Provence is a place of natural beauty which has an almost magical sense about it. The heady yet not overpowering fragrances of the many acres of lavender plants is something that can only be experienced, not explained, but suffice to say it is an unrivalled experience.

Lavender field in Provence

Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fxp/1152196808/

There are many organised walks around Provence and the independent lavender farms, with local lavender experts being on hand to guide and talk to visitors about the fascinating history of the area and the lavender itself. As well as organised farm walks Provence is a perfect area for anyone wanting to take part in longer hikes and is an ideal location for the photographers who visit in droves every year to capture the beauty of the lavender fields in season.

Visiting Provence is not just about walking and taking in the atmosphere. Lavender has been used for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes, in cookery, health and beauty and for gifts. Lavender bunches can be dried for use in many of these ways and fresh lavender bunches are beautiful for decoration, fragrance and can also be used for the extraction of essential oils and even for making wine. On the majority of the working lavender farms regular classes on how to use the locally sourced lavender bunches run and are not only extremely interesting but also a lot of fun. After visiting Provence you could well be better placed to start your own fantastic garden crop of lavender plants and have the knowledge need to use the lavender bunches for your own craft of cookery uses.

It stands to reason that such a popular lavender area would have special events planned throughout the year in celebration of lavender, and Provence has festivals and fairs in abundance. La Fête de la Lavande which this takes place on the fifteenth of August in Salut is an extremely popular and much enjoyed annual event. Visitors can enjoy a farmers market, the craft village, lavender cutting competitions and much more besides.

There is much more to see and do in Provence outside of the lavender fields, which remain the focal point for tourism but are certainly not the limit of what the area can offer. Those visiting Provence can take the opportunity to explore the nearby Mediterranean coastline and enjoy the gorgeous beaches, the shopping, boat trips, historical tours and the many areas that are packed with rare and interesting wildlife.

Painting lavender images at the La Fête de la Lavande

Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeanlouis_zimmermann/5055203955/

Provence has a lot to offer for travellers of all ages and interests. The scenic lavender filled fields attract many from families to photographers, the coastline is much loved by all and the many activities and places of interest that are open to visitors of all ages have people coming back time and time again.

This is blog post from the guys at Lavenderworld.

Personal Loans
There is an assumption that most travellers are gap-year students with little cash of their own, but the reality is somewhat different. Though many hard-up students do make plans to see the world, older generations are becoming increasingly comfortable with hopping on a plane or train to somewhere new.

More often than not, mature travellers have the required funds to visit their dream destinations. If they do not want to dip into their savings, many will apply for a loan to fund a short or long-term adventure.

Students have less opportunity to do this because many will be unable to apply for loans that offer sufficiently low rates of interest. Some career-development loans might cover gap-year travel, but education is already expensive for students. If a personal loan is unaffordable, or if finance cannot be obtained due to a poor credit rating, students need to look elsewhere.

Working Holidays
Some young travellers will ask for money from their parents to fly around the world. There is nothing at all wrong with this, but many parents are struggling to make ends meet in the current economy. Some would-be travellers, therefore, will need to work for a time in the UK before they can begin their journeys abroad. Many will also need to work as they travel.

Travellers ought to be cautious when working abroad. If they must pay their way from one country to the next, many will be exposed to an increased risk of exploitation. The level of risk involved depends on the destination and type of work undertaken, but travellers who cannot leave an area until they buy their way out could suffer a number of problems. This is why a contingency fund should always be in place should an emergency arise.

Working in a foreign country can be difficult and risky, but it can also be extremely rewarding and satisfying. Paying for a journey of a lifetime by helping out on a farm, delivering leaflets or serving drinks in a bar can help to build core life skills. In terms of obtaining the correct visas or licences for casual work, travellers are responsible for adhering to local and national laws. In European Community countries, the free movement of workers alleviates this concern to a certain extent.

Volunteering
Travellers might also consider volunteering for charitable organisations operating abroad. Not only can participating in charity work in deprived parts of the world open many volunteers’ eyes to hardship and suffering, but it can also encourage them to change their perspective on life in general. Helping charities abroad can be a soul-enriching experience.

