My Travelog

There are seven islands that make up the Canarian archipelago.  Each with its own unique character.  Lanzarote is located at the eastern end of this chain and is drier and more barren than close Canarian cousins such as Tenerife.  Thanks to its volcanic origins and close proximity to the Sahara desert.

This location also creates a temperate climate all year round that makes the island an ideal winter sun destination.  As here holidaymakers can enjoy days by the pool or at the beach even during December and January.

Visitors to the island arrive at the sole international airport of Arrecife.  And are likely to be staying in one of the three main resorts of Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen.  Although rural tourism has also grown in popularity here over the last decade. With plenty of hotels and fincas catering to demand for accommodation in Lanzarote´s countryside.

The bulk of the best Lanzarote holiday villas however are located in the main resorts – with Playa Blanca home to the largest selection of these self catering properties.  Most of which come equipped with private swimming pools and all mod cons.  And with prices starting at around £500 per week.

It’s still possible to book a break for those on a budget however.  As Puerto del Carmen, the largest resort on the island, is home to the biggest selection of holiday apartments in Lanzarote.  Making it possible to enjoy a week’s stay on a complex in the heart of the resort from as little as £160.

Venture outside of the resorts and encounter a wide variety of natural wonders and man made attractions.  As Lanzarote offers visitors an abundance of things to do and see.

Along with the ever popular volcano park known locally as The Fire Mountains Lanzarote also boasts over 90 beaches for travellers to explore.  Such as the fine white sands of Caleton Blanco, the charming seaside village of Arrieta and the impressive beach and bay at Famara in the north.  Unlike many beaches on other Canary Islands these all have golden grains rather than black sand.

Lanzarote also has a cosmopolitan capital city – Arrecife.  Which is home to around half of the island’s current population of 139,000 residents.  Just like Barcelona the city boasts its own city centre beach too – Playa El Reducto.  As well as high quality accommodation – such as the five star Arrecife Gran Hotel.

Olympic National Park is on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. It is as unique as it is visually stunning. The rugged Pacific coastline, temperate rainforest, and Olympic mountain range come together to form a landscape like no other. Plentiful precipitation contributes to the beauty of the Pacific Northwest region. To the west of the park is rainforest, with a thick woodland of gigantic Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce, and Western Redcedar trees, among many other trees, shrubs, and plants. The majestic Olympic Mountains stand in the middle of the park, with glaciers feeding into crystalline lakes and rivers below. The Pacific coastline stretches for 73 miles through the park, and these waters help contribute to its thriving greenery.

To the east are some nature-rich meadows with distinctive alpine zones. Despite the mountain snow, there is abundant wildlife in the park. Animals live in the sub-alpine areas year round including snowshoe hares, black bears, and blue grouse. Also in abundance here are fir trees and wildflowers. The alpine region grows a different variety of plants that can survive on the rocky, glaciated mountains. Birds and small mammals such as chipmunks can be found in this terrain.

The rest of the park’s overall climate is variable, depending on the season and elevation. It might go from sunny and warm to cold and rainy in the course of a few hours. In fact, Olympic National Park receives more rain than anywhere else in the continental United States, so visitors should come prepared for diverse weather conditions. There are many interconnected hiking trails throughout the park. There is a fabulous view of Strait of Juan de Fuca from Hurricane Ridge – one of the most popular park destinations. Hurricane Ridge is also accessible by car. The Hoh River Valley and rainforest is another popular destination with an abundance of nature trails, a visitor center, and a picnic area.

Many lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and natural hot springs are a hike away. Some famous tourist attractions include the Olympic and Sol Duc Hot Springs. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are fun adventures on the lowland rivers and lakes. Lake Crescent and Ozette Lake are nice places to canoe or take a boating trip. Fishing is a great option throughout the park, and a license isn’t required within its boundaries. The lakes and rivers in the Northwest are known for their salmon, trout, and steelhead. Mountain biking is another fun summer activity, and the Spruce Railroad Trail near Lake Crescent is the main biking path. Llama trips are a unique feature at the park. There are also designated areas for horseback riding and mountain climbing. Mount Olympus is a main attraction for climbers, rising nearly 8,000 feet. The Rialto Beach on the ocean is another famous place hikers go to catch a gorgeous sunset.

The park is also fun to visit in the wintertime. This mountainous region provides winter recreation at places such as Hurricane Ridge and Snowboard Area. People also like to cross-country ski and snowshoe here because there are so many paths and trails to take. The lowland region of the park is temperate enough to explore in the winter months if you don’t mind the rain. Olympic National Park is a setting for every kind of outdoor enthusiast all year.

To learn more about activities and lodging in Olympic National Park visit www.NationalParkReservations.com/olympic.htm You can also find great travel deals and earn free vacations by visiting Resorts 360 Vacations at www.Resorts-360.com

Seeking a good value sunshine break this Winter?  There´s no need to fly long haul to the Caribbean or the Far East.  As reliable weather can be found much closer to home in the Canary Islands – the Spanish owned archipelago located just off the coast of Morocco.

These seven islands enjoy temperatures in excess of 20 Celsius all year round. Whilst boasting great beaches, loads of visitor attractions and high standards of accommodation.  Factors which have all contributed to making the Canaries one of the most popular destinations in the whole of Spain.

Whilst larger islands such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria have become synonymous with package holidays and mass market tourism Lanzarote, at the astern end of the chain, retains plenty of its original identity intact.  High rise construction was outlawed in the 1970´s whilst the three main resorts of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise are all well contained. 

This winter, flights to Lanzarote will also be at their cheapest in many years.  Thanks to the arrival in the market of Ryanair.  Who recently launched 16 new services to the island from airports across the UK.  As they seek to take advantage of the Spanish government’s temporary abolishment of taxes and charges – a policy deigned to help revive Spain´s flagging tourist market.  With prices starting from as little as £9.99 return.

So where should winter sun seekers base themselves?  The best choice would be the resort of Playa Blanca, which is located at the southern foot of Lanzarote.  Creating the most reliable microclimate on the island.

Playa Blanca is renowned for the beauty of its beaches.  As the resort is in fact named after the white sand beach that lies at its heart and is in close proximity to the playas of Papagayo.  Five interlinked sandy coves that are regarded as amongst the best on the island  – if not the whole of the Canaries.

Playa Blanca only started to emerge from its former shell of a quaint little fishing village in the 1990´s.  But has rapidly established itself as the second most popular resort on the island.  Offering some of the best hotels and villas in Lanzarote for visitors to choose from.  Such as the sumptuous five star Gran Melia Volcan, located close to the Rubicon Marina.

Anyone seeking something a little cheaper should head for Puerto del Carmen back along the coastline.  As this resort offers a huge range of good value Lanzarote holiday apartments.  With prices starting from as little as £160 per week.