικους χωρους, το καθε ενα να σας ελκυει διαφορετικα.

On the Peloponnese, the city of Mystras is famous for its Byzantine churches dating back to the 13th century. Many have been well preserved and feature impressive stonework and hand-painted ceilings and walls. Photo courtesy of Charles Berthault

Για παραδειγμα, στην Δυτικη Πελοποννησο βρισκεται η πολη της Ολυμπιας, οπου πραγματοποιηθηκαν οι πρωτοι Ολυμπιακοι Αγωνες το 776 π.χ. και οπου ακομα σημερα αναβουνε καθε 4 χρονια την φλογα. Στη Ανατολη, βρισκεται το θεατρο της Επιδαυρου, οπου αρχισε και διαδοθωκε μεχρι σημερα το θεατρο. Με μια χωριτικοτητα που κανει το Broadway να δειχνει νανο, το θεατρο ειναι ενα αριστουργημα αρχητεκτονικο και ακουστικο, με 15,000 θεσεις που δημιουργηθηκε το 4 αιωνα π.χ. Κοντα, στην αρχαια μυθικη πολη της Κορινθου, οπου υπαρχει ο Ναος του Απολλονα, και το Ναυπλιο, η πρωτη προτευουσα της συχρονης Ελλαδας. Στα Νοτια μην ξεχναμε και την περιφημη Σπαρτη, μια στρατιωτικη πολη με τους καλυτερους πολεμιστες που ανεδειξε με περηφανια την Πελοποννησο.

Υπαρχουν αφθονες περιοχες για επισκεψεις στην Πελοποννησο, και για αρχη μπορουμε να ξεκινησουμε στην Αρκαδια. Θεωρουνται οι πιο αρχαιοι κατοικοι της περιοχης, και τα εντυπωσιακα βουνα της Αρκαδιας με τα μαγευτικα μεσαιωνικα χωριουδακια, που διατηρησανε τον χρονο στο παλιο κοσμο. Οι Πολες ειναι πιο καταλληλες για να διανυκτερευσουν τουριστες αλλα ημερησιες εκδρομες με τα τοπικα μεταφορικα μεσα ειναι απλα. Και αμα εισαι τυχερος, ποτε δεν ξερεις τι θα βρεις οπως τον Γαλλο αρχιτεκτονα που επεσε κατα συμπτωση, το 1795, στον Ναο του Απολλονα.

Η πλουσια ιστορια της Πελοποννησου, εχει παντα διπλα της την απιστευτη ομορφια της, ακομα και στα πιο δημοφιλοι και τουριστικα σημεια. Τα φυσικα θαυματα της περιοχης ελκυουν του ταξιδιωτες που ψαχνουν καθαρο αερα, αναμεσσα στα πιο μεγαλα βουνα της Ελλαδας, Το Παρνον και το Ταυγετο. Μην ξεχασετε τα παπουτσια πεζοποριας. Αμα ψαχνετε για πιο οργανωμενα ταξιδια, υπαρχουν πολλες εκδρομες στην Πελλοποννησο, οπως μονοημερες πεζοποριες στα βουνα με στασεις σε μοναστηρια κα χωρια. Και αλλες δραστηριοτητες μπορουν να οργανωθουν τους ζεστους μηνες οπως το Rafting.

The Temple of Philippeion in Olympia is one of many monuments on the Peloponnese, regarded by many to be a cradle of western civilization. Photo courtesy of Charles Berthault

Συνδυαζοντας την ιστορια, τις μακρυνες και αποσυρμενες περιοχες, και την φυση, βρισκεται η Μανη, στο μεσσαιο δαχτυλο την Νοτιας Πελοποννησου Στην Μανη θα βρειτε πολλα ησυχα χωρια, μπροστα στις παραλιες, οπου καφετεριες, και μαγαζια με ειδικοτητες και χειροτεχνιματα ειναι στην διαθεση σας για τοπικες αγωρες. Μερικες παραθαλασσιες πολες πολιορκουνται απο βαβουρα και θορυβο, αλλες πολες δυπλα σε παραλιες ειναι πιο ησυχες. Αυτες οι περιοχες, πλουσιες σε παραγωγη μελιου και ελιων, ειναι γνωστη για την συμμετοχη της στην Ελληνικη και Πελοποννησιακη κουζινα.

Οπου και να πατε, τα χωρια εμφανιζονται απο το πουθενα, μερικα εμφανιζονται σαν να ειναι κομμενα απο τα ψηλα βουνα. Ανεξαρτητοι ταξιδιωτες θα πρεπει να συγουρευτουν πως τα ξενοδοξεια που διαλεγουν στην Πελοποννησο ειναι ανοικτα, διοτι πολλες περιοχες παραθαλασσιες ειναι κλειστες το χειμονα.

Για περισσοτερες πληροφοριες για ταξιδια στην Πελοποννησο, κοιταξτε at www.peloponnese-hotels-travel.com και ζητηστε συμβουλη στο Opta Travel, ο τοπικος σας πρακτορας με τηνl whl.travel.

The port of Corfu Town, Greece, faces the Albanian coast, visible in the distance. The laid-back off-season is still one of deep blue skies and clear waters. Photo courtesy of Sandra Broedner

More people really should see this side of Corfu. After all, between bouts of heavy rain and thunderstorms, the off-season weather in Corfu is usually still surprisingly sunny and warm, the atmosphere has a mildness to it. It can be warm enough that many Corfiots continue swimming and bathing in the sea in the winter. (You may want to join them by the windmill in Garitsa in Corfu Town.

By January, the mimosas starts blooming, followed soon after by the almond trees. In February, vibrant Carnival festivities take place, with all kinds of costume parties in the streets. Before you know it, spring is here, and that’s something you also really shouldn’t miss. Spring in Corfu has its own set of wonders and charms, including more music to be found everywhere.