Volunteers might be able to raise funds for their charitable work before they leave the UK. A few thousand pounds’ worth of donations can be enough to survive for a number of weeks or months in certain countries. Most charities will pay for volunteers’ food and accommodation expenses, so exploring the world while providing help for those in need can be achieved on a shoestring. It can also look very good on the traveller’s CV.

Rajasthan
Located in the north west of India, Rajasthan is one of the most popular family destinations and the varying landscape offers plenty for a family to do. You can ride a camel across the desert and visit massive forts, medieval cities and shimmering palaces. Pushkar is well known for its plethora of Hindu temples, but as a family you can also create memories of flying kites across the holy city from the roof tops. There’s plenty of stores which sell cheap paper kites and it’s best to stock up well for when they crash. The bird sanctuary at Keoladeo Ghana is well worth a visit and a great place to take a picnic and rent a bike. There’s tons of birds, jackals, Sambar deer, and blue bulls which are all easy to spot and the guides all speak English. Rajasthan is also a good place to buy mementos of your trip and you’ll find tiny silver trinkets such as silver elephants or decorative daggers, brightly coloured Indian clothing for boys or girls, wooden puppets and miniature brass cooking pots.

Goa
Goa is India’s smallest state and nestles on the western coast. Well known for its glorious beaches, all sixty six miles of them, Goa has much more to offer to keep the family amused throughout your stay. The Goa Tiger safari will keep everyone enthralled. From majestic tigers to colourful butterflies there’s plenty to see. The safaris are run by friendly locals who have a wealth of knowledge and can answer all the questions of an inquisitive child. There’s not many people who aren’t captivated by elephants, and children can actually ride them in the Gajnaur Training Camp which is just a short train ride from Goa. There’s also a plethora of shops and markets to enjoy where you can haggle for a bargain.

Mumbai
You could be forgiven for thinking that Mumbai might be a crazy place to take a family holiday but if you are prepared to dig deep past all the noise and chaos you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Take the family to a Juhu beach for a ride on a camel’s back or a Ferris wheel. You can also take them to Amarsons Park on the waterfront or to the Hanging Gardens in Malabar Hills where children will enjoy climbing up a huge statue of an old ladys shoe. There’s some excellent British Raj architecture to behold and older children may enjoy the Prince of Wales Museum or a ferry ride from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves. Try the local food, enjoy some great shopping and generally have an amazing holiday.

Munich, Germany

Munich is a great place for strolling through beautiful parks and gardens like the Munich Botanical Gardens. Spend the afternoon meandering through the peaceful and delightful English Gardens. Enjoy a cup of tea in the Japanese tea house or a beer and grilled sausage at the Chinese Tower. Catch an evening ballet or opera performance at the Bayerische Staatsoper Opera House. Visit St. Peter’s Church and admire the grand architecture of the historical building. Enjoy a spectacular cruise along the Rhine River and see the beautiful views of the villages and German scenery.

Italy

Italy is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday because it offers so many great leisure walking and sightseeing options. Stroll down narrow, picturesque streets and over charming bridges, admiring the Renaissance architecture. Visit art galleries and museums that abound in every city. See historical ruins in Rome or Michelangelo’s Statue of David in Florence. Take a romantic ride in a gondola along the Grand Canal. Rent a car or take a tour out to one of the many beautiful vineyards, see the splendid landscape and enjoy sampling Italian wines.

England

England is always a favourite holiday for any generation because it offers both old and new attractions. Drive along the scenic English countryside and tour some of the old castles like Warwick Castle. See some of London’s historical sites and monuments like Big Ben or the Tower of London. Stroll through the famous parks of Hyde or St. James. Watch the traditional Changing of the Guards at the Buckingham Palace gates. Be amused by the many different street performers in London’s Convent Garden. Catch a performance at the Royal Opera House. Have dinner in some of London’s fine and cosy restaurants.

Samos, Greece

Year round sunshine, friendly locals, laid back atmosphere, low crime rate and healthy diet make Samos, Greece the perfect holiday for older travellers. Stroll through the charming villages and marketplaces. Enjoy lunch or coffee in a cosy cafe or sit by the waterfront watching people and boats coming and going. Leisurely explore interesting places like ruins of the Temple of Hera, a World Heritage site. Visit the Phythagorian Archaeological Museum and learn about the history of Samos. Since the beaches in Samos are less crowded, older adults can relax in privacy by the white sands and crystal clear waters. Enjoy a glass bottom boat tour and see the colorful ocean life and coral reef.

