The Baths/Devil’s Bay
Easily the most popular attraction on the island, the highlight of The Baths is the immense granite rock formations, up to 40 feet in diameter. These batholiths were formed by volcanic eruptions, which caused molten rock to seep up onto previously existing volcanic rock layers. Hidden rock pools and caves can be found underneath the giant boulders. With crawlspaces and secret areas, it is great fun to explore! From the peak of The Baths, a fifteen-minute hike (or swim) through and over the boulders will lead you to the sandy, tranquil beach of Devil’s Bay. Swimming or tanning on the beach are popular activities.

Spring Bay
East of The Baths is the superb Spring Bay, a sandy expanse speckled with boulders.  Popular with couples, prepare a picnic and claim a secluded spot for a romantic outing. The water, some of the clearest in the British Virgin Islands, makes snorkeling an ideal activity.

Coppermine Point
A remote spot on the North side of Virgin Gorda, Coppermine Point is windswept, with endless views of the Atlantic Ocean below. Just declared a park 10 years ago, it contains the remains of a 19^th-century copper mine built by the Cornish. Perched on a precarious cliffside susceptible to hurricanes, there is fear that it could be swept away. Currently a protected landmark and tourist attraction, there has been talk to reconstruct the site.

Gorda Peak
Gorda Peak showcases one of the finest examples of dry forest on the island. Albeit small, it contains an unusually high percentage of rare and endangered species. Close to the peak is a lookout tower, which can be accessed by two trails that slice through the national park. The main trail provides the most direct route, while the second leisurely guides you through the forest before ascending to the summit. You’ll be rewarded for your climb by gorgeous vistas of the North Sound. Come during sunset for a breathtaking experience.

The Romans first settled there two thousand years ago around the river Thames in order to form the city.

The city itself has so many fun filled attractions for visitors that it would be impossible to list them all. Instead, here are a few of the most popular ones:

1. Buckingham Palace

This is the residence of the royal family and was built back in 1705. It’s not always open for tours, so you may need to check the schedule to avoid disappointment. The changing of the guards outside the gates is a daily routine that attracts thousands of visitors each day.

2. Big Ben

The Elizabeth tower is probably the most famous clock tower in the world. It was built in 1858. The main bell weights a colossal 13 tons and rings every hour, on the hour.

3. River Thames

This river flows right through the heart of London and is the longest river in England. 215 miles long, it has a lot of landmarks located on it.

4. Westminster Abbey

If you want to learn about the royal history, then this is a popular destination for visitors in London. Many royal weddings and celebrations have taken place there over the years.

For those of you looking to visit London, you can do a search for FlightNetwork in google, and you will have an excellent choice of flights to take you there.

5. British museum

Holding over 8 million pieces, the British museum has plenty of information from multiple eras for you to learn and read about. Many famous collections can be viewed there, including the Rosetta stone and the Beowulf manuscript. It’s also free to the public, so make use of it.

6. Tower of London

This now serves as the home to the crown jewels, but back when it was built in 1078 it served as a prison, armoury and treasury. This is definitely worth a few hours visit if you have the time.

7. London Eye

If you want the best views of the city, then head to the London eye. It’s the tallest ferris wheel in Europe, and at the top of it, you are 443 feet high. During New Years celebrations, the London Eye is the focal point of the party, so make sure you get yourself there if you happen to be there during that time.

These are just a few of the many things to do and see in London. You could spend weeks upon weeks in the city and still not have touched on all it’s main allures.

Treasure Beach

Treasure Beach is located in St. Elizabeth, which produces 80% of the entire island’s food. There are four bays, including Billy’s Bay and The Frenchman’s Bay, both of which are beautifully tranquil and enjoyable beaches; The Great Pedro Bay where all the fisherman catch fish; and The Calabash Bay, which is the most isolated of all the bays. It gets the least amount of rainfall on the island, which means plants like cacti grow there.

Bob Marley Mausoleum

If you’re a diehard Marley fan, then this is the only place for you. On this tour you’ll see the way the locals live, as the Mausoleum is located off the beaten track at nine mile. Visit Bob Marley’s birthplace and final resting place, and you might even meet one of his old friends along the way.

Animal Farm

A nature reserve in Copse, Hanover offers just more than the name suggests. Dedicated primarily to the rearing of birds, the reserve has over seventy different breeds of birds as well as pigs, goats, sheep and a donkey. They have a butterfly house and offer river rafting and hiking in the surrounding landscape.

Strawberry Hill

This restaurant is found thirty minutes from Kingston, hidden at the bottom of the island’s tallest mountain. The stunning view, gardens and the building and decor itself make this an experience you’ll never forget. It serves traditional gourmet West Indian food as well as international cuisine in a romantic atmosphere. Well worth the adventure through mountain roads to find it.

Hope Botanical Gardens

Located in Kingston, it shows a relaxed side to the town. The Hope Botanical Gardens are well maintained and have a rich diversity of flora and also has a mini zoo. The perfect place for a relaxed picnic and ideal for children.