In the off-season, even Corfu Town slows down. It becomes easy to find a table along the elegant Liston arcade and no one complains if you decide to spend hours and hours reading your newspaper while slowly sipping a coffee or ouzo. In the narrow alleys of Corfu Town, you can enjoy the small family-run tavernas that have been serving lunch to the locals for generations. They usually cook only a few dishes of Corfu’s traditional cuisine – different each day – so even if you choose to eat regularly at the same place, you’ll have something new to enjoy each time.

Travelling slowly during the off-season in Corfu, Greece, you'll have beaches like Liapades Beach in west Corfu (and the winter sunshine!) almost all to yourself. Photo courtesy of Sandra Broedner

Remarkably, you have the beaches almost to yourself, free of crowds and tacky tourist activities. Off the beaches, Corfu’s lush nature is more enjoyable with less heat. A simple walk in the countryside will easily lift your spirits. Corfu is full of old footpaths and in some places the municipality has put up signs that make them easy to follow. You can also find footpath guidebooks with detailed maps and the Hikers Society of Corfu (phone 26610-39481) is happy to help you with information. Or why not try mountain biking? Corfu’s hilly landscape makes the island a paradise for mountain bikers.

Closer to home, many Corfiots own olive trees and harvest the olives in early winter, the ultimate local activity. If you’ve ever visited Corfu’s countryside, you may have seen the nets tidily folded up in the olive groves. During harvest, the nets are spread out under the olive trees and after the olives fall to the ground they are gathered and taken to be pressed. Ask around in the villages and you will see that you are more than welcome to join in and help out. You may even get a bottle of freshly pressed olive oil for your efforts.

Of course, throughout the off-season, certain high-season attractions are missing. There isn’t as wide a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from. Most resorts in Corfu that were full during the summer start closing down by mid October and don’t open again until May. Steer clear of them, especially since you will find you’re too far away from other amenities like supermarkets, banks and coffee shops, where you may want to meet friends on a rainy day.

In the traditional mid-winter olive harvest in Corfu, Greece, large nets are used to capture the falling olives. Extra hands are always needed, so join the fun! Photo courtesy of Flickr/shplendid

What’s left, though, is the local scene! You get to eat in those small taverns and coffee shops that have been around for decades and where you can experience the authentic Corfu. For lodging, look for apartment rentals near Corfu Town, Acharavi in the north, the area around Gouvia or even near a village. If you don’t mind living a bit remotely you may even consider housesitting for a few months. Many of the larger villas on the northeast coast need looking after during the winter. In exchange, you get a place to stay and sometimes even compensation for a bit of maintenance.

Planning to visit Corfu, Greece? Get in contact with the team at Corfu-Hotels.Travel, the whl.travel local connection, for expert advice all year round.

We’ve asked our global network of local tourism professionals about the ‘length of stay’ factor in their destinations. Answers varied, but they all agree on one thing: the average tourist isn’t a slow traveller and just doesn’t stay long enough to really appreciate a place.

We’ve shared the thoughts of 15 of our local partners on how long is long enough and what the average fast traveller is missing.

The moving sand dunes on the Curonian Spit, near the town of Nida, Lithuania. Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/Lee Fenner

Lithuania

Average length of stay: Three days to visit the three main cities in Lithuania – Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda.
Recommended length of stay: One week at least. Two weeks would be even better to allow time at the awesome beaches on the Baltic Sea in summertime or Druskininkai spa resort.
How to travel slow in Lithuania: Cycling, canoeing, taking hot air balloon rides and relaxing by the seaside or at the spa.
~ Kestas Lukoskinas, the whl.travel local connection in Lithuania

Browsing the local markets of Luang Prabang, Laos. Photo courtesy of Stanislas Fradeliza

Luang Prabang, Laos

Average length of stay: Three to four days.
Recommended length of stay: Two weeks, in order to include outdoor activities around Luang Prabang, which is also to be considered in other destinations like Nong Khiaw, Vang Vieng and Vientiane.
How to travel slow in Luang Prabang: Practice the art of doing nothing! Just sit beside the river with a drink, relax and soak in the ambience. Rivers are the lifeblood of Laos and its key destinations (Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang), so take the time to travel via the Mekong River, as local people do. For example, take a slow boat cruise from Luang Prabang to the Thai border.
~ Cindy Fan, the whl.travel local partner in Luang Prabang

Boats near the Sunday Morning Fish Market in Marsaxlokk, Malta. Photo courtesy of Louisa Attard

Malta

Average length of stay: 8.2 nights. This number is quite high compared to other countries, mainly due to the many long stays of English school students.
Recommended length of stay: Between two and three weeks. Take your time with each site so you really can appreciate the atmosphere. Even though Malta is very small there’s still so much to see.
How to travel slow in Malta: Find more time to experience the landscape by foot. Go hiking in Malta, especially in spring. Take five days, pack up some camping gear and hike around the whole island of Gozo. You’ll be surrounded by pure nature.
~ Marco Attard, the whl.travel local connection in Malta

Surfing at sunset on Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janiero, Brazil. Photo courtesy of Luiz Renato Malcher

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Average length of stay: Two to three nights.
Recommended length of stay: At least one week.
How to travel slow in Rio de Janeiro: Try the local brownie with chilly pepper jam in one of the cosy cafés in the Santa Teresa area of Rio de Janeiro. See the samba rehearsals on Saturdays at a local samba school. Visit a favela. Watch a soccer match in Maracanã Stadium. Sample the nightlife in the bars and clubs of the Lapa district. The list could go on and on!
~ Luiz Renato Malcher, the whl.travel local partner in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A fuzzy lake bird spotted on a trek to Niupani Village on Rennell Island of the Solomon Islands. Photo by Rennell World Heritage Tours