This article was provided by 50-plus.org.uk/ who write about over 50′s topics

If you have travel insurance you won’t need to panic quite so much as often this will have you sorted out pretty quick most of the time. But what if you didn’t get that insurance? If you have family or friends at home that have disposable cash that they are willing to lend to you this is normally the best and cheapest solution.

If you don’t have family or friends to borrow money from or a credit card to cover your expenses a payday loan could be the perfect answer. Payday loans can be a little expensive in comparison to long term borrowing if you look at APR, but having access to instant cash paid into your bank almost instantly can be priceless.

Not only are same day loans almost instant, they are hassle free. You won’t need to spend a fortune on phone calls or faxes from your hotel. You can just fill in the online application and if approved, carry on with your holiday safe in the knowledge that the money is heading very quickly to your bank account.

Instagram

This is likely the most popular of all iPhone apps. Users can snap photos and use filtered effects to enhance their appearances. The tilt-shift blur feature can also be used to give the photos even more appeal. These images can then be shared with friends through social networking sites like Facebook, Foursquare and Twitter.

ShakeItPhoto

This app brings back the glory days of Polaroid pictures. Once a picture is snapped, an image of a Polaroid picture appears. For an added effect, the image can be shaken for faster development. Reminiscent sounds of old Polaroid cameras are simulated to create an even more authentic picture taking experience. Even with this app’s vintage theme, all photos taken are still high-quality in their appearances.

Color Splurge

For people who want to give their holiday photos a unique touch, this app will definitely do the trick. With the use of color splash effect, photos can take on a more artistic appearance. Splashes of bright colors can be added to objects within a black and white photo for an interesting and dramatic effect. A small paintbrush feature assists users in creating these photographic masterpieces.

GLMPS

This app fuses the concepts of photography and videography. The app is able to capture video imagery of the few moments prior to taking a picture. This way, users can have a better understanding of what possibly inspired the photograph in the first place.

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For travellers who wish to always look their best in holiday photos, this app is the perfect choice. After a photo is taken, airbrushing effects can be used to brighten skin tone and lessen the appearance of spots and wrinkles. Settings can be adjusted so that users can edit all photos to their liking.

ClairVue

People taking photos during the night or in other dark settings can use this app to make objects more visible. The viewfinder can be adjusted to brighten images. This app allows users to still take special photos regardless of the lighting in a given setting.

PhotoPal

This app is a particularly suitable choice for travellers who wish to edit their photos in a simple format. A series of cleverly animated editing icons lets users easily understand their specific functions. Photos can be cropped, resized and rotated with ease. Photos can then be emailed or posted on sites like Flickr.

Any of these apps can allow users to take many memorable photos. These cherished images can be stored with these apps for optimum preservation. Travellers can also find comfort in knowing that all of their holiday photos can be made truly magical with any of these recommended apps.

France and South Of France – France has unique geographic that offers holidaymakers any array of views from mountains, rivers, valleys, lovely vineyards and other forms of natural beauty. During the season you will often enjoy warm whether and this whether is naturally longer than your typical English summer. No wonder than that France villas are so popular with many tourists from the colder regions of Europe. The proximity of France makes it possible to arrive by air, sea and by road thereby allowing holidaymakers to focus on their stay rather than on means of travel. Another popular reason to visit France is the local kitchen that offers cuisine that is famous around the world and wine that is always associated with the highest quality.

Croatia – In recent years Croatia has enjoyed a surge in popularity as it was previously out of the spotlight due to its history. One of the main attractions is its large stretch of warm seaside that allows holidaymakers to incorporate their long awaited Croatia holiday villa with their activity of choice from relaxing in the sun and sunbathing to engaging in water sports. Much of the economy relays on tourist revenue and so modern convenience are the same, as you would expect in western European countries. The popular locations within Croatia are Split, Istria and Dubrovnik. Each location offers something else for the typical holidaymaker from a lively coastline to culture rich historical cities.

Portugal – Holidaymakers who are looking for peaceful scenery that is rich in culture and history often consider Portugal. In particular, the north of the country in the Minho offers a wide range of villas that are offered at fantastic prices. If you are on a tight budget a Portugal villa should be up there as a top consideration. All in all it offers high levels of accommodation at affordable prices and easy access from the UK and other parts of Europe.