So if you’re looking for something different to do for your Jamaica holidays then these are a few good places to start your adventure. If you’re driving around the island, or taking the bus, then make regular stops as the best place to discover new things and make new friends is on the roadside.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier is known to the Native Americans as the “Shining Mountains” or the “Backbone of the World” for good reason. It’s one of the most strikingly beautiful places you can choose to explore. Over 700 miles of trails wind through lush wilderness, alpine lakes and a rugged mountain landscape. Walk through glacial-carved valleys and marvel at the hundreds of species of birds, plants and animals in this gorgeous preserve.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

America’s first national park is massive, spanning across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. There are 12 campgrounds with over 2,000 campsites to choose from, but book early, especially in summertime. Yellowstone is known for its geothermal activity- it has the planet’s most diverse collection of geysers, mudholes and hot springs. Don’t miss Old Faithful and the geysers around it; it’s the most famous of all the geysers in the park.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Camp at the Grand Canyon for an awe-inspired experience you won’t forget. The canyon itself is 277 miles long, and about 4,000 feet deep. You can literally see 2 million years of geological history in the vast gorge! Plenty of hiking opportunities abound, where you’ll also experience thousands of plant species and hundreds of animals. Stock up sleeping bags at Argos and sleep out under the night sky where you’re so far from the city that the stars fill the sky.

Yosemite National Park, California

If you’re looking for a camping experience with some of the comforts of home, bring your RV to Yosemite. The park’s 10 campgrounds have plenty of space for RVs and trailers. They’ve also got bathrooms, fire pits and lockers. The park has excellent hiking through the gorgeous forests, where you can see unique rock formations, waterfalls and exquisite views of the California landscape.

Assateague Island, Maryland

Beach camping is a whole other experience in itself, and Assateague Island is the perfect place to do it. You can pitch your tent at an ocean-side campsite and enjoy the sand beneath your feet. Spend the days fishing, swimming, or relaxing on the beach. At drive-in campsites, you can actually drive your car right up to the site, while the walk-in sites are car-free but near enough to parking lots to be convenient. Don’t forget the bug spray as the mosquitos arrive in hoards during the warm summer months.

In Cyprus, the Summer lasts basically from April to November and still reaches temperatures of up to 20 to 25 degrees Celsius during the latter months. In mid Summer, temperatures may vary from 32 to 36 degrees Celsius, therefore making it quite hot. Winter is usually pretty warm too, and temperatures may well exceed 20 degrees Celsius.  However, in the mountainous regions at the centre of the island, there’s even a chance of snowfall every now and then. With such a warm summer climate and mild autumn, the best time to visit Cyprus is perhaps in the Spring or Fall seasons.

Art history in Cyprus goes as far back as 10,000 years and strongly resembles the art of ancient Greece, whereas modern Cypriot art is mainly influenced by figurative painting. However, conceptual art has recently been intensely promoted by several art institutes, including the Nicosia Municipal Art Centre. Nonetheless, many Cypriot artists are trained in London and Greece, even though Cyprus has excellent high schools and art institutes.

Another facet of Cyprus that is often overlooked is its music scene. Cypriot folk music exhibits influences from Greek, Turkish and Arabian cultures and is reflected both in modern and traditional dances. The lute, the Cypriot flute and several percussion instruments form the main group of instruments found in Cypriot folk music. Pop music in Cyprus is largely influenced by the Greek Laika scene, while Rap, R&B and reggae are also very popular on the island. In addition, rock and metal music are gaining more and more followers in Cyprus as well.

Last but not least, one should not ignore the cuisine Cyprus has to offer, which is anchored in Cypriot culture and tradition. Halloumi cheese, for instance, originated in Cyprus and is commonly served sliced, either fresh or grilled, as an appetizer. Another common ingredient in Cypriot cuisine is seafood, including squid, octopus, and several Mediterranean fish, as well as a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits.

One question, however, remains: where to go?

While the popular circuits of South America and Asia have their charm, if you’re looking for an alternative backpacker destination, here are four slightly off-the-beaten-track destinations that are sure to quench the adventurous thirst of any backpacker in 2013.

Boracay

A one-hour flight from the Philippine capital of Manila, Boracay is a backpacker’s paradise.

The extremely low cost of living makes Boracay an attractive choice for those travelling on a budget, while still affording you access to a wealth of water sports, including snorkelling and scuba-diving on the coral reef, jet skiing, windsurfing, kiteboarding and cliff diving.

As the sun sets of the picturesque beaches of Boracay, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind with a cocktail, before hitting the island’s bars, pubs and nightclubs.

Taman Negra

If you’re looking for a real adventure, but can’t afford the expensive flights or exorbitant guided tours to the Amazon, Taman Negra is the perfect alternative destination.

Measuring an impressive 4,343 square kilometres and spanning three States, Malaysia’s premier National Park is home to some 200 species of wild animal, including barking deer, wild pigs, tapir, elephants, tigers, leopards, sun bears and the Sumatran rhinoceros.

The two-hour boat ride into the Park from the transfer point of Kuala Tembeling, is one of the most unforgettable journeys that you will ever experience, while the trails through the Park, set amid stunning natural surrounds, will leave a lasting impression.

Outer Hebrides 

If the exotic far-flung locations of Asia are a stretch too far in 2013 and you’re in search of something a little closer to home, theOuter Hebrides is an altogether different but equally thrilling backpacking destination.

Located off the western coast of Scotland, the Outer Hebrides has a population of just 26,500 and contains more than 50 uninhabited islands, as well as 7,500 freshwater lochs.

With the opportunity to relax on some of the most pristine, powdery white beaches in the world, set against the backdrop of a majestic landscape, you’ll have the chance to observe golden eagles, killer whales, dolphins and corncrakes, all in their natural habitat, or indulge in a whole range of water sports. Backpacking in the Outer Hebrides represents a chance to explore one of the most stunning collections of islands on the planet.

And the best part? Island hopping through the Outer Hebrides can be done on a budget: all you need is some food, a backpack full of warm clothes and a tent.