Solomon Islands

Average length of stay: 10.92 days (according to a study completed in 2009).
Recommended length of stay: Essentially it would take months to reach the 900+ islands on local transport, but you need about two to three weeks minimum to get a real feel for the Solomon Islands. Most visitors take the first four or five days just to slow down and stop looking at their watches.
How to travel slow in the Solomon Islands: Stop and stay overnight in a local village. Stroll through and watch how life moves at ‘Solomon Time.’ Sit down with locals to learn about how simple a lifestyle they have.
~ Kerrie Kennedy, the whl.travel local partner in Solomon Islands

The view from Apparition Hill in Mejugorie, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo courtesy of Mate T. Vasilj

Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Average length of stay: Four to seven nights.
Recommended length of stay: Six nights and seven days in Medjugorje to see it well.
How to travel slow in Medjugorje: Attend the frequent talks in John Paul II hall given by local Franciscan priests of the Medjugorje parish. Find peaceful time for prayer or just walk through the fields. If you stay longer, you will have the chance to be a part of the Medjugorje local community. Stop for casual conversation with locals.
~ Zana R-Bilal, the whl.travel local connection in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Kite surfing in Florianópolis, Brazil. Photo courtesy of Renata Asprino

Florianópolis, Brazil

Average length of stay: Travellers spend from five to seven days here.
Recommended length of stay: A minimum of seven days, but 15 days would be better to really experience the island of Florianópolis.
How to travel slow in Florianópolis: Get in close contact with the island’s well-preserved nature. Hike to remote fishing villages or to archaeological sites. Mountain bike to refreshing waterfalls. Learning to kite-surf, go birdwatching or just relax on the beach.
~ Renata Asprino, the whl.travel local connection in Florianópolis, Brazil

Ushguli, the highest village in Europe, is towered over by Mt. Shkhara in Georgia. Photo courtesy of Ia Kverghelidze

Tbilisi and Caucasus Mountains, Georgia

Average length of stay: Seven days.
Recommended length of stay: 7-12 days. Although Georgia is a small country, all its regions are different from one another.
How to travel slow in Georgia: The best way to feel the Georgian spirit is to hike in the remote mountains, where ancient and medieval towers are still preserved. Visit Ushguli, the highest settlement in Europe. Compare the nature, architecture and traditions of the mountainous areas of Tusheti, Svaneti and Khevsureti. Other options of active travel are mountain biking and rafting. Georgia is famous for its wine. A wine tour in the Kakheti region, with advanced winemaking techniques and many vineyards, promises tasty wine and meals.
~ Ia Kverghelidze, the whl.travel local partner in Georgia

A typical road scene outside Petriti in southeast Corfu, Greece. Photo courtesy of Jillian Wareham

Corfu, Greece

Average length of stay: Around 7-10 days
Recommended length of stay: At least 14-21 days
How to travel slow in Corfu: Since north, south and west Corfu are so different from each other, just spend a few days on each coast. Find Paxos Island. Go snorkelling or diving. Ride horses. Try cycling, walking or hiking.
~ Sandra Broedner, the whl.travel local partner in Corfu, Greece

Recycling paper at the Nchima Paper Recycling Trust in Malawi. Photo courtesy of Will Turner.

Malawi

Average length of stay: Two weeks.
Recommended length of stay: Two to three weeks.
How to travel slow in Malawi: Try activities that are unique to Malawi, like visiting its rural areas, especially the mountains and rural villages.
~ Kate Webb, the whl.travel local partner in Malawi

Boat painting at Slow Travel Art Lodge in Panama. Photo courtesy of Sandrine-Pia Casto

Panama

Average length of stay: Three days.
Recommended length of stay: At least five days.
How to travel slow in Panama: Look for traditional fishing and handicraft workshops with the local population, discover islands off the coast of Panama and visit Coiba National Park.
~ Sandrine-Pia Casto, the whl.travel local partner in Panama City, Panama

Inside a traditional longhouse used by the Rungus tribes of Borneo, Malaysia. Photo courtesy of Borneo Eco Tours

Borneo, Malaysia

Average length of stay: One week.
Recommended length of stay: At least two weeks.
How to travel slow in Borneo: Visit the Mari-mari Cultural Village. Cook local dishes from Malaysia and taste local delicacies. Visit Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Springs. Taste local fruits when in season. Stroll through the Sunday Market on Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu. Allow for two nights on the Sukau Kinabatangan river cruise. Stay in a traditional Rungus tribal longhouse. Finally, get outdoors on a three-day climb of Mt. Kinabalu or a five-day trek to Crocker Range or Maliau Basin.
~ Jessica Peters, the whl.travel local partner in Borneo, Malaysia

A harvest of shea to be used for shea butter in Ghana. Photo courtesy of M&J Travel and Tours

Ghana

Average length of stay: 10-12 days.
Recommended length of stay: It’s not the quantity of time, but rather the quality of time that’s important. Seek the kinds of experiences that enable you learn more about the ways of life of ordinary people in Ghana.
How to travel slow in Ghana: Opt for homestay accommodation with a local family so you can get a feel for their daily activities or simply spend a few days. It’s all about doing very genuine things. Sample the farming life, try volunteering and take an interest in local livelihoods.
~ Marian Thompson, the whl.travel local partner in Ghana

A giant tortoise in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Photo courtesy of Heather Rath

Ecuador

Average length of stay: Most travellers spend at least a week in Ecuador.
Recommended length of stay: At least 14 days to really experience the important destinations.
How to travel slow in Ecuador: Experience all “four worlds” of Ecuador. Take a tour of Quito, the capital of the world, then head to the Galapagos Islands to learn about the place where the evolutionary theory was born. Then head back to the mainland to visit the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest.
~ Sebastian Sierra, the whl.travel local partner in Quito, Ecuador

Goree Island, one of Dakar's biggest tourist attractions.

