July 16, 2010
Welcome to my new subscribers! This newsletter contains `What`s new on the website?`, a Destination in the Spotlight and a Photo of the Month. I`ll publish some of my pictures, but it`s open for everyone to submit . If you would like to see your picture published on my website, just send me a note through my Contact me page.
Summer season has officially started and the temperature keeps rising! In New Zealand it`s now winter, so with an average maximum temperature in the months of July & August of 50-59 F (10-15 °C) in Queenstown, I`m sure you`ll be able to cool off over there. Queenstown is known for its adventurous image, you can take part in a lot of thrilling activities here, like I went on a Jet Boat while I was there. (Read more in a guest post I wrote: WildJunket`s blog.)
Some dates you might want to keep in mind for future trips:
- National Park Free Entrance Days: August 14-15, 2010. More info.
- Oktoberfest 2010 in Munich: from September 18th till October the 4th: you can read a review on Oktoberfest 2009 together with photos.
- Indian Summer in New England starting mid-October. Visit Acadia National Park and the White Mountains. Two lovely places to see the Fall Foliage.
What`s new?
I went on a blog trip to Valencia together with several well-known travel bloggers from all over the world. We were invited to experience the beauty of the Valencia Region and to attend the Formula1 race.
I got a tour of the Valencia city the first day and loved the City of Arts & Sciences and the work of Santiago Calatrava. Valencia is a lovely city with an old city center, it`s also famous for hosting the America Cup this year. The first place we stayed at was located an hour and a half outside of Valencia, close to Alicante and it was just wonderful, SHA Wellness Clinic. Don`t be fooled by the name clinic. It`s a wellness place that specializes in macrobiotic food and changing your way of living into a healthier one. And the surrounding was stunning!
We made a day trip to Benidorm to see the skyline this city has to offer.
After 2 days at the Sha Wellness, we moved to the Melia Valencia Hotel close to the City of Arts & Sciences and excellent located to attend the Formula 1. The Formula 1, is an event I can recommend to everyone to experience, even if it`s only once. Loved the atmosphere and even though the noise is overwhelming (Don`t forget earplugs!) it is an exciting event!
During this trip I had some delicious Spanish food, so I compiled them in this post: Where to eat in Valencia?. I really had a great time because of the wonderful company, but also because the Valencia Region is a lovely area.
Don`t forget to check out this week`s guest post of the Favorite Blogger of the Week by ThePlanetD where they describe their Adventures in Alaska. Beautiful pictures too!
Destination in the Spotlight
Where do you go for a relaxing vacation? Here`s my top 5 of Relaxing Vacation Spots, my number 2 is spending time at the beach with a good read. Listening to the soothing sounds of the waves, beautiful ocean views and gorgeous sunsets just gives you that ‘aw-this-is-heaven’ feeling. Sipping on a cocktail while reading a book and soaking up the sun, now that’s relaxing!
And what better place for a stunning beach than the Caribbean. One of my favorites in the Caribbean is the Dominican Republic, your own little paradise. Away from daily routine, stress, thoughts you might have. It’s like a dream world for the time you’re there.
The only decisions to make are 'What am I going to wear today?' 'What and where shall I eat?' 'Do I want to relax and enjoy the sun or do something active?' That’s your main concern if you’re here. And that feels wonderful! Above that the people laugh, sing, dance and are so happy, which makes it a little heaven on earth.
Photo of the Month
It’s been a pleasure writing this newsletter and I hope to see you all soon on my website for more new information! If you enjoyed reading this newsletter, spread the word to your friends! And if you want to be informed about the latest additions to my website, you can subscribe to my RSS or follow me on Twitter! @IsabellesTravel
HAPPY TRAVELS,
Isabelle from Isabelle’s Travel Guide