Corsica – Situated near South of France, Corsica villas are immensely popular with holidaymakers from the UK. The country offers a mixture of scenery with its 1000 kilometers of picture perfect seaside on one hand and on the other small towns full of charm and history.

With so many museums it is impossible to cover them all, but there are a few things to consider when planning your itinerary, such as what you want to see, and how close they are to each other. Many of the hotels in Paris are within close vicinity to the major attractions. Think about what interests you and what you want to gain from your experiences to help you select the best museums.

Most people will want to visit the Louvre, the Centre Pompidou and the Orsay, as these contain some of the world’s most magnificent art collections. But don’t forget that there are dozens of smaller museums throughout the city which all offer a unique view of Parisian culture.

There are a few museums that offer free entry and considerable savings can be made if you buy a Paris Museum and Metro Pass before you start sightseeing. Buying this pass not only gives you unlimited metro travel and entry to over 50 museums throughout the city, but you can also bypass the queues, giving you much more time to browse the collections.

The Louvre is one of Paris’s biggest attractions. It’s home to the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo as well as a vast collection which spans over 600 years of French art history. There is enough to see here to keep your busy for weeks, so it’s essential to plan your visit wisely.

Know in advance what you want to see and head there first. Then spend the rest of your time meandering and discovering as much of the other exhibits as you can fit in.

By contrast, the Centre Pompidou houses a magnificent collection of modern art masterpieces. Works by Picasso, David Hockney, Andy Warhol and Klee can all be found in this striking modern building. It is one of the most popular attractions in Paris, with over 6 million visitors a year.

The home of Impressionist art is the Musee d’Orsay, which contains a number of works by Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet and Cezanne. As this museum is much smaller than the Louvre it is easier to cover in a single day trip. You can even book a guided tour to take in more of the museum’s most influential works of art.

Of course, there is much more to Paris museums than just art galleries. There is a vast array of exhibitions and collections to cover just about any interest you can think of. Every visit to the city should include a visit to Le 104. It is both a museum and an art installation and has many interactive exhibits that will delight both adults and children.

Another must-see Parisian attraction is La Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie. This science museum is ultra modern and features a range of exhibits which focus on all aspects of modern technology. You will find robots and 3D technology and even get the opportunity to experience the feeling of weightlessness.

If natural history is more your thing, then the Museum National d’Historie Naturelle is another great place to spend the day. There is a vast collection of huge dinosaur bones and fossils and you can also explore the healing power of medicinal plants in the King’s Gardens, a fascinating showcase of natural medicine.

In the heart of Paris’s Latin Quarter you will find the Cluny, an exquisite museum of the Middle Ages. Located here are the remains of a Roman Bath as well as some of the most impressive tapestries, sculptures and manuscripts dating from medieval times.

There are plenty of specialist museums located throughout the city. Many museums are dedicated to just one artist, such as the Musée Gustave Moreau or the Musée Rodin. There’s even a museum dedicated to Picasso, despite the fact that he wasn’t French.

Another small museum which will be enjoyed by lovers of art is the Espace Dalí, which is entirely designed around his surrealist approach. These small artists’ museums are an amazing way to immerse yourself in their work and learn about a particular artistic approach.

There are many small and quirky museums as well, which can provide a delightful way to spend a morning or afternoon of sightseeing. Why not visit the Museum of Dolls, the Museum of Smoking or even the Museum of Wine, where you can sample a few glasses to enhance your understanding of French culture?

There is even a Museum of Medical Oddities in Paris. The Musée Dupuytren features thousands of exhibits of strange medical artefacts and is certainly not for the faint hearted.

Guest post by TravelSupermarket.

Make a real difference
Perhaps one of the most obvious reasons is simply that you can see your work making a real difference to local children – kids who really need your help. Many projects are run in some of the poorest countries in the world, helping young people desperately in need of education or just general care.