Senegal

Average length of stay: Less than a week in Senegal and less than two days in the Dakar area.
Recommended length of stay: Exploring Senegal would require more than 15 days, but if you choose to zoom in on just one or two areas, then plan about four days per area.
How to travel slow in Senegal: For a real feel of Dakar, spend one night on Goree Island. Dedicate one full day to the markets, for they are so different one from another. Spend one day focused on cultural places and traditional arts, and one night making the most of Dakar nightlife. Take one day to visit Dakar’s surroundings, with an excursion to Pink Lake (Lac Rose), Turtles’ Village (Village des Tortues), Bandia Nature Reserve or Îles de la Madeleine Reserve.
~ Jérôme Kardos, the whl.travel local partner in Dakar, Senegal

La Clusaz is a popular destination in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Photo courtesy of Much Better Adventures

Time

Many people quickly dismiss the idea of a train journey, as they believe it’s longer than a typical two-hour flight. That flight however involves arriving at the airport the required two hours prior to departure, contending with queues at check-in, two hours in the air, waiting to collect luggage on arrival and then boarding a shuttle transfer for another hour or three of ground transportation in the Alps. When you consider all aspects of the journey, travelling by train often doesn’t take that much longer at all.

When you travel by train there is no need to bookend your journey with… lots more travel. You don’t need to get to your departure station hours in advance (checkin for the Eurostar from London is just 30 minutes prior to departure) and your destination train station will be much closer to the resort than the nearest airport – making the final transfer much quicker.

Extra Skiing

Plan it right (from pretty much anywhere in Europe) and you can get an extra two days of skiing into your holiday for no extra cost. This involves taking overnight ski trains to resorts. Rather than flying on Saturday and starting your skiing on Sunday, you can board the train on Friday evening, spend a couple of hours enjoying the scenery, relax over a beer and a meal, and then curl up into the freshly laundered sheets of a train couchette or bed. When you awaken the next morning,  you will find yourself in the heart of the Alps, well rested and ready to ski!

At the foot of the Matterhorn, the ski village of Zermatt, Switzerland, boasts phenomenal skiing, an unparalleled train approach through the Alps and, in some cases, even slope access by train. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Leo-setä

The ski train from London is ideal for ski chalet holidays in Meribel, Courchevel, Tignes, Les Arcs, Val d’Isere, Val Thorens and La Plagne. There are other overnight options to get to other ski resorts too and other night trains from numerous destinations all across the continent.

Experience

Getting to and from your ski destination should be part of your overall holiday experience, not a stressful downside to it. Ski chalet holidays are anchored in some of the world’s most incredible landscapes; this is one of the great appeals of skiing. Travelling by train means getting to enjoy this spectacular scenery from the comfort of your seat. What better way to begin your ski chalet holiday – to build anticipation – than to savour views of the snow-covered slopes?

Cost and Convenience

People often assume that train travel is difficult to organise and horribly expensive compared to flying. This often used to be the case, but train travel is now increasingly competitive, particularly at peak times when airfares are higher and airports are jammed. Flying also often involves baggage fees for heavy bags or extra ski equipment, charges that are not levied on trains.

Instead of starting your ski holiday on a plane, why not save your air time for the freshly powdered slopes? Photo courtesy of Venture Ski & Much Better Adventures

With great web resources such as snowcarbon and Man in Seat 61, reaching your skiing havens by train has been further simplified. Many leading ski tour operators now even offer package ski tour deals that include a train ticket.

Environment

Ski chalet holidays are about taking part in a winter sport amidst a wonderfully rich natural environment. Trains are a low-carbon form of transport and opting to go by train helps reduce some of the environmental impact of travel. By railroading to the slopes, skiers help preserve the very snow that inspires us to book in the first place, ensuring that it will be there to enjoy in the years to come.

Rail travel may still not be perfect – transportation rarely is – but today it does have a great deal to offer skiers looking for an alternative to flying.

For more information about ski chalet holidays in the Alps, contact Much Better Adventures. Earth-conscious travellers can further reduce their travel footprint  through 100%-carbon-offset ground transportation from train stations to the mountain resorts available through Green Path Transfers.

There are lessons to be learned from time-lapse photography about the beauty of slow travel. Park yourself somewhere and stay awhile. Be still. Go for long exposure. Reconsider time, stretch it, condense it and watch its flow. Leave a place with a long time-lapse memory of it rather than a handful of sporadic snapshot seconds.

We’ve asked our local partners from all over the world for time-lapse footage that moves them. In these long-exposure windows to the world, you can see what slow travel and time-lapse cameras reveal – both the constants and flux of a place over time.

Three Suns – Tatlong Araw, Philippines

“The new Philippine tourism tagline ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’ could be applied to our sunsets – ‘Sunsets are more fun in the Philippines’ – as almost all of the time-lapse videos on YouTube feature our amazing sunset skylines. The first section of this video features White Beach in Boracay, which is consistently voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The time lapse captures the relaxed pace of visitors to the island.”
~ Trudy Allen, the whl.travel local connection in Boracay, Philippines

Time Lapse in Barcelona, Spain

“This time-lapse montage of Barcelona covers both the major must-sees and hidden street scenes of Barcelona. It shows the flow of pedestrian traffic and the light that breathes itself into the city at nightfall. One detail that time lapse exposes is the way people pause in front of Barcelona’s greatest works of art.”
~ Christian Petzold, of www.bcn.travel, the whl.travel local connection in Barcelona, Spain

October in Luang Prabang, Laos

“It’s often said that Laos is 20-30 years behind the rest of Southeast Asia and that Luang Prabang is a place stuck in time. This time-lapse video captures the graceful timelessness of the UNESCO World Heritage town, the ebb and flow of the Mekong River and the stoic mountains that surround it.”
~ Cindy Fan of Teamworkz, the whl.travel local connection in Luang Prabang, Laos

Last 2011 Sunrise over Dingli, Malta

“In the Dingli Cliffs on the west coast of Malta, the quietness and peacefulness of the rural area is reflected perfectly in this lovely sunrise. Outside the busy commercial centres like Valletta and St. Julian’s, life in the rural parts of Malta (like Dingli) runs at a slower pace. The slow, deliberate rhythm of the locals creates a sense of contentedness and harmony.”
~ Marco Attard of EC Meetings, the whl.travel local connection in Malta

Time Lapse of Phnom Penh City, Cambodia

“As the video creator describes, ‘Phnom Penh is a city moving into the 21st century at an astonishing rate…. Where the west had decades for society to progress in parallel with technology, Cambodian people are trying to squeeze that progression into just a few years. This video represents the pace at which this city is changing.’

