Fed up with paying singles supplements and dining alone? Don’t want to sign up for tacky singles hol
idays or advertise for a travelling companion? Do want un-limited choices regarding where and when to go and discover where locals go and avoid tourist traps? Oh, and possibly travelling on a budget?
The concept of couchsurfing could be the solution for you. It’s a non profit-making organisation / project funded by those who join up and make a donation for doing so. The amount donated is up to the individual, especially because of the disparities between different countries economies. Once you are signed up you can offer your couch (or spare room / camping bed / even floor) as somewhere for others to stay, and of course surf to find other peoples couches for you to stay on. Of course this isn’t for everyone, but there is a definite group of people to whom it appeals. So far they have over a million members in 232 countries and more signing up every day. It has to be said that the majority of members / hosts are young (85% are between ages 18 and 34).
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Want an unusual, eco-friendly, but comfortable camping holiday? The Really Green Holiday Company have set up three luxury Mongolian-style yurts (and two bell tents) in the Afton Park apple orchard at Fairwater Bay on the Isle of Wight.
Yurts are more spacious than regular tents, with solid wood floors, a wood-burning stove, lanterns and pine furniture. There are two family yurts that are 16ft in diameter that will accommodate up to 5 (on a double bed, a sofa bed and a single fold-away bed) and a smaller yurt sleeping 2-3 (a double bed and fold-away). The 16ft bell tents have low beds, ethnic furniture and sheepskin throws, and have either a stove or gas heater. All are equipped with tea and coffee making facilities.
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Are you an adventurous type who looks for holidays out of the norm?
Not for you the all-inclusive resorts that are springing up all over the world where you never step foot outside your cosseted cocoon!
You like the wind in your hair, places to see, have the spirit of explorer in your soul – but you still like a little bit of luxury regarding accommodation.
I have the very place and holiday for you!
Three Camels Lodge is in Mongolia, a premier luxury expedition camp. With superb service, sophistication and adventure.
Where is it situated? In the Gobi Desert, in stunning landscape in the Gurvansaikhan National park, sheltered by the 47-million year old volcanic landscape.
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This eco hotel (formally called ‘Fur ‘n’ Feathers Treehouses’ has won many awards. Not surprising when you understand the hotel has a passion for the environment and wildlife. Small is amazingly beautiful, and luxurious, in this instance. So what does The Canopy offer its visitors?
Accommodation is provided in the following:
• 5 two bed-roomed luxury timber and glass tree houses are fully self contained, (all totally secluded and private with fully equipped kitchen, spa baths, a balcony with a BBQ and hammock.
• One larger 3 bedroom house (called the Bower House) with spectacular views of the valley and is on top of a ridge in the rainforest.
• A further two bed rooms are located at ground level within the main building (called the Rainforest Unit) and has wheelchair access.
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When you think of cruises, you probably imagine huge luxury liners, with onboard entertainment, fine dining and evening receptions. A cruise doesn’t always need to be that way though. In the Telegraph’s Cruise Channel Pamela Petro tells of her travels on an Arctic cruise in Canada’s Nunavut territory. She finds that bear spotting on a zodiac raft is certainly not your average cruise holiday.
Arctic cruises help introduce travellers to the Arctic environment, as well as allowing tourists a sobering look at the effects of global warming. You can expect a variety of interesting day trips, often including polar bear spotting, walrus watching and shore excursions among barren rock and ice-tipped mountains.
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