What makes working with children particularly rewarding is that you can see changes in them as a result of your work happening right before your eyes. Just some of the ways you can see the fruits of your labour are:

• If you’re teaching, see your pupils develop new skills that’ll help them in the future.
• Looking after little ones in day care? Watch as they get happier and know that you’re helping ensure they receive the attention they need.
• Helping young people stay on the straight and narrow? You’ll be able to see changes in them as the programme progresses.
• As well as providing support for local children, there are other ways you can assist. Working in a school? Give a hand with maintenance like painting and plumbing, if you can, and see the building improve over the course of your stay.

These are just a few of the rewarding results of working with children abroad. There are plenty of other ways to help, like holding sports lessons for schools that cannot afford a sports professional, working with orphans and helping look after vulnerable youngsters.

Give something back to local communities
Volunteering is a great way to give something back to the places you visit and make a positive difference in local communities. As well as simply exploring new places, you’ll have the chance to do something really worthwhile with your travels – and have experiences neither you nor the people you are working with will ever forget.

Immerse yourself in the local culture
Of course, when it comes to gap years, most of us want to see as much as possible. We’re looking for an authentic view of the places we see, rather than just the popular tourist traps. There’s no better way to achieve this than with volunteering.

Indeed, one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering abroad is knowing that you’re immersing yourself in a culture, working with local people and getting under the skin of their way of life – something the average traveller has little chance to do.

Explore!
While working with children is undoubtedly going to be a hugely rewarding part of your journey, it’s not the only way you’ll get a real sense of satisfaction. By heading overseas to volunteer, you’ll be able to explore some incredible places – in fact, you can even choose your project based on where it is if there is somewhere you particularly want to see.

For example: have you ever wanted to experience the Amazon rainforest? Volunteer to teach children in indigenous communities in Ecuador and you can actually live and work in the rainforest itself. The added bonus of this is that there are heaps of adventure activities you can try along the way – think jungle trekking, white water rafting and mountain biking. Awesome stuff.
Where else can you go? Costa Rica, Thailand, Uganda and Ghana are just a few of the other destination options – the world’s your oyster.

Kuala Lumpur
As the country’s capital city and one of its most thriving metropolises, you’d be daft if you didn’t include at least a few days in Kuala Lumpur. It’s something of a melting pot of cultures, with Malay, Indian and Chinese flavours all coming through. As a result, it’s a great place to visit if you love trying different foods, as there’s some amazing cuisine on offer in the city’s many restaurants and cafes.
One of its most famous landmarks is the Petronas Twin Towers, which dominate the skyline and look stunning from almost any angle. You can take a trip up to the sky bridge, which is free of charge, but tickets are limited each day and handed out on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s worth an early start to ensure you can enjoy the views.

There’s also an art gallery, science centre, shopping mall and the Aquaria Oceanarium in this building, so you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied while you wait for your time slot for the lifts.
It’s worth paying a visit to the National Mosque – one of the largest Islamic buildings in south-east Asia – as well as to Chinatown, and Petaling Street in particular if you’re looking for cheap, tasty food and bargain souvenirs!

Batu Caves
Situated north of Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves are often high on the list for those seeking overseas adventure travel tours. As well as the stunning Hindu temple cut into the rock face and the various shrines that are located within the caves themselves, this is also a popular spot among climbers.
The caverns are cut into a rocky limestone outcrop that’s ideal for scaling using nothing more than a few ropes and your finger tips, as long as you’ve got a head for heights. There are dozens of routes up the various crags and rock faces, so you should be able to choose a section that suits your climbing abilities. Companies usually run excursions from Kuala Lumpur, so you’ll even be able to get a lift there and back from the city!

Borneo’s orang-utans
Not everything you should see in Malaysia will be sitting in one place, as the nation is home to some amazing wild areas that are inhabited by truly wonderful creatures. Few are more iconic than the orang-utan and, if you want to have the chance of catching a glimpse of this primate, you’ll need to visit Borneo.

This island off the coast of mainland Malaysia is an important stronghold for the global population of orang-utans and there are numerous centres in Sarawak that have been set up to help conserve the animals.

Batang Ai National Park is one of the best places to travel to if seeing orang-utans in the wild is high on your list of things to do. An amazing way to experience the rainforest is to join a longhouse tour, which will take you deep into the jungle to meet some of the indigenous tribes and spend an evening sleeping in their communal home. You’ll really feel as though you’re off the beaten track as you lie back in the evening with the sound of the forest all around you.