Even when slowed down, through the video you’ll experience how chaotic Phnom Penh is. Watch for the scenes of traffic at night and from the back of a tuk-tuk. It’ll give you a taste of how exciting driving through the city is.”
~ Cindy Fan of Teamworkz, the whl.travel local connection in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Karuskose of Soomaa, Estonia

“This is Soomaa, Estonia, during the ‘Fifth Season’ of April, as captured over the course of an entire month from a webcam at our base camp at Karuskose.”
~ Aivar Ruukel, a Gunyah local partner in Soomaa, Estonia

Time Lapse in Hanoi, Vietnam

This is a fascinating portrayal of traffic and street life in Hanoi, Vietnam. “Slow travel is all about local immersion, and there is no better way to immerse yourself than buying or renting a motorbike and getting out there with the locals on the streets of Hanoi.”
~ Luke Ford, CEO of Gunyah, in Hanoi, Vietnam

Corcovado – Time Lapse in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“Here is a slow-moving capture of the Christ the Redeemer monument in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This video does a good job demonstrating why this world-famous icon has been named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.”
~ Luiz Renato Malcher, the whl.travel local connection in Rio de Janiero, Brazil

Dusk-to-Dawn Time Lapse in Bangkok, Thailand

“Bangkok is where East truly meets West, where modern order collides with creative chaos and where, with help from the tropical heat, tradition melts in with the new. The city can only be described as an experience.

There’s an unapologetic exuberance to Bangkok – which is why it can be overwhelming, even for someone who has travelled there before. That’s why these time-lapsed videos are so mesmerising. The city is seemingly unpredictable, but slow it down and you’ll see how Bangkok rhythmically pulses with life and energy, how it moves to its own steady heartbeat.”
~ Cindy Fan of Teamworkz, the whl.travel local connection in Bangkok, Thailand

Time Lapse on Apparition Hill, Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina

“I like this video because it reflects the true highlight of Medjugorje: the pilgrimage to our Shrine of Peace. It shows the feelings of peace of oneness with God while climbing the hills. As you are stepping up the path, you see extraordinary white clouds drawn against the totally blue sky; you feel as if you are not alone. You could sit there for hours. You feel loved and not forgotten, and everything that makes you feel small seems to vanish.”
~ Zana R-Bilal, the whl.travel local partner in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Time Lapse in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

“Here are two different sunset city-scapes in time lapse from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Although the city of Kota Kinabalu moves with the fast pace of modernity, you can find sleepy towns, villages, and coasts that are lost in time just outside the urban area.”
~ Jessica Peters, the whl.travel local partner in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Beira-Mar Time Lapse, Florianópolis, Brazil

“This video reflects a new phase that Florianópolis is going through. Just about three decades ago, although it was already the capital city of Santa Catarina State, Floripa was just an island with bucolic fishing villages sprinkled on the different beaches. Fortunately the island still preserves this aspect of itself, but the city centre of the island is now very cosmopolitan. It matches the rhythm of any major Brazilian capital city. My favourite part of the video is how the beauty of the nature, the ocean, the small boats and the mountains combine with the rush and chaos of the city center.”
~ Renata Asprino, the whl.travel local connection in Florianópolis, Brazil

Time Lapse in Kathmandu, Nepal

“This video was shot locally by a friend and former colleague, Rishikesh. He has won awards like ‘The Best Creative Youth’ at the Crity Awards, Nepal‘s most prestigious award ceremony in the field of advertisement, in 2010. Rishi was a key member of our whl.travel Nepal team until about March 2010.”
~ Navin M. Shrestha, the whl.travel local partner in Nepal

Sunset Time Lapse, Solomon Islands

“A brief and elegant capture of a sunset in Ghizo, Solomon Islands.”
~ Kerrie Kennedy, the whl.travel local connection in Solomon Islands

Istanbul, Turkey, in 7000 Frames

“I liked this piece’s romantic pictures of old Stamboul, but what this video fails to capture is the notion of living in Istanbul! The city has over 16 million inhabitants, which don’t make enough of an appearance here. You have to come and spend some time in the city to feel the reality of that size and pace.”
~ Gerardo Oude Hergelink, Istanbul, Turkey

Cambodian Sun over Siem Reap

“I can’t think of many places that inspire more of a sense of awe than Angkor Wat at sunrise, which is why ‘sunrise at Angkor Wat’ comes up high up on many travellers’ lists of things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia. There’s a special moment just before the sun breaks and the sky vividly displays the colours of dawn, gradually changing from pitch black through various shades of red, orange, pink and purple.”
~ Thomas Holdo Hansen, the whl.travel local connection in Siam Reap, Cambodia

The Transcarpathia region of southwest Ukraine is a unique area, a tourism pearl sometimes called "Little Switzerland." Photo courtesy of Iloveukraine/Tetyana

Today, this grand state beckons travellers to explore its intricate church architecture and delicate frescos, bustling cities and authentic rural villages, and gorgeous natural resources. Along the way, you will discover that there are plenty of cultural myths and stories, the kinds about unique local archetypal characters that will capture your imagination and keep you coming back for more local travel experiences in Ukraine.

Here are just three stories with which to whet your appetites.

The Babushkas of Ukraine’s Cities

Babushka (in Russian) or babusia (in Ukrainian), as Ukrainians call their elderly ladies, are an inevitable sight in any city or town in Ukraine, no matter where you go. Stroll along the cobbled sidewalks in Lviv and you will see them, chatting and singing folk songs in front of the impressive Opera Theatre. Hop on a train headed east and you will be greeted by their curious eyes and voices selling homegrown apples and freshly baked buns with jam or poppy seeds. Head further east and you will find them sitting on every street bench, letting the world pass by in the greenery of Kharkiv’s parks, or selling everything from sunflower seeds to flower bouquets in Donetsk.

Kyiv (Kiev) is the capital city of Ukraine. Photo courtesy of IloveUkraine/Marynka

The cultural phenomenon of babusia in Ukraine is directly tied to the country’s troubled history. The 20th century saw an epic tug of war waged between five empires parceling up the country, two world wars fought on Ukrainian territory, tragic famine and a repressive communist regime. Together, these afflictions laid waste to most of Ukraine’s men, leaving behind the now-familiar crowds of babushkas. It is the stories of these women that make Ukraine so different from other cities in Central Europe.

But there is much more to Ukraine’s cities. Charming Lviv will leave you with the smell of freshly ground coffee, the memory of cosy cobblestone streets in a World Heritage-listed town centre and the air of jazz and classical music. Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, has the ruthless bustle of a teenager, but also wide promenades and maple trees, the sparkling golden domes of St. Sophia Cathedral and painful insights at the National Chernobyl Museum. Further east and south, grandiose Tsars’ palaces pop up along the Black Sea shore, Tatar mosques call for prayer, and statues of Lenin and Karl Marx crowd the streets of like Donetsk and Odessa.

The Hutsul highlanders of Ukraine are an ethno-cultural that group that still uses ages-old traditional practices and wears traditional clothing for major celebrations. Photo courtesy of Igor Melika

The Traditional Hutsul Highlanders

Far from the urban scapes of Ukraine’s cities are traditional rural villages dotting the hills of the Carpathian Mountains. Lush pine forests and hard-to-access trails make it difficult for many travellers to explore the countryside of the Hutsuls, an ethno-cultural group of Ukrainian highlanders. Unlike more heavily explored areas in Central Europe, Ukraine’s Carpathian Mountains remain largely cut off from the main tourist routes. You will find few marked walking trails; organised campsites are virtually non-existent. Most highland roads can only be reached via four-wheel-drive vehicles, on foot or by the horse cart. Few if any people speak English, and most still live by the centuries-old customs of their ancestors.

Hutsul society was traditionally based on forestry and logging, as well as cattle and sheep breeding. Right up until the present day, the month of May marks the Hutsul’s most exciting and colourful celebrations, a time when Hutsul shepherds leave their homes to spend three months herding flocks of sheep and producing delicious cheese known locally as brynza.

Stepping into a Hutsul house in Ukraine is a trip back in time. One of the joys is a taste of delicious homemade cheese known locally as 'brynza.' Photo courtesy of Igor Melika

Stepping into a rural Hutsul house is a trip back in time: you can sample delicious homemade bread, enjoy fresh water from deeply-dug wells, taste vegetables from the local fields and even try on colourful Hutsul clothes, still worn on major village celebrations.

Hutsul people are also famous for their incredible craftsmanship. At the local bazaar, you may find beautifully and intricately decorated eggs, ornate clothing and delicate woodwork.

Travellers lucky enough to spend a day or two in the Hutsul villages during traditional holiday celebrations will come away mesmerised by the whirlwind of colours, timeless customs, plentiful dinners and authentic culture carefully preserved on the outskirts of Europe.

The Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine in winter. Photo courtesy of Igor Melika

The Vast Expanses of Nature

The Dnieper – Ukraine’s largest and Europe’s second-longest river – is bested only by the Danube. So great is its presence, ”Rare is the bird that flies to the middle of the Dnieper,” wrote Nicolai Gogol, a well-known Russian and Ukrainian writer. And while the Dnieper is definitely not the majestic waterway it was during Gogol’s lifetime, it remains an impressive and imposing sight, a symbol of Ukraine’s stunning natural landscapes.

Beyond the Dniepr, due to the sheer vastness of the territory, Ukraine can satisfy even the pickiest nature lover. Dense forests in the north hide countless rivers, marshes, lakes and swamps. In the west the gentle peaks of the Carpathian Mountains tower over the lush valleys, underground caves and World Heritage-listed beech forests boasting an abundance of wildlife. The south brings the warm sunshine, pebbled beaches and the grand Black Sea.

The Dniepr River is Ukraine's largest and Europe's second-longest river. Photo courtesy of Iloveukraine/Yevgen Pohulaylo

Whether you choose to go hiking in the Carpathian highlands, kayaking along the winding rivers or just enjoy sipping your morning coffee at the artsy cafes of Lviv, don’t forget to listen to the background stories of caring babusias, welcoming Hutsuls, cheerful women, ambitious youngsters, fearless Cossacks and countless others that form an eccentric and yet truthful-to-the-core mosaic of Ukraine, Europe’s largest unexplored frontier.

For an up-close glimpse of local Ukrainian culture – the unique combination of a proud and cosmopolitan European past, eclectic communist history and newly reasserted independence – try the wide range of Ukraine holiday packages available though Gunyah, a marketplace of authentic local experiences and tours for independent travellers.

Most of Corfu’s churches were built in the 17th and the 18th centuries, as a result of religious freedoms granted by the Venetians who held sway over the Mediterranean. Most of the churches belonged to guilds or rich families who were able to afford the construction costs. Characteristic features of the Corfiot churches include the style of their facades, influenced by Italian churches of the 16th century, their tower-like belfry and a ceiling decorated with paintings and frescoes.

Corfu Town has only about 20 churches – many of them very small. Because space in the town is limited, they are to be found squeezed in between houses. Corfu’s most famous church is the St. Spyridonas, which was constructed in 1590 and dedicated to Aghios (Saint) Spyridonas. According to legend, he twice performed the miracle of expelling the plague and the Corfiots call him “Αγιος Σπυρίδων ο πολιούχος” – “Saint Spyridon, the Keeper of the City” as a result. His relics are kept here in a silver urn from the 19th Century and four times a year (11 August, first Sunday of November, Palm Sunday and Holy Saturday) his relics are carried around the streets of the city, in memory of the miraculous actions that saved Corfu and its inhabitants.

Another famous church is Pontikonissi which, along with the beautiful Vlacherna Monastery, is one of the best-known postcard motifs of Corfu Island. Pontikonissi is home to the Pantokrator monastery. Its white stone staircase, viewed from afar, gives the impression of a mouse tail which has resulted in the nickname ‘mouse island’ (and not because it’s home of many mice!). The legend says, that this monastery is the stone-still ship of the Faiakes (Corfiots, according to the Homeric epics) as the god Poseidon punished them for providing help to Odysseus.

Vlacherna with its little convent of the Virgin Mary is painted snow white and has a single tall cypress tree. Pontikonissi and Vlacherna, located in Kanoni, are absolute ‘must see’ sights – small taxi boats are available at Vlacherna to take you to Pontikonissi for a small fee.

Another religious site which is well worth a visit is the Byzantine monastery of the Paleokastritsa (West Corfu). Located on a green hill above the bay and dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary), it is also called Theotokos monastery. Parts of this monastery date back to 1228; however the current complex, the cells of the monks and the yard are from the 18th century. The monastery houses a small ecclesiastical museum with rare Byzantine icons, holy books and other relics. However, most interesting of all, monks still live here, conducting traditional masses, providing hospitality and offering regular tours of the grounds and museum.

During a trip to Corfu, you must take the time to visit one of the village churches as each location has its own captivating charm. Village churches are mostly placed in the village centre with the village square in front flanked by Kafenions. This is the traditional local gathering place and is also where many festivals are held.

Don’t just pass by. Pop in a Kafenion for a Greek coffee or a tsitsibyra (the tasty Corfiot ginger ale), watch and chat with the locals. You will love it!

Planning a trip to Corfu? Contact Corfu Sunspots, the whl.travel local connection (one of the best whl.travel local experts of 2011), for all expert advice about travel in Corfu, including accommodation, tours, activities and more.

Their practice in experiential and mindful travel and their locals’ knack for identifying, explaining and sustaining the distinctive qualities of a place make them the perfect go-to people for travellers looking for unique ways to experience a destination. But sometimes, when travellers prepare to hit the road, they’re not choosy about where they want to go: they’re actively looking only for the best of the best – the best experiences in the best destinations based on information from the best travel experts.

To facilitate that process, whl.travel has announced the winners of its 2011 internal competitive performance review. Based on their work in 2011, four tour operators – one from each of four broad geographical areas – have been singled out as models for a set of whl.travel standards critical to the operation of their own businesses but also fundamental to the success of the global network. Assessment criteria included response times and customer service, maintaining an active social media presence and keeping destination Web portals up to date.

The whl.travel local partner in Malawi: The Responsible Safari Company (left to right: Chimwemwe Siyabu, Kate Webb, Dom Webb, Andrew Kayuni). Photo courtesy of The Responsible Safari Company

Malawi Triumphs in Africa

In Africa, whl.travel is anchored in about 40 destinations across 20 countries. Taking honors on this continent was the Responsible Safari Company, the whl.travel local connection for Malawi. Apart from demonstrating a strong commitment to community development through sustainable tourism initiatives, they have proven that they are serious about client services.

The whl.travel local connection in Boracay, Philippines: Go Discover Travels (left to right: Kristiana Jorjah Espiritu, Trudy Allen and Chaddy Cocjin; not pictured: Helen Atanacio and John Maclang). Photo courtesy of Go Discover Travels

The Philippines Shine in Asia and the Pacific

The whl.travel local partners in Nepal, the Philippines and northeast India stood out from the mix of more than 70 destinations in 26 countries in Asia and Oceania; however, it was the Philippines’ Go Discover Travels, one of the first partners to join the whl.travel network, that came out on top for their whl.travel Boracay Travel website. They also manage portals in the Philippines for Cebu, Palawan and Manila.

The whl.travel local expert in Corfu, Greece: Corfu Sunspots Travel (right to left: Sandra Broedner and Chrysa Tsakalakou; Andronikos Moutos not pictured). Photo courtesy of Corfu Sunspots Travel

Corfu Takes the Limelight in Europe and the Middle East

Corfu Sunspots Travel Ltd, the whl.travel local expert in Corfu, Greece, ranked above approximately 40 other destinations in about 20 countries in Europe and the Middle East. What started as a small family-run business back in 1986 has blossomed into one of Corfu‘s largest, most reputable and successful agencies.

The whl.travel local partner in Santa Marta, Colombia: Las Pleyades (Fabiola Duerig and Oliver Blanco). Photo courtesy of Las Pleyades

Colombia Conquers in the Americas

The whl.travel local connection in Santa Marta, Colombia, was crowned the winner in the Americas, where there are about 50 whl.travel destinations in 15 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The site for Santa Marta is owned and operated by Las Pleyades, a small company that is a big player when it comes to developing social and environmental travel.

“While every network is only as strong as its weakest link, it’s also as ambitious as its strongest,” commented Rob Shortland, CEO of whl.travel. “whl.travel relies on each local operator to help build and develop our shared global brand. If we want travellers to support local companies then it’s essential that their service standards compete with, if not exceed, that of the large global powerhouses. Add in a large dollop of local knowledge and we’re tough to beat.”

This beautiful section of the Italian Riviera is known for its eponymous Cinque Terre or ‘Five Lands’ – five picturesque villages and the surrounding carefully-terraced farmland that have been insulated from outside influences for generations. This spectacular territory was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, but tourism has proven to be something of a poisoned chalice. The sudden inflow of visitors has placed major strain on the area’s infrastructure and the desire to capitalise has seen tension between developers and local residents grow.

It was the problems that these growing pains posed for the region that the Vendemmia documentary team set out to document when filming began in 2008. Then, unexpectedly, after the team wrapped up their filming in late 2010, a sudden series of events struck the area.

A scandal broke, revealing evidence of widespread political corruption, compounding the problems already facing Cinque Terre. Land deals and development projects that posed a threat to the area’s outstanding natural beauty and traditional ways of life were under way.

Local residents, already facing the challenge of coping with a booming tourist industry that threatened to destroy their livelihoods, were outraged at the extent to which the land which they called home was being exploited.

Further disaster came in the form of severe rainfall in October 2011. The extreme weather caused widespread flooding and mudslides, resulting in several deaths and major damage to two of Cinque Terre’s villages, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare.

Knowing that they could not let these new problems go undocumented and compelled by their love of the region and its people, Weller and Boeckle realised that they would have to revisit major sections of their film if it was to achieve its objective of bringing awareness and support to Cinque Terre.

In order to finance the project, the team at Harvest Films Productions have opted to use kickstarter.com to raise the necessary funds. With nine days still to run, the project has already secured its ‘bare-bones’ funding package of $2,600, but additional support will contribute greatly to their ability to deliver an excellent and effective product.

We wish Weller, Boeckle and their team all the best for the project and join them in spreading the message about the importance of sustainability in tourism. The situation in Cinque Terre could apply to any number of other destinations.

Let’s not destroy what we’re trying to love.

Eastern Europe in particular is a great place to check out the growing markets – try those in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania – while farther in the west of the continent, the funky holiday Christmas stirred up in Amsterdam each year is not to be missed.

Riga, Latvia, site of the very first decorated Christmas tree, has not forgotten its heritage. Don't miss the annual Yule-log lighting ceremony meant to burn away the previous year's sins. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Jani.Halinen

Riga, Latvia

Nestled in the snowy enclave of Dome Square of Riga, Latvia, the two-month-long Christmas Market pays homage to the place where the world’s first Christmas tree was decorated! It was apparently adorned with flowers to honour the birth of Christ. Today, as we know, the practice has evolved and spread to all corners of the world. Still approximately 350,000 people visit the Riga market each year.

In addition to Christmas trees, visitors can peruse a variety of handmade wooden toys and woollen sweaters, sample freshly made gingerbread and sauerkraut (not together!) and, of course, imbibe some of Riga’s famous piping-hot mulled wine.

Be sure to book a hotel in Riga for the night of December 22, when the famous winter solstice celebration marks the decoration of the central Christmas tree in Riga and the lighting of the Yule log to burn away the sins of the previous year.

WHEN: The Christmas Market in Riga is usually from around the last week in November through the first week in January, and opens daily at 10am.

With its dramatic air aerobatics, numerous music concerts and Old Town charm, the Christmas Market in Vilnius, Lithuania, is quickly rivalling larger showings elsewhere in Eastern Europe. Photo courtesy of Evaldas

Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius’ Christmas Market is a newcomer to the Eastern Europe festival scene, but has quickly grown to rival its bigger brothers in Prague and Poland.

Music is the highlight of this celebration, with music halls and cafes enlivened by classical concerts and carols. Vilnius’ surrounding Old Town is set aglow with soft twinkling lights and rollicks with events in the city’s 50 churches.

WHEN: The Christmas Market in Vilnius takes place on Odminiu Square and runs from mid-December through early January with nightly fireworks displays and singing in the streets.

Home to 26 separate Christmas markets, from the funky to the aromatic, Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, can liven up any holiday, even at the Christmas Flower Market (seen above). Photo courtesy of Flickr/Northcountry Boy

Amsterdam, Netherlands

It should come as no surprise that Amsterdam is home to not one, but 26 Christmas markets! One of the more unusual of the bunch, though, is the Funky Christmas market, where craft stalls offer a variety of aromatic and handmade crafts. The Winterland Christmas market is much more traditional, complete with an ice-skating rink, snowmen and too-numerous-to-count Christmas trees between stalls of hot cocoa and mulled wine.

While choosing a hotel in Amsterdam can be a bit dizzying, all markets in the city are as unique as the districts in which they are held. The Flower District’s market, for example, is filled with the fragrance of pine and mistletoe.

Not to be missed is the mid-November Saint Nicholas Parade and the Christmas tree at Dam Square.

WHEN: The Amsterdam holiday markets are generally held throughout the month of December.

The Christmas Market of Tallinn, Estonia, may be off the beaten track, but travellers would be hard pressed to find a more fairytale-like display away from the usual crowds. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Katja Maasing

Tallinn, Estonia

In Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, the Christmas Market is legendary, hailed as one of the 10 best Christmas markets in Europe. It regularly draws tens of thousands of visitors to this picturesque town that, with its usually timely blanket of snow, resembles a picture-perfect Christmas card.

Although the temperature at Christmas in Estonia is customarily well below zero, it doesn’t stop revellers from bundling up and taking in the lights and wooden stalls of felted hats and holiday wreathes made from the finest artisans from all over the world. Also not to missed is the fairytale-like Christmas Village, where children can feed and pet rabbits and lambs, while dancers from Estonia’s ethnic groups take the stage. Kids also love to mail a handmade Christmas card home from the aptly named Reindeer Express located in Santa’s Cabin.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the food and Tallinn doesn’t disappoint. Wooden barrels are filled with mulled wine and long platters display spiced gingerbread, blood sausage, cookies and marzipan, while locally made honey and piping hot soups abound.

WHEN: The Tallinn Christmas market is held on Rotermann Square (not Town Hall Square) from the end of November until early January, every day between 10am and